PollyWilliams.com

About...

I write novels, and journalism for the likes of You magazine, The Sunday Times, Marie Claire and Red. I’ve got three kids and a husband. I live in London and enjoy a weakness for books, boots, cakes, red wine and navy nail varnish.

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2010-04-04 17:44:44 - Joanne Greenhalgh

I've just devoured 'How to be Married' whilst on the first couple of days of my Easter break, in between not pairing socks and wearing flannel pyjamas and looking after my 20 month old. I was inspired to pluck my eyebrows and tidy the bedroom. Inspiration stopped short when I came back downstairs from my efforts to find the dinner dishes still in the sink, but the thought was there. Good news that the flawed wife still wins the battle of daily (married) life. A fab read - if only someone would write a version for flawed husbands!

2010-03-26 03:37:19 - Denise Wolfs

I just received a copy of "How to be Married" to review for the Dutch libraries. I must say, I really love it. I was on the train yesterday on my way home from work and I was laughing out loud. People were looking funny at me ;-)
I hope you keep on writing, so I can keep buying your books.

All the best,

Denise Wolfs

2010-01-17 04:33:07 - Melanie Beynon

Hi Polly

This is a long overdue thank you, but nonetheless, here it comes.

I just wanted to (and have done for ages) to say a massive thank you for the rise and fall of a yummy mummy. I have never before uttered the words, 'this book changed my life' but this one really did in a massive way.
I read the book when I was separated from my boyfriend having recently had a baby together early in our relationship.
I laughed and cried with the heroine totally identifying with her. The most poignant part of the novel was when her mother advised her that if she had had another chance with her husband, she would have liked to have tried again just to see if it would work out second time around.
This advice answered a big question for me, as my ex boyfriend had recently asked if we could try again and against of all the advice of my friends and family, I gave him a second chance.
We have now been married for over a year and are expecting our second child in June.
Our success story led friends in similar situations to swallow their pride and take back the fathers of their children, not all of them worked out well but it gave them closure and were able to move on with their lives, never again having to wonder, what if?
If I had not read your wonderful novel I would probably have taken advice from my peers and still be sad and lonely, raising a child alone. As it is, I have never been happier.
Thank you xx

This made my day! Thanks so much. I’m so thrilled that you and your man gave it another go. It’s so easy to throw things away, much harder to work though stuff. I have come to conclusion that it’s all up and downs anyway, and you just have to keep riding, holding on for dear life!

Huge congratulations on your second pregnancy. Best of luck.

2009-04-17 21:11:03 - Dr Alastair Leake

I loved this Yummy Mummy story; Polly has a most lovely way of writing, it's warm and sharply perceptive. I've never before sent any message back to any author, but felt to so do after reading this.

Regards

Alastair

Thank you so much!

2009-03-18 17:09:48 - Alys Dunn

I have just read 'A Good Girl Comes Undone' in the space of half a day. Love it! I have now exhausted your literary library so hurry up and write some more!

:)

2009-01-04 11:47:05 - Claire Stevie Karrell Harris

Dear Polly, Thank you ever so much for writting fantastic books which i can loose myself in for days on end. I always make new years resolution, 4 years ago i made one not to eat any more chocolate (and i have suck to it even now), and this year after reading "A Bad Brides Tale" and "The Yummy Mummy" I am going to read 50 books before 2009 turns into 2010. Im very much looking forward to all new material from yourself. Thankyou once again
Claire

Ah, thank you! It's so wonderful to get emails like this! Best, Polly

2008-12-31 04:17:48 - Nicola

Have just read a good girl comes undone and a bad brides tale on holiday and I loved them so much! I went to WH Smith yesterday and bought the rise and fall of a yummy mummy and can't wait to read it! I'm really glad to hear your new book is out in May! Your stories are wonderful and there are parts in all of your books everyone can relate too. Thanks for the wonderful reads and have a wonderful new year and good luck with the baby!

Thanks, Nicola.

2008-11-10 04:09:28 - Joanne

I have just read A Good Girl Comes Undone - a brilliant book, I just couldn't put it down. I read most of it on the tube to work and didn't want to put it away and wait until the end of the day to pick up where I left off!! I'm now urgently buying your other books as I am convinced they will be just as great. Can't wait for more. PS. God luck with baby number 3!

