Wicked Wives
Well, in a nutshell, WICKED WIVES is a scandalous tale of sins, secrets and intrigue. It centres around three beautiful but different women who’re all inextricably linked by one delectable but dangerous man. It’s set against a backdrop of glamorous locations and jet-setting lifestyles, but underneath all the gloss and glamour lies secrets pasts, dangerous liaisons, illicit affairs, blackmail, revenge, unrequited love and plenty of naughtiness!
You were a woman's lifestyle writer for over fifteen years, so how much has this affected your fictional writing now?
I still write for magazines whenever I get the chance. I loved working on magazines. It has certainly given me great grounding to write novels. It has also given me great discipline; I am queen of the deadline (never missed one in my career). You cannot have writer’s block when you’re a journalist, you have to deliver and I think this has been very beneficial to me as an author. I have also met some wonderful, strong and inspirational women and had some amazing, funny (and unprintable) experiences throughout my journalistic career. Some of the people (male and female) that I’ve met have given me inspiration (and anecdotes) for various characters and situations.
You have written two teen titles, Ibiza Summer and The Wrong Boy, so do you have a preference between writing for teens and adults?
In all honesty I prefer writing for the adult market because there’s less restriction and you can explore more adult and emotional themes – I’m very interested in the psychology of people. You’re more limited as a teen writer, though I did enjoy writing for that market. Teens are very discerning! They’re fun to write for but I prefer to write for my peers.
You are the former editor of J-17 and Smash Hits, so how much has editing others work helped your own?
More than I thought, according to my agent and editor! I try to make the editor’s job as easy as possible. I’m a stickler for grammar and typos and I’m constantly editing as I go along. Having a journalistic background it’s practically automatic for me. I try to deliver a polished product. I think it’s important.
You have written for many publications such as Grazia, Company and Marie Claire, so does one in particular stick in your mind as being your favourite experience?
I have had some truly amazing experiences as a journalist – whiskey tasting in Kentucky, rally racing with the late, great Colin McRae, bungee jumping in a cocktail dress, going undercover as an escort and almost being arrested on the red carpet for gate crashing a celebrity party (all in the name of work, of course). I was once asked by my editor to become a nun for a day, which was an experience! I went to the convent to meet the sisters and they were so lovely – though I don’t really think they believed I was nun material
Many of your reviews say it is the perfect holiday read, so why is this?
I don’t know about you but when I’m on holiday I like a bit of escapism and glamour, which are key components in my stories! Not to mention a little steaminess! I think my books are best devoured in a bikini on a sun lounger, mojito in hand (or champagne) whichever you prefer, ideally with a fit waiter bringing them to you!
Please tell us a bit about your debut novel Chelsea Wives.
CHELSEA WIVES is the story of three very privileged women who have it all on the surface, the clothes, the houses, the yachts, the jewels… but underneath their lives are not quite what they seem. It’s basically a tale of revenge against their tyrannical, egotistical, cheating husbands and features a sensational crime as well as a love struggle! It’s largely set in Chelsea and includes a lot of jet-setting glamour, high fashion and excess. The underlying message is about friendship between women and that even if you have everything material, true happiness has to come from within.
Why did you decide to set the book in Chelsea?
I lived in Chelsea some years ago now when I was a poor student and fell in love with the area. I used to sit outside Patisserie Valerie nursing a latte and watching all these beautiful, well-heeled glamorous and rich women walk by, and I would fantasise about their lives (and owning their clothes and handbags!). There is something special about Chelsea, the King’s Road in particular, it’s iconic. I love the little side streets with the sugared almond coloured mews houses and the fact that it feels like a little village in the middle of London – I still hope to live there again one day. CHELSEA WIVES was a bit of love letter to the city I grew up in and still love so much.
What is your writing process?
Honestly? It’s a bit chaotic and changes with each book. I have two small children so I have learned to write on the hoof among chaos. When I’m writing a novel I like to make sure I do at least four hours (sometimes up to ten!) a day, and often write during the night too when everyone is asleep, bottle of red wine open! I prefer to write wherever there is sunlight, or the best light in the house (or garden). I love to write outdoors and have been known to bash away on my lap top while in a bikini in the garden! I don’t really have a set process but I develop my characters first (I adore writing new characters and getting to know them inside out) and then I write a story synopsis and the prologue and first two chapters and then send them to my wonderful agent for her opinion. I’m not one of these what I call post-it note writers who surrounds themselves with reference and books, I can appreciate that it works for some but not for me. Everything I need is in my head (or on line, or in my magazine pile – I’m a total mag slag!) All being well, I then write the first draft, edit it, and send it to my agent again and await her thoughts and comments. Then when it’s done I whisk it over to my lovely editor at Harper Collins and cross my fingers that she loves it!
What is next for you?
I’m busy starting my third novel which I’m insanely excited about!! It’s full of larger than life, flawed but loveable (I hope) characters and contains plenty of intrigue, sizzling sex and romance, some dark stuff and of course, lashings of glamour! I hope it won’t disappoint! I can’t wait to write it!
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