Born in Scotland, Dawn O’Porter, 47, studied at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. She began her career in TV production and during the 00s presented documentaries including Super Slim Me and My Breasts Could Kill Me. In 2014, her debut YA novel, Paper Aeroplanes, was shortlisted for the Waterstones children’s book prize. Her first novel for adults, The Cows, was published in 2017 and became a bestseller. Her new book is Hungry Eyes: A Memoir of Appetite, Ambition and the Odd Bag of Wotsits for Dinner. She lives in London with her husband, the actor Chris O’Dowd, and their two children.When were you happiest?
The early days of motherhood. We lived in a sweet little bungalow in LA that had a pool. We threw lots of parties. We had a cute dog and a mad Siamese. Trump had never been president, we’d never heard of coronavirus, Claire’s Accessories was still going strong. Good times.What is your greatest fear?
Clothes moths (and the imminent threat of world war three).Which living person do you most admire, and why?
My Auntie Jane. She took me in, aged 10, and, after my mother died, healed my broken heart by filling our dining room with food and people. Still cooking at the grand old age of 89. My icon.What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