Thanks Joanne. The new book, The World's Worst Wife is out in May!
Happy Christmas P

2008-10-19 16:35:44 - Carolyn Young

Have just finished A Good Girl Comes Undone. I loved it and found myself reading slower towards the end , just becasue I didn't want to finish it! I'll be buying your other two books as soon as I can. I thought that by writing in the first person made the charactures sparkle and the wit completely relevant. Thanks for the pleasure. I read a lot and this was one of the best i've read in a while. Good luck with the baby.
x

Thanks so much. It's so great to get feedback like this! Pollyx xx

2008-10-08 16:49:58 - Charlotte

Hi Polly
Just finished Good girl comes undone....really enjoyed it. I have now read all three and enjoyed the 1st chapter of the next masterpiece World's worst wife....when is it being published? Really thought the Father, Daughter chat/ interview between Arnold and Annie was so well written, it reminded me so much of my Dad, very touching. Thanks Polly I loved the book x

Ah, thanks, Charlotte. The World's Worst Wife comes out next May. Have just filed it! Best Polly

2008-10-05 18:21:11 - tina rafferty

hi polly just read a good girl comes undone loved it but i was left wondering wat happened next cant wait to read your other books xxx

Thanks, Tina! Spread the word!

2008-10-05 14:38:33 - Koreen

Hi, I am currently reading (& loving)A good girl comes undone, whilst resting& waiting for baby no.2 to arrive. Obviously, next I'll be seeking out The rise and fall of a yummy mummy. I probably have too much time on my hands because I noticed on pg 169 Alexis goes from wearing a pencil skirt to wearing a short tunic dress.(Sorry if you've heard that 100 times!) I really agree that this book is 'the sort of book you'll devour'. Love it!

Thanks, so much Koreen. And you know what? You are the first person to mention that dress! Thank you. Will amend. Good luck with baby no.2.
Best wishes, Polly x

2008-09-17 00:51:42 - Elizabeth Bennett-Faucett

Hi Polly! I wanted to let you know that Yummy Mummy has really helped me get through my twin pregnancy and cheer me up while I am on an extended maternity leave. It has also inspired me to start writing again! Thanks a million!

Ah, twins, double the work, double the love! So pleased the book cheered you up. All the best, Polly x

2008-08-04 09:27:54 - Polly Hall

I love your books especially A bad Bride's tale. I'm doing a report on it because the book appeals to women at any age. Keep up the good work and all the best for the future xxx

Thanks, Polly

2008-07-14 12:02:00 - Ellen

Dear Ms Williams, it's been ages since I've regretted having finished a novel, but after having read "The Egg Race" I can't wait to read your other books. I was so disappointed when the library appeared to be closed today. Actually, I had more or less decided that chick lit wasn't my cup of tea because the novels I had tried in that genre were so badly written. However, "The Egg Race" is very well-written. I really like your style. Kind regards, Ellen.

Thank you, Ellen. My new book A Good Girl Comes Undone, is out now. Really hope you like it! Best, Polly

2008-06-01 16:54:58 - Sam Davies

Hi Polly
Just thought I'd tell you how much I enjoyed "A Bad Bride's Tale" I'm getting married in 7 weeks and believe it or not your book actually re-enforced just how much I love my husband-to-be! We need the sequel though - Stevie and Sam all the way!

Gosh, i am so pleased! You've got the right man then! Congratulations.

2008-05-30 09:40:29 - Paloma Garcia

I just wanted to tell you that I love your last book “A good girl comes undone”.
I bought it in the airport a week ago whilst I was flying to Spain where I am from. It made me laughed and cried and also made me realised that I want to change my job!!!

Thank you

Please do not stop writing

Paloma

Thank you! And good luck with changing your job...I hope you find something deserving and fulfilling!

2008-05-12 10:40:20 - Helena Wilson

Dear Polly,
I'm just starting out as a writer and am doing lots of work experiency type bits at the mo, pieces in regional mags and reviews.i haven't read any of your novels before and was sent your new book to review for an online site...i LOVED it.Felt compelled to to write and let you know, I thought it was so beautifully written and it's spurred me on further in my challenge!Best wishes, Helena.

