Carole Matthews

Carole Matthews is the internationally bestselling author of nine outstandingly successful romantic comedy novels. Her unique sense of humour has won her critical acclaim and legions of fans around the world. For Better, For Worse was selected one of America’s top television book clubs sending it straight into the USA Today bestsellers chart.

Two of her books have been optioned by Hollywood. Carole has presented on television and is a regular radio guest. When she’s not writing, she finds time to trek in the Himalayas, rollerblade in Central Park, take tea in China and snooze in her garden shed in her native England.

Envisage yourself as an animal, which one would it be?

I’d like to be something cute, loveable with an unmistakable air of independence – I guess that makes me a cat.

Without the rude bits, describe your typical writing day

I don’t have any rude bits in my typical writing day – am I doing something wrong?
I’m very boring and disciplined. I get up around eight – attend to my email and post while my dearly-beloved makes breakfast. Then we’re both in the office by 10.00am. I write until lunchtime when we walk to buy a newspaper which we share as we eat lunch. Then back into the office until around 7.00pm, unless I run out of steam earlier. Told you it wasn’t very exciting. Maybe I should try to fit in some rude bits to liven it up a bit more…

Reality T.V. or a good documentary?

Always a good documentary – I can’t bear reality television with the exception of The Apprentice which I was glued to. You can keep all of these celebrity this, that and the other shows. Life is too short to spend time watching Z listers hanging out in the jungle.

Reality T.V. or a good documentary?

Always a good documentary – I can’t bear reality television with the exception of The Apprentice which I was glued to. You can keep all of these celebrity this, that and the other shows. Life is too short to spend time watching Z listers hanging out in the jungle.

What did you do to get published in the first place?

Write a book that was very commercial which hit the right desk at the right time. I was writing chick-lit when the Bridget Jones craze took off in the UK.

How long did it take to get a publishing deal after you bagged an agent?

A week – my agent sold my first book Let’s Meet on Platform 8 straight away. That was eight years ago in the UK. It just came out in the USA in August 2004. I think it’s still a nice book.

Fried Chicken or steamed Broccoli?

Head says steamed broccoli – I’m doing low GI in attempt to arrest writers’ bottom. Heart says fried chicken – and fries…

Can you remember anything remotely embarrassing about your very first book signing?

No. It all went amazingly smoothly. I went a lovely, small independent bookshop and they treated me like the Queen for a day – I have to say that’s never happened since!

And the best thing about being a published writer is?

I am the world’s worst person for getting up in the morning. Working for myself means that I can set my own hours – bliss! As a writer I also get to do a lot of nice things and call it ‘research’.

Visit Carole's website....

© Lola Jaye