A Single to Rome? After seeing Nine earlier this week, I am ALL over that idea. Unfortunately though, my finances won’t allow me so much as a slice o’ pizza this month, so I have indulged my love for all things Italiano by snuggling under the goose-feather duvet – seriously, best purchase I’ve EVER made – with Sarah Duncan’s new book, A Single to Rome.

I LOVE this book. I mean, not only is it filled with my most favourite of things – that’s Italiano-men who put the Rome in Romeo, btw – it’s a also a warm and romantic tale of love, rudie nudies and making the right choices – it’s the perfect escape from all this borin’ snorin’ January glumness… Come meet the lady behind the words, she’s ever-so fabulous.

When did you discover you had an awesome talent for writing books?
I’m still waiting for that one! I always wanted to write, but it took me years to realise you had to actually do some writing before you could write a novel. I’ve lots and lots of Chapter Ones that never went anywhere.  Then, ten years ago, the time seemed right and that was it.

What inspires you to write?
I like telling stories.  I think if I didn’t write, I’d be boring people at bus stops with non-stop chatter, so this is better.

How long does it take you to write a novel?
Oooer.  I produce a book a year, but not all that year is spent writing.  It probably takes about 3-6 months for the first draft, then I re-write like mad.

Do you have a writing routine? If so, what is it?
I’m not very good at routines. When I’m on my own I wake up and haul my laptop into bed and just write.  But usually I’ve got to get up, sort the dog/children out etc and only get round to writing later on in the day.

Has your life changed since you became a novelist?
Yes! Yes! Yes!  Writing really has changed my life.  I was stuck in a terrible marriage with dreadful money problems (my now ex was a gambler), no confidence, no friends, and no future. Now, everything is different – I have a job I love, a secure home, and lots and lots of friends.  And I’ve gone from a size 16 to a 10.

How do you cure writer’s block?
There’s always a little bit that I fancy writing, although it may not be the bit I intended to write that day.  Sometimes I might just start by describing where the characters live or what they’re wearing, and somehow that ends up with them chatting to people and then I’m off.

What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading lots of stuff about King Arthur, and I’ve just started The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

What’s the biggest myth about being a writer?
That it’s glamorous. Most of the time you’re alone in a little room talking to the computer.

What can readers expect from you in the future?
Kissing Mr Wrong is coming out in paperback in May. It’s a contemporary love story about how you can write all the lists you like about what you want from a man, but who you fall in love with might be someone completely different.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
There’s never been a better time to be a woman.  We have more opportunities and the confidence to grab them.  And it’s great being an older woman. Life only gets better.  And so do the shoes – when I was a teenager you could only get shoes on the high street in black, navy or brown. Anything else you had to pay mega money for. Now everyone can wear great shoes.

You’ve written a LOT of books, what?s your secret to success?
I wish I knew.  I’m just muddling along really.  If you really, really pushed me for an answer I suppose I’d say writing is the main thing in my life.

What 5 tracks would be essential to a Sarah Duncan soundtrack?
Amy Winehouse, Dandy Warhols, Melody Gardot, Beth Rowley, Portishead.

What’s your motto for life?
You only regret the things you don’t do, not the things you do do.

The SD Sassy List – what’s your favourite:
Website/blog: Twitter
Book: Elizabeth Goudge – The Little White Horse
Must-have beauty item: Bobbi Brown foundation
Movie: In Bruges
Shop: Anthropologie in London – I’ve only been once but WOW
City: Rome
Hangout: The Moon and Sixpence in Bath

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you?
Fun, naughty, confident, bright, sexy

For more information about Sara and her fabulous books, go to: www.sarahduncan.co.uk