MEET THE AUTHOR…
Jane Fallon, 58, lives in London with partner Ricky Gervais, 57, who she’s dated since they were students. She worked in television before becoming a full-time writer.
Congrats on your new book, Tell Me A Secret. How many books have you written now?
I can hardly believe it, but it’s nine. My first one, Getting Rid Of Matthew, came out in 2007, and the time has just flashed by.
Your books focus on twisted relationships between women. Is it right you describe them as ‘chick noir’ ?
Well, it was a label someone else came up with, but I do really like it. I worry that, if someone expects ‘noir’, they might want a dead body. And I haven’t killed anybody yet.
You do specialise in some very toxic female friendships, though!
Yes, and I don’t do that because I think female friendships are more toxic – I just know women better. But I always want my central character to be strong and independent and care about more than just getting married.
Your character Holly works on a soap called Churchill Rd. It is inspired by EastEnders?
It is a bit! I did work there for a few years. I sometimes miss television a little bit, but I don’t miss the hours or the politics. I got exhausted.
Would you combine your TV background with your writing and do an original script?
I don’t think so, but what I’d love to do is adapt one of my own books. They are always getting optioned, but nothing ever happens. Jennifer Aniston bought the film rights for one and I got really excited, but I should have known better.
Are you quite motivated at working from home?
I’m up early so I can get in a good four hours before any interruptions. I’m very easily distracted. I have to ban myself from looking at Twitter.
Does your partner, Ricky, read your books?
No, he doesn’t read any fiction at all. The only novel he’s ever read as an adult is Catcher In The Rye. He loved it so much that I just thought, ‘ Well, you can’t go from that to mine.’ So I need him to read some rubbish first and then, I’ll get him on to mine.