Ah this is a lovely post to start the day! So pleased you liked A Good Girl Comes Undone. Lots of luck with your writing. Best, Polly

2008-04-07 14:41:14 - Dee

Hi Polly
I read your book Yummy Mummy about a year ago, just after i had my second child. I just loved it. It made me feel human again after remembering how things were after my first child five years previous. I took the time to post a note now after reading a column in Glamour magazine and realised that you have a new book out now. I cant wait to get hold of it.
well done for a fab, easy read that puts some aspects of motherhood into perspective with light humour.
excellent!

Thank you so much Dee. My second book is A Bad Bride's Tale. And my third - book - i've been busy! - is A Good Girl Comes Undone, out in May. Let me know what you think! Best, Polly

2008-04-07 09:53:09 - Working mum

Hi Polly
I read Yummy Mummy whilst on holiday recently (obviously no time to read normally) and loved it. Finally a book that tells it how it is for a huge number of women, but with humour. I recommended it on my blog (workingmumonverge.blogspot.com) to other blogging mums. Looking forward to reading A Bad Brides Tale next holiday!

Brilliant! Thank you!

2008-02-10 12:53:38 - Naomi

hi polly
i have been taken in by A bad brides tale.. its got my imagination going no end i love it!!
ive laughed and ive cried, its a fantasically written book.

I came across your book in my train station and thought the cover was cute so i didnt even take the the time to read the blub i got straight into it whilst on the train and didnt want the train to stop! :)
I would absolutley love to here more from stevie.

I cant wait to read The ride and fall of a yummy mummy.

Naomi xxxx

Thanks so much. Glad it lived up to its cover!

2007-11-24 19:20:51 - D Crockett

Hi Polly

Just felt the urge to write a comment and tell you how much i loved A bad brides tale, i was so engrossed in it i could not put it down, its fantastically written and you have a great talent, i came across the book by chance, the cover was what caught my eye the cute underwear on the front he he, i cant wait to read more of your stories!

Do you think we will hear anymore from the wonderful Stevie? Keep up the good work you are an inspiration to the budding novelists out there.

Take care
Dianne xx 23

Thanks very much Dianne. And I'm glad you liked the cover! Really appreciate you writing in. x

2007-11-02 11:09:18 - s.archibald

I do not think it is very ethical to re-issue a book under a different title as I endwd up buying both!

I am very sorry you bought both. Parting readers from their hard earned cash twice was never the intention - it was about giving the book a better title. I really hoped that the old title was flagged up enough to avoid this happening. So, again, my sincere apologies. I can't reply personally, as I would have done, because you have not included your email address.
Best wishes, Polly

2007-10-24 05:14:26 - Cherylene

Hi Polly,

I just read Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy, and I thought it was fabulous! I was hooked.

I got it from the library, and i'm not really sure where to get the rest of your books though, I really want to!! =)) will continue searching. You're an inspiration to budding novelists, thanks for the good work. :)

Take care!

Love,
Cherylene, 18

Ah, thanks so much. Hope you enjoy the next one once you've tracked it down. Best, Polly

2007-10-15 09:58:05 - mandy

hi polly, just thought id say that i love your books yummy mummy came at the perfect time when my son was 6 months old and inspired me and made me feel human again, and was very true to my life. i finished the egg race last night, and once again it was a fab book and i am about to read a bad brides tale which will no doubt be as fab, keep up the fab books please.

Mandy, thank you so much.

Don't buy the book again though - The Egg Race and A Bad Bride's tale are the same book under different titles. Sorry for the confusion.

best, p

2007-10-15 08:42:24 - Stephanie Pegler

Thought you might be interested to see new chicklit website, www.chicklitclub.com

Looks great!

2007-10-11 19:30:11 - Colin

Hi Polly,
Ok so I'm male and 40+ but just to let you know I found "A Bad Brides Tale" an excellent read and you have a worryingly sharp insight into the workings of a male mind. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thanks so much. The male reader is the ultimate test i think!

2007-10-10 15:28:02 - Katherine Taylor

Dear Polly,
The Google Alert on my book directed me to your Trashionista interview today. I'm so happy you're enjoying the novel -- and many, many, many thanks for mentioning it. What a delightful surprise.

