Deirdre Palmer lives in Brighton, on the south coast of England, with her husband and their cat, Chester. She's the author of fifteen books, published and self-published, under her own name and as Zara Thorne. These are a mix of women's fiction, romcom and psychological suspense.While she was writing her first book, she entered the Mail on Sunday novel competition and came fourth, then entered again two years later and came fourth again! It was a while ago now, but the winners' lunch with Fay Weldon and other famous writers was a totally unforgettable experience and definitely inspired her to keep on writing.When she's not writing, she loves to read, obviously, and enjoys drawing and painting, visiting National Trust properties and the Sussex countryside, where she often sets her books, and meeting up with friends for coffee and chat, her favourite pastime!