My first Jessica Adams book, Cool For Cats, was bought for me by my boyf at the time, and while he has since been banished to ex-boyfriend-ville, Jessica and her books have remained a much-loved constant in my world.

Jessica is not just a kick-ass author, she’s the astrologer for Vogue and Cosmopolitan – I know: cool, right? She’s got two homes, one in Brighton and one in Australia – yep, I’m envy-green too and her new book, Shall I Stay is her best book, s’far. According to me, obv.

The Shall I Stay blurb: When Alice met Nash, she fell head over heels. Two years later, she can’t quite remember what it was that had seemed so brilliant about him. All they do is argue – especially about money. In a last-ditch attempt to save their relationship, they agree to leave rainy England behind and emigrate to Australia. But when Alice finds out that Nash has been unfaithful, their plans are ruined and she decides to go to Australia alone.

Packing what she can into four suitcases, she heads to Bondi to stay with her cousin. Australia is a very strange place where everything seems upside down and anything over two syllables is abbreviated. Will Alice ever be able to lose her English inhibitions and relax into the Aussie way of life? Can she ever find a proper job? And, more importantly, will she be able to control herself around Joel, her extremely attractive Australian cousin?

What is it you do exactly, Jessica?
I’m the astrologer for Vogue in Australia and South Korea and the psychic astrologer at Cosmopolitan in Britain. I’m also a team editor on the Girls’ Night In and Kids’ Night In series in aid of War Child. And I write novels. Then I just go and lie down.

When did you discover you had an awesome talent for writing books?
Why thank you. I’m not sure that I do, but I began writing when I was eight years old. I was a member of The Puffin Club, run by Puffin Books. I still have my membership badge.

As well as being an author, you’re an astrologer too – how does someone become one of those?
I majored in Ancient Civilisations, Philosophy and Religious Studies at University which helped, as astrology is part of all three. I’ve also studied casually with The Company of Astrologers,  The Astrological Lodge and The Faculty of Astrological Studies. I’ve studied psychic mediumship at The College of Psychic Studies in London.

Can you share a li’l bit about your creative process please, Jessica – where do you write? What time of day do you write?
I have two homes – one in Brighton, England and one in Bellingen, Australia – with almost identical studies. In fact, I have the same postcard of Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds on the wall in both places. I write from 6am and usually give up by lunchtime.

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
Having huge norks (but see other answer below).

You’ve written a LOT of books – all of which I love especially Cool for Cats – what’s your secret to success?
I use astrology, when I can, to time particular books. I used to have a wonderful editor who would help me work around the best astrological dates for deadlines and publication – funnily enough those were the biggest bestsellers.

What 5 tracks would be essential to a JA soundtrack?
Brimful of Asha – Fatboy Slim
Spring Rain – The Go Betweens
A Day In The Life – The Beatles
Going Out – Supergrass
Wuthering Heights – Kate Bush

What are your five-must have life items?
London. Paris. New York. Bellingen. Brighton.

Who and what makes you jump in the air happy?
I can’t actually jump in the air because I would be hit in the face by my own huge norks.

What’s your motto for life?
Follow your bliss and give back to your community

The JA Sassy List…What’s your favourite:

Website/blog: www.guardian.co.uk

Book: Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford

Must-have beauty item: Anything from Neals Yard (not tested on animals).

Movie: Withnail and I

Shop: Liberty

City: Paris

Hangout: The Academy, London

Buy Jessica’s new book Shall I Stay from Amazon and visit her website at: www.jessicaadams.com.au