For my first blog post, I thought it would be good to give you an insight to me as an author and a person so you can get to know me a bit better. I would love to get to know you as well, so perhaps you could leave a comment with your answers to some of the questions. Here goes...
1. What is your biggest goal for your writing career?
I want children and parents around the world to fall in love with Dave, as he has brought so much joy to my life and I want to share that. Making enough money so that I could work from home would also be amazing – I would love to be a stay at home mum when I have children.
2. When you are writing, do you prefer peace and quiet or background music?
Silence! I really struggle to concentrate on reading, writing and editing when there is too much background noise. I find it really distracting.
3. What is your favourite animal?
This is a tricky one because my family have a dog, two cats and my horse. They’re all so different that it’s difficult to choose between them. If we were talking wild animals, I would probably say leopards (maybe I am biased towards cats!) and I would love to meet a quokka one day. If you haven’t heard of them before, do a search on Google – it will make your day!
4. What are your pets called?
Our dog is Lola, the cats are Noodle and Tinkerbell, and my horse is, of course, Dave!
5. What is your favourite film?
‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ has been a long-time favourite, as have ‘Gladiator’, ‘Braveheart’ and ‘About Time’. I’m also a big fan of the classic Disney films.
6. What is your favourite book?
A couple of years ago, my boyfriend Jack introduced me to the book ‘Across the Nightingale Floor’ by Lian Hearn, which is part of the ‘Tales of the Otori’ series. It is set in a fictional world based on feudal Japan and isn’t a genre I had really thought of reading before. This is the first book in the original trilogy, which was then followed by a sequel, and then a prequel. I thoroughly enjoyed all five books and am so glad they were recommended to me, as I definitely wouldn’t have picked them off the bookshelf myself. I think a book that can make you go from laughing to crying within a few pages is pretty special – emotion plays a big part in books and reading.
7. Do you prefer reading paper books or e-books?
Definitely paper books. I love being able to hold them in my hands and turn the pages.
8. Where is your favourite place to read?
In the winter, snuggled up under a blanket on the sofa, usually accompanied by Noodle. In the summer, I love sitting in Dave’s field.
9. What is the most recent book you have read?
‘This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor’ by Adam Kay, which was another recommendation from a colleague. A lot of the book is short diary entries, so it was a quick read, even though I’m generally a slow reader. It’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster – you’ll laugh, cry and get very angry at certain parts, but I enjoyed it.
10. What would be your perfect weekend?
I’m not a morning person so I try to have a lie in where possible at the weekends. Luckily, Dave is a very chilled out horse so as long as he’s got food, he’s not bothered if I get round to his field later in the morning. Therefore, I would say a cup of tea in bed with Jack watching cooking shows (James Martin is a favourite at the moment), followed by a lovely hack through the countryside with Dave. Then I would chill out for a bit at home and get ready to go out for dinner and drinks in the evening. Jack and I love going out for food – whether that’s breakfast, lunch or dinner – and I am partial to a glass of Pinot Grigio or two at the weekend!
11. What is your favourite food?
Freshly baked bread and butter – you can’t beat it! Oh, and broccoli!
12. What is your least favourite food?
This is a controversial one and I’ve been called ‘weird’ many times, but for as long as I can remember I have hated cheese! The taste, the smell, the texture... it’s just horrible!
13. What is your biggest pet peeve?
I can’t stand listening to people chew their food.
14. What would be your dream job outside of writing?
I’ve always liked the idea of event management, which is why I’m so excited to be organising my Book Launch Party! Otherwise, something working with animals.
15. Which new country would you love to visit?
I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand. I love spending time in nature and I’ve seen photos of New Zealand’s landscapes, which look amazing.
16. Where is your favourite place in the UK?
I feel lucky to live in Gloucestershire and near the Cotswolds, especially as a horse rider, as we have lots of wonderful countryside. I also love heading down to Devon or Cornwall and being near the sea – the cream teas are a bonus!
17. What is your favourite season?
Spring – not too hot, not too cold, lots of baby animals around and beautiful colours from flowers blooming.
18. What are you scared of?
Aside from the usual spiders and heights, I am scared of open water.
19. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to teleport, or as I often say, to apparate (Harry Potter fan!). It’s probably because I’m lazy, but I always say to Jack that I wish I could apparate to his house, or to the shop, or even another country if I feel like I want to get away. It would save time, money and hassle so I think it would be a pretty cool power to have!
20. Who would play you in a movie of your life?
I love Alicia Vikander – I think she is beautiful so would be thrilled if she played me in a movie of my life.