Now here's a turn up for the books (heh). An interview with a male author - Matt Dunn. But he is an honorary Trashionista, oh yes. His last book,
The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook, was nominated for the Romantic Novel of the Year award. But he's here to tell us about his new book, From Here to Paternity.
Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer:
A guy’s journey to paternity. Trouble is, he has to meet the right woman first…
Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?
On the deck of my yacht in Majorca. Or truthfully, sat at my desk, staring at a blank wall. It’s the best way to come with ideas.
Your favourite chick-lit book?
If Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity counts [It most certainly does! - Keris], I’ll have that. Otherwise Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series are all brilliantly written and hilarious.
Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?
It has to be Bridget Jones, doesn’t it?
What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?
Start by putting some words down on paper, and then just keep doing that every day - if you can do a thousand words each time, you’ll have finished your first draft in three months. If I had a pound for everyone who’s said to me that they’ve always wanted to write a book, but when I ask them if they’ve begun yet, they just stare at their shoes and mumble ‘no’. Just start typing!
What are you reading at the moment?
David Mitchell’s Black Swan Green. He’s such a good writer that he makes me want to go and retrain as an accountant or something.
What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)
My next novel. Which is a sort of sequel to my second book, The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook.
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!)
Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a writer?
A: Trying to become a writer. It’s the best job in the world.
Thanks, Matt!
