We sat down with Katie Fforde, author of nearly thirty novels and long-term inhabitant of Stroud.
When were you happiest?
I think I’m at my happiest now really. But maybe I’ll be happier next year! I think it’s a state of mind really.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
My biggest disappointment is discovering that magic isn’t real. I’m hoping it’ll turn out I’m wrong about that.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
I think my guiltiest pleasure is making peppermint creams with very very dark chocolate on them. It’s the guilt that goes on giving – when you make them and when you eat them.
What is your favourite smell?
Hard to say what my favourite smell is – it’s probably from something growing in my garden. Lily of the valley say. (Out now!).
Who would play you in a film about your life?
Hard to say who would play me in a film about my life. I’d be tempted to choose someone with a better figure and more hair. Maybe Brenda Blethyn.
What do you like the most about living in the Stroud district?
I’ve lived here for 40 years and I still don’t know if it’s the people or the landscape that makes me love Stroud. I’m not sure it really matters!
What would you improve about our locality?
I’m not sure Stroud needs any improvement, it’s fine as it is, but I do find the hills more of a struggle these days.
What is your ideal weekend?
My ideal weekend involves lunch with all the family, a good film on tv and a dog walk. Maybe crumpets for tea as well.
What is top of your bucket list?
I don’t really have a bucket list. Everything I really care about is close to home. But I would love to go on another road trip with my friend Jo.
We’ve been to some amazing places included Swedish Lapland. She’s a writer too and it’s called research.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Life has taught me that if you are really determined and are prepared to dedicate yourself to it, you can achieve your goals. I’d wanted to be a writer for a very long time and eventually, I achieved it.
What public figures do you most admire?
Currently, I really admire the National Health Service. They’ve worked miracles recently. We can’t be grateful enough really.
Who is the most famous person in your phone?
I don’t think I’ve got anyone famous in my phone. How disappointing!
What are your best and worst qualities?
My best quality (I hope) is that I’m not judgemental (although I probably am if I thought about it.) My worst quality is how untidy I am. My office is a disgrace.
What book, song and drink would you take on your desert island?
The book I’d take to an uninhabited island is a huge anthology of poetry, the song would be Take me back to Mendecino by the McGarragles and the drink (assuming there’s water on the island) would be champagne. I don’t drink very much anymore but there’s nothing like a glass of fizz if you’re feeling low.
More on Katie HERE
