I don't think Jenny Colgan needs much introduction. She's one of the biggest names in chick lit and has been for, ooh, years. Her latest book is West End Girls, which I'll let Jenny tell you about.
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:
Two poor girls move to the big city to try and make it big!
Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?
I don't mind, anywhere. Sometimes home, sometimes a coffee shop, sometimes a local library. Trains are good too. Not bed though, I'd get too many crumbs in it.
Your favourite chick-lit book?
Uhm, difficult question. I Don't Know How She Does It, maybe, that's great.
Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?
I love Thursday Next, in the Jasper Fforde books. She's this incredibly cool literary detective who can walk into the pages of fiction at will.
What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?
I would just say, write every day, and write what's true to you. And don't let your boyfriend read it, you'll only fall out.
What are you reading at the moment?
I'm reading A Curious Earth by Gerard Woodward, which is good. I just finished What Was Lost by Catherine Flynn, which is absolutely brilliant, about a little girl who gets lost in a shopping centre. Highly highly recommended. And I just finished Arthur and George by Julian Barnes which I didn't think I'd like at all, but was actually great. Ooh, and Shopaholic & Baby. Brill stuff.
What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)
I'm writing a series of school stories, kind of like modern day Malory Towers. Great fun!
What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)
Hmm. How about, would you like James McAvoy's phone number? He wants to take you out for an incredibly romantic meal somewhere fabulous and he says to tell you he's a lot taller than he looks on screen.
Me: Yes please.
Thanks, Jenny!
