Interview: Peta Mathias talks about It’s Been Six Weeks Since My Last Confession

Peta Mathias MNZM is a respected and prolific New Zealand chef, author and broadcaster, who conducts gastronomic tours to such exotic places as Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco and India. She lives in the South of France in the French summer, teaching cooking classes in her Uzès home, and lives in Auckland in the New Zealand summer, writing and avoiding winter.

For twelve years Peta presented the award-winning travel/food TV shows Taste New Zealand, Taste Takes Off and A Taste of Home. Her many books are about food, travel, life, men, women, love, and explaining how egg whites can transform your life. In 2012, Peta was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit by the New Zealand Government in recognition of her work as an author and TV presenter. Peta talks to NZ Booklovers.

Can you tell us a little about It’s Been Six Weeks Since My Last Confession? 

It's indiscreet stories from my life - how to deal with anger and temps perdu, why it's not a sin to wear black underwear, how eating sun-drenched food will keep you young and beautiful forever, how to open your eyes with a knife and what happens when you go on holiday with 5 A-types.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to write a book where I didn't have to do any research so decided to just go back to the style of my first ever book, write from the heart and tell observational, confessional stories.

What was your routine or process when writing this collection of essays?

Absolutely none. I write the way all women write - in between all the other things I have to do like teach, host international tours and indulge in public speaking.

If a soundtrack was made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.

I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash. La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf.

What do you hope readers will take away from It’s Been Six Weeks Since My Last Confession?

Be brave, be resilient and don't wear pink lipstick - it's a cry for help.

What did you enjoy the most about writing this book?

Being able to sit down for long periods of time, making fun of disgusting people and giving really good tips on delicious eating and stylish dressing.

What did you do to celebrate finishing?

Congratulated myself on turning into a publisher and doing it all on my own with advice from my writer friends. 

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

'Tell Me Everything'. Elizabeth Strout is a very good storyteller - subtle, sensitive and slyly witty. She finds love and murder in ordinary places.

What’s next on the agenda for you? 

Lying on the floor for the rest of the year then getting on with my regular life of living half in France and half in NZ.