If I Never Met You(111)

3. When you’re not beavering away on the next book, what do you do with your time?

Hahaha! This is like that terrible moment in CVs when you get to the section that says HOBBIES and you realise you’re supposed to be some sort of respectable person when you’re not doing your full-time job, what the hell is that about? ‘The cinema and socialising with friends.’ What do I like, hmm being honest I like dramas like Mindhunter on Netflix, Prosecco, quality time with my cat and going for a curry. There’s sod all paragliding, ceramics, choir practice or wiffle ball, soz.

4. You were an early adopter on Twitter and have a really active presence there. How do you think it’s evolved over the last few years and what do you like/dislike about it as opposed to Facebook or Instagram?

Ahhhh terrible addictive evil mistress Twitter. Yes, I’ve been on there since 2009, when I was a lonely working-from-home freelancer and it became my virtual office space. Evolved, hmm, I wish I could say it’s developed in good ways, but being honest, about six years ago or so it became a village square full of mobs doing hangings and floggings, and I doubt it’s brought anyone the same innocent joy since. What I like about it is that Facebook and Insta can often depend on having things in your life you want to show off about, and Twitter’s non-visual nature means it’s far more about debate, ideas, conversations and jokes than the others. I’ve made firm friends on there and if can be very generous in terms of sharing and amplifying each other’s wit, wisdom and good news. Dislike – well, the aforementioned cruelty. Something I learned a while back is that social media is a mood mirror – if you wake up grumpy and fire out anger into it, you’ll very likely get the same back. If you’d rather have a lighthearted time, share the cat picture.

5. What’s next?

The next book! I am SO excited, slash scared, as per. I think it would probably be a bad sign not to be scared. Every time though it’s such a joyous challenge and a privilege to be able to ask yourself: what would I find interesting? And write about it.





If you loved If I Never Met You, you’ll love Don’t You Forget About Me




‘I loved it! So funny and warm – a delicious read’ Marian Keyes ‘Wildly funny and wildly romantic … an author at the top of her game!’ Louise O’Neill Click here to buy now! 978-0-00816932-9





Or read Mhairi’s backlist

‘Who will love it? Want-it-funny lit-lovers’ Glamour

‘An author at the top of her game’ Louise O’Neill

‘No-one writes such wry, emotionally complex romantic fiction’ Red

‘Mhairi gets the mix of laughs, romance and serious emotional depth just right’ S Magazine