Lucy being caught between two countries was based on my own experiences – and I also had a horrid first boyfriend who cheated on me and was an exceptionally good liar! The idea for the text message just came to me when I was on a flight to Australia – I have an overactive imagination!

I got the idea for Johnny Be Good after reading Robbie Williams’ book, Feel, by journalist Chris Heath. I wasn’t a massive fan of Robbie but I found the book fascinating and started thinking how much fun it would be to become a confidante to a celebrity! I imagined Johnny to be more of a Kurt Cobain character, though, so he’s not actually based on Mr Williams.

And as for my next book, Chasing Daisy, my dad used to be a racing driver, so I know a little about the industry. There’s not actually a lot of racing in it, mind, because I thought that might be a little boring…

Yes, I always planned to write it as it was. I’ve always wanted to write a sequel, too, because obviously there’s so much left unsaid. I might write it as my fifth book – I can even tell you the opening line: “He’s not mine, is he?” That’s the question I fear the most…

I DO know who the baby’s father is, but you’re going to hate me because I’m not giving it away. You actually find out in Chasing Daisy because Johnny, Meg & Christian have a little cameo!

Marian Keyes is my favourite author. I also absolutely loved Lisa Jewell’s latest, The Truth About Melody Browne. I’ve just finished Tease by the queen of burlesque, Immodesty Blaize – I reviewed it for heat and found it so entertaining. A true bonkbuster!

They’re all like me in some way, and unlike me in others. I think it’s just natural to draw on your own experiences of things. I really find when I’m writing that I totally get inside the character’s head – it’s like I’m them in a parallel universe. I love being an author – I can live a double life and fall hopelessly in love with surfers, rock stars and racing drivers without my husband minding!

Ever since I can remember I wanted to write books – but a few years ago the whole thing just seemed so hopeless. I didn’t know how I would ever be able to write 100,000 words, take my characters from A to B with all the bits in between, and actually get a book deal on top of that. But I did – and hundreds of thousands of people do – so you just have to damn well start writing, contact agents and keep at it. If you want something hard enough, there’s got to be a way. I got my book deal through my contacts at heat magazine – so you could always attempt a career in journalism first! And the best way to do that is by doing work experience and making a very good impression, so if a job comes up, you might be the first person they think of! That’s how I got into magazines, in any case. Good luck!

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More author interviews to follow including: Christina Jones, Debbie Carbin, Karen Quinn, Trisha Ashley & more