AN AUTHOR whose books are celebrated across the world has published her 24th novel and says her ideas come from the least expected places.
Elizabeth Lord, 84, who lives in Billericay, launched her latest tome, entitled Illusions Of Happiness, on February 2.
The fictional book explores the experiences of a girl from a good family whose life goes off track when she always seems to fail at attempts to find happiness.
Ms Lord's novels are published by Severn House Publishers and are available at libraries across the world, including in the USA and Australia.
She typically writes romantic fiction and family sagas in printed form but published her first e-book, The Chandelier Ballroom, 18 months ago.
"The electronic book is doing well, but I do like proper books," she told the Gazette.
"Each novel I write usually takes a year including all the research and proofing at the end.
"I've been writing seriously since the late 70s and have written 20 books since then."
Before working as a full-time author, Ms Lord worked as a legal secretary up until the age of 63.
Ms Lord said: "I absolutely love writing – I love getting inside characters and am a proper people-watcher.
"I enjoy seeing what people are like and if I hear a conversation that's interesting I think, 'that would make a good book'.
"Sometimes ideas come out of silly things where you'd least expect."
Ms Lord has two children and four grandchildren and has lived in Billericay since 1969.
She is an active member of the Billericay Arts Association and sits on its committee.
She said: "It feels like a home from home and the members there enjoy my books.
"I also am on the Brentwood Writers' Group committee, which I love."
Ms Lord is now in the process of writing her next novel, entitled The Quiet One, which centres on a family and the youngest daughter of four, who is often overlooked.