Who or what always puts a smile on your face?
My children laughing uncontrollably, usually at something completely ridiculous, and inevitably when they're either in the car, or just before bed when it's supposed to be 'quiet time'. |
What are you reading at the moment?
Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre, Fluke by Christopher Moore, Grace & Power by Sally Bedell Smith. (Always find it odd when people are asked this question that they name three books, but it's true - I have all these books on the bedside table and pick up whichever one I'm in the mood for). |
Which author do you most admire?
JK Rowling, for obvious reasons. |
What's your earliest memory?
I remember clearly lying in bed when I must have been about three, looking at the window at night time and being terrified the big bad wolf would appear there. Around the same time also remember watching my mother bathe my brother in the bathroom sink, although that may be a memory created from a photograph - so hard to distinguish. |
What is your greatest fear?
Disloyalty. |
How would you like to be remembered?
As being a great mother and friend. Oh, and of course as being spectacularly beautiful, gracious, stylish and kind. In fact, if people could remember me as Jackie Kennedy that would help enormously. |
Have you even done something you've really regretted?
I once behaved appallingly with a friend of mine, way back in my early twenties. We had an odd relationship which once crossed the line into something more, then settled into friendship, but always with a frisson. He once came to stay with me in Manchester and I realised as soon as he arrived that I didn't want him there, and I practically ignored him the entire time. We spoke once when I phoned to apologise and he expressed his disappointment, and I've always felt terrible about it because he was a lovely man and deserved better. |
How do you spoil yourself?
By shopping compulsively, usually for bags, and usually horribly expensive ones. |
What's your favourite word/book?
Favourite books are still Brother of the More Famous Jack by Barbara Trapido, The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford, The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett and Bilgewater by Jane Gardam. |
Who do you turn to in a crisis?
I am very lucky to have three great girlfriends, and lucky because I found them all after I'd moved to America, at a time when I think it is hugely easy to make acquaintances, and incredibly difficult to make real and lasting friendships. I tend to go to Heidi because she has wisdom and great common sense, and Stacy and Dina to pick over all the emotional elements. |
What makes you angry?
Rudeness, and being taken advantage of. |
Have you ever had any other jobs apart from writing?
Gazillions. I have worked as a bartender (at university), as a temp, as a journalist, as a PR, as a shop assistant...the list goes on and on. |
Are you in love?
With my family. I am blissfully happy and content, in a way that I never thought I would be. |
What's your worst vice?
Not remembering people. |
What are you proudest of?
Clichéd though it may be, my four children. |
Where do you write?
I used to work at home but now find I spend far more time messing around on the Internet or playing spider solitaire, so I take my computer to the library, find my spot which overlooks the river, and work from there. |
Where's your favourite city?
Probably New York - still find it so energising and exciting. |
When was the last time you cried?
Two days ago. I had brought a dog home from a rescue shelter as a companion to our other dog, and when I tried to move his food bowl he attacked me. My husband said he'd never heard me scream before, which I was completely unaware of - I was just aware of trying to prise his jaws off my fingers, but it was enormously shocking and upsetting. |
One wish; what would it be?
To keep my family safe from harm. |
Did you enjoy school?
Not particularly. I wasn't a terribly happy child, and never really felt as though I fitted in, which I now believe is not uncommon amongst children who are more creative. Most of the fantastically talented people I know were disasters within the rigid confines of schools and universities. |
What do you believe in most?
Do as you would be done by: treating others with kindness and respect. |
