10 questions with author Katie Fforde; 'I start early, before 6am'

Katie Fforde almost needs no introduction and the phrase best-selling seems inadequate. She is the absolute queen of romantic fiction and has sold in excess of three million books some of which feature in my own book shelf. Based in the beautiful Cotswolds, UK, Katie is a country girl who likes nothing more than a happy ending and a really good notepad – she even has her own stationery and homeware range (my spirit animal).

Her career began when she started writing after the birth of her three children and almost 30 novels and multiple film adaptations later still dominates the best-sellers lists and remains an inspiration for other authors. Katie also takes joy in helping other writers fulfil their potential and is president of the Romantic Novelists Association yet remains lovely enough to volunteer to answer these ten questions. Thank you Katie!

Katie’s latest novel A Springtime Affair is out now.

1.What’s your name and where do you come from?

I’m Katie Fforde, I have lived in the Cotswolds for nearly 40 years and many, but not all, my books are set there.

2. Do you write fact or fiction and in what genre?

I write romantic fiction. As the president of the Romantic Novelists Association I am proud to do so. However, I do hope, if you took all the romance out of my books, there’d still be a story.

3. Are you traditionally or self published and which route do you consider best?

I’m traditionally published. When I started out there was no choice, but even if there had been, I don’t think my personality would have been suited to publish, and publicise myself.

4. What’s your work schedule like when you are writing?

I start early in the morning, in the summer, sometimes before 6 am. That said, I can spend over an hour playing Spider patience, listening to the radio, emailing my friends, looking at online shops before I finally get down to it. If I’m really into a book I don’t do all that, but until then, I need to ease myself in.

5. What advice would you give to budding writers?

My advice to budding authors is to persevere. If you really want to become a published writer and are prepared to work hard and long, you will do it. But this won’t happen if you give up.

6. Who/what are YOUR favourite authors/ books?

My first great literary love was Georgette Heyer. Now when I read them, I want to make her add some scenes I think are missing, but I learnt so much from her. Now I read widely and love a good psychological thriller as well as writers in my own genre.

7. Are you a plotter or a pantster?

I used to say in talks that I had a compass but didn’t have a map (as to where the book is going.) Nowadays I like to plot a lot more before I set off. (Maybe I’ve come to need a sat nav!). But a lot of the planning is in my head. I can’t start a book until I’ve decided exactly where in the story I need to be.

8. What helps you focus?

A deadline helps me to focus – really well!

9. How long did it take you to write your books?

It takes me between six and eight months to write a book, but it’s been a while since it’s one been six months.

10. Where can we find your books?

My books are widely available, in supermarkets, bookshops, and online. I’m lucky that all my books are currently in print. I’m also on Twitter and Instagram. My website is www.katiefforde.com I also write occasional blogs and newsletters.