Come and chat to author Marian Keyes: Monday 4 June, 9pm

[RachelMumsnet]

Book club special: We’re excited to announce that Mumsnet fave Marian Keyes will be joining us on this thread for a webchat on Monday 4 June between 9 and 10pm, when she'll be answering your questions about her writing, life and hopefully throwing in a few beauty tips along the way.

Marian last joined us in Feb 2016. With no less than 13 novels, three collections of journalism, alongside an extremely honest account of her battle with depression, Saved by Cake, she’s one of Ireland’s greatest and most successful ever novelists. Her latest novel The Break - just out in paperback - has been described as “Marian Keyes at her funniest, wisest, glorious” (Nina Stibbe). Marian was a vocal part in the 'Yes' campaign in the recent Irish referendum. Her social channels on Twitter and Instagram are followed by over 190k collectively.

Join Marian on Monday at 9pm - or post up a Q for her on this thread in advance. Join the chat for chance to win one of FIVE copies of The Break. Names will be pulled out of the hat just after the webchat

Marian - I love you and your books.
If I'm having a bad day and someone asks how I am after saying ' fine, fine ( as you do!) - I mutter ' not so mad fan actually' under my breath.
I have read them all - you are a superstar xx

Who is Lorcan Larkin based on?? grin
Hi GoodAfternoon Seattle, he's not based on anyone. None of my character are. But! Let me tell you this mad story. I was at a funeral and this woman sez to me, Oh we have a friend in common. Who's that, I asked. Then she said some man's name and I had NEVER heard of him. I told her and she said, Oh, but he says you based Lorcan Larkin on him. He boasts about it.
So I had to tell her that this man was mistaken. Also! Lorcan Larkin is possibly the most terrible person I've ever created and it's beyond me why ANYONE would boast that he was LL's inspiration.
But people are odd, right?
Thanks a million xxx

Hi Marion,
Not a question but my cousin and I pretend you are our best friend. We are grown women in our 30's. I am so embarrassed !
Thankyou for your brilliant books!

Oh and Marnie - the lows - the hope for the future - brilliant writing that can only be done if you have felt denial, despair and pain yourself.

Will we be seeing you on the It Takes Two sofa this year, Marian? If Pasha were unavailable on the show for any reason, who would be your second dancer of choice?

Hi Welltidy, well I met the lovely Zoe Ball last week, (recording her great new show for ITV) and I BEGGED to be let back on the sofa, and she made positive noises, so I hope so.
I think Kevin from Grimsby would be great fun to dance with.
And I think Anton du Beke would be patient and kind, which would suit someone as crap as I'd be.
Thanks for the queston, I can't WAIT for it to be back. Not long to go now! xxxxxx

Sometimes when I'm having a particularly shite day I'll model myself on Katherine Casey and stare people down, sometimes until they run off crying. I'm assuming you do this too and if so, has it ever backfired?

Hi Jellyfishandchips, I do it the odd time and yes indeed, people give me startled looks in return! Thank you, that was a lovely thing you said there xxxxxx

To Marvellous Magnificent Marian...

Your books have been with me since....oooooh well its quite a long time actually and they each resonate with me. Those well thumbed paperbacks have been my companions in good times and bad and so they happily live on my bookshelf with their crinkly spines and bus tickets for bookmarks.

This Charming Man was the book that woke me up because I was with a "Charming" Man. Except he wasn't. And I thank you for helping me find the courage to leave.

Best wishes from another Percy Pig fan.

Mrsdilligaf, thank you for your message. Thank you for telling me this. I'm so glad you got out of that horrible situation. Also, Percy Pigs are wonderful. Thank you again xxxxx

Thank so for the reply, Marian. I agree, Kevin From Grimsby does indeed seem to be a great teacher, I really warmed to him last season when he was so kind and patient with Susan. Until then, he had been haven more able dancers who seemed easier to choreograph for and show off, but he was great with Susan.

Not a patch on Pasha though, is he?

As you are probably off now - could I just say I hope you are feeling 'mad fan' these days - you bring us a lot of pleasure and you deserve all things good.

Now that Ireland is slowly making its way into a new era, what other changes would you want to see, and what things would you want to stay the same?
Hello Repealrepealrepeal, the next change I'd like to see is the women in Northern Ireland getting their rights.
After that, I'd like for asylum seekers, who live in direct provision, be given the right to work.
I'd like the Catholic church to remove themselves from Irish schools (they currently run 92% of them.)
I'd like to see freedom of belief to continue so that those who follow a religion can practice and teach their children about it.
This would be a good solid start, I feel. Ireland is a great country and a lovely place to live and these changes would just make it even better xxxx

Thanks Marian for getting through so many questions. As you pointed out at the beginning - it's testimony to our love that so many Mnetters have turned out on the first night of new season of Love Island. Congratulations on The Break and please do join us again when you're next book is out next year XX

Winners will be announced in next 5 mins ..the MN hat is overflowing tonight....

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful questions. I'm sorry I didn't get to answer them all.
thank you also to those of you who sent nice messages.
And thank you Mumsnet for having me!
Night night! xxxxx

It’s been lovely having you here. You’ve brought so much laughter and joy. I often buy the paper just to read your column!! Everything you write is sunshine to me and always has been xx

Congratulations to....RedpandaFluff, BettyPitts, DurhamDurham, Graphista and dontcallmelen, you've each won a copy of The Break. We'll send you a PM in the morning to let you know how to claim your prize.

Wow! That's honestly made my day. Thank you very much

Oooh lovely thank you very much.

Oh wow! Thank you - I'm delighted

Just woke up to find out I've won a copy of The Break, thank you so much, that's a brilliant start to the day

I haven't had a PM yet, not sure if I've missed it as I'm on the mobile app?

No PM for me yet either . . .

Or me.

I don't think any of us have yet

Anyone else had a PM yet? I'm trying not to sound whiny

apologies - pms will be sent out later today ! Thanks for reminder

Thanks Rachel