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When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? Or what first inspired you to write?

Many things. Firstly, publishing my father’s life story gave me my first true experience of putting together an interesting personal story and the processes involved – it was a hard back full-colour coffee table book Hurricane Hutch’s Top 10 Ships of the Clyde – we learned fast about design, researching images and permissions, the print and marketing demands. Then, after joining a writing retreat I discovered I really enjoyed shaping and telling stories about my own childhood, about relationships and the twists and turns of life. There was quite a bit of preparation for the course with best-selling author Mavis Cheek – we had writing homework to do – I found I loved the experience and indeed the 12 short stories and poetry I developed were the beginnings of what is now My Life in 37 Therapies. During my career, although there was plenty of creative writing to do with work, but it was never about anything personal. Now it is.

Where/When do you best like to write?

I like to set myself targets and I set aside blocks of time to write – half days, full days, evenings, even a week. I need to have enough time to balance walking, being out in nature, exercise (mainly yoga) and quiet time to help me think, plan and write. But I always know when I’m ready - I immediately get cracking and write freely and energetically. I then work with an editor to refine the structure and content of the story.

Do you have any interesting writing habits or superstitions?

When I’m in the flow of writing I always keep a notebook and pen by my bed as I often wake up in the middle of the night, two, three, four times, with ideas that need to be in the story when I start writing the next day.

What do you think makes a good story?

I like stories with kindness and heart, surprises or a shocking turn of events, a mix of joy and sadness and at the end, some deep, universal truths about life. Structure is also key. A clear beginning, a meaty core, and a sense of release at the end.

What inspired your story?

My own burnout. Although I didn’t realise it at the time, it was a breakdown of sorts and something that changed my life and led me in a completely new direction. I tried things I’d never tried before. Once I had recovered, I wanted to share the story.

How does a new story idea come to you?

Usually in the middle of the night or when I’m out on my own walking, listening to the birds and stopping to sit on a bench with my notebook. I may not know exactly where it fits but I feel inspired to write about the idea as soon as I return home.

Is there a message/theme in your book that you want readers to grasp?

The passage of time and all of life is important to enjoy – no matter what you are going through – happy or sad, easy or not, don’t let a single moment slip by without recognizing it has meaning for you. At my time of life now, looking back, I find I enjoy life more every day. I am only now beginning to understand a little of what life is about and why things happened as they did in my life. The experiences made me sit up and take notice. Before this I was just rushing through life, in too much of a hurry to notice or appreciate, all that I had.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Just the simple act of being open and telling my personal story has connected me with so many people who recognize something of their own life experience in the pages of my book. It is wonderful when someone feels comfort from reading the story.

What was your greatest challenge in writing this book?

Prioritising my own writing over other demands. As a woman I have always prioritised others – especially men - before myself and so my book always was put to the back of the pile. (Thankfully one day in 2018 I met the all-girl team at Red Door who had read my manuscript and they immediately said they wanted to publish my book and wanted to help me get it done. They helped me enormously.)

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Nora Ephron

Jane Austen

Sheila Heti

Kazuo Ishiguro

What person(s) has/have helped you the most in your career?

Too many to mention but my business partner Richard Dikstra has always supported my career since University days when we met at Glasgow University. Pam Masters who ran a major division of the BBC and Channel 4 and gave me a number of career opportunities. John Bond of White Fox has helped me in Publishing and Writing.

What’s the best writing advice you have ever received?

Always work with experts – no matter what experience you have in the Creative Industries, never assume you know best. There are so many great experts in the business – so seek out and learn from the best.

What is the one book no writer should be without?

Writer’s & Artist’s Yearbook

If your book was turned into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?

a. Cate Blanchett – Kay

b. Tom Hanks – Jonathan

c. Alex Baldwin – Graham

d. Catherine Zeta Jones - Daisy