The 5-minute Interview: Sandra Howard, Novelist and former model
'I was surprised to get a two-book deal'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sandra Howard, 67, was a leading model in the 1960s who appeared on the covers of countless magazines and intrigued gossip columnists by befriending, among others, John F Kennedy and Frank Sinatra. Now married to the former Conservative leader Michael Howard, she is an acclaimed novelist. Her latest book, 'Ursula's Story', is out now
I wish people would take more notice of...
Other people. I have great chats to people in supermarket queues and then go home feeling cheerful.
A phrase I use too often...
"Sorry I'm late but..."
If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...
Hard at work at my next book. I'm really enjoying it.
The most surprising thing that happened to me...
Was getting a two-book deal at a late age. I had been working away, trying to achieve it, and then it happened.
A common misperception of me is...
That I'm good at anything. I'm absolutely not. When I was modelling, I didn't really believe it was anything more than a joke.
I am not a politician but...
If I were, I would give more money to youth workers and teachers.
I'm good at...
Not very much really. I can't draw, sing or spell. Perhaps falling in love.
I'm very bad at...
Being on time. Michael is always early. I stop him being too early and he stops me being too late.
The ideal night out is...
Having supper with friends or going to a really good restaurant by the sea. We would have an ocean view and be sitting outdoors, somewhere wonderful like Zanzibar.
In weak moments I...
Eat jam with a spoon. It's dangerous – you don't how much you are eating.
You know me as a writer but in truer life I'd have been...
A high-achieving government minister. I'd speak lots of languages fluently and have very big breasts.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is this...
Love is all. It keeps me feeling young.
Alice-Azania Jarvis
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments