‘There are so many books that have shaped my outlook in life’
What book(s) are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading Mary Kubica’s Don’t You Cry right now — I love the suspense!
The book(s) that changed your life and shaped your outlook, and why?
There are so many books that have shaped my outlook during different periods in my life. Wild Swans by Jung Chang was really memorable and made me appreciate the beauty of the written word in my teens. It inspired me to travel to different parts of the world and explore different cultures. During the same period, I really enjoyed reading books by Marian Keyes. I met her at the London Book Fair earlier this year in March — and her journey as an author is incredible. I’m also a big fan of Robin Sharma’s The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. It’s a book I tend to re-read, whenever I need inspiration to overcome challenges.
Lastly, I have often found that books set in different countries — such as Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts, which is set in India, and Elena Ferrante’ books, which are set in Naples, Italy — always inspire me to travel.
Which titles or authors can you pick up and read any time, and why?
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, so Philippa Gregory does it for me every time. With every book of hers, you can become totally immersed in a different world.
Which books would you love to pass on to your children (or any young person) to read and treasure, and why?
This is something I have been thinking about for a while, as I have a two-year-old and a three-month-old. The Beatrix Potter books have always been a big part of my life, as I grew up in the Lake District in England, so that would be my first choice. Currently, though, my eldest and I are reading a lot of The Gruffalo books.
From your experience, what advice can you offer to aspiring writers?
Write every day, read as much as possible, expand your vocabulary, and practise discipline. I joined a book club — which I found to be a great support — and, if I had the time, I would have joined a writing group as well.