Gyles Brandreth webchat - 17 September 1-2pm

Oh, fascinating.

I came across A A Milne's "Red House Mystery" at my charity shop last month. I hadn't realised he'd written anything except the Winnie the Pooh books, but now I gather he had quite a large output and became rather frustrated that Pooh's success destroyed his reputation as an adult author.

Do you think Milne's other work was unfairly overshadowed by Winnie-the-Pooh?

Hello Gyles

I've always wondered, how scripted are shows like Just A Minute? Do you know the topics in advance? Are you all sitting there reading your words or does it all come out of your heads on the day?

Hi Gyles, I recently read an interview with you about your '7 secrets of happiness' and the one that made me laugh out loud was "No one is interested in you" (because I get that). So why do you think people queue up and pay to see your show then?

I heard you reading from your 'life' on Radio 4 last week - loved it - is there more to come? However, I have to tell you that I can't stand Just a Minute - sorry . As soon as it came on the radio my late husband and I looked at each other, made the finger down the throaty expression and rushed to the cat's whisker to retune to Radio 3 . Do you still collect teddy bears? I have quite a collection myself which the gc's play with (with which the gc's play) so they are all a bit 'used'. Better that way don't you think?

I love Just a minute!

I would love to know more about When We Are Sixty please

Do you miss being an MP?

I f I remember correctly you were the one to introduce the ability to get married in places other than a church/registry office. What was behind that? And do you think it's been a good move? I am all for freedom of choice but do worry that some venues may cheapen the whole ceremony - make it a bit gimicky instead of a solemn vow to love and cherish etc

I can't believe no one has asked about the sweaters yet!!! How? Why? Do you still wear them? (and if so how on earth have you kept the moths at bay - that is a genuine question!)

I notice that the subtitle of your book is "An optimist's journey". Have you always been a glass-half-full kind of guy? If one is not naturally inclined to optimism what can they do to change this?

Hi Gyles! Am intrigued. Has researching the book changed the way you live your life (or were you quite happy before that?)

Apparently you've made more appearances on Countdown than any other guest! Is that the most favourite show you've been on? If not, what is?

dorish I never really thought about that but I know what you mean, a SIL of mine got married - in the US - in a furniture shop! There was much whispering and tittering about that behind the happy couple's backs, not coming from me of course I was just slightly bemused but the thought.

Hello Gyles,

Being a bit of a career chameleon - what would you consider your 'career highlight' so to speak?

p.s me and OH love just a minute!

Hi Gyles, is being on the one show as fun as it looks?

Hello Gyles - it's me again. As there aren't many questions on this thread yet and it's the 17th tomorrow I have just been googling you just in case there was something I could add to keep things going and discovered that we were born in the same year, married in the same year and your 3 children were born in the same years as mine. Wow - I think it was meant to be!! Only difference is you still have your wife but I don't have my husband ... Seriously, I love their names - have your grandchildren been bestowed with equally individual, unusual monikers? You always seem such a jolly, optimistic person () - are you always so, or do you sometimes, occasionally, feel a little glum? ()

Hello Gyles - I've just bought a copy of your book and am excited to read it. What gave you the idea for it?

I'm looking forward to Now We Are Sixty. What's your favourite play to star in and to watch?

Now I want to know what your children are called!

That wasn't my actual question though. I am sure I read somewhere that you kept your wedding a secret. Is that true?

You've written lots of books! Do you prefer writing for adults or children?

Hi Gyles I am a big fan of yours. Does that mean I can ask two questions?

1) You wrot e a book about Charles and Camilla but