One Last Wish, by Ella Harper is about a terminally ill little girl who sets off on a mission to make her parents fall in love with each other again after their relationship starts to fall apart. We asked Ella to tell us a little bit about herself so readers can familiarise themselves with the author as well as her characters.
Ella Harper
I LIVED IN FRANCE FOR A YEAR
I lived in Grenoble as part of my degree course and it was a real eye opener. I ate some amazing food, wandering lazily around markets on Sunday mornings and spent many a happy hour in cinemas watching films in French. I also lived in a flat above two prostitutes who worked a strict 9-5 day with a lunch break spent at the local patisserie eating pastries.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MUSIC
At parties, I will often by found loitering by the sound system where I will at some point, take on the role of unofficial DJ.
I’M BRILLIANT AT TABLE TENNIS
My brother is a champion player who used to thrash me repeatedly throughout our childhood. This has left me surprisingly able to beat most people who challenge me to a game – and it never ceases to amaze each new opponent!
I AM ALSO A PILATES INSTRUCTOR
I qualified last year and have started teaching classes. I love exercise and I’m delighted that it’s now part of my day to day life because working out makes me feel amazing. It’s lovely to teach other people to improve their posture, breathe correctly and tone their bodies. Being a Pilates instructor balances out my solitary but highly enjoyable life as a writer by being social, loud and fun – and rewarding in a very different way.
I COLLECT COPIES OF WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Wuthering Heights is my favourite classic novel and I collect old copies of it whenever I find them in book shops and at markets. The mustier the better. I haven’t found one for a while, so I must go on the hunt again soon.
I LOVE TO PEOPLE WATCH
My idea of a perfect afternoon is to while away hours in a café watching people and listening to their conversations! I’m fascinated by people, by relationships and by human nature. I will always try and figure out a back story for couples sitting near me by their conversation, the way they are dressed, their body language etc. I think it’s the writer in me; I’m nosy by nature.
I CAN BE OCD-ISH ABOUT THE POSITION OF MY TV REMOTE
Not only that; as a general rule, I like things just so. I’m better than I used to be (I could only have the volume on the television or the radio in my car at an even number for a long time) but I still have a love of order and untidiness and things not in their rightful place set me off badly. Having two young children challenges this on a daily basis so that’s probably why I have had no choice but to adapt!
I HAVE RECENTLY REDISCOVERED MY LOVE OF COOKING AND EATING OUT
I fell out of love with cooking for quite a while during a difficult time in my life and I didn’t eat out much during that time either. Recently, I have rediscovered a passion for both and as well as sampling some incredible food at some beautiful restaurants, I’ve remembered that cooking (especially for people I love) makes me feel really happy.
One Last Wish by Ella Harper is published in ebook by Canelo on Monday 27th February