Agatha Christie

Apart from her famous disappearance and immense bibliography, I didn't know much about Agatha Christie. She writes very modestly about herself, making it seem as though you just need to sit down and start writing to produce a massive bestseller. 

She's very old-school English and plays down how she learned about poisons volunteering in the hospital pharmacy for WW1 soldiers. She also talks very simply about trekking off to Iraq alone in the 1930s and becoming one of the world's experts on Middle Eastern archeology.

But most of all, it's inspiring to get a glimpse into this woman's mind who… show more.

During research for my book, I came across her own autobiography, which was a rare treat. It made me feel closer to her as I studied her life, getting to read events in her own voice.

Christie was a formidable woman with a life well lived, so hearing her take on her own characters and books was fascinating. She was quite self-effacing, and even admits to being annoyed with Hercule Poirot! I recommend this book for fans of her, of course, but also for aspiring writers.