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Q&A with author Lisa Jewell ANSWERS BACK

32 replies

RachelMumsnet · 30/05/2012 11:03

We're inviting you to send in questions to author Lisa Jewell this week. Lisa is a novelist whose first novel, Ralph's Party was the bestselling debut of 1999. She is the author of a further seven Sunday Times bestselling novels, including 31 Dream Street which won the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance.

Lisa is best known for her warm, believable characters and emotionally compelling storylines. Her books tend to examine the issues which surround our modern, busy everyday lives. In After the Party (the sequel to Ralph's Party) Lisa wrote about the reality of juggling jobs, marriage and motherhood, and how cracks in the best marriages can form under those pressures. The Truth About Melody Browne examined identity and belonging through a secret past unlocked by a hypnotherapist.

Her latest novel, The Making of Us asks different questions about birth and identity, examining the themes of surrogacy and sperm donation from the viewpoint of a woman who cannot conceive, a male donor who is dying without ever having met the children he fathered, and the children themselves linked by the secrets which surround their birth. The Making of Us was recently one of Mumsnet giveaway books so if you received a copy and have had chance to read, do post a question to Lisa or pass on your thoughts.

Send in a question to Lisa before the end of Tuesday 5th and you'll be entered into a draw to win one of three sets of After The Party and The Truth about Melody Brown. We'll link to the answers on 14th June.

OP posts:
TitsalinaBumSquash · 31/05/2012 07:06

Hi Lisa Smile

My sister and I love your books! Have you always wanted to be an author and how did you get into writing? Smile

Bucharest · 31/05/2012 06:02

I want to know if you went out with Vince in real life. Grin

(Vince and Joy on my very small and select Reread-FeelGood pile!)

colditz · 30/05/2012 23:09

Ralph's party is one of my very very favourite books. I'm sure I've recommended it on here before

Dozer · 30/05/2012 23:04

Am also a fan.

Which authors inspire you?

Kveta · 30/05/2012 19:58

ooh, I love your books - they are in my collection of re-readable books, so have gone through them a few times!

I really enjoyed The Making of Us (although did howl in places, possibly due to being vastly pregnant though :o), but wondered if you plan to follow up on any of the characters? I would love to know what happens to Dean in particular, and his relationship with his daughter.

herethereeverywhere · 30/05/2012 16:00

Hi, how much of your own life ends up in your books? Do you draw from your own experiences or research other people's ? Thanks Smile

aristocat · 30/05/2012 14:59

Welcome to mumsnet Lisa

I have not read The Making of Us but it is a very unique and different idea for a book, can you tell us what you have planned for your next book?

How do you feel about the chick-lit label, does it bother you? Ooops sorry 2 questions Smile

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