Did you always have a vision that you would one day write a book?
It’s definitely always been something I wanted to do! I love books. Total bookworm as a kid. I always imagined myself writing a teen fiction book for some reason – maybe because I was obsessed with Louise Rennison and Jacqueline Wilson. My non-fiction book seemed like a logical next step from my blog, career in social media and writing for magazines. It’s a big amalgamation of all my work over the past few years. It amazed me how quickly it all happened. I’m very proud of it.
What 3 women inspire you on a daily basis?
My group of best girl friends from home (sorry that’s cheating). Ashley C Ford. Liz Gilbert.
Just how did the process work from idea to publish date?
The idea came to me on a long haul flight to Australia fully-formed. I got back to the UK two weeks later with a notepad full of ideas, I bought a new laptop on my return because mine was broken and then went to a café and spent the whole weekend solidly writing my book proposal. (I literally Googled “how to write a book proposal”.) I then got in touch with agents via Twitter and met up with a few agents for coffee. I met my now agent Robyn and we had cocktails and got on really well. She helped me polish the proposal into something very exciting….then hey presto: a few months later, a book deal! It’s kind of bonkers when I write it out like that, it all happened very quickly in a very clear step by step.
How do you feel now that your book is out there for the world to read?
AMAZING! I LOVE receiving emails and reading reviews from people who’ve read it. It’s led me to some amazing projects that I’m working on now (soon to be revealed!) and in general it feels amazing every time someone tags a picture of my book on Instagram.
Have there been any negatives to the experience so far?
None… so far! The only “eek” moment is that I want to write another book but second album syndrome is HARD. I definitely felt a little a bit empty after writing this book which isn’t a great feeling for creative people!
What are 5 words of advice would you give to a budding author or writer?
KEEP WRITING AND KEEP READING.
Where or what is your favourite bookshop?
I love working from Gower St Waterstones. Gorgeous books, peace, plants, coffee.
Print or E-book?
PRINT ALWAYS. My Kindle is gathering dust. Woops.
What one book would you take with you to a desert island?
Marina Keegan’s The Opposite Of Loneliness.
What one piece of advice would you give your younger – pre internet self?
You’re making all the right decisions. Keep the faith.