Best
Katherine

I just loved it. Such an original, warm and funny read. Wish I’d written it!
It deserves to do really well over here.
All the best,
Polly

2007-10-01 11:29:04 - amy maskell

Hi Polly, love your books have read them both, have recommended them to all my friends. Was wondering when the next one will be out unless it already is and I'm just terribly behind lol

Thank you! A Good Girl Comes Undone, my next book, is about 10,000 words short of being finished. Out in April 2008

2007-09-27 16:12:11 - Mayra Donoso

Hi! I just finished reading "yummy mummy" and I loved it! I´m 25 and have 2 little boys. I´m from Chile but live in Sweden. I usually don't have time to read this kind of books because of my studys and the boys. But I just couldn´t stop reading it! I could really recognize myself in some parts of the book. (I don´t know if that´s tragic or good) I just wanted to thank you for writing this book! It made me value my husband even more thinking of how I and the boys would be without him... It really touched me! I´m sorry for my english it´s not the best! // Mayra

Ah, thank you! So pleased you enjoyed it.

2007-09-24 07:51:46 - Emily

Dear Polly,

Have read both of your books and really loved them. Am now itching for the next one to come out and was wondering when that might be? Just finished The Egg Race and Stevie's mother really reminded me of my own! Looking forward to hearing from you...

Kind Regards,

Emily x

Thank you very much.

My next novel, A good girl comes undone, is out in april. Still writing it!

2007-09-10 06:33:18 - annalisa a

dear Polly,
i totally enjoyed your book, a bad bride's tale. i devoured it in a day and a half whilst at work. i have a job that affords me the luxury of reading whilst appearing to to my actually paid duties.lol!! i too am an aspiring writer and it is people like you who have books that spur me on. i have finished my book and am currently trying to get an agent which is an incredibly difficult thing, much worse than a tootchache; i have collected thirty rejection letter so far lol!!! i keep count!! but i have a plan to self publish it through author house to be out for next year summer if this fails. it is a hard job getting an agent but i am not letting it hinder my passion for writing. its what i love to do. i have forgone the ability to get a proper job to correspond with my degree so i can focus on my writing whilst working two jobs that do not require much skill or brain power. i just want to thank you for writing such a wondrous work and to say keep up the good work. look for me on the shelves soon. lol!!! thank you and good luck.

Thanks very much. Good luck!

2007-07-16 23:45:43 - Helen

Hello Polly,

I've just finished The Egg Race and really loved it, and now I've found your site I see you wrote it while looking after your little son. This inspires me so much. I am writing a novel whilst taking care of my 20-month-old boy and often find it a big struggle to get everything done. We don't have family nearby and money doesn't stretch to babysitters yet, and he's not exactly, ahem, an "easy" child (a little darling but not a docile one!) So some (most) days I get to the stage where I'm tearing my hair out. I'd love to hear any tips you might have for writing while looking after young child.

Thanks, and all the best,

Helen

Tips? Argh. Am trying to write third book at the moment. I've been awake since 4 am (i had a new baby 6 months ago) and have written 240 words, which is terrible. So I'm not sure i can give you any advice other than try to write while baby is asleep and accept the fact that you'll be more knackered than you would be if you used the time to have a nap. In fact, bed is calling...

2007-07-11 06:19:27 - Tash

Heya Polly!
I have just finished your book and wanted to let you know how much I loved it! It made me laugh AND cry, such a great book!

Thanks so much!

2007-05-10 09:01:51 - Leigh

Keep up the great work!

2007-04-12 19:23:32 - Jonathan

not really yr target audience...young(ish)Jewish man in states...friend in publishing gave me advance copy of Yummy Mummy late last year...got egg race from amazon UK...loved it...i'm still workinhgon my novel..keep up good work...look fwd to new stuff. luck w/ baby...cheers,jon

Oh, I love it when men read my books! Good luck with your novel.

2006-06-14 04:25:24 - Susan

Love the book - what the best advice you could give to those trying to write their first novel? Any tips on mapping out the story? How did you do yours - or did you write it and it developed in its own way?

So glad you enjoyed the book. Only advice that worked for me is 'get writing'. I spent years putting off writing a book, sucked in by various attractive displacement activities - job, boyfriends, shoe shopping et al.

Re structure, I think mapping a story is probably the best way but i've never managed it. I know the beginning and the end and kind of join them up. But I do know the characters pretty well and try to let them dictate the action. This said, I think the whole process would be less traumatic if I plotted it out better. So on my third book (I've just finished writing second) this is what I'll try to do.
Lots of luck with your book - sounds like you have one bubbling under. Thanks v much for email.

