Lucy Clarke is the bestselling author of five psychological thrillers. Her debut novel was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick, and her books have been translated into 12 languages. Her third novel, THE BLUE, is currently under option to be made into a TV series. Lucy writes from a beach hut at Hengistbury Head.

 

Q: What would be your perfect day out in Dorset?

A: Waking at dawn and paddleboarding out to Old Harry Rocks on a glassy, windless morning – with a flask and a pack of biscuits stashed in my backpack.

 

Q: What are your fondest memories of the county?

A: We have a family beach hut at Hengistbury Head, so I’ve spent my summers growing up there, crabbing in the harbour, building beach fires with friends, and swimming in the shore-break at long beach. Now I have two young children, so I’m loving making fresh memories with them.

 

Q: What has been your proudest achievement?

A: Signing my first book deal with HarperCollins. It took me several years – and countless rejections – to secure a publishing deal. I celebrated by buying myself a new bookcase from Ikea, which, in hindsight, was undercooking it slightly!

 

Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?

A: The sea. I write my first drafts by hand in a notebook and, for me, there’s no better view than looking out towards a glitteringly empty horizon.

 

Q: What would be your favourite thing to do when you have a day off?

A: In the summer it would mean waking up at the beach hut, taking a cup of tea down to the shore while my children goof around in the shallows and my husband brings in the crab pot. Come winter, it’s hard to beat a cliff-top walk and a hearty pub lunch.

 

Q: Where is your favourite place to eat in the county?

A: The Pig On The Beach in Studland. I love their kitchen garden, seasonal menu, and the view is unbeatable.

 

Q: What three things do you associate with Dorset?

A: Rolling hills, cliff-top walks and homely pubs.

 

Q: If you could summarise the county in one word what would it be?

A: Home.