The shape I’m in with Sinead Moriarty: 'I count my blessings before I go to sleep every night'

Best-selling novelist Sinead Moriarty lives in Dublin with her husband and three children, aged 13, 12, and 9. Her latest book Our Secrets and Lies is published by Penguin Books.

What shape are you in?

I definitely need to work on my fitness. I find the summer difficult as the kids are off school and it’s hard to get into a routine. In the winter months, I try to go for early morning walks before sitting at my desk to write for the day. I have developed rheumatoid arthritis though, so there are times when I can’t go for walks because my joints are too sore, so I really try to go when I’m feeling good. Walking is so good for your mental health too, I think. I hate gyms. I love being out in nature, walking and thinking. It helps a lot with my writing too as I often work out plot problems while I’m walking.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I bought a Nutribullet two years ago and it’s the best investment I’ve ever made. I make juices most days. I feel that if I start my day with a juice, at least it’s a positive. If I end up drinking coffee and having chocolate cake later, at least I got healthy food into me earlier. It really helps with guilt levels.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

A rainy day snuggled up in bed (with fresh sheets) reading and eating chocolate is my favourite thing to do. Throw in a bit of Netflix too and I’m in heaven. I’m currently watching the Australian series Offspring, I’m addicted.

What would keep you awake at night?

I have become a terrible worrier. I wake up in the middle of the night and worry about everything. Sometimes I watch an episode of something on Netflix to distract myself and then if I’m lucky, I’ll fall back to sleep.

How do you relax?

Reading, walking, and spending time with friends and family. I have so many books to read for the Eason’s Must Read book club I’m currently doing with Rick O’Shea that I often wake up very early and read for a few hours before getting up. I find I’m much better at reading in the early morning than late at night. I love reading in the morning, it’s a lovely way to start your day.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Caroline Kennedy, to find out all of the inside information about her fascinating family — I have a slight Kennedy obsession; Piers Morgan, because he is so incredibly indiscreet and would have good stories to tell; Meghan Markle to get the inside track on being a royal and Princess Diana, so she could meet Meghan and give her advice. I’d throw in Poldark (Aidan Turner) with his top off for a bit of eye candy.

What’s your favourite smell?

Talcum powder. It reminds me of laughing babies kicking their chubby legs in the air as I changed their nappies.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

Every summer I feel the same way as I lie on the beach looking like a ghost, surrounded by brown beauties. I would love to have skin that looks at the sun and goes brown. No burning, no heat rash and no freckles. Just smooth caramel skin that goes a deeper shade in the sunshine.

When is the last time you cried?

When I heard the last four boys and their young coach had been rescued from the caves in Thailand. Both my sons play soccer and when I saw the boys in their football jerseys looking so thin and frightened in the cave, it broke my heart. The story of a global community coming together to help save the boys was so heart-warming and it came at a time when the world seems so conflicted. I keep thinking about that poor young coach and how he is carrying the burden of guilt. I really hope he is able to make peace with what happened and not blame himself. I also hope the media leave them all alone to recover mentally and physically from the trauma of what happened.

What traits do you least like in others?

People who are quick to judge. Walk a mile in someone’s shoes before jumping to conclusions. Everyone is really just doing their best and sometimes people have bad days, months and years. Don’t be so quick to assume things. Look a little deeper, ask more questions, listen harder, be kinder.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I’m not very patient It’s something I try to work on.

Do you pray?

I count my blessings before I go to sleep every night.

What would cheer up your day?

A huge Hollywood studio optioning all of my books to make them into blockbuster movies starring Oscar-winning actors.