I launched my kickstarter campaign for the Accidental Journalist on April 2 if anyone didn’t know. A personal milestone for me, as I had been ‘Umming and Ahhing” about this semi-autobiographical novel for over a decade. Spurred on by COVID-19, my mother’s death and in a state of semi-furlough – I pulled the trigger.

Co-incidentally on the same day, I was very excited to find out that I had a new follower on Twitter (to add to my many – NOT!) in the shape of 90s comedian, children’s author, historian David Baddiel. A fan of ‘Newman and Baddiel’ since the 90s. I felt I had reached another milestone – a famous follower on Twitter!

As the day rolled on, I told many friends and family that David Baddiel was following me on Twitter (it was a ‘slow news day’ in my house). When the penny dropped! I started to question why would a 90s legend like David Baddiel follow me? SO I clicked on his account. To find that it was not the REAL David Baddiel (screenshot above). Boo (Radleys!).

One of the amazing things being a journalist (there aren’t that many!) is the opportunity to meet your heroes. Below are 5 of my writing heroes I have met during my career.

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1. Hanif Kureshi
2. Brett Easton Ellis
3. Nick Hornby
4. Julia Donaldson (children’s laureate)
5. Lauren Child (children’s laureate)