BPhilippa Gregory, 70, from Kenya, wrote her first novel while completing a PhD in 18th century literature at the University of Edinburgh. Wide Acres became the bestselling trilogy of hers, and she went on to write many popular histories that were also made into films, including The Other Boleyn Girl, The White Queen, and The White Princess. I continued writing novels. Her first play was Richard, my Richard will run at the Theater Royal, Bury St Edmunds from April 11th to 27th. She lives in Leicestershire and she has two children.
When were you the happiest?
I’m a lucky woman. I was walking in the rain yesterday, but I was really happy.
What is your biggest fear?
I am terrified of ground water, water in drains, and water in machinery. I’m very scared of waterwheels.
What trait do you most regret in yourself?
Domestically, they are lazy. I don’t do housework. My mother would have called me a slut.
What trait do you most regret in others?
Trolling, meanness, male violence.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
There are days when I just don’t take good care of my hair.
What is your least appealing habit?
When people are talking to me, I sometimes get lost in my own world.
Which words or phrases do you overuse the most?
When you don’t know someone’s name, say “darling”.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
Anonymous. I don’t think there are many benefits to being famous.
Other than real estate, what is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?
I take my family on vacation. We went to Egypt just after Christmas. Golly, it’s expensive.
What do you owe your parents?
My mother was very curious, making assumptions about people and making up stories. The habit of looking at people and asking questions about them is a great start for a writer.
What is your greatest treasure?
I now cherish the birthday card my grandson gave me, which said, “Thank you for living to be 70 years old.”
What is the best kiss of your life?
Kensington High Street after lunch over 25 years ago. I don’t want to say who.
Have you ever said ‘I love youFor no reason?
No, it’s not.
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Who is the living person you most despise and why?
I’m not really interested in Netanyahu, Putin, or Trump. There are quite a few people whose behavior falls short of the standards of civilized humanity. I’m disappointed in them.
What is your biggest disappointment?
I was very disappointed that we ended up with two children, and I wanted a third child, so I am very disappointed that we got divorced.
How often do you have sex?
With someone else, not at all for now.
What do you want to leave behind for your children?
I hope they inherit my optimism.
What would improve your quality of life?
Full-time driver/butler/chef.
What keeps you up at night?
It’s an exciting idea. I usually write for about an hour and then go to bed.
Do you want more sex, money, or fame?
money.
What kind of person do you want people to remember you as?
Not for a long time.
