Webchat with DAWN FRENCH, Wednesday 21 October, 1.45-2.30pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Hi everyone,

We're delighted that Dawn French will be joining us for a webchat about her new novel, According to Yes on Wednesday 21 October from 1.45 to 2.30pm.

In 2010 Dawn's first novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous became the biggest selling debut hardback fiction ever and was followed two years later by Oh Dear Sylvia. On the launch of both books she visited MNHQ for webchats and we’re thrilled that she is coming back to chat about her latest novel.

Everyone who joins the thread will be entered into a draw to win one of three signed copies of the novel. If you're unable to make it on Wednesday, post your questions here in advance.

Ask her if she has Richard Armitage's phone number, and can I have it?

Can I be sons in line Danny? He's lush!!!

That should be second in line!

I am not selfish. I will share

Hi Dawn, thanks for coming to chat to us here on Mumsnet
Can you tell us a bit about your new novel - plot and characters and such like?
I haven't read your other novels - yet - but I did enjoy your autobiography very much. You could tell us a bit about your other books too?
I also love the gentle Vicar of Dibley series - thank you for that sweet gift to the nation, and all the other ways you've entertained us and made us laugh through the years

No question, just wanted to wave and say hello to Dawn

Ooh great. I love Dawn French. Will return with my question shortly.

Dawn - thank you for coming on, I love your work.

What's your best way of beating writers block?

Awesome! Cannot wait for this!

Which comedians do you most admire?

Quick update: we've had to push the webchat back by 15 mins so it will now run from 1.45pm - 2.30. Look forward to seeing you there.

Hi dawn, I appreciate you have been through various personal issues including leaving a long term relationship, having a child, dramatic weight loss to name a few, how has this shaped your previous books, and have you drawn on any personal experiences in order to write this new book? :)

P.s I would have Richard Armitage's address if the phone number has gone?

Hi dawn, love you and your first two books, really looking forward to this one.

Do you think modern society is going downhill now lots of library's are being closed? It does make it more difficult to read from paper. Personally I love to read a paper book, but these days I just buy everything eletronical as I don't have the space to store books. Do you think vat should be dropped off eBook sales? Do you read paper or ebooks?

Hi Dawn, not a book related question but I just need to know - HOW do you get your HAIR so SHINEY?!

Kia ora Dawn!
Are you looking forward to coming to N.Z?!
Is it somewhere you would ever consider retiring to?!
I would love to catch up when you're here next year! Hope you remember me from my Beeb (CBBC) days!

Hi Dawn, thanks for coming to chat to us. I loved your previous books and am looking forward to this one enormously.

Are your characters ever based on people you know or have encountered? If so, do you worry they might recognise themselves?

Also loved Vicar of Dibley - it's my go to dvd if I'm under the weather as it never fails to cheer me up.

wondering, as a huge fan, if you get to read your mail and get your gifts, if any?

Hello Dawn!
If your daughter were to follow in your footsteps career-wise, would you prefer for her to choose writing, acting, or comedy, and why?

Hi Dawn, you seem to have been concentrating on writing lately & it seems a long time since you did live stand up, are you looking forward to your solo show in London next month?

Hello Dawn, love your work! My question for you is..

'How do you choose (and commit) to your creative projects and have such a fabulous centre & confidence about you?'

That's one question its all about confidence! Most of us panic at the thought of performing or being on telly, and find it tough to find our creative centre.

Best wishes for the future.

How do you get your hair so shiny? I was admiring it when you were in Graham Norton!

Hi Dawn,

I'm a huge fan here in the U.S. You are amazing in all things you have done. I have dvds and the books you have written. So looking forward to the new one. I pre-ordered it even before it had a title :).

Will you ever return to TV to be in a series do you think? in a new version of Vicar of Dibley maybe, and will there ever be a reunion with Jennifer on TV again?

Lastly, please consider having your 30 Million Minutes come out on DVD for those of us who won't be able to see it...Big love to you :)

Hi Dawn, what are your favourite three books ? Apart from yours,of course!

Hi Dawn my great niece is at Falmouth and was thrilled to see you! Love all your books-how about some for 11 years and older children?

1. Which novel do you wish you had written?

1. How do you feel about the way female writers are marketed? Do you feel that chick lit style book covers make a difference to how a novel is perceived?

1. What makes literature 'good?'