How does your usual day look like?

My day starts in bed checking my social media and responding to anyone who has commented on my books. I have always used Instagram, but worried a bit about diving into Twitter, however I have found it a surprisingly positive experience. (so far!). Breakfast at my desk will usually include some admin and then I get down to the best bit - the writing. And the good thing about being an author is that you can write from anywhere, and may well need to travel for research. My favourite trip was to Seville to study a garden that features in a chapter of my latest book, The Secrets of Flowers, which is due out in August 2024 with Harper Collins.

What are the things you like the most about your job?

Obviously the writing, but also the opportunity to observe people, whether that be in a cafe, a garden or a pub! I think authors are essentially interested in people and the stories they have to tell. I also love the freedom I have now that I am lucky enough to be a full time writer.

What are some of the skills you utilise the most in your day-to-day at work?

Imagination but also logic. Your story has to flow and be engaging but there is a lot of planning involved too. I used to run my own market research company conducting group discussions for major companies. Funnily enough I used similar skills - intuitively listening to people which drew on creativity, and then the analytical part that put this in a business context.

What was one of your happiest days in your career and why?

Attending the British Book Awards, when The Keeper of Stories was shortlisted for British Book of the Year. It was an amazing event and I felt privileged to be there amongst such talented authors. It was also a chance to get dressed up - which is not normal in my day to day work!

What was the toughest career decision you ever made?

​Once my first book took off I resigned from my role as a fundraiser for The Wiltshire Community Foundation, which does the most amazing job supporting grassroots projects around the county. I felt guilty about leaving, even though all the staff were so excited about my success. Luckily I can now support them in a different way and still attend their events.

What is something you had to learn to become better at your work?

I am not a very patient person, but getting a book published takes time. I have been writing since 2016 but only got an agent in 2019 and was first published in 2022. So patience, and also resilience is needed to deal with all the rejection.

How did you get to become an Author?

I started one morning when I woke up with an idea for a book in my head! I then wrote … at night … early in the morning … in fact most of the time when I wasn’t working. During lockdown I had to be furloughed from my job, so I took that time to write as well.

If you could give a younger woman one piece of advice (it can be anything) - what would you say to them?

You will look back and realise none of it really mattered, it didn’t bring you any joy, and that it was a waste of your time and energy.

Professional networking for women matters, because….

...everyone has a story to tell and you may well meet women who enrich your story