I recently reviewed Jill Mansell's first U.S. title, An Offer You Can’t Refuse, and found it to be a great read; a book that you want to curl up with when you have hours to just sit and enjoy the book. Mansell is already much-loved in Britain and now her books are being released in the United States. I had the opportunity to interview the wonderfully witty author Jill Mansell and learn a little more about her and her writing:
Jill (Blogcritics): Please describe your latest book in 15 words or less:
Jill Mansell: Feisty, endearing London bookstore manager plans to win back the love of her life.
Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
During book signing sessions, I always used to ask the booksellers what weird and unusual things happened in their stores and they came out with some amazing stories that were just too good to waste! Also, I was interested in the bribery aspect of a mother offering a girl money to stay away from her son. When this happens in old films, usually the bad characters take the cash and the good ones refuse it. I wanted my character to be good (and she is – she’s lovely!) and forced by circumstances to take the money.
What do you want your readers to take away from this book?
Just the memory of having enjoyed it, I think! I write feel-good fiction that makes people laugh and sometimes cry. Readers tell me they escape into my books and want to live in them, which is a huge compliment. If I can cheer people up, I’m happy!
Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?
I write on the sofa in my living room or in bed with a fantastic view over the sports fields behind our house. But that can be a bit distracting when there are lots of gorgeous men racing around out there! I write my books by hand with a Harley Davidson fountain pen and always have the TV on while I’m working.
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