There's More To Life Than Cupcakes
There’s More To Life than Cupcakes, my new novel is all about that time when you hit your early thirties and realise that life isn't all eating, drinking and loafing about any more - but are you actually ready to seriously grow up and put all those hangovers behind you? There are lots of great women's fiction reads that are about finding the right guy, committing to them and getting married. But I hadn't read a book that dealt with the next stage: having a baby. It's a big scary step that everyone just assumes you should be ready for if you're settled, with a job and have some ovaries. The pressures from friends, family and colleagues - even if they are chirpy and well meant - can be a bit of a minefield so I wanted to put a character through all those pressures and concerns that I know I've felt and so have my friends. My heroine Eleanor seems to have it all - but something about having a baby makes her go all wobbly and reach for the biscuit tin. So instead of facing her fears, she takes a baking class and meets the rather distracting and hot Joe...
Why did When harry Met Sally begin your love of rom coms?
I don't think any book, movie, song or TV show can top When Harry Met Sally for dialogue. It is just so sharp, funny and true. I first watched it when I was about 15 and all of a sudden I was laughing, then my heart was beating extra fast, then I was crying and then laughing all over again. Put it this way: the script is so good it makes Billy Crystal mightily fanciable. It really shows you what a perfect rom com should be: full of jokes that never fail to work, even on your tenth viewing; with characters that could be your mates (on a very good day); and with a romantic finale that stays in your memory forever. If I could ever write anything that makes people 3% as happy as when they watch this classic movie, I'd be a very happy camper.
You self-published your first novel The Bad Boyfriends Bootcamp, so what can you tell us about this book?
The Bad Boyfriends Bootcamp is about Molly, a failed entrepreneur who hits on the idea of running a bootcamp to train up useless boyfriends, after she helps her brother meet and keep the woman of his dreams. With the help of her best friends she's going to show these guys the error of their ways when it comes to appearance, behaviour and communicating with women. Soon she's inundated with cadets and her business is booming, but is she really entitled to tell anyone else how to live their love lives? The last time she went on a succesful date, S Club 7 were still a thing. And it seems she can't even recognise that there could be the perfect man right under her nose...
Where did your inspiration come from for the story?
A lot of bad boyfriends! Actually, although I've had my share of bonkers date experiences, most of the time the reason dates go bad is sheer miscommunication. Guys might mean the nicest things, but they don't always know how to show it. Through Molly's story, I got to have some literary revenge on crumby ex-boyfriends but also send some handy hints out into the world (blokes - ordering pizza is not the same as making her dinner). I have to think all my wonderful friends who shared stories of boyfriends past - you know who you are!
Your greatest inspirations are Tina Fey, Marian Keyes and Helen Fielding, so why are these so important in your life?
They are all seriously funny ladies and they work bloody hard to stay at the top of their field. If you read Tina Fey's book Bossypants, it has some excellent advice about doing what you love and doing it really well. Don't let anyone tell you it's not possible and also don't expect an easy ride. Marian Keyes is just an amazing ray of sunshine on Twitter (with tip offs on the loveliest nail varnishes) and Helen Fielding really kicked it all off with Bridget Jones - much imitated, never surpassed!
Why do you think that you get inspiration from being on the bus and listening to certain songs?
I love being on the bus for the simple reason I am nosey! You can observe all sorts of people, snoop into living room windows and eavesdrop till your hearts' content! Perfect research for a writer. I'm also a bit in love with certain song writers - Paloma Faith is a favourite as is Emelie Sande and (now don't laugh - she rocks) Taylor Swift. They tell all manner of heartbreaking, funny or uplifting stories in just three minutes, so I should definitely have a good go of it in 90,000 words.
How important are cupcakes and sweet treats in your life?
On behalf of my very plump bottom, I have to admit they are more important than is healthy. I have a very sweet tooth - I could probably eat three Krispy Kremes if peckish - and while I'm locked away in my writing shed, a few squares of Cadbury's can be a lifesaver when the words won't come easily. I also love baking and sharing what I've managed to take out of my kitchen without scorch marks with friends. Like my character Ellie, baking is super therapeutic to me. Something about how you have to concentrate fully on measuring, beating and baking just seems to push any other troubles out of your noggin. And then of course actually eating what you've freshly baked really helps too!
What is your writing process?
Because I work full time, I squeeze my writing sessions in after the working day and on weekends. I decamp to my parents' shed with a truck load of Diet Coke, some toast and my laptop. Then I don't let myself out until I've hit my word count target. They might not be the best words and need a fair bit of revising, but it means I won't faff around playing Spider Solitaire or watching YouTube clips. Writing can be fun - I do love escaping into a whole other world - but it also takes time and graft, there's no getting round it.
Please can you review the book you are currently reading for us?
I've just started Glittering Fortunes by Victoria Fox, so I can't give a full review just yet but so far it's got fabulous characters, lots of dramatic twists and locations that make me want to pack my suitcase and disappear on holiday! I love her books - they never disappoint and they van be rather racy, which is always fun...
What is next for you?
I'm working on a novella right now (it's about why we still fall for bad boys, even though we should know better!) and percolating some new ideas for a full length novel. Even though finishing a novel leaves you feeling a little exhausted, the promise of an entirely new project makes you forget all that!