If you haven’t read a Daisy James book yet, then where have you been for heaven’ sake! Don’t worry I’m only teasing. But there’ll be a buy link at the end so make sure you grab her new release!

Hi Daisy, welcome to the blog! Tell me a bit about you and your latest work.

Hi there, Katie, and a huge thank you for having me as a guest on your blog. So, I’m Daisy James and I write uplifting stories filled with fun, friendships and lots of foodie treats too! I love setting my novels in exotic places – my last series The Paradise Cookery School was set in St Lucia and I loved spending every day at my keyboard, the rain lashing against the patio doors, wallowing in the (virtual) warmth of the Caribbean!

My latest series – Tuscan Dreams – is set at Villa Limoncello in gorgeous Tuscany and the books are brimming with delicious Italian recipes (included in the back of the books). There’s also a recipe for home-made limoncello! Summer Dreams at Villa Limoncello is out on 13th June and I absolutely adore the cover – it’s so summery and fresh – and makes me want to throw off my sweater and rush over to sunny Florence!

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Friendly, optimistic, inquisitive (nosey?)

What are your top 3 tips for aspiring writers?

Read, read, read

Write, write, write

Persevere – don’t let a rejection letter stop you from writing

Are you a panster or plotter?

I’m definitely a plotter – I have to know how my story starts and how it’s going to end, although events often change as I get into the story and the middle might veer off into something I didn’t expect!

How do you choose your character names?

You know, I take so much time thinking about my characters names – too much time! I find it really difficult to get right and often a character might start out as a Dulcie and change to a Freya, then a Geraldine, then a Laura! I once ran a competition to name one of my characters in The Summerhouse of Happiness – perhaps I should do that again!

What do you do when you get stuck with your writing?

I panic, then, when I calm down, I go out for a walk and chunter along to myself to try and get the creative juices flowing again. I brainstorm with a couple of friends too, which really helps. Sometimes nothing works and I force myself to accept that I need to just push through it and give myself permission to just write.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It varies, to be honest. The longest was two years, at the start of my writing career, now I think it’s around six months.

What’s your main weakness as a writer eg.SPaG, continuity etc?

Choosing names! Lol!

What do you find hardest/easiest about writing?

The hardest bit is getting some peace & quiet – our house is sometimes like Grand Central station! I have a tiny summerhouse in the garden (think shed!) and in the warmer months I can escape there which is great – I just need to get some electricity in there so I can make tea – I’m powered by tea!

Describe your writing process in 3 words.

Research, create, type

What’s been your biggest learning curve?

Getting used to the fact that there are going to be people who don’t like your books & tell you that.

Do you prefer pen and paper, or is everything on the computer?

Unfortunately, I’m a pen & paper girl. That just seems to be the way I write, then I type my scribblings up on the computer and it’s the first edit – sort of.

How do you relax?

I love going to the cinema, and I also practice archery – but only in the summer!

And now for some silly questions just for fun…

Tea or coffee?

Tea – fruit tea, mint tea, camomile, red bush, Earl Grey, English Breakfast…!

Beer or wine?

Both (is that allowed?)

Chips or curly fries?

Chips with lots of salt & vinegar on them

Puppies or kittens?

Kittens

Summer or winter?

I’m definitely a summer girl. My birthday is in July so that might be why!

A massive thank you for having me Katie – I’ve loved answering your questions today!

Love Daisy xx

Escape to Villa Limoncello… where dreams come true in the most unexpected ways.

Izzie Jenkins never expected to find herself living in a gorgeous oasis in Tuscany but when life gives you Villa Limoncello you say thank you and bake treats to celebrate!

Izzie and debonair chef Luca Castelotti are officially setting up shop together but when their inaugural ‘Pasta and Painting’ venture is sabotaged and one of their guests poisoned they’re forced to turn detective. Because if they can’t find the culprit, they’ll be out of business before they’ve even begun…

A gorgeous holiday read.

Daisy James is a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north east of England. She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea – china plates and teacups are a must.

Thank you so much for chatting to me today, Daisy! Doesn’t this cover look fantastic! Get your copy now at: https://amzn.to/2VzLcNB