Losing It by Helen Lederer

Today on the blog I am lucky to be joined by the wonderful Helen Lederer who will be answering some questions ahead of her launch for her new book Losing It.

1) Dare I ask what research you took for this book?
 Ha ha. Well, I need to keep my uptake of Chunky Kit Kats regular – just so I can empathize with Millie.

2) Your humor really shined through in this book, because you are known for your humor did you feel pressured to write a comical novel or did it just come naturally with this book?
 I’m thrilled you think that – I suppose I describe things in a certain way with certain words and I loved the way the structure of the novel allowed me to develop descriptions of places and people which encompassed funny words and naughty negative feelings as well… 

3) Did you get writers block whilst writing this book and what did you find helped to kick start the writing again?
I would lie down and watch daytime TV or eat, or occasionally walk to the litter bin at the bus stop ( and back of course) but I held firm – because I’d read that’s what you are supposed to do when panic sets in. 

4) If your book was to be made into a film who would you like to play Millie and Eugene ( it's ok we can have a weighted suit for Millie's character!)
Olivia Coleman - I’ve already mentioned it. Fat suits are fun... I told her that too. 

5) Do you have have a particular place where you like to write ? 
I write in my office – a very unhygienic hoarders careen of hair slides, old candles and business cards ... shameful 

6) How much input did you get in the design of your cover and what was your reaction when you got to see the finish copy?
I was obsessed about the shape of the kettle – and banged on about it – until the right amount of puffs had been inked in by a patient illustrator .(I also know an amazing cartoonist who offered his work for free to me.) 

7) Do you get much time to read and what was the last book you read? 
I find it hard to concentrate –but I am loving ‘Elisabeth is Missing’ and had great fun with ‘The Understudy’ by David Nichols. I’ve also got to read all of David Nobbs’ comic novels because I’m teaching comedy writing with him in November and wish to be well prepped.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us Helen I think Olivia Coleman sounds like the perfect actor to take on Millie!

MY REVIEW


As soon as I heard Helen Lederer was releasing a novel I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy because I love a book that can make me laugh and because Helen is known for her wit I was sure this was going to entertain me.

Millie who was once a “somebody” now seems to be down on her luck, she is in a terrible financial situation and whilst her cash flow is going down her weight is going up and up! Mille is given a life line when she is approached to become the face of a new diet pill, this could be the answer to all of her problems but will the weight come off that easy?

This book didn’t disappoint, Helen has managed to bring a topic of weight loss which the majority of us can relate to, and put a comical spin on it. I battle with my weight so I could sympathise with Millie but I take my hat off to her for some of the things she tried to help her lose weight. At one point in the book I was clenching my butt whilst reading one of the methods I just hope poor Helen didn’t have to road test all of these things in aid of research for this book!

Helen has an easy flow to her writing and the book keeps at a great pace, the only point my attention wavered was when Millie went on a trip to see daughter Mary in Papua New Guinea but as soon as she returned home I was back on track again.

Millie has a great group of quirky friends around her to help keep her focused and to try and help her reach her goal and they each in turn helped to bring humour to the book, but for me Millie was the one who really made me chuckle as she reminds me of myself the way she does so well to lose weight and then she self-destructs and sabotages her diet with treats!

This was a wonderful witty read about weight loss, friendships, sexual awakening and a storyline and main character many will relate to. I am sure this book will be a hit.

Losing It will be published 12th February but is available to pre-order below now.

Kindle                    Paperback





I am giving away a paperback copy of Losing It below. This is a worldwide Giveaway but please read the T&C. GOOD LUCK! 


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