Lorraine Kelly is a name that needs no introduction to any British household.

The nation’s favourite TV presenter visited Farnham as part of the annual Literary Festival to discuss her new book, The Island Swimmer.

The Scot’s debut novel has had tremendous success over the past few months, reaching No. 2 in the Sunday Time’s Bestseller list. The Herald chatted with Lorraine about the importance of community, her writing process and the modern media industry.

“What I do love is coming to places like Farnham, especially in a literary festival because I just love people who love books,” Lorraine said.

“I feel very lucky and I’m so happy that people here are reading it - I feel like I’m in esteemed company!”

This isn’t Lorraine’s first foray into writing – she’s had a distinguished career as a columnist and non-fiction author – but it is her first novel.

“Writing this was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done,” she said.

“It’s like your baby, and you put it out into the world and hope that people like it.

“For me it’s quite organic, and it changes all the time. I thought I’d be totally in control, but I wasn’t.”

“You get to know your own characters, what seems normal for them and what doesn’t.”

Lorraine has been visiting the Orkney Islands, where the novel is set, since the 80s and likes to consider herself an adopted Orcadian.

She said: “When you are so enthusiastic about a place, that can’t help but shine through in your writing.

“Simple things like leaving your door open, or keys in your car create a unique sense of community.

When asked about her favourite authors and biggest inspirations for the novel, Lorraine’s list was extensive.

She said: “I absolutely love Maeve Binchy, a very talented Irish writer as well as Kate Atkinson, Ernest Shackleton and others.”

As the conversation continues, Lorraine talks through the early stages of her career, and how she came to reach the height that she now occupies.

She enthused: “Don’t give up, don’t give up whatever you do.

“You’re as good as everybody else. The media might not be short of people, but they are short of ideas.”

Early on in her career, Lorraine mentions having applied for “every job the BBC had on offer.”

She said: “I even applied to be a farming correspondent in Aberdeen, and I know nothing about farming!

“My thinking was, if I could apply to all that they advertised then eventually someone would remember me.”

As the evening draws to a close, Lorraine mentions what she wants people to take from her new novel.

She said: “I didn’t want to write just another romance story that’s polished and perfect, because that’s not real life.”

“I want people to see their own lives in the imperfections and impurities that my characters possess, that we all possess.”

Lorraine’s debut novel, The Island Swimmer, is available to purchase for £9.99 in Waterstones.