5 Microns with Sally Hepworth: Timeless Wool Fashion

October 2024

October 2024

5 Microns

with Sally Hepworth

Who is Sally Hepworth

I am a woman, a friend, a mother and an author of nine books, most recently Darling Girls

You are an incredible author, what is your writing process? Has it evolved over the years?

I wrote my first book while I was on maternity leave because I had one of those rare perfect babies who actually slept, which enabled me a solid writing routine! The process has definitely evolved over the years as I then had two more children and was writing on the side of my day job, but now that I'm a full-time author it is much like any full-time job. Drop the kids to school,
sit down at the desk and don't move until I have to pick them up. I also have a neat trick for the first draft called 'nifty 350', where I write 350 words at a time (which feels manageable), six times a day.

Your novels all highlight real life issues, where does your inspiration come from?

So many places! Conversations I'm part of, eavesdropping, interesting articles or podcasts I come across. At the heart of all my books are dysfunctional
families, because I think family dynamics are so fascinating... the more dysfunctional, the more book fodder!

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

It might seem obvious, and possibly even boring, but the key is to KEEP WRITING. Don't just write one book and sit on it for years, trying to be published. These things take time and most people experience a lot of rejection (I certainly did), so keep writing through it all. It's the sitting down to write that makes you a writer, not having a book on the shelf.

What’s been the most challenging part of being a successful author?

People probably think that being a successful author looks like swanning around the world in nice dresses signing books and taking photos... while that part is really fun (as long as I can retreat to a hotel with room service afterwards, as I'm a true introvert), there's a lot of hard work behind the scenes that you don't see. Deadlines and publishing politics and balancing a family and a personal life with all the demands of being a public-facing author. Not to mention... you actually have to keep writing books to stay successful!

SIX

What's been the most inspiring?

The people I meet, the opportunities I'm afforded, and the fact I get to support my family with my writing career is an absolute dream. I'm always constantly in awe of and inspired by other authors, too. I'm a voracious reader. It's my first and foremost love.

SEVEN

What’s your go-to-look for a working day?

Depends on the day... sometimes I will go through stages of writing from bed, which means I change back into my PJs as soon as the school run is over. Other times I find it helps my creativity to put on a fabulous frock that I haven't worn for a while, just for a little pizzazz (and to impress my dog).

Shop the Looks

Cate Polo Dress

Cate Polo Dress

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Cate Polo Dress
Blair Frill Hem Slip Dress

Blair Frill Hem Slip Dress

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Blair Frill Hem Slip Dress