We originally interviewed Katie Fforde a few years ago but with her becoming chairwoman of the RNA, we figured it would be the perfect time to re-interview her about her job at the head of the RNA as well as asking her about her books, too, of course! Enjoy!

1. Tell us about your latest novel Summer of Love.

It’s about two lovely women – well I like them – one a young mother who’s starting a new life in the country and an older woman who takes her under her wing. They both have a lot of new adventures and have life changing experiences!

2. Can you tell us anything about your next novel?

My new novel is about a television cookery competition. I love food and posh cooking (ie not the every day stuff) and I’m loving the research!

3. You’re currently the chair woman/president of the RNA (Romantic Novelists’ Association), how did you come to hold this position?

I was elected as chair of the RNA for its 50th Year as a great honour. I have been a member for longer than I can remember (yes really, that long!) and have served on the committee for many years too. When they asked me to be chair I couldn’t refuse!

4. The RNA has been going for over 50 years (its 50th anniversary was last year, in fact), why do you think it’s lasted as long as it has without faltering?

I think the RNA has lasted so long because it’s run by writers who on the whole want the best for everyone. The fact that everyone loves a good romantic novel doesn’t hurt either!

5. What are the duties involved in being president of the RNA? Is it a lot of extra work?

As chair I chair meetings, make speeches and present things but almost all the work is done by my fantastic committee. They are brilliant! I do have to do some of the work but they do most of it.

6. The RNA has numerous awards for authors, including Romantic Novel of the Year and Romantic Comedy and Historical Awards. How do you choose what goes onto the long-list for the awards?

We have a huge base of readers and everything is read three times. There’s a score sheet and the books with the highest scores get a fourth read to go on a short list, so it’s a very thorough process.

7. Can you tell us about some of the other events the RNA holds each year?

We have a wonderful conference each year which is possibly my favourite event as it’s a chance to really get to know people and stay up late into the night talking about books and writing. Our Summer and Winter parties are good too. Our ordinary meetings often end up in the pub too. It’s not that we all need alcohol but that we’re reluctant to stop talking and say goodbye!

8. What reasons would you give to authors thinking of joining the RNA? What benefits does being part of the RNA allow them?

The support of other writers is the main thing. Once you’re a member you’re ‘one of us’ and will get backing, support, advice, friendship – anything you might need. The more practical things are an on line news group and corporate membership of a London club which is excellent for overnight stays. The New Cavendish Club is often full of RNA members after partis.

9. Back to your novels, Summer of Love is your 17th novel which is a really amazing feat, I have to say. Do you still get as excited to see your books in shops as you did for your first novel?

I do get excited but also anxious. Now I’ve written so many books I worry about disappointing my fans or my publishers.

10. You edited the anthology Loves Me, Loves Me Not which was released in 2009. What does it mean to edit an anthology?

My joint editor, Sue Moorcroft, did most of the work but mostly it was a case of making sure every story deserved its place and brought something different to the anthology. I do think we achieved that aim. We are very proud of that book.

11. How long does it take you to write each of your novels, from writing ‘Chapter One’ to seeing it as a proper book?

The first draft takes about 6 months – sometimes more – sometimes a bit less – but there are lots of processes to go through before it’s a proper book. I write one a year and try and deliver the manuscript a year before it’s due to appear on the shelves.

12. Wikipedia informs me that you only started writing after your third child was born, why did it take you so long to begin writing? What was it that made you want to become a writer?

I discovered I wanted to be a writer after I became addicted to reading Mills and Boon novels when I had two small
boys who didn’t sleep through the night. I read one a day and really wanted to give people a break from their lives in the same way those novels gave me a break. I tried to write them but they are very skilled and I never managed it. I learnt a lot while trying though!

13. Again, Wikipedia tells me you have a bursary for writers who haven’t yet gotten a publishing contract - The Katie Fforde Bursary - can you tell us what that means?

The KFB is an award for the ‘very nearly there’ writer. I was one of those for at least five years. I pick the winner and the prize is a year’s subscription and a place at the conference. Quite a number of my KFB’s have since become published. It’s very satisfying.

14. Do you read every single review you receive for your books or just those passed on to your by your publishers?

I am nervous about reviews. Romantic fiction is often scoffed at by critics and I am always convinced that whatever they say is absolutely right. I don’t remember the good reviews.

15. Finally, what advice would you give to wannabe writers, hoping to make the step from wannabe writer to published author?

My top tips is to read a lot so you learn to judge what pleases you as a reader, and to keep writing! If you try long enough and hard enough you will make it. Also, learn to take criticism – it’s painful but very useful. Like going to the gym, really.

Thanks so much Katie!

Summer of Love by Katie Fforde is published in hardback by Century priced £14.99

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