Mamma Mia! Here we go again! I'm so,so sorry but how can I resist this.

I love all my Next Chapter conversations but this is one which resonated with me such a lot - I thought I would share it with you again.

One simple conversation and the story which would become one of our biggest musicals and Hollywood films of all time was born.

Catherine’s work has received an Olivier award, a Tony award, a Golden Globe nomination, a Bafta, a National Film Award…among many, many others. But here is what’s so special about Catherine, she is one of the most down-to-earth loveliest people you could ever wish to meet.

Catherine tells us what really happened when she met Bjorn and Benny, she talks about the moment she found out Meryl Streep was going to star in the film, and how friendships have seen her through all her Next Chapters.

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As we head towards the summer holidays, you may be thinking what book to take with you to read by the pool. One of my very favourite authors is Jill Mansell and she came on the podcast back in series 6

Jill writes romantic comedies and has sold millions and millions of books - but before this she worked for 18 years in clinical neurophysiology for the NHS . Here Jill begins with the story of how she started writing.

To learn more about Jill's wonderful books click here: https://jillmansell.co.uk/

To learn more about my uplifting Next Chapter novels (and why wouldn't you?) click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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AJ says he was a really shy child growing up – he says he often didn’t feel very good at anything and wasn’t invited to parties.

However, as he got older and his confidence grew he became a broadcast journalist before spending 8 weeks in the Big Brother House.

But inside AJ was still struggling at the time. What he didn’t know then, was a woman had come to the live audience to cheer him on because she’d been so touched seeing his story while she watched at home. What AJ also didn't know was that this woman, Victoria Hyde, would later change his life.

I interviewed Victoria back in episode 1 of this series – but today AJ is not only doing his dream job as an award-winning bestselling historical fiction author but he also organises book parties with Victoria bringing authors, readers and reviewers all together.

Now in this conversation we cover such a lot – AJ tells us about coming out as a gay man at university, what really happens after going on a show like big brother and how some of his darkest moments paved the way to happier times.

This is a story of love, friendship and what can really happen when you make your dreams come true, not just for your sake but for all the people who were shy children at the back of the class too.

To find out more about AJ West's historical fiction click here: https://ajwestauthor.com/

To learn more about me and my uplifting romantic novels click here: www.elliebarkerwrites.com

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