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The Trouble With Words
- I used to work for Women's Aid, an organisation operating to help individuals and families escape domestic violence. The physical and psychological injuries I saw and the stories I heard were horrific. I think this is one of the reasons I write romantic comedy. Laughter is a great antidote to the misery we sometimes experience, not just for readers but also for me as a writer.
- For those of you new to my novels, I like to write about fun, quirky characters that make unconventional choices. Being a sucker for a happy ending though, all ultimately turns out well.
- I've dreamt of living in a little French cottage, in the beautiful French countryside ever since I was a little girl and I'm pleased to report my dream has finally come true. Not without taking a bit of a detour first, however. Although quite how we ended up residing in Greece for six years is anyone's guess.
- I wrote scripts for a living before I became a novelist. Two very different styles of writing, but equally as fun.
- I recently decided I'm going to visit every capital city in Europe. I mean, what better way to get the creative juices flowing than to travel and experience new places and cultures? Oh the fun I'm going to have, the added books I'll be inspired to write... Watch out, Europe, here I come.
- I am a demon with a lump hammer. If a wall needs knocking down, believe me, I'm your woman.
- I am the proud mother of two fabulous, grown-up sons, who sometimes think they have the battiest mum on the planet. If there was a badge for being the battiest mum, I'd wear it with pride.
- I would love nothing more than for my children to build houses at the bottom of the garden so we can live like The Waltons. Thanks to their refusal, I have three rescue dogs happily filling the void.
- I have a Master's Degree in Television and Radio Scriptwriting (see number 4) and when it comes to my book writing, I was shortlisted for the Guardian's Not the Booker Prize 2013.
- I am constantly amazed by all the support given to me and my books, be it from readers, reviewers, family and friends. For this I'd like to say a very big thank you.