Interview with author Alexandra Brown

British women's fiction author Alexandra Brown is best known for her popular Carrington's novels, a heartwarming series of books set in a luxury department store in the aptly named Mulberry-On-Sea.

This month saw the release of her latest novel, The Great Christmas Knit Off, which takes place in the cosy town of Tindledale and involves a whole new set of wonderful characters for readers to fall in love with.

I absolutely loved her latest novel (read my review here) and am very excited to be sharing my interview with Alex, which first appeared on Woman's World.

What kind of writer are you? Do you have any rituals that help you get in the writing-zone or a particular word count you set for yourself each day?

I’m a very lucky writer, as I have a brilliant editor who not only brainstorms story ideas with me, but she also writes my synopsis, which makes the actual writing part of the process so much quicker and easier.

I tend to aim for between 1000 – 2000 words per day and I’m very superstitious when I write – I can’t possibly start without having lit a candle first and making sure my lucky writing poncho is on my chair…

You spent three novels and an ebook novella writing about Georgie Hart and her Mr Carrington, was it difficult to (temporarily) let them go and create a whole new set of characters for The Great Christmas Knit Off?

Very much so and I was super conscious of not rewriting Georgie’s character, but once I got going I absolutely loved writing The Great Christmas Knit Off and getting to know the new characters.

The knitting theme of the novel really speaks me, how did you come up with the idea to revolve your new book around it?

I’ve always wanted to write a book with a knitting theme, since childhood really, when I used to knit and natter with my nanny Edie - I have such fond memories of this, and the The Great Christmas Knit Off is dedicated to her, she even has a little cameo part as one of the Tindledale Tappers knitting group.

As your new release is a festive read, the inevitable question of course is: What does your ideal Christmas look like? Or, after spending the hotter months of the year knee-deep in seasonal sparkle for your book, are you ready for January to roll around?

I absolutely adore the festive season and my ideal Christmas is at home, with my husband and daughter - a crackling log fire, enormous real pine tree, huge pile of presents, lots of festive food and plenty of fun, love and laughter…

Even though The Great Christmas Knit Off has only just hit the shelves, can you already reveal what you're working on next? Another cosy novel set in Tindledale or perhaps you're reuniting with Georgie and the gang?

I’m just about to start a new novel, the second in the Tindledale series which will be out next summer.


The Great Christmas Knit Off is out now, so get your copy from Waterstones, Amazon or your own preferred retailer.