We review two hilarious books, and have a quick chat with a Kiwi chick-lit author...

The Debutante Divorcee by Plum Sykes
Just like its predecessor Bergdorf Blondes, Plum Sykes’ new novel oozes hilariously naughty glam. With scenes just-so-outrageous-you-know-they-could-be-true, The Debutante Divorcee shows us the world of the glamorous Manhattan social scene. When newlywed Sylvia befriends the notorious Lauren Blount, she finds herself immersed in the flashy lifestyle of the Debutante Divorcees. When a famous Husband Huntress sets her eyes on Sylvia’s man, she is forced to make a decision. Should she fight for the man she loves, or succumb to the lifestyle her glamorous new friends lead? A genuinely funny read, with the perfect balance of
fluffiness and wry wit. Penguin, RRP $28.00

Making Lemonade by Kate Langdon
In Auckland writer Kate Langdon’s third novel, we meet three
thirty-somethings whose lives are changing at a rapid pace. Jools finds herself with a broken leg, knocked up to god-knows-who, and to top it all off, she’s unemployed - again. Sally is married to the self-absorbed Vincent, a televangelist with an addiction to beauty treatments. If it weren’t for her kids, she’d go mad - or is she heading that way already? Kat’s life was going perfectly to plan until she caught her husband mid-shag with someone else. A very memorable someone else, to say the least…Yet again, Kate Langdon proves herself a masterful comedic writer, with a turn of phrase that will have you laughing out loud. Making Lemonade
is a hilarious read with heart and soul. Harpercollins, RRP $24.99

Quick Q&A with Kate Langdon
After thoroughly enjoying Making Lemonade, we were lucky enough to have a quick chat with the author. It’s been two years since the release of Kate’s book Famous, during which time she has become a mum. After experiencing pregnancy herself, Kate drew inspiration from some of the “funny and frightening” things that happen to a woman’s body. When it comes to writing, Kate gets into the zone by drinking strong coffee and wearing “hideous multi-coloured knee-high stripy socks”.

I loved your previous books for their memorable, laugh-out-loud moments, eg “that” tampon scene in Famous. Can we expect more of the same from Making Lemonade?
Without giving anything away there is definitely some shock value and internal cringing to be had. Making Lemonade is very much in the same vein as my previous two books. Although it has slightly more ‘grown up’ characters and is a more in-depth read, I think…perhaps this is because I’ve finally grown up a bit!

And on that note, I laugh myself stupid when reading your books - how on earth do you cope writing them?
Occasionally I make myself laugh out loud when I re-read something I’ve written…and then I stop and think to myself “You vain cow! You shouldn’t be laughing at your own work!” and I stop immediately, feeling all silly and self-conscious. And then I look around the room (even though I’m the only one it) to see if anyone caught me laughing at my own work.

Do you have any tips for nzgirls who are interested in writing novels?
If you enjoy writing and have a story you’re itching to tell then just go for it! We’re lucky enough to live in a country where writers don’t have to have an agent in order to seek publication. You can’t go past a creative writing course or weekend workshop for getting the creative juices flowing…and for surrounding yourself with like-minded people.

Clea Marshall