Caron McKinlay
Faye Brann
Faye is author of Tinker, Tailor, Schoolmum, Spy, the winner of the 2020 Comedy Women in Print Award. She write stories about and for women – the sorts of books you can read in bed, on a beach or on the train, that will (hopefully!) make you smile, or even snort into your sandwich a little bit.
She lives in London with her family and, unusually for a writer, she loves a bit of attention. When not writing, you’ll find her on stage doing comedy improvisation or appearing in the occasional musical. And yes – before you ask – She's been on the PTA…
Represented by Andlyn. All enquires to davinia@andlyn.co.uk
I’m a writer living near Hampton Court in South West London with my husband and son and three cats. To keep me sane, feed my soul and satisfy my ego, I also perform in musicals and improvisation comedy. My debut novel Tinker, Tailor, Schoolmum, Spy won the Comedy Women in Print Prize in 2020. Published by HarperCollins and is out now. The book tells the story of Vicky Turnbull, a 46-year old mother of three, who is recalled to her former life as a spy. While she’s admittedly a little rusty, when she’s tasked with a mission for the first time in fourteen years, she’s determined to prove that she’s still every bit the cold-eyed special operative. But Vicky soon discovers that keeping secrets and juggling the job she loves with the family life she’s built for herself is not so easy. And when things get too close to home, she has to decide if she has what the job takes after all, and if home is really where her heart is.
​
Are you working on something now?
​
I’ve really struggled to write anything during the pandemic, everything seemed so stagnant and I didn’t like anything I put down very much. But I’m cracking on now with novel number two, which follows similar themes to TTSS , taking a look at the challenges of being a woman in mid-life, but also the joyous bits of getting older (they do exist, despite the rumours!). No spies in this one - it’s a bit more focused on relationships which means I get to write some really fun middle-aged sex scenes (which also exists, despite the rumours!).
Tell us about yourself?
Which six books will you take to the Island?
Tully by Paulina Simmons
This book stretches over a few decades, following Tully from a troubled teenager to a middle aged mother. I read this book so many times when I was in my 20s - I loved the storytelling and the characters - and I’ve always planned to read it again once I was older, to see the story from a completely different point of view. It’s a bit of a tome so a desert island with no one to bother me would be the perfect time to get stuck in.
The Crystal Singer by Anne McCaffrey
I’m a commercial fiction writer by trade but my secret book crush has always been sci fi fantasy. I must have read this book over twenty times and I never get bored of it, I love the concept of using music to create power, and I think the world building in the book is exceptional.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
I must have read this book so many times, to myself and my son too, when he was smaller. It’s magical, funny, tragic, good and evil, and transports you to a completely different world - my absolute favourite Roald Dahl book.
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
A true classic, it makes me giggle and reminds me that even when your world gets bulldozed, there’s always another direction to take.
Wuthering Heights
I studied this at school for my English A level and still have my battered copy with copious notes scrawled all over it. I’d specifically take that copy with me on my island, I love reading back the exploration of this book as a young woman almost as much as the book itself.
Little Birds by Anais Nin
I mean, it never hurts to have a bit of beautifully written erotica on your book pile.
Which disc will you take to the Island?
It’s Oh So Quiet by Bjork.
What will be your luxury item?
Oooo. A comfy mattress to sleep on. Girl’s gotta get good rest, even on a desert island.
Which fictional character will you meet?
I’d quite like some alone time with Professor Dumbledore. I reckon he’s got a few stories to tell - plus work some magic and make me look amaaaazing for my rescue.
Thank you Faye
