Team LBD meets Susan McBride

When Little Black Dress, the novel, was released, we had to find out more! So we caught up with its lovely author Susan McBride. The book is about two sisters, Anna and Evie, whose lives are torn apart when that little black dress works its magic, giving them a glimpse into their unexpected but unavoidable futures.

What was the inspiration for Little Black Dress? My mother always told me: 'Every girl should have an LBD in her closet for all of life's events. It's just one of those things you're supposed to have', and it's totally true. Also, a little black dress is that one item that binds all women no matter what their differences. It just wouldn't have worked with any other garment.

Your novel contains magical undertones- do you think putting on an LBD is a form of escapism for women? Yes, most definitely! A lot like with reading, it gives women that chance to escape the chaos of their reality and really consider themselves. A little black dress works almost like a costume or a mask that woman can hide behind.

he LBD in your novel seems to have a life of its own, and anyone wearing it becomes powerless to its desires.

Why do you think an LBD is such an important thing in a woman's wardrobe and life? The little black dress is just magical in itself and has something inherently special about it when you put it on with your stockings, your pumps and your pearls. It's why I included that quote from Chanel at the beginning of my book: 'A woman without an little black dress has no future.'

Describe the LBD in your novel? I didn't actually give too much of a description as I wanted the readers to use their own imaginations. That's why I loved how they didn't reveal much of the dress on the front cover. I love that classic, simple, A-line dress with no embellishments; well cut and tailored- simple is good. I actually had a picture of Audrey Hepburn on my computer the whole time I was writing the novel as I love the dresses she wore.

Have you had any personal experiences as a result of wearing an LBD, like the characters in your book? About sixteen years ago, before I was a published writer, I was writing so many manuscripts and all were getting rejected. I was at my Grandma's funeral and somebody asked me if I was still writing, in a tone of voice that suggested I should give up. I was wearing this little black dress, and it was in that moment I realised I would never stop writing. One year later I got my very first contract for And Then She Was Gone.

Describe a day in the life of Susan McBride It's pretty boring! I send my husband Ed off to work then spend the morning answering emails and updating my site and promoting my books- I feel like I'm in the Post Office! In the afternoon, I write and when I'm up against a deadline, I get totally obsessed with the writing and spend the day in my PJs, writing until my hands cramp!

Describe your perfect LBD moment I would be out for romantic dinner with my husband, wearing that LBD that makes me feel magical and special, with my hair and make up done, sitting under that dim candlelight which makes everyone look beautiful. Ed loves me wearing little black dresses- he loves that I am obliged to wear them since this writing this novel! We've got five exclusive signed copies of Little Black Dress (£7, HarperCollins) to give away! For your chance to win email us at hello@littleblackdress.co.uk, including your full name and putting 'LBD competition' in the subject line.