Relax and Read Book Club: We all live here by Jojo Moyes

Spabreaks.com’s Relax and Read Book Club gives you the chance to discover new books, learn about the authors, share your opinions and really escape into an inspiring world of literature.

This month we're reading We all live here by the wonderful Jojo Moyes, a tale about overwrought Lila Kennedy who is juggling a recently broken marriage, two wayward daughters, a house that is falling apart, and an elderly stepfather. The tale takes some exciting twists and turns through Moyes' characteristically engaging penmanship, in a book that's already set to be a bestseller.

"Easy to read. Easy to imagine the way the characters look. Another good book. Can't wait for the next one." - Amazon customer review

Here, we interview the one and only Jojo Moyes to find out more.

What inspired you to write this book?

I love stories about dysfunctional families and I have long wanted to write one. My favourite thing in writing is drilling down into character, and this gave me the perfect opportunity to do that. I also just wanted to write something funny - I feel like the world needs some joy at the moment.

Can you provide a brief overview of the book's storyline?

Lila, 42, is coping with a lot; her husband has run off with one of the other school mums, her daughters are playing up, her house is falling down and she is looking after her stepdad, who is still grieving after the death of Lila’s mother. Into the middle of this, her biological dad, a failed Hollywood actor who she hasn’t seen for decades, turns up needing somewhere to stay. The result is chaos, but will it also bring about change?

Do you have a favourite character in the book? If so, what makes them special to you?

Gene, Lila’s biological dad, is my favourite character. He was just so much fun to write. On the outside he’s a complete nightmare, and a failure at being a dad, but it turns out he does have some strengths and some kindnesses. I love writing complex characters, especially if they’re funny too.

Could you share insights into your daily writing process and routines?

I don’t really have a routine, other than I try to get some writing done every day. I have a complicated life with children still at home and animals, and so any routine I plan is usually hijacked. I always muddle through though.

Who are some of your favourite authors or books, and how have they influenced your writing?

I was very much influenced by Kate Atkinson’s Behind The Scenes At The Museum, mostly because it showed me what narrative voice was. I love Marian Keyes, who deals with dark topics but makes them humane and funny. I love Lisa Jewell’s characters - I think there is nobody writing modern characters like she does.

How does your wellness routine integrate with your writing practice, and do you make any specific adjustments during writing periods?

I feel lucky that writing allows me some control over my own routines. I walk my dogs for an hour and a half each day, I ride my horse four times a week, and I do Pilates twice a week. If I do all these things it just about makes up for the fact that I spend most of the rest of my time in a chair staring at a screen.

Is there a particular spa treatment you enjoy, and what draws you to it?

I love a deep tissue massage. I try to get one regularly; it’s great for Writer’s Back! I often spend the time half-thinking about plot problems that need to be solved, so I tell, myself it’s a valuable part of the writing experience.

Lastly, what is your top tip for maintaining overall wellbeing, especially during busy times like writing and promoting a book?

I don’t drink, and that keeps my energy levels up and my anxiety down. It’s easy to feel like you deserve a ‘reward’ when you’re that busy, but I’ve found I do so much better without it. Boring but true!