We’ve teamed up with publishers Harpercollins to bring you this fabulous offer of a free audiobook for every reader

‘For me, writing is a craft, a trade and a practised skill’

I really hope you’re enjoying our free audiobook offer. I’ve loved all three of the books we’ve given away so far and find myself plugging in my earphones every chance I get. I still like relaxing with a good book, too, but the joy of an audiobook is that you can listen while doing so many other things, such as sitting on the bus, cooking supper or while the rest of the family are tuned in to a TV programme that you don’t want to watch! To get this month’s free book, Philippa Gregory’s The Other Queen read by Alex Kingston, Richard Armitage and Madeleine Leslay, just follow the five simple steps we have here on the page.

Then, all you have to do is get listening…

This month’s audiobook,

The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory, relates the untold story of Mary Queen of Scots. Using new research and her passion for historical accuracy, Philippa places the doomed queen into a tale of suspense, passion and intrigue. Here, the author chats to Prima…

How did you get started? I became a journalist, went to university and discovered a love of history. While I was applying for posts, I was locked in a library for four years studying for my PHD in the popular fiction of the 18th century, which involved reading and analysing more than 200 novels – it was an accidental apprenticeship. I started writing my own novel, longhand, in an exercise book. It was Wideacre, which went on to sell in a worldwide auction. What are you most proud of in your career?

My work process: I never sacrifice the accuracy of the history for drama in the story, I never skip on research and I never send a book to the publisher until

I think it is the best that I can do.

Do you have any superstitions or lucky charms to help you write? Not at all. For me, writing is a craft, a trade and a practised skill. I can write anywhere and everywhere. I’m not fussy. Which writers inspire you?

I love the classics: Jane Austen, E M Forster, Henry James, George Eliot.