Live webchat with India Knight, Monday 13th December -1 - 2pm

[RachelMumsnet]

We're very happy that India Knight is joining us again for a live webchat on Monday lunchtime between 1 and 2pm. India needs no introduction to mumsnetters, who enjoyed a live chat with her back in summer 2007, when she discussed everything from Special Needs to Crocs. If you haven't already seen it, we've got an extract from India's new novel, Comfort and Joy, about families and Christmas, which Jilly Cooper says is "hilarious, bawdy yet touching" - bit like MN, then. Put the date in your diary for next Monday at 1pm or send in a question in advance to this thread.

Re lifetime thing - I asked myself the same question and had to conclude yes, I am afraid

Hello! Just checking this works, and then making a cup of tea and then coming back in three mins.

It does and I'm a fetching shade of Grinch-green. Back in a sec.

Tea's brewed and India's with us to answer your questions over the next hour. If you haven't already, do check out the extract from India's latest book Comfort and Joy. Welcome back to Mumsnet, India Knight...

Yoohoo, Rachel, can I start?

Right. I'm going to answer Qs from the bottom (of the thread)

Hello India. I would say, "Welcome to MN", but I very much doubt that this is your first time here. I won't waste my one question asking whether you post or just lurk, but if you want to answer that one in a BOGOF fashion, feel free.

I am still waiting for my Big Hair thingy to arrive, btw, after following your Twitter recommendation.

I would like to know what one piece of advice you would give to new parents. What do you wish someone would have told you before you became a mum for the first time?

Hi India. I love your books and am beyond thrilled to get the new one for Christmas! Any plans for a book in the New Year?

@SuePurblybiltByElves

OOOooooooo I love India. I've just been saying nice things about her books in Adult Fiction, including the new one (which I am reading now, despite it being meant as a Christmas present).I like her blog too (most make me want to break the interweb)

My question: India, to what extent is the character of Clara autobiographical? And do you have any tips on maintaining an air of unflappable fabulousness whilst secretly being a self-doubting, accident-prone and slightly paranoid person? Cos that's how I read Clara and I soooooo relate .

Thanks very much. She's about 60% autobiographical. And the unflappable fabulousness is all smoke and mirrors, for Clara as well as for me as well as for every single woman in the world, I think.

@tiktok

I like India a lot, too :)

I know she is an expert shopper - I'd like to ask if she researches her shopping on line first, or does she just go on a mission to browse and hope she finds things by luck? I follow her blog and have seen lots of good stuff on it.

Thank you - it's a combo of things friends recommend, things I have and love, things I stumble across online and some random browsing.

Tis I in my X Factor name

@GetOrfMoiLand

I love her. I think she is bloody marvellous. She is up there with Jilly Cooper, Caitlin Moran and Janice Turner as angels of life.

I'm handing you a brown envelope crammed with fivers.

@midnightexpress

India, what is your very favourite item from the Pedlars website?

We are v keen on the Michelin spanners on MN. And I like the £325 kitchen bin.

The old 70s poster that says 'no jumping, no diving, NO PETTING'.

@FellatioNelson

India - I've read both your novels and they seem like thinly veiled autobiographies, or at least borrowing very heavily from your real life experiences. Doesn't it make you feel vulnerable putting so much of yourself into a novel in such an obvious way?

(won't be able to be here on Monday unfortunately - will be enjoying a lovely 5 hour drive instead. but PLEASE answer my question!)

PS - loved Pig To Twig. Was Pig, then Twig, currently trying to fend off the Pig again.

I think all novels borrow heavily from life, or at least from life experience - I mean, you write about what you know, and then you disguise it as much or as little as you're comfortable with. As I was just saying to someone earlier, they're only autobiographical to an extent - quite a lot of stuff is just completely made up, and hopefully people can't see the joins. Vulnerable - yes, a bit I suppose, but then writing anything AT ALL makes you feel vulnerable.

@bluebump

I bought the Persephone 2011 diary after a link from Twitter led me to your website, all in the space of 10 mins, i've not dare go back to your site after that for fear of getting my credit card out again

I can't think of a question yet but I'll be along for the webchat.

Glad you like it - I love doing that blog. Which is odd, because it's the only writing I do that I'm not paid for.

Hi India, Im a follower of your's on Twitter, I wondered how much time you think you spend on their every week and can you remember what you did with all that time pre -Twitter? I know I cant! Also, who are your favourites to follow on there. THanks

@traceybath

Oh I love India and she replied to me on twittter so we're like best mates anyway

But yes loved her books and please India could you write a much longer one next time. Also got into Anglomania after reading about that label on your blog.

Your wish, my command - starting writing new HUGE GIANT EXTRA LONG one in Jan.

@Alouiseg

Who is your favourite Twitterer? Obviously you can't say me, even though you replied to me once.

I love all the people I follow for wildly different reasons, so it's hard to pick one. Note impeccably diplomatic answer.

@MollieO

India, do you still follow your pig 2 twig diet?

On and off. Not at the moment, yes in January (bloody January, I hate the way everyone feels compelled to diet).

Which other journalists/columnists are you a fan of? And which ones do you wish would just shut up?

@said

You were on The Wright Stuff the other day and I couldn't help noticing your roots. Have you decided to give up the bottle or was it a case of just couldn't be arsed to tip your head over the sink and do them yourself the night before?

Yes! My roots! I forgot about them - they seem to appear practically overnight these days - and then I forgot to ask the makeup person to put mascara on them. I'm having them done tomorrow, you'll be pleased to hear (DIY ok but not ideal because black hair dye often = dead crow).

@traceybath

Oh my god - you went on the Wright stuff - how did you not thump the cretin?

He's nice really. No, really.

@coffeeinbed

I love India.
Anyone whose recommendations help me get a Christmas present - I'm bloody useless at presents - is an angel in my books.
And she knows her perfumes, I do know that for a fact!

off to get the new book.( well, tomorrow, but you get the idea)
So what's your favourite new release, perfumewise?

Dans Tes Bras by Frederic Malle (newish). Smells of really nice skin.

@SuePurblybiltByElves

Love Barbara Daly make-up. Covet Big Hair thing.

Big Hair thing is a miracle. A MIRACLE.

@matildarosepink

Love India.

A question: Have any of the big website offered you a kind of affiliation deal? If not, would you consider it? Lots of people follow your advice on shopping, especially at this time of year.

Alternatively, have you thought about starting your own?

Thank you! It's just something I do for fun, so I wouldn't affiliate myself to anyone - I'd feel indebted in a way I don't especially fancy. I'd answer precisely the opposite way if I was trying to make money from it, but I'm not.