In conversation with Louise Pentland

8 April 2020

Wilde Women is the last book in the series. How does it feel to have finished the series?

Very emotional! I’ve been with these characters since 2015, so this really feels like the end of an era. I know in my head what happens to them all next – I can’t tell you though, because it’ll ruin the end of Wilde Women – but it’s strange to not be plotting another book with them all in.

Wilde Women

Fans have really connected with Robin. When you were first creating her as a character, were there any characteristics you specifically wanted her to have?

I’ve always wanted Robin to be flawed because real people are. I didn’t want a main character who is out of reach. I wanted her to be a bit frustrating, a bit insecure and a bit whiny sometimes because that’s reality. We can’t all be total badasses every single day, ha!

Did you always know what you wanted to happen to Robin and co. over the course of the three books? Did any of your plans change while writing the series?

Yes, they so much changed! The person I’ve flip-flopped on the most is Kath. I won’t say too much because I don’t want to spoil this one for you if you’ve skipped to here first, but I’ve always wanted to play about with Kath and give her some big juicy story arcs.

What has been your favourite thing about being a published author?

Meeting you, the readers, at book signings and hearing that you’ve really connected to the characters and that they’ve had some impact on you. I always wanted Robin to feel like a real woman and the fact that so many of you have connected to her and her world genuinely makes me so happy and proud. Writing is something you sort of have to do alone, so this human side of it, getting to meet you all, is such a joy.

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading I Heart Hawaii by Lindsey Kelk, If You Could Go Anywhere by Paige Toon and Keep the Home Fires Burning by S. Block (I love an old lady read!).

Robin and the Wilde women go on a big trip in this novel. Do you enjoy travelling?

I’m not a big traveller. I find the big wide world a bit overwhelming and where some people are all, ‘OMG I can’t wait to see a new place’, I’m frantically google image-ing it so I can find a sense of familiarity! That being said, I have been to SOME places that I’ve loved and I’ll tell you about them. Yay!

What’s your favourite place you’ve ever been on holiday to?

My all time, 100%, can’t get enough of it, favourite holiday destination is Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Everything about it excites me, from the long-haul flight (love those tiny trays of plane food!) to the magic of Mickey Mouse himself. Plus there’s no language barrier – the language at Disney World is very easy to master – ‘Have a magical day!’. I’ve loved it since I was a child, but seeing my own children, Darcy and Pearl, enjoy it themselves is another level of magic.

So, you like flying?

Yes, as much as I find new places a bit scary, I absolutely love flying. I was six months old for my first flight, so I can’t remember it, but I think it was to California where half of my family live. I even love plane food! I know this is not a popular opinion, but I do! I love how it comes on little perpendicular mini trays within one big tray and everything is all set out pleasingly. What I don’t love, though, is turbulence whilst you have a tray of food on your lap!

Other than Disney World, what sort of holidays do you enjoy?

I’d have to say city breaks. I love a little mooch around a market and I love taking photos of beautiful old buildings.

I’ve been to Malaga a couple of times and thought it was absolutely stunning. Liam (my partner) is a beach person but I struggle to relax and, let me tell you, an energetic toddler with a penchant for water – not fun on a beach, haha!

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Ohhh, that’s a good question! I would love to have a tour of Norway, I’d love to go super north and see the Northern Lights and I would like to go to Corfu, thanks to watching The Durrells!

Do you have any packing or travelling tips?

Far, far, far, too many to answer as one question! I suppose the biggest is to set off in more time than you think you need. Bit boring, ha, but very useful! Also, I always take lip balm and moisturiser on a flight with me so my face doesn’t crumble into dust and fall off with dehydration.