I always thought 'chick lit' meant third-person contemporary funny novels, dealing with issues of the day. I mean, it's not the ideal term; when I'm asked to describe what I do, I say I write romantic comedies, cause that's what I feel they are. But I'm quite pragmatic.

My real name is Madeleine Wickham, under which I write dramas with an edge of humour. As Sophie Kinsella it's fast, all-out comedies, such as the 'Shopaholic' series.

I love romantic comedies... but they have to be done right, but when they are, they're great.

Romantic comedies are particularly hard to make.

So", says Jack at at last..."you broke up with Connor".
Wow. So we're straight to the point.
"So", I reply defiantly. "You decided to stay".
"Yes, well...", "I thought I might take a closer look at some of the European subsidiaries." He looks up. "How about you?"
"Same reason." I nod. "European subsidiaries".

Often, romantic comedies exist in a vacuum, and it's kind of odd.