You started your career writing and performing in Footlights first all-women show at Cambridge University. What advice would you give to acts new to the festival experience?
I would recommend you see as much as you can, and learn as much as you can. You can learn such a lot from other performers.

You’ve had an incredibly varied career. What’s been the highlight?
I always say the best job I had is my last but really I’ve loved them all, it’s all been pretty jolly. Well, actually, that’s a lie. I did a sailing expedition for the BBC in the 90s; I was asked to paint a lighthouse -- as you do. Everyone laughed and said, I bet you haven’t done this before, and of course I had, for a kid’s programme, years before, I realised how surreal my life was then! But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You write everything from kids to adult fiction, as well as an array of non-fiction. What inspires you?
I love writing. I think about who I’m writing for and I just do it. I’ve been inspired by the comments of a 12 year old girl, my own son, or just bits of history that inspire me. Different people and things inspire me: that’s how it should be I think to keep it interesting. My latest book, Valentine Grey [which inspired Toksvig’s latest tour] was inspired by a plaque in a church. Everything starts from something and then you just allow yourself to dive into another world.

Here at List HQ there is a lot of love for your role in Radio 4’s The News Quiz. What’s been your favourite topic in recent years?
Sarah Palin has been a total gift. A gift from the Gods, and continues to be an ongoing source of entertainment.

You’ve been quoted as saying, you don’t think of yourself as a comedian but rather a writer and broadcaster. Why?
I don’t like the word comedian. There’s a suggestion you haven’t got anything intelligent or important to say. It suggests you have no point to make, which isn’t true. Funny can say a lot.

What can we expect from your Fringe show?
There’ll be a lot of laughing and dancing, a questioning of why people write. There’s a history quiz, and by the end we’ll be on our feet listening to some lovely music. I hope people will go away smiling.

Sandi Toksvig Live: My Valentine, Pleasance, 0131 556 6550, 17--23 Aug, 2pm.