Celebrity Interview: Jill Mansell

Jill is a British author of romantic comedy and has written twenty seven novels. Over ten million copies of her books have been sold worldwide Take a Chance on Me won the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Romantic Comedy Prize and in 2015 the RNA presented Jill with an outstanding achievement award. Her most recent novel, published by Headline, is titled You and Me, Always.

Glass of Bubbly Interview

Where’s the most memorable place you’ve enjoyed a Glass of Bubbly?
My publishers threw a fabulous launch party for me earlier this year at Carmelite House, which is in central London beside the Thames. I drank a glass of Champagne and stood outside on the roof terrace, looking over the river at the lit up Millenium Wheel, the Oxo Tower and the Shard… it was quite emotional. I wished I could have told my shy teenage self that this would happen one day – she would have been so thrilled!

Or:

The most memorable occasion was the day I found out I’d sold my first book to a major publisher. My agent called to let me know and I was all alone in the house, but bursting to tell everyone. So I rushed to the shop and bought two bottles of Champagne that I definitely couldn’t afford at the time (I was very poor!) and took them round to my friends’ house. Once we’d finished them, the six of us went out to continue the celebrations – we had the most fantastic party that night!

Which is your favourite Champagne or sparkling wine?
I have to say, I’ve never met a Champagne I haven’t liked, but I’m particularly fond of Laurent-Perrier and Piper-Heidsieck.

What does Champagne mean to you?
A: Success
B: Celebration
C: Romance
D: Enjoying great company

All of the above, but mainly B. For me, a glass of Champagne tastes of joy and celebration – it’s the ultimate mood-enhancer. That first delicious sip from a freshly-opened bottle just makes me happy, every time!