There is always a lot of flailing about in the beginning, and groaning and unnecessary cups of tea, before the story finally gets its momentum and I can enjoy myself and remember why I love writing. I have tried all sorts of different techniques - index cards, mind maps etcetera - but in the end, I just have to sit at my computer and write. My writing process is simply to start writing. I used to be more fussy about my writing conditions, but now I just need time - precious, uninterrupted time. What are your ideal writing conditions and what is your typical writing process? I always use Sydney as my setting, simply because I know it so well and I don't have to do any research.

You live in Sydney, so how inspirational has this been for your writing? (The great David E.Kelley has written the script for Big Little Lies.) That's why I am more than happy to turn over the job to someone else. I always think that I spend too much time explaining my characters' inner thoughts, so I can never imagine how a scriptwriter would turn my books into movies. The Husband's Secret has been optioned by CBS films- while you were writing this did you think about its potential for the big screen? I can't remember exactly how I reacted but I probably used it as an excuse for champagne, as I'm always looking for a new excuse for champagne. I can't tell you anything more because I'll give away too much of the plot.įilming has begun on the HBO series Big Little Lies, so how did you react when you found out? I couldn't stop thinking about it for weeks afterwards. I was inspired by something that happened to me at a barbeque. Where did your inspiration for the novel come from? Hugely important! It's those relationships that sustain you. The book is about friendship and family so how important are these relationships in your own life? It's a story about something that happens at an ordinary backyard barbeque one ordinary Sunday afternoon, and I hope it offers readers a little suspense, a little laughter, possibly some tears, but mainly I hope it simply gives them the pleasure of a good read.

Plot of truly madly guilty