An Interview with Plum Sykes, Author of “Party Girls Die in Pearls : An Oxford Girl Mystery”

Written by Julie Weinstein

One of the most relaxing activities is simply reading a good book while enjoying your drink of choice (wine for me). And, sadly, I don’t do it enough (the reading part). When I do dive into a great book, though, I’m glued. And I love to hold a physical book. I know there’s the ease of reading on a Kindle or an iPad, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to. There’s something about flipping actual pages. Anyone else with me? Either way, reading is good for the soul. 

Summer is the perfect time to jump into a great book, especially a thoroughly enjoyable novel. And today’s interview is with the author of “Party Girls Die in Pearls : An Oxford Girl Mystery,” Plum Sykes, who also wrote best sellers “Bergdorf Blondes” and “The Debutante Divorcée.” This is the book you’ll want to take on your next beach vacation (if you can hold out to read it). It’s entertaining, funny, mysterious, and truly a pleasure to read. 

Aside from being an author of three best-selling books, she also writes for Vogue! Oh, and she has two children! Plum is a busy gal, and we loved catching up with her. Keep on reading for how she balances it all, what a day in her life looks like, what inspires her, and much more.

An Interview with Plum Sykes

We love your new book, “Party Girls Die in Pearls : An Oxford Girl Mystery.” What inspired you to write it?

I was inspired to write this book having studied myself at Oxford university in the 1980s. It just seemed like such a wonderfully funny Era to write about.

You now have three best-selling books under your belt and you’re also a writer for Vogue. Wow! How do you balance it all? 

I also have two children, who come before everything. Balancing, though, is a constant juggling act and can be tiring at times. I basically try to work during the school day and always be there at breakfast and tea for my children.

How did you first get your start at Vogue?

I went on work experience to British Vogue and was soon offered a job as a fashion assistant.

Given your busy, exciting life, we imagine no two days are ever the same. Can you walk us thru what a “typical” day might look like?

I usually get up at around 6:30 AM. I get my children up and make some pancakes and fruit for breakfast. I walk them to school in London and then I go to my office where I work at my writing for about three hours. I try and have lunch with someone and in the afternoon I try to do a Pilates class or have a swim. In reality, this doesn’t happen very often! I can pick up my children at around 3:30 and have tea and do homework with them. If I am doing a Vogue story it’s very different and I might be working from six in the morning until midnight, but this is only every few months.

What’s your favorite part about your job(s)?

I absolutely love the intellectual challenge of writing.

How would you describe your personal style?

I try to dress as simply and as chicly as possible bearing in mind that I am a mum as well as a voguette!!!

Where are your favorite places to shop?

I really love Madewell, I love Alexander McQueen, I love Chloe, and I love the line Pam and Gela for casual LA style.

What three items do you think every woman must own?

A fabulous pair of jeans, a pair of Manila stilettos, and a longsleeved cocktail dress.

What advice would you give someone wanting to become an author and / or a writer at an incredible publication, such as Vogue?

For anyone who is starting out now the best thing to do is start your own Instagram page or your own blog and write write write as much as possible online. This will be your resume.

What inspires you on a daily basis?

My children and all the incredible people I pass on the street whether I am in New York or London. I am also always inspired by getting into the countryside, riding my horse, and seeing the wonderful greenery and beauty of the fields and meadows of the Cotswolds where we have a country house.

We are big fans of quotes – any favorites you try to live by?

Yes. My favourite is “this too shall pass.”

What’s next for you? Anything you can share?

I am about to start writing the next book in the series, and I’m also writing an outline for a TV show for the next book which is very very exciting. I can’t reveal exactly who I have done a TV deal with but hopefully I will be able to let everyone know soon.

Thanks so much, Plum!

In Closing

We hope you enjoyed this interview, and let us know if you read Plum’s book. We’d love to hear what you think of it. Have a great rest of your day!

 

Photo borrowed from WWD