The novelist and playwright on being spooked by watermills, a secret kiss and splashing out on family holidays
Born in Kenya, Philippa Gregory, 70, wrote her first novel while completing a PhD in 18th‑century literature at Edinburgh University. Wideacre became a bestselling trilogy, and she went on to write many popular historical novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, The White Queen and The White Princess, which have also been adapted for screen. Her first play, Richard, My Richard is at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds from 11 to 27 April. She lives in Leicestershire and has two children.
When were you happiest?
I’m a lucky woman – I was walking in the rain yesterday and was really happy.
