Meet Maddy!

An interview with Maddy James

Maddy James is the main character in my next novel. I thought it might be nice to introduce her before you meet her in the pages of the book, which I hope to release in the Autumn.

As I’ve written about Maddy and what happens in her life, I’ve really warmed to her, and I hope you do too. She’s brave, very modest, perhaps a bit too dutiful and she’s kept her temper well under wraps for a long, long time.

Introduce yourself!

I’m Maddy James, I’m twenty-two and I live in a terraced house in East Finchley, London with my mum. There’s just the two of us, Dad died when I was eight. I’ve got an aunt somewhere on a Greek island, but she and Mum fell out years ago and aren’t in touch.

I work at a local council as an administrator and I’m also a carer for Mum. And yes, the job is as dull as it sounds.

That sounds exhausting. How are you coping?

Oh, I’m fine! Absolutely fine! Although Mum’s not strong, she’s amazingly sharp, mentally. She does the Times crossword in ink, every day – and woe betide anyone who thinks that because she’s not well, she’s also an idiot! God, there was this one time… no, perhaps I’d better not tell that story.

Anyway - I don’t earn a lot at my job, but you’d be astonished by the meals I can put together with a few cans and potatoes! I’m a bit of a magician in the kitchen – take a can of beans and hey presto! Here’s your dinner.

I make a bit of extra money by sewing. I have some regular customers who come to me every time they go on their summer holidays – I create their entire wardrobe!

Do you make your own clothes, too?

I have done… But that was a long time ago. Buying fabric is a bit of an indulgence, and anyway, I don’t really go out much. I used to make Mum’s skirts and the odd shirt, although she spends a lot of time in her dressing gown these days. I’m waiting for it to become a trend.

Tony, from one of the fabric stalls on the old market, occasionally gifts me the end of a roll he thinks he won’t sell – he’s such a sweetie. I do have a totally gorgeous piece of silk which I splashed out on when one of my customers gave me a tip for a rush job. I’m waiting for the right occasion to make it up… As soon as I get an invitation to tea at the Ritz, I’ll be on it.

Do you design for your friends?

Um… no. Not really. Most of the people I knew at school went on to Uni and I didn’t, so … um no. But I have a lot of repeat clients.

Who’s your favourite designer?

Oh, Dior, without a doubt. And also Vivienne Westwood, who was the epitome of rebellion when she started out. Good, solid, working class girl, was Viv.

They’re very different, Dior and Westwood… aren’t they?

Well, Westwood was jagged hemlines and re-used fabrics, and she could be incredibly offensive, which I secretly admire. She got a bit tamer as she got older, but I loved that ‘not-giving-a-toss’ attitude that threaded through early days as a designer.

Are you rebellious?

Ha! Given half a chance. (pause) No, I’m joking.

And Dior?

And Dior’s work was so elegant, so superbly fitted, he really understood how to make a woman feel and look special. He hugged the female form with his designs, and you know, he believes that fashion was more than just clothes – it was about mystery and beauty. His cutting was sublime and… I’m sorry, I can go on a bit about Christian Dior.

No problem. It’s lovely to see someone enthusiastic about their hobby. What’s coming up for you this weekend?

Well… Mum’s not well, so I’ll need to be with her this weekend. But our neighbour Edwina is a regular visitor. She’s a hoot - been married three times and she’s looking for her next husband! She and Mum argue about everything – and I mean, literally EVERYTHING! – but I think she cheers Mum up.

What about your ambitions for the future?

Frankly, if I can get to the end of the month and not owe money, I’m satisfied!

Oh. You’re serious. (long pause)

I suppose, in my dreams, I’d love to make more clothes for people. When I’m designing and making clothes, I’m in my happy place, you know?

Thank you, Maddy.

Maddy James - coming soon!