Last week author Pip Granger appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour to talk about her new book Up West: voices from the streets of post-war London.She has recorded her experience:

“As you all know, writing is a very solitary occupation. In an average year I spend 51 weeks of my time in a shed of around 6×12 at the end of my garden. Then, once a year, I’m dragged out and expected to shine during my publicity tour, it takes some getting used to I tell you! Weeks of preparation are spent gearing myself up for the delights my publicist has prepared in order to let people know about my new book…and hopefully encouraging them to buy it. Last Wednesday morning I was up at the crack of dawn trying not to have a nervous breakdown before 10am. Countless nerve-induced trips to the loo later and I was sat in the green room at the Radio 4 being briefed by the show’s producer on what to expect from the interview. We’d already had a pre-interview chat a few days before about what the Godmother of Woman’s Hour, Jenni Murray, would talk to me about but this was a little re-assurance that was much needed. And of course I would be in the hands of a consummate professional who literally does this day in day out so all would be fine. And of course it was. As the clock chimed 10 past 10 I was whisked off to the studio for my starring role, my 7 ½ minutes of fame. The interview went really well and Jenni immediately put me at ease with her calm approach and professional manner. And another interview bites the dust. Just the launch party speech to write now! And yet more nerves to overcome. As they say though, it’ll be alright on the night.”

 Up West by Pip Granger is published by Corgi and is available now priced £6.99.

To hear Pip’s interview on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour please follow this link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ly08b