Seattle Times: You were a financial journalist before you started writing novels. Were you surprised at the "Shopaholic" series' success?

Sophie Kinsella: I was amazed. Somehow it resonates with people all over the world. I find that bewildering, I really do. I get so many people telling me they are Becky Bloomwood, including men -- often in pairs, it has to be said -- well-dressed men in Italy or Paris. There was one girl who said to me, "I know I won't enjoy your book; I'm not into fashion." And then she [read it and] said, "Oh, my God, I'm just like that with craft materials!" Everyone has their own soft spots.

"Shoes, always shoes. I have a whole cupboard that was custom-built for them. Somehow I feel, with shoes, oh, I'll be able to wear them for 10 years, so they're an investment. They're so easy, you just pop them on your feet and there they are. You don't even have to go in a dressing room."