Q&A; with Helen Fielding

Helen Fielding's (Bridget Jones's Diary) new novel is Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination

Is writing a spy novel your reaction to 9/11?

Yeah. It doesn't seem quite as appropriate to spend all day obsessing about the exact circumference of your thighs. It's kind of a comforting thought if you have this alter ego who takes on the enemies and vanquishes them with derring-do. It cheers you up.

Your heroine appears to fall for a terrorist. Did you worry you might offend?

My books have all generated controversy. Bridget Jones was considered a disgrace to feminism. Comedy tends to...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!