Non-fiction book of the month: The Actual One by Isy Suttie. ANSWERS BACK!

[SorchaMumsnet]

Our non-fiction book of the month for May is The Actual One, a hilarious account of how Isy Suttie tried and failed to remain twenty-something for ever.

From papier-mâché penguins to being stranded on a dual carriageway in nothing but a fur coat and trainers, The Actual One is an ode to the confusing wilderness of your late twenties, alongside a quest for a genuinely good relationship with a man who doesn't use moisturiser.

We've got 50 copies of The Actual One to give away to Mumsnetters who want to read and share their thoughts about it on this discussion. Go to the giveaway page to find out more about the book and apply for a free copy.

Isy will also be answering questions on here. Post your qs before 7 June and we'll send over a selection to Isy. We'll upload her answers in mid-June.

@SuzCG

Thank you so much for my copy of this book - very entertaining read!

Tells a quirky story of reluctantly growing up and how eventually not hitting rush hour becomes more important that having wild, spontaneous fun. The fact it was a true account really made me laugh along as I read it - most people will have a relatable moment whilst reading it, for sure.

My question for Isy is...

Being used to working in studio's for your TV & radio work, surrounded by people did you find the writing process difficult & lonely at all? How did you take to and adapt to this very different medium of comedy??

I didn't really, as I would only write for about 4 hours a day tops, then go out and see people. I think if I was alone at a computer for 8 hours a day it would have been a different story. Writing a book was, for me, a long process. I was always doing other bits and bobs alongside it and didn't block out 4 months to 'get it done', which I think would have felt far more intense.

@queenoftheschoolrun

Thanks for my free copy. I read this in just a couple of days whilst on holiday and could completely relate to the horror of hearing that your friends are settling down and having a baby! This didn't happen to me until my late twenties but still completely took me by surprise. It took me another 5 years or so before I felt ready for such things!

My question to Isy is - do you have a picture of the penguin? I'd love to see it!

No - blast my lack of camera at the time! My family has never been big on taking photos and I hardly take any photos. I also didn't realise what a big fixture Roy was to become in my work! So, sadly I just have my memories to rely on.

@jemago

Hi Isy, Loved the book and enjoyed the show in Belfast. Are you going to see the amazing Doug Anthony Allstars in soho theatre in August as they are playing after your show?

Thank you! I loved that Belfast gig. Yes I definitely will. Great act.

@mummyhereandthere

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to reading the book. I loved it and finished it!

Now you have entered the world of writing what is next in store?

Why do you feel you need a man to find happiness?

What is your advice to anyone who has split up?

Are you going have a baby, lol?

I am going to do another book, but I need to work out what about and if it's interesting to write about having a baby. I would love to write a darker book at some point, and a novel. But first I'm doing the second leg of the book tour in autumn and I'm filming a new sitcom for Channel 4 at the moment called Damned, so I'll keep my mind on what to do next writing wise and when I get a moment I'll see what feels right.

Brilliant replies, thank you Isy