5 Questions with Sue Lawrence

1. Are there any particular events that you are looking forward to for this year’s festival?

So many brilliant authors this year, but I always love listening to Rev Richard Coles with whom I had the pleasure to  chat to on Saturday Live recently. 

2. You’ve just ventured into fiction with your work, Fields of Blue Fax, which explores family relationships in both present day and Victorian Scotland. What was your inspiration for this story?

Having done my own family research and a fan of Who Do You Think You Are on tv, I was fascinated by what people might find out about their past.  My novel  has been described as a genealogical mystery ; it’s quite dark. Also, having trained as a journalist,  I find writing fiction liberating – I love it.

3. You also won BBC’s first ever Masterchef, a tremendous accomplishment. If you could see any author compete on today’s Masterchef, who would it be and why?

I think today’s Masterchef is  far too stressful and would rather my favourite authors were  cooking up plots for their next masterpiece than slogging over the stove!

4. What is your favourite fictional genre?

I enjoy literary fiction and historical fiction. I also enjoy women’s commercial fiction.  

5. If you were stranded on an island with only one book and one meal, what would they be and why?

Meal: Lobster and chips, home made mayo and salad - then something indulgent and chocolatey .

Book: “Like Water for Chocolate “ by Laura Esquivel – I  love the magical realism in her pacey novel which is also smattered with excellent recipes.. which could come in handy.

Tickets are still available for Afternoon Tea with Sue Lawrence at 4.30pm on Wednesday 30th September. To book, please call the box office on 01988 403222. Tickets £8.