Q&A (and giveaway) with Polly Williams – Author of Afterwife

Chick Lit Plus is so excited to feature a Q&A with author, Polly Williams. She wrote AFTERWIFE, which got a 5 star review last week. Leave a comment below to be entered to win a copy of AFTERWIFE. One winner will be chosen at random on Friday, Feb 1st at 7AM.

When did you know writing was for you?

As far back as I can remember. I wrote stories and poetry from an early age – I still have the books now – which seems very industrious. But I grew up with three noisy brothers and I think writing and reading were what I did to escape into my own quieter girlie world. I studied English literature at university and went on to work as a journalist before writing my first novel. Writing has always been a major part of my life.
How would you describe your book?

I think Afterwife is a love story about a love that just won’t die.
What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?

I always get about a third of the way into a book and have a crisis. It’s rubbish! The characters don’t work! I have no idea what’s going to happen next! But I make myself work through it. So far, all my books have come together in the end. But often it’s not until the very end, so I have to keep the faith.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?

That I make a very good apple pie. I love to cook. I love to eat. I feel like cooking is the opposite of writing, it uses a different part of the brain. That’s why it’s relaxing to me.
What does your daily schedule look like?

Kids jump on head in morning. (I have three, aged four, five and nine.) Mad breakfast rush. Dash to school. Strong coffee. Pootle through the papers online. Write until three. Pick up kids. Put Mom hat on again.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?


Write.
What is your favorite book?

It changes all the time. My recent favourite book is Jeanette Winterson’s brilliant memoir, Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?

Favorite movie?



A Room With a View starring Helena Bonham Carter.
Who is your favorite literary character?



Elizabeth Bennett from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
Who is your writing inspiration?



Anne Frank.
What is your must have beauty product?

Sleep.
What advice would you give yourself ten years ago?

Stop doubting yourself, get on with it.

Any words of wisdom?

You can’t write a book when you’re dead!