Frequently! In my twenties I left a great job behind to go travelling around the world on a shoestring for eighteen months, which was amazing. With my husband we have moved cities a couple of times too – first to Brighton and then Bath – and on each occasion, it felt something of a gamble. And of course, becoming a full-time writer rather than sticking to a sensible job was another huge change. It definitely keeps life interesting . . .

When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing?

I love reading – my favourite authors are Kate Atkinson and Maggie O’Farrell. I also love going to the cinema – there’s a newish place in Bath where the seats are sofas and armchairs and the décor is very glam, so that’s a huge treat. I go to the theatre a lot, spend time with friends and family, watch TV and try to tame my gorgeous but unruly garden.

How do you choose your locations? The Mortimers are based in York. What made you choose this as your location for them, and how do you research your locations?

I knew the location had to be a university town or city because of John’s job, so I narrowed it down from there. Shamefully, despite going to university twenty minutes away in Leeds, I didn’t know York at all – and so seized on the chance to spend some time there. Needless to say I absolutely fell in love with the city and really enjoyed walking the streets, finding places for my characters to meet and hang out. I try to vary the locations of my books around the country – it’s a good excuse to visit and get to know a new place.

What are you working on at the moment – what can we look forward to next?

I’ve just finished a new book that is set in Cornwall and will be published in 2020. It’s set around three holiday cottages and features the various characters who have come there, hoping for a relaxing week or two in the sun. A perfect holiday for them all? Not quite!

Mrs Mortimer decides to escape to Madeira for a week – where would you escape to if you needed a break?

What a lovely question. A week in the South of France would be amazing. Or perhaps a break on a sun-drenched Greek island. It’s currently pouring with rain as I type this . . . Don’t tempt me to do a Jeanie!

On a Beautiful Day

On a Beautiful Day

Treasure every moment.
Life can change in a heartbeat.

It’s a beautiful day in Manchester and four friends are meeting for a birthday lunch. But then they witness a shocking accident just metres away that acts as a catalyst for each of them.