This week’s author of the week is Lisa Jewell. If you aren’t familiar with Lisa’s story she only started writing books after making a bet with a friend. The result was the hugely successful Ralph’s Party. Read more about it here at Lisa’s website.

Lisa Jewell was born on 19th July 1968 in Middlesex Hospital in London’s West End. Her father Anthony is a Textile Agent and her mother Kay is a secretary. She has two younger sisters, Sacha and Tanya. She was brought up in a strange part of North London called Totteridge, known to some as the Beverly Hills of London, where her neighbours included such luminaries as Micky Most, Des O’Connor and Patti Boulay. Lisa now lives in Swiss Cottage with her husband and daughter.

Lisa is the author of seven novels: Ralph’s Party, Thirty-Nothing, One-Hit Wonder, A Friend of the Family, Vince & Joy, 31 Dream Street and The Truth About Melody Browne. I’ve read all of Lisa’s books bar A Friend of the Family and Vince & Joy and I’ve reviewed two of those on the site: One-Hit Wonder and The Truth About Melody Browne. My favourite of Lisa’s books is The Truth About Melody Browne followed closely by 31 Dream Street.

For all of Lisa’s fans wondering what’s next, Lisa is actually working on the sequel to her first novel Ralph’s Party. Lisa finished the first draft in May and that’s the last update. I would have assumed it may have been out in 2010 but that doesn’t seem likely. Whenever it is released though, it’ll be worth it. I for one can’t wait for it.

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