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

I have a question though: years ago I read a book called "Who will love Polly Odlum?" by Anne Marie Forrest, and you reviewed it, calling it "'Charming, heartwarming and funny. A modern-day fairytale'". I just wonder whether you actually got to read the whole book, as the ending was anything but!

I'm sure you have entirely too much to do in the general way of things to read whole books for reviewing purposes, but I'm surprised the publishers let your slightly inappropriate (in my view, at least) review comment through without mentioning something!

I also meant to post in my last comment about your authenticity re. the rehab - it all became very clear after I read your 2 Under the Duvet books. You are very brave and strong, I hope you realise that.

My questions are:
Do you think there is still a need for women-only literary prizes?
If you could invent your own literary award, what would be the criteria?
Which novel do you wish you had written the ending for?
Do you think popular literature is over looked as being high quality? How much do you think the way a book is marketed affects how it is perceived?

Hi Marian,
Given your portrayal of the marketing campaign behind One Blink at a Time how do you manage to make time to come up with new ideas and then to turn them in to fully fledged novels?
Thanks,
Lorrie

Hi again... I have thought of a question now! What are the books you have read and reread most often? And, if different, what book would you most like to have written?

I also wanted to add how much I also appreciated your drawing of depression in Mercy Close. I have also had depression (thankfully less severely than Helen), and felt you wrote incredibly accurately and thoughtfully about it.

Gutted that I can't make this!

Who are your favourite authors and does it feel odd to think that so many people think of you in the way that you think of them?

Also just wanted to add, that the first time I read Rachel's holiday, I finished it whilst in the middle of a horrific sinus infection. The floods of tears that the end of that book brings on are very very painful if you have a sinus infection.

Just sayin.....

I love Marian's books. I read Rachel's Holiday first, and then lent it to a friend, who gave it back to me after reading only one chapter, saying "it wasn't really her thing, too fluffy". I told her to go away and read the rest, it was worth it. Well she did, and she agreed and was hooked as well.

I also realised, reading it, that Marian had either done her research really really well, or knew more about what Rachel went through than your average author - the authenticity rang out.

Anyone who places Marian Keyes in the fluffy chicklit genre hasn't actually read her books properly, IMO.

Hi Marian

Just to say that although your books aren't my cup of tea (not enough spaceships and zombies) I always love seeing you chat on Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two and really hope you'll be back for visits this year.

I'm seconding the question about which pro you'd choose if you went on Strictly. I know you're a big Lilia fan and they're thinking of having a same sex couple this year....if this is fantasy casting then they could bring her back.

First, I wanted to say that Helen's description of depression in Mercy Close is the single best description of how it feels that I have read. It also really helped me to remember Helen's words when I felt bad.Thank you!

Now my question - I have read all your books and particularly love the cookbook, Saved by Cake, which I really needed in order to actually bake something edible as there were tips in there that I'd never seen before as a complete baking novice someone whose baking tastes like poison

Is there any chance of another one about cooking savory dishes (as I am crap at that too and need all the help I can get)?

I also have a question about the fabulous Rachel's Holiday - did you plan the pacing of the novel, or did it just evolve naturally?

This charming man really affected me when i read it. I found it quite different in style to some
Of your other books (I admit I haven't read all of your books, yet) why did you write that story?

I love you Marian.

I have a question.

When writing the earlier Walsh family books, did you always know that Helen would suffer from depression? Or was it something you decided when writing The Mystery of Mercy Close?

Dear Marian, you are an absolute heroine of mine and I've been reading your books since Watermelon was first published. I wanted to ask you which of your characters was the most interesting to write and which of the Walsh sisters is your favourite?

I love all of your books but This Charming Man is my favourite and Marnie is such a heartbreaking and brilliantly written character.

What are your top tips for an aspiring writer? How do you write about gritty issues in an easy to read way and include humour too?

Anybody Out There broke my heart! Do you draw on real life experiences to be able to convey emotive issues so well?

Hello Marian I am a huge fan. Rachel's holiday is one of the best books I have ever read. Her slow painful realisation of how bad her illness had got is extremely moving. Another huge favourite is Last Chance Saloon, every single character is brilliant, I can't pick a favourite Katherine with a K at the moment I never tire of rereading either of them.

My question is about Mammy Walsh, I loved her A to Z but I would love a whole story about her (or Daddy Walsh for that matter) Is there any possibility of that?

Last Chance Saloon.
Tara's fuckwit boyfriend Thomas
(and his purse). He was so recognisable I wondered if Marian was drawing on RL when she dreamt him up. Would love to know.

Hi Marian !
I have read and enjoyed all your books - and then gone back to them at a later date and read them again. I think the book that had a really profound affect on me was Watermelon. I read it from cover to cover in bed after an horrific breakup from an abusive relationship. It helped and helped me focus and put things in perspective. Thank you!
I wanted to ask how you get the ideas for your books? Also I know it's personal but how do you stay 'dry'? Is it easy now or a constant battle?

Marian I think you are amazing . I love all your books.

I love Marian. Rachel's Holiday and Lucy Sullivan, and others of hers saved my life, no word of a lie.

I love how she writes about depression, and I know she has her own struggles with the Black Dog. I have the utmost respect for her and just want her to know that her books are like my best friends, my dog eared and well read copies of each have pride of place on my bookshelves.

I don't really have a question, I just wanted to share some love.

Marion you are wonderful. I love your books. I don't think any other book has me me laugh as much as Last Chance Saloon. I enjoyed it so much I restarted it as soon as I finished. Then DH read it to see what was so funny.

I slept with Rachel's holiday under my pillow for a few nights when I finished it as I was so sorry to get to the end of it.

No question. Just wanted to tell you you are fab!

I love Marian and always buy her books in hard back.

My question is, what your current favourite make up/beauty item? Afraid I'm not on Twitter much now to get your recommendations and I miss them!

You are amazing! Xxx

I LOVE you Marian! You have made me laugh and cry. I would really like to know how you gave up alcohol. I know it isn't book related. Also your inspiration for the Walsh family.

I got this book for Christmas and loved it. I've read all of marians books and I always sit down to read the next one with relish.

I will come back with a question.

Hi Marian, welcome to Mumsnet!

Do you remember meeting me at a book signing in Sydney about 15 years ago? I remember meeting you I think it was for Sushi For Beginners. You were lovely - we had quite a chat and I love your accent.

So my question is about book signings. Do you like them or are they a necessary evil?