Come and chat to best selling author Marian Keyes, Wednesday 10 June, 1-2pm

Hi, I got a free copy too. Thank you Mumsnet! I love Marian but I have to say this was not my favourite of hers. The opening nearly made me give up completely with the time hops and depressing illness/hospital premise, but it did pick up and the second half was much more readable.

The character of Stella was well rounded and likable, but I thought the way her son spoke to her was atrocious. There were some very unpleasant characters too, and they were just as enjoyable to read about. I haven't quite finished it yet, but I m enjoying it a lot more once I got onto the published book bit in NYC.

Not her best though, but with an output like Marian's I'm not going to love them all the same. My favourite is still Rachel's Holiday. Tremendous.

I got a free copy of "The woman who stole my life". I've not read any of Marian Keyes' books before and I don't think I will again. I've always assumed her books fall in to the category of chick lit and so have avoided them - it's not a genre that interests me.

I'm afraid I found the plot far fetched and the characters not exactly likeable. I just didn't care about them. I tried to get to the end, but gave up. Sorry Marian!

I really enjoyed the woman who stole my life. towards the end, I felt like I almost knew the woman, very well written and easy to read (on the bus, on my break etc lol) I bought another of marians books today and can't wait to start. thank you

So happy to have received a copy of this book!! I loved it, it was a good read, easy to get into, and very easy to engage with the characters - I love the style of writing that Marian has, I have read a couple of her books before and had forgotten how much I enjoyed her!

Great book, easy to read, lots of fun.

Is there anywhere we can read the webchat? I missed it unfortunately!

Thank you and thank you for answering my question (I feel special now!). Sorry I couldn't be here to "listen" live.

Just found this. Thanks so much for some great books - you've cheered me up through some miserable times.

Looking forward to Time Off For Bad Behaviour!

Mercifully no! I have far more fun inventing people than stealing people from real life. Thanks very much for the question!

Thank you everyone for your warmth and positivity! It's been such a wonderful experience, and I've really loved every second of it. It's been great to learn about DHs and AIBUs and DCs - it's been an education! Thank you so much, take care and enjoy the rest of the day. Marian xx

Will you come back again another day and do another one please?

Thank you, I'm really enjoying it! Time for one last question I think...

What a lovely thing to say! My sister is very very funny, and my friend Anne Marie - they were the ones who invented feathery stroker. I do value humour in people. But I have friends who are deep and serious and I love them too!

One of the best webchats ever. Fact. Thank you Marian and MNHQ.

Thank you - I'm smiling too!

what would you say to Tim Hunt (nobel prize winning scientist) who says that three things happen when girls are in your lab 1) they fall in love with you 2) you fall in love with them 3) they cry when you criticize them?

No it's not difficult - I did it with Anybody Out There. Helen has an entire mini novel in that, which is told via several emails. It gives texture to a novel, and if it's written separately and then integrated carefully it can really work.

Hmmm, yes if someone recommends a book I do then tend to put off reading it...not a very nice (or useful) quality really! The word stubborn has been bandied about by my DH . I prefer 'rebel' so thanks for that.

But I will read Catcher in the Rye and tell everyone it was because Marian said so.

It's a tricky one. I love them both, and they are both very comfortable, whereas Louboutins, it's like wearing knives. I have literally cried in a pair of Louboutins! They're sitting shoes.

Manolos are more comfortable, but the Jimmy Choos are a bit more beautiful!

Can I also make the case for Chiemihara - very comfortable, high and fun. I swear by them . I'm wearing some today.

I finished reading The Woman Who Stole My Life after a weekend of quality reading time (none of that 'squeeze in ten minutes on the way to work' rubbish!)
I have a read a few of Marian's other books, so I knew what I was in for, and it did not disappoint!
Reading a Marian Keyes novel is like chatting with a really genuinely lovely lady you've bumped into. You never really get to grips with the nitty gritty in your chat, you certainly don't move the earth, but you come away from it comforted and smiling.

Oh, thank you!

I start with the voice. The woman who's my main character will start to talk to me. I know that sounds a bit weird...It's a slow process. It's like watching an old polaroid photograph develop.

I really wish you luck and happiness with your writing. Just one word at a time, and it will eventually get written.

After seeing your youtube clip about the origins of the feathery stroker, I'd like to ask if all your friends are as funny as you are?

ps--I'm a notoriously critical reader of everything (just ask my Book Group), but your books are always a pleasure. More, please.

Thank you Marian - I'll believe you then

@Sarahlouboo

Thank you answering my question . I have always resisted Catcher in the Rye for similar reasons...maybe I ought to give it a whirl!

It's a lovely book - so charming. But it is one of those books that everyone tells you to read, so if you're a bit of a rebel I can understand why you'd resist it!

marian- i have come across this by accident-i am officially your biggest fan!

I am rachel from rachel's holiday without the addiction- built like a shed with a shouty mammy and lots of insecurities. reading rachel's holiday was a revelation.

i don't have a question really-i just want you to know how much i love your books. Thank you for all the hours of pleasure you have given me.