LOCAL author Phillipa Ashley is celebrating her continued literary success with her latest romantic novel already in the UK’s top 20.
One Cornish Summer has hit the heights just weeks after it was released.
A four-time Sunday Times bestselling author, the 61-year-old’s fictional novels are inspired by the dramatic landscapes and remote charm of Cornwall and the Lake District. Yet, despite her love of both locations, her heart remains firmly rooted in and around Lichfield.
Phillipa, who also features Midland links in her work, such as Fradley Junction, said:
“My books are inspired by the beauty and drama of Cornwall and the Lakes. I’m lucky to have holiday lets in both, so they’re also an escape for me.
“But that said, I can’t see myself ever leaving Lichfield as I love living here.”
The mother-of-one, who became a grandmother last year, credits her former English teacher at Chasetown High School – the late Mr Fosbrook – with setting her on the path to literary success.
The Oxford University graduate, who grew up in Brownhills but now lives in Hammerwich, said:
“Mr Fosbrook has sadly passed away now, but he was the most inspirational person in my life.
“Sometimes we don’t realise these things until later in life, but he steered me in this career direction and instilled a love of the classics in me, like Jane Austen.”
With two books a year published by Penguin – typically one in the summer and the second in the winter – Phillipa revealed she is currently in the final editing stages of her Christmas novel, which she teases at the end of her latest book, and has started working on next summer’s offering too
When she’s not writing, the former local journalist meets every Friday with her old newsroom friends, affectionately dubbed “The Friday Floras”, and loves to be in nature, including cycling and even bodyboarding off the Cornish Coast.
While her debut work Decent Exposure – since retitled A Dreamy Summer By The Lakes – was adapted into the TV movie 12 Men of Christmas, it was her 25th book, A Surprise Christmas Wedding that saw her reach a new career high.
She said:
“It was an incredible moment to become a Sunday Times bestseller – and there’s nothing better than getting messages of praise about my books from readers either.
“But you are only as good as your last book, so I just concentrate on writing the best story I can each time.”
One Cornish Summer With You is available to buy now here.
