1. Which three books would you take to a desert island?
I would take a risk and pick two I’d never read before, one women’s fiction, one scary thriller. Also my tried and trusted favourite, Brideshead Revisited. (I’m coming back, right?)
2. What does your writing day look like?
It varies, but a good one starts at about 9.15, breaks repeatedly for coffee and twitter, and finishes at three or four.
3. Is there a book you wish you'd written?
Hundreds! Madame Bovary, for one.
4. Have you got any abandoned manuscripts no-one will ever see?
I destroyed my first, Chopping and Changing, which I wrote aged 12. I wish I’d kept it, it would be a hoot to read it again. It was handwritten and illustrated.
5. What's the best book you've read this year?
I’ve read a lot of good ones, it’s a bumper year, but I would pick out The Empress of Ice Cream by Anthony Capella (out in August). Food and royal debauchery: bliss.
6. What was your favourite childhood read?
I loved fairy tales, especially Snow White and Rose Red.
7. What was the first thing you did when you got your book deal?
Called my boyfriend in excited but hushed tones (I was in the office), and made plans for a drunken dinner.
8. What was your proudest writing moment?
Writing ‘The end’ is always the proudest moment. Before that, you are in a state of perpetual restlessness.
9. Which three living authors would you most like to have cocktails with?
All at once, or on separate dates? Tom Wolfe, in his white suit; Candace Bushnell for glamour and gossip; and maybe Sophie Hannah for a dark British twist.
10. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
I would be where I am, in London, but maybe in a more desirable postcode!
Other People’s Secrets by Louise Candlish is published by Sphere at £6.99 on 8th July.