P

2006-05-15 04:43:52 - p walton

I loved your book, i just couldn't put it down. I wanted to say thank you. Your book helped me find the motivation to start Project Paula and get my life back on track finally lose that baby weight and start exercising!

Thanks so much for your feedback. And I wish you lots and lots of luck with Project Paula. Have to confess that Project Polly not going too well at moment - have glass of wine one side of laptop, chocolate brownie on the other. And i can't even blame the baby anymore - he's now three!

Best, P

2006-05-15 03:55:40 - Natalie Saleeba

Hi Polly,
Really loved the book - devoured it, in fact. Just wondering if you have any plans to write a screenplay of the story? I work as an actor and a writer in Australia and think it has HUGE potential to be made into a film!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Warmest Regards,
Natalie Saleeba

Hi Natalie,
So thrilled you liked the book. I have no plans to write screenplay, no. I'd love it to be made into a film or TV, but have to wait for someone to snap it up. It's being looked at by a few companies here and in USA at the moment. If it does happen, I'd probably resist any amateur attempts at screenplay writing and leave it to the screenwriters - cue a big sigh of relief from director. It's great that you think YM has such dramatic potential - it's hard sometimes to tell when it's your own work. So thanks v much for your email.
Best wishes, P

2006-05-09 00:16:44 - Trelawny Wingate

Polly, I have watched your career over the years, turning to my husband and repeating the line "I knew her at university and knew she would be a very successful journalist" Congrats on the publication of your first novel and on being a mum!

All the best, Trelawny

Thank you so much...Where have you been all these years? I'm going to email you privately now!

2006-05-02 08:26:40 - Caroline

Loved your book - brilliant! How did you select which literary agent to send your book to? Did you already know Lizzie? Also when sending out your sample chapters did you have to end the ending?

Thanks so much. I'm so pleased you liked the book.

In response to your questions...I'd already introduced to Lizzy - a few years before - so i did have an initial contact at David Higham Ass. I sold the book on the first 30,000 words and a synopsis, which outlined the ending, but it wasn't hugely fleshed out.

Best, P

2006-04-26 02:35:16 - Tatiana

I would like to know, where I could find your book in spanish.

Kind Regard

Taty

Hi there. I haven't sold the book in Spain yet. My agent can let you know when i am, if that would help. I'll forward her your email.

best wishes, P

2006-04-07 03:02:29 - Emma W

Hi, Any idea when your next book will be out. 2006/7 ?
It's just that having finished YMummy my evenings are lacking

Thanks, I'm v glad you liked the book. The new one - still half finished! - is due out next spring.

Best, p

2006-02-19 14:10:28 - Duncan Peberdy

Polly
I'm currently working on my second novel, which has the working title "Yummy Mummy." It's focus is entirely different to your own novel, but just wondered if there is anyone at Times Warner that I could write to?
My first novel was published by a LLP that I set up with some friends and family, so there isn't an avenue there.
Many Thanks in advance.
Duncan Peberdy

HI there,

HI there. I think you're better off going through an agent, rather than writing to one particular publisher, who, in general, aren't keen on unsolicited manuscripts. An agent will know who is looking for what at what particular time and will probably be your best route to the shelves. My agent details are on this site - under links i think - and look in publishing reference books for others. Best of luck with book!

P

2006-02-11 06:15:38 - Charlotte B

Very good - infact I've recommended it to a couple of mates and although they haven't got through theirs yet they've thanked me recommending it. Cheers.

Thank you. Recommendation by a friend is the biggest compliment...

2006-02-11 06:05:29 - Sarah Denton

Just wanted to say hi and that the book was really well written and enjoyable to read

Thank you. Really nice to get some feedback. Best Polly

2006-02-11 06:03:16 - Jenny Curtis

Just wanted to say i really liked your book. It made my trips on the tube brighter which can only be a good thing. Thanks

Thank you very much.

2006-01-29 05:53:26 - Paige Sabatier

I just read The Yummy Mummy and totally loved it! Having relocated from the U.S. to become a Notting Hill resident a couple of years ago, those types of people are scarily familiar. Very accurate and very funny. Are there any plans for a sequal?

Thank you. I'm v pleased you liked it. No sequel, planned for the mo though. Amy and I need to take a time out from each other, I think. Best wishes, Polly

Please get in touch with any comments or questions. I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can. If I don’t, it’s because I’m busy or away. Thanks very much for taking the time to write.

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