Renowned British crime writer Val McDermid frequently employs comedy to explain her personal and professional routines. One of her most memorable quotes highlights how chaotic her financial records can be, giving even the most understanding accountant headaches.

Like trying to untangle a ball of yarn that has been tossed around a room, picture someone attempting to make their way through a tangled web of receipts. Every receipt is a record of a transaction from McDermid's hectic life as a public speaker and author, but they accumulate randomly since there is no system in place to keep track of them all.

This quote describes a person whose financial records are so disorganized and intimidating that they would overwhelm any accountant. The picture of plastic bags filled with receipts is also a striking representation of the chaos experienced by many working professionals who balance a number of obligations but may not always give careful documentation top priority.

Nevertheless, McDermid's lighthearted approach to her own organizational difficulties draws attention to a problem that many creative people face—namely, the tendency to put off routine duties like record-keeping in favor of more thrilling endeavors. Val McDermid is a well-known author who also strikes a deep chord with readers through relatable, human moments because of her ability to laugh at herself and share such anecdotes with her audience.