Erica James at Felixstowe

Sunday 28th June 2015, 3.30pm
Venue: Orwell Hotel, Felixstowe
Tickets: £7

Erica James has written just about a book a year for almost 20 years, and has built up a loyal and enthusiastic following - though in recent years she has been receiving fanmail mistaking her for another E (L) James...

Saying that she is not a 'tricksy' writer, Erica believes the strength of her writing is in telling a good story and, for this afternoon's event, she described how she first discovered this talent and how she is now drawing on her new home county of Suffolk for inspiration.

The audience were keen to ask her about the world of publishing - "the harder I work, the 'luckier' I get," she said, reporting her answer to one interviewer. And we were treated to an intriguing gallery of book cover designs, those rejected and those selected.

Despite much more that could be said, the event for Felixstowe Book Festival had to close after the prescribed 60 minutes, not least because the room was stiflingly hot with its capacity audience of around 80 people on a sultry Sunday afternoon.

Many people visited the bookstall in the adjoining room and queued to have their books signed by Erica. I also received some attention. Two women independently rushed up to me after the event saying that I'd done a good job but my dress was beautiful, where did I get it?!

As Erica walked across the car park together we spotted the person who had been filming our session. We had no idea our conversation would be broadcast on...Felixstowe TV. You can watch it here.

Event photos