No Regrets was inspired by the love lives of women around the globe, coupled with a vivid imagination; Three friends approaching their forties each thought she was living her life to the fullest. But it might be time to shake things up, because you only regret the things you don’t do, right?
We had the pleasure of chatting with author Tabitha Webb about No Regrets, book recommendations, writing, and much more!
Hi, Tabitha! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I live in Hampshire in England, but grew up in the States in Chicago and Florida. I long to move back and give my kids the same experience of growing up in America as I had! I am married with 2 children, Primrose 3 and Betsey 9. My life is a disorganised juggle, and according to my eldest I am always embarrassing, and I sing and dance too much. I am rarely satisfied, and believe anything is possible. Which for my more sensible husband is exhausting. And I own a fashion brand, Tabitha Webb, which is probably what you would call my full time job!
After the chaos that was 2020, have you set any goals for this year? If so, how are they going so far?
Everyday I come up with something new I would like to do….but primarily I need to finish my second novel! I also want to take some risks, to push new boundaries, to mix our lives up a bit so after the pandemic we don’t go back to living the same life we were living before. At the moment we are planning a 6 month mission abroad from January 2022, where we will put the children into school abroad, and try to give everyone a different experience and perspective. And escape the British winter!
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
For me it will always be Riders by Jilly Cooper! The first book that fully engrossed me, that I couldn’t put down, and made me fall in love with the male protagonist. The book that made me want to be the next Jilly Cooper!
When did you first discover your love for writing?
Writing is one of those things that I have always loved, but that I never believed I was good enough to do. I have always adored telling a story, but it’s only now as a woman in my 40’s that I have realised writing would give me a real voice to share all of my crazy stories and dreams. I just hope that people find me as amusing as I find myself. My husband says they don’t!
Your new novel, No Regrets, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Funny, Filthy, Relatable, Honest, Hopeful
What can readers expect?
A racy ride with the three main characters Ana, Stella and Dixie. They are all facing a cross roads in their life, and it’s about the emotional challenges they face along the way, and the ultimate question of whether to follow their head or their heart. Every decision is a risk, it is whether you are strong enough to take the plunge. And ultimately the hunt for happiness, which as we all know, is never easy to find!
Where did the inspiration for No Regrets come from?
From life – from friends, stories, living, and from wanting people to take a risk. I always live my life by saying yes to everything and figuring out how to do it later, for going after what I want. And I wanted all of my leads to be the same – to realise far from life being over at 40, it has actually just begun.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you overcome them?
I found it so much harder than I thought I would! It was a real learning curve – I like to think I can just ‘do’ things, so to constantly be told to write things again, to be challenged, I found it very difficult. I was also pregnant whilst trying to write, which as well as running the business, made me very emotional! I am not sure I did overcome them, I just became a nightmare to be around:) Hopefully book two will be an easier journey.
If it’s not too spoilery, were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
For me the relationship between the three girls was what I enjoyed writing the most – their dialogue, how well they knew and understood each other. Because this is such a treasured thing in life, our close friends are the people we lean on the most, but it is also often a very complicated relationship. So it was interesting to explore this.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
That everyone always tells me to write for 2 hours in the morning, and also to have a plan. It’s not that simple for me. I never have a plan, for life or a story, and I like to just let the words roll out, and I never really have 2 hours spare to write! So for me it just happens when it happens.
What’s next for you?
Finishing book 2 of course! I am also launching homeware, as well a new fashion collection and collaboration with a celebrity stylist. So doing my best to keep busy!
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Ooooh, one of my favourite books is Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann – a slow but wonderful and descriptive read.
