Q&A between Kathleen Baird-Murray and Claudia Savino, her friend in New York who found a critter under her desk and needed to do something  that would take her mind off it.

1.Why plastic surgery?
Do you mean generally, or as the setting for this novel?   Well, it’s quite zeitgeisty no?  And at the time I had been researching a history book on plastic surgery until my good friend Jon pointed out that was all far too worthy and possibly a bit dull and I’d be better off writing about all those surgeons I’d met who’d offered to trim the bump on my nose, plump up my lips and put implants in my cheeks. 

2.What is your view on Botox? Do you think that Nicole Kidman sleeps with her eyes  wide open?
Ha ha.  Maybe that would explain why the film bombed.  Personally  - I hope to God I never have it.  But then, will I have the kind of scowl that scares away small children without meaning to?   (note to self: could work as disciplinary measure with one’s own children.  Might finally get them to school on time etc). 

3.Do you think that American women are more vain than European women?
I think they’re more obsessed with being clean and groomed.  Us Brits have only just started having blow-drys (I know, you call them “blow-outs”, you say tomAYTo, we say tomARTo etc), manicures and pedicures, whereas “the rest of Europe” takes more pride in its appearance.  Legend has it the Germans have hairy arm-pits, and the French are apparently soap-shirkers (although not much evidence of this in my household which is predominantly Frendh and very clean). 

4.If you were to change anything about yourself what would that be?
I know I’m supposed to say I wouldn’t change anything, but honestly, if I could lose about ten pounds in weight, grow longer legs and have slightly narrower hips; if my breasts could sit up and beg without needing a bra, I’d be a little happier.  And no gray hair please.  My skin could be a tad smoother too.  Upper arms looking a little flabby these days.  Did I mention my stomach? 

5.What is your view on men and plastic surgery as it seems more and more men are going under the knife?
I think they need more of it.  There are so few handsome men out there, don’t you think?  About time they sorted themselves out. 

6. At what age should surgery be considered?
96.  You can’t really call them “laughter lines” at this point.  

7. What age is too young?
95

8. Brazil or not Brazil? That is the question?
See the extract I’ve posted from my book How to Be Beautiful; the Thinking Woman’s Guide.  I certainly won’t be having it again. 

9. Which celebrity has had great work done? Not such great work?
Like I’d know.  If I knew any celebrities they’d be coming to my book launch.  And if I asked them early on in our relationship they’d be scared away, think it was too personal a question.  Anyway, really good plastic surgeons don’t tell.  It’s the nurses who tell.