If you’re Christmas shopping and have some booklovers on your good list, I have a great suggestion for you. I’m always on the lookout for interesting gifts for book-loving friends and the occasional indulgent treat for my writing room so was thrilled to discover Lizzie Chantree’s fabulous Bookish Gifts. As well as writing bestselling romances full of friendship and laughter, she is now selling bookish gifts and merchandise.

The collection includes bags, aprons, cushions and notebooks. My first real journalism job was on a magazine for gift shops and I’m still fascinated by how designers come up with their ideas. So, when Lizzie popped into my virtual coffee shop, I couldn’t wait to find out more.

What gave you the idea to set up this business?

I ran a gift business for over fifteen years before my daughter became unwell (she’s fine now) and was an award winning product designer. But I needed to stay at home to listen to her breathing, as she coughed incessantly, and wrote my first book to help keep my mind off of the worry. I then hid the book in a cupboard for five years until her health improved. I’m currently waiting for a publishing date and I’ve wanted to build a sustainable bookish merchandise business for quite a while, so now felt like the right time to go for it!

How important is sustainability to you?

This is a big part of my business ethos. All of the products are sustainable and made to be sent back and recycled. They are made from sustainable cotton in a green energy factory. Even the packaging is plastic free and the paper can be used as a colouring-in page!

Which is your personal favourite?

This is a hard one because I love all of the designs! I do wear my Should be writing, but am probably procrastinating, t-shirt a lot!

And I absolutely love my, Today’s good mood is sponsored by books, large shopping tote. It’s so soft and hard wearing. Plus it has loads of room for my manuscripts and notebooks.

What are your goals for the New Year?

Personalised products will be something I’m looking to add next year. For now it’s hectic with how popular this has become so quickly! I’ve been really lucky that lots of writers and readers have been buying my brand and posting about it online because the t-shirts are so comfortable and fun to wear. The gift products are beautiful quality too. They are made to last.

Do you have any advice for other authorpreneurs?

My advice would be to use your skills from any part of your life. They are never wasted. I trained in marketing and graphic design at college and didn’t know how useful that would be for me as a writer. Also, do your research. Make sure there is a market for your work and test products out.

Finally, have fun with it!

Thanks for visiting Lizzie and good luck with the business. Now I really should get back to writing!