Webchat with Marian Keyes, Thursday 18 February, 9-10pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Author Marian Keyes is returning to Mumsnet on Thursday 18th February between 9 and 10pm. Marian’s last visit was a huge success and we’re delighted that she’s agreed to join us this time for an evening webchat, to tell us about her new non-fiction book.

Making it up as I go along presents Marian’s funny, candid and heartfelt observations on modern life. It’s her third collection of essays (her first to be written in the twitter era) and shares her thoughts on the tricky business of being a woman in today’s demanding world.

Come and chat to Marian on Thursday 18th Feb between 9 and 10pm or if you're unable to join us at that time, post up your questions for Marian in advance on this thread.

Hi Marian, I love your books. I love the balance between light and dark. Thank you for writing them

My friend had Guillain-Barre syndrome so I found The Woman Who Stole My Life an unexpectedly intense and emotional read.

You've been very open about being an alcoholic and living with depression. Your honesty is inspirational, But do you ever think 'oh, I wish I hadn't shared that?'

I'm looking forward to reading your new collection of essays.

Love love love every single book you've written Marian.

My question - with regards to banjoing furniture (I love your creations!) did you know banjoing means something entirely different according to Urban Dictionary?

Oh and please more Walsh family dramas

Hi Marian,

Hope you're well and thanks for doing this chat. It's always nice to get to know or learn about authors. My question is what book are you reading at the moment? And if you could co-write with someone who's would that be?

I don't have a question, but wanted to weigh in with a(nother) fan post. I enjoyed all of your books, but especially love the way you do serious issues, and the way they're woman-friendly too. As god knows most books are not.

Ah Marian, I luffs you, truly. I love your books, your taste, your honesty.

In one of your books you said 'everyone knows that food eaten standing up has no calories ...' My question is: Is this really true? Because I can't tell you how much freedom that fact brought to me.
Also, if one only eats half a biscuit, then puts the other half back in the packet (same applies to breakfast bars, Snickers, etc) are the calories consumed similarly ethereal? - Because they weren't really consumed were they? Being only half, and not taken out of their wrapper, etc.

I am place marking, as I think you are my favourite author, Marian! I can't wait until Dd is old enough for me to pass your books onto her.

Another big fan. I even referred to your books when doing my English degree and converted a lecturer.

My favourite is Rachel's holiday, so clear that you understand addiction. But also have thoroughly enjoyed your other work including articles.

As a fellow depressive what one thing would you like to change for women with mental illness?

Currently reading new book and enjoying it. Would just like to add my total respect to marian for being so candid about mental health issues and addiction. Your honesty brings a lot of comfort to many. My question is : Do you venture North of the border at all and if so, what is your impression of the place? ( won't be offended

Hi Marian

I know you watch Strictly but wouldn't do it yourself but who would be in your dream cast for 2016 and are you over Jameliagate yet?!

Ooh and I think I may have asked before but what inspired the ex/artist getting rid of all of his belongings in The woman who...
Do you declutter/Kondo or are you a collector? (Think I prefer this term to hoarder! )

I'd like to ask you what you think about the cuts to Mental Health services, and the lack of beds for women? A friend of mine recently had to wait days and eventually was sent miles away from her home and family after they sectioned her, causing her further unnecessary distress. She's currently on a ward with three loos between twenty unwell women, it's noisy and uncomfortable.

Another huge fan here. I've devoured all your books and read most more than once.

My question is: Is someone you know an actuary? I was ridiculously excited to read about an actuary in a fictional novel as it's not a career that usually features heavily in literature or film (in fact I can't think of a single other instance) - with good reason I suspect... In fact now that I think about it nearly all of your characters have very normal jobs and you always depict the tedium and ridiculous nature of all kinds of work very accurately and humorously. Do you draw on your own work history to do this or do you get input from friends?

Hi Marian, as with other posters I love all your books! My absolute favourite is Rachel's Holiday and I've read loads of times over the years, especially when I need a good laugh! Which leads me to my question... what are your 'go-to' reads when you want to read something laugh out loud funny?

You've inspired me to follow a dream and write. I've been writing for thirty years but now I'm writing a novel that I want to submit for publication. What is the best advice you can give a novice like me? X

Hey Marian - love your books and have really all of them more that once (saddo!) Just wanted to say your description of Fintan's illness in Last Chance Saloon made me nag my brother to go back to the Drs when he was getting fobbed off when he was really poorly with a variety of symptoms that no one would take seriously and he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Lukemia on the back of a blood test I made him have - saved his life and I always credit you with that!

Another one that would love another Walsh family story!

Hello, as you are known in this family, "Our Mar."

Now we do have a Marian in the family (we're Irish, no shock there!) and she is "Our Mar" so you get the title when she's not in earshot.
I folly ya on the twitters and you folly me (huge moment in the house when I got the folly back, celebratory tae was had).

I live in England and you are part of what keeps me connected to the rain sodden rock I grew upon and miss.

This is just a few notes in more than 140 characters to say thank you.
Your books have made me laugh and cry. Your TV appearance I have giggled at and as for the twitters well....hilarious and so humane.

My mother lives in Connemara and my sister in Dublin. We have a whatsapp group for Strictly comments while watching and often times interjected is what Our Mar thinks on Twitter.

So this is a rambly with no question just a keep doing what your doing, you are much loved by us in our little family.

Hi Marian, I love your books. Just wondered if any of them are going to be made into a film at all? I'd love to see the Walsh sisters on screen although people would have strong views as to what they should look/be like!

Hi

I'm not really much of a fiction reader but I loved your under the duvet books-any plans to do another?

Hi Marian, just wanted to ask what your reaction is when people refer to your work as "chick lit". Do you find it offensive?

Hi Marian. Love your books, especially the Walsh books but couldn't really pick a favourite. If you had to pick a favourite amongst your own titles, what would it be and why? Thanks

Hi Marian. Another aspiring writer being crippled by the dreaded procrastination (hence posting on here). I'm just wondering whether you ever procrastinate and, if you do, how you make yourself overcome it?

for some wonderful books.

Only discovered Marian Keyes books a couple of months ago. Completely addictive!

Is there one character that you mostly relate to in your books? Particularly from the Walsh family?

I love, love, love Marian! I adore all your books but especially 'Rachel's Holiday'.

My question is, which is your favourite 'leading man' from all the books you've written and is he based on anyone in real life?

I don't know what Marian has done to her face lately but she looks amazing.