AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Allie Spencer

Allie[1].JPG Allie Spencer, author of Tug of Love, has brought us a new, hilarious (and blatantly unputdownable) read - The Not So Secret Diary of a City Girl. (Watch this space for a review of this brand new release!) Here, Allie talks about sassy sisters, the perfect heroine, and also offers some great writing tips.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer

That's hard. 'What happens if your meddling sister finds your diary and uploads it onto the internet'? (And lots of other things!)

What inspired you to write Not So Secret Diary?

After Tug of Love, which is full of lawyers, I thought it might be fun to set a book in the City, but I didn't have any concrete ideas. However, then the banking crisis erupted and I thought, 'right - there has to be a story in this'. The actual 'feel' of the novel, though (in particular the relationship between Laura and Alex) was inspired by the Hollywood 'screwball' comedies of the 30s and 40s, where the hero and heroine spend most of their time arguing madly with one another and pretending they aren't really in love! The tension and energy generated by two characters in complete denial over their feelings has the potential for loads of emotional depth as well as some good comic moments.

Where do you write your books? (ie coffee shop, in bed...)

I write sitting on my bed with a hot-water bottle tucked into the small of my back and my lap-top resting on my knee. I'm sure this is hideously bad for me, but it's soooo much more comfy than sitting at a desk - and being in the bedroom has the added advantage that I can't see the messy rooms downstairs and be tempted to spend my writing time clearing up!

What is your favourite chick-lit book?

Another really tough question... I love Marian Keyes, particularly the way she can make you howl with laughter one minute and want to burst into tears the next; and, until quite recently, I would have said that Rachel's Holiday and Is There Anybody Out There? were my joint favourite chick-lits. However, I recently read Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl. I am a big fan of all her books but this one seems to have a little extra something that marks it out as being extra special - so I think Twenties Girl just wins.

Who is your favourite heroine, and why?

I like heroines who are clever, witty and fun - so it probably has to be Elizabeth Bennett: you've got to go a long way to beat our Lizzie.

What part of Not So Secret Diary was the most fun to write?

I have to say that any scene involving Mel was excellent fun: she's a bit of a loose cannon and I never quite knew what was going to come out of her mouth next! I also enjoyed creating the scene in the second half of the book where Laura runs away from her flat in the middle of the night - the pace was fast moving and I had to try and keep a sense of danger and suspense whilst attempting to work a bit of humour in here and there: it was a real challenge to keep all those different balls in the air and I really hope I managed to pull it off!

Do you have any tips for readers who would like to become published authors?

I think the most important thing is to never give up: polish your work until you feel there is nothing more you can do to improve it, then start sending it out to publishers and literary agencies; if you get rejections, then send it out somewhere else. Have faith in yourself and your writing and believe that sooner or later it will land on the right person's desk. Networking is also really important, so think about joining groups such as the Romantic Novelists' Association (there are always lots of industry professionals at their parties and meetings) or go to writers' conferences and workshops that offer one-to-one sessions with agents and editors. Good luck!!

What are you currently reading?

I usually have more than one book on the go at once and right now is no exception. I'm part way through Muriel Zagha's excellent debut novel Finding Monsieur Right: a witty, stylish romantic comedy set in London and Paris; and I'm also reading Ben Goldacre's Bad Science, a totally riveting non-fiction book. Next up on my 'to read' list is Julie Cohen's brilliant-sounding new novel Nina Jones and the Temple of Doom - I can't wait!

Are you working on anything else at the moment, and if so, can you tell us?

Mmmmm...there are things happening but nothing I can talk about at the moment. I am, however, crossing my fingers and toes very hard!

Thanks, Allie!