Laurian Clemence is a self-confessed eccentric with a penchant for heels; modernist Stalinist architecture; and a good Pinotage. Also the author of her debut novel, Mushy Peas On Toast, she has been blogging under the same name for five years. Laurian is a freelance writer and columnist, rampant in the subjects of naughty behaviour; technology; and travel, while working for Google full-time.

1. What was your first job/ where did you start?
I worked as a reporter at an engineering magazine. Writing about combine harvesters; sewage systems; and nuts and bolts. It was the ultimate gas.

2. What made you want to build a career in your profession?
I've been writing since I was six, and always knew that I was going to study journalism and thereafter work in the industry. I was always very focused on this, and because it is a tough industry, I was determined to make a success out of it.

3. Describe a day in your life at present.
I work full-time at Google now, as a digital strategist. It's an amazing company, and I often wonder how I got so lucky… it’s lots of hard work! However, writing is in my blood, and I am a full-time freelance writer while I juggle my ‘8 to 5’ career. I am a columnist and travel article writer, and I am also penning my second novel. I take on a lot of work, and as a result, any expectations for my career have been met - I'm doing exactly what I want to do and more. It's stressful though - I work hard, and generally say 'Yes' to every opportunity thrown my way.

4. How do you unwind behind the scenes? List your favourite song; movie; and book.
Unwinding is hard, that's why the universe invented wine. I write to unwind, which is interesting since it's also my job. I love to travel, so my disposable income goes towards backpacking abroad, and hot shoes. Day-to-day though, I unwind by watching movies (I love foreign art films and comedy), and I read a LOT, especially travel books. I am always listening to music - I cannot drive without music, and I cannot write without it either. Tchaikovsky calms me down, The Killers gets me in the mood to party.

5. Who would you most like to meet – dead or alive, and why?
Richard Hammond from Top Gear. I am in love with him.

6. What has been one of the most important lessons you have learnt?
I have learnt a lot of painful lessons, and am hoping now that I am ‘almost-30’, I'll actually start to act on this wisdom. Accountability is a good lesson, as is consequence. Presentation is everything. Be kind to yourself. Good lessons I've learnt is that hard work really does pay off, and do what you love. If you love what you do, then at least a third of your life is happy.

7. What is your secret indulgence and your three ‘can’t live without’ items?
Secret indulgences include bath products - I buy a lot of expensive bath products. I buy a lot of shoes - I'm obsessed. I go on exotic holidays. But I cannot live without the internet; my ghd hair straightener; and music.

8. What has been the key to your success?
Passion and drive. You can be an expert in your field, you can be exceptionally talented. But without ambition and drive, that doesn't count for much. Failure has never been an option for me - it's been a matter of doing the best I can, regardless of the blood; sweat; and tears.

9. Who is someone you truly look up to, and which qualities do you most admire about them?
Bill Bryson. He's a fantastic writer - merging humour; fact; and relevance in his books, to the point where anybody can relate to them. I have read every single one of his books twice; laughed until I cried; and his writing style inspires me so much.

10. What’s your stance on social media?
I interact. The lines between purist journalism and citizen journalism are now intertwined, and that means - good or bad - there is a lot more opportunity out there to make a difference. Without social media, I wouldn't have a successful blog, and I probably wouldn't have published a book, so I am definitely a fan.