Tell us about the location you chose for your SUNLOUNGER short story… I chose the area around Fornalutx in Majorca. I love Majorca. I first holidayed there fifteen years ago on a super-cheap package trip to Alcudia. We took a day trip to Soller and I was hooked by the dramatic landscape and the charming hill towns. I’ve been back to Majorca six times since then. Most recently I stayed in B Casa Mi, an elegant house split into four well-equipped, modern apartments, right in the centre of Fornalutx (available for rent through Majorca Dream Homes). It’s a beautiful place with a lovely shaded courtyard complete with tinkling fountain. The roof terrace has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun go down. On my first night there, the sunset turned the rocks such a dramatic vibrant red that it was as though God had been messing around on Photoshop.
Have your books featured any exotic destinations? I’ve set a couple of my books in Los Angeles (RUNNING AWAY FROM RICHARD and CRAZY IN LOVE) and one in the Hamptons (MARRYING FOR MONEY). Oh, and last year’s book – WHAT I DID ON MY HOLIDAYS – features a heroine who is going to Majorca with her boyfriend. He dumps her the night before they’re supposed to fly. You’ll have to read the book to find out if she catches her plane!
If you could live anywhere in the world… I’ve always loved California and spent quite a bit of time there trying to launch a film writing career. I loved the lifestyle. I especially loved not having to dress for four seasons in one day, which is the norm in London (cold, wet, too hot on the tube…). I loved the Angelenos too. Good weather definitely makes people more optimistic. I often wonder why I came back from Los Angeles. To Balham…
Destination you’ve returned to the most times? It’s a tie between Los Angeles, for the sun, the laid-back lifestyle and the food and Paris, for the food, the fashion and the wine.
Ticket, passport, money and… My Kindle. I get through at least a book a day on my hols. Used to take up an awful lot of my baggage allowance.
Favourite cuisine from around the world? I’m torn between Indian and Italian food. Italian has the edge, I think. I love burrata (a soft cheese like mozarella) with cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.
Favourite holiday cocktail? I’m really not a fan of cocktails. It’s a straight-up glass of champagne for me every time. Or chilled white wine if it’s not pay day. A nice glass of Muller Thurgau – a fresh Italian white – comes to mind.
What was your best/worst holiday romance? I’ve never had one! I have met some very nice people on trains and aeroplanes though and some of them have become friends. I once accidentally spilled tea on my seat-mate on the Eurostar. We got chatting and a week later he sent me some much better tea from Mariage Freres. He should have sent me his dry-cleaning bill!
