Was there a casting choice that felt especially spot on—or unexpectedly perfect? 

“Laura Dern was unexpectedly perfect as Renata Klein in the HBO adaptation of Big Little Lies. She made the character so much funnier, sexier, and charismatic than the relatively minor character I created on the page. So, when I came to write the sequel, I knew there was no way readers would forgive me if I didn't give Renata ‘equal billing’ with the other characters in Big Little Truths.” 

Which actor or actress would play you in a movie adaptation of your life? 

“Jennifer Aniston would play me. This is because I once pulled a face that reminded someone of Jennifer Aniston. I was delighted to hear this and took it to mean that I strongly resembled her, no matter how many times it has been made clear to me that it was just a fleeting expression. It’s never happened again, or been remarked upon, but I will not let it go.” 

What’s the first thing you do after finishing a draft? 

“Cry.” 

Where do you most like to write? 

“In my home office. I have tried to write in more interesting locations, but I never get anything done.” 

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever researched for a story? 

“I was hypnotised for The Hypnotist’s Love Story and I saw a psychic for Here One Moment.” 

If your characters could critique you, what would they say? 

“Why do you give so many of us long, beautiful legs on which to stride about? Could it be something to do with your own short, sturdy legs?” 

If you could swap places with another author, who would that be? 

“I would like to have temporarily swapped places with the author Jenny Han, author of The Summer I Turned Pretty, while she was attending Taylor Swift’s wedding. Not the whole wedding. That would be too stressful. Just for a few moments. Long enough to enjoy a glass of champagne and take a few photos I would promise not to post.” 

Which book is your most treasured possession? 

“A signed first edition of The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler. It was a gift from my editor, Amy Einhorn. I would save it in a fire. Before certain photo albums.” 

Who is your favourite writer? 

“Anne Tyler.”