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Paula Trafford's avatar

I loved this post, Jojo. I know just what you mean about salad spinners. I picked up a cracking one recently from Aldi, circa £8. It was languishing in the ‘rubbish aisle’, next to a pair of workers' boots and fly spray! I don’t know why we christened it the rubbish aisle; to be fair, some of the stuff is great. I think it might stem from one particular visit where, on one stand, there was a wheelchair (yes) and family-size bags of salt and vinegar crisps. Whoever is responsible for the displays has a future in comedy.

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Jill Mansell's avatar

The top right slice of mozzarella looks like a surprised baby ghost. X 👻

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Jojo Moyes's avatar

oh my god! You're right! And now I feel guilty for eating it! SORRY CASPAR

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Nicole Hentges's avatar

Oh dear. I love even the supermarket’s “fresh” mozzarella. Now I left to ponder what will become of me when we finally do get around to visiting Italy? I am considering a later summer trip next year with the family. Consider this an open invitation for recommendations.

As far as what else I’d love to hear you write about, I’d love to know your process for researching a historical fiction novel. Ever since reading The Giver of Stars, I have a story brewing in me and am overwhelmed with how to go about researching the setting.

💗

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Louise Palmer's avatar

Great post, I loved Pompeii too but nearly collapsed in the heat! (Ice cream helped).

I’d be interested in hearing about your novel drafting process. In my head I’m thinking I probably need to do about ten drafts. Each version will tackle different aspects of the writing. I’m about 30,000 words into draft 1; the mountain seems like a tough, tough climb! Any tips would be welcome

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Emma Carter's avatar

Just come back from Italy- Pompeii was awesome! The preservation was incredible and watching them excavate was fascinating. It was however possibly the hottest place I have ever been 🤣🤣

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Barbara ONeal's avatar

A friend recommended Sipsworth and I also gulped it down in a day. Lovely and surprising.

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Hayley Dunlop's avatar

Hello! Something on book titles would be great, especially since the title I chose and fell in love with for my forthcoming book has just been binned! 😭

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Christina Migone-Benfield's avatar

coming across that photo of mozzarella has proven worse for me than going to the supermarket when I haven´t eaten for... (hald an hour?) and am feeling hungry. I say "worse" because we are having guests and I don't have the nerve to invent an excuse and rush off to buy some... albeit a supermarket one!

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Alexis Mera Damen's avatar

Salad spinner does sound sexy! And that mozzarella 🤤

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Sali Hughes's avatar

The Beurer burner has been my god for four years now. There is nothing better. Every home should have one.

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A.'s avatar

Where did you go in Italy? Planning my next trip there so looking for new places. Looks amazing!

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Jojo Moyes's avatar

Naples - which is wild - Capri and Procida, two islands. Pompeii for half a day before heading home. Loved it all.

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A.'s avatar

Thank you!!

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Maggie Szabo's avatar

You had me at cheese 🧀

🤭

I’d love to hear about any routines you may have (or may wish you had) when it comes to doing structural edits etc on your manuscripts.

Do you hate them any less as years go on?

Do you lock yourself away for weeks surviving on panic and stress alone, or do you chop the work into bite-sized bits to accompany a nice cup of tea?

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