Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

Her favourite piece of music is heavy metal; she’d like to share a car with writer, actor and comedian Barry Cryer; chooses freshly ground coffee when the packet is first opened as her favourite smell and would like to be remembered for being kind.

Liz Gordon, PR & marketing specialising in working with authors, occupies the 20 Questions’ hot seat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Friends. To me it’s like a comfort blanket. I can watch it any time, in any order and still laugh out loud.

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: Barry Cryer. The man is a legend and would have so many stories to tell of all the comedians he’s written for and worked with, as well as tell a ridiculous amount of jokes to make the journey go quicker.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Helping a first-time writer who knows very little about the publishing process to realise that they can do it. Sometimes it’s just a mindset shift of believing they are a ‘proper’ writer rather than considering it as a hobby. And helping book sales of course!

Q: And the worst…?

A: Dealing with the negative preconceived ideas about self-published authors. The quality of writing now and the tools that authors can use to ensure their writing is as professional as it can be means that many should be read. But it’s so hard to get into bookshops or get books reviewed by mainstream media.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: Not sure I had a hero but I always wanted to be like my sister who’s 17 years older than me. First crush was Peter Tork of The Monkees. Don’t judge me!

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Fresh ground coffee when you first open the packet.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: The walk between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. THE most stunning piece of coastline and I would like my ashes scattered there although I think it may be illegal! I’m also blessed to live looking out at Poole Harbour – I will never grow tired of that view.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Don’t worry if you’re not clear about a career path to start with. I’ve had many jobs and each one has given me an extra skill that I brought to the next one. Plus I didn’t get my marketing qualification until I was 42 and started my own business when I was 50.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: My first single was Street Life by Roxy Music. First LP I bought for myself (CDs weren’t invented then) was Queen 1.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Cruelty of any kind.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: Hallowed Be Thy Name by Iron Maiden. I kid you not. It usually surprises people that I’m into heavy metal!

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: Enthusiasm and integrity.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings. Followed by a pudding… obviously. My signature pudding is a take on bread and butter pudding made with hot cross buns – it’s a family favourite.

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Yeah right, I’m all about the puddings – see above!

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: I know we’re the only county that doesn’t have a motorway but actually it’s pretty easy to travel from here for work once you get out of the main town traffic. I love visiting clients that live out in the Dorset countryside – it’s a joy to drive. Having the stunning beaches, Jurassic coastline and the New Forest within easy reach makes it an incredible place to live.

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: Fund the NHS properly and protect it from ever being privatised.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Not having enough time to do my own writing and more reading. I’ve co-authored two books, Bournemouth in 50 Buildings published last November and Salisbury in 50 Buildings is published on October 15, which were both fascinating to do, but I would really love to have a go at writing my own fiction.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: Crete. Hands down. Would love to spend six months there, six months here.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: Retired but being a full-time writer in between travelling. Maybe sitting in a villa in Crete writing – that’s the dream!

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Being kind.

• brilliantfish.co.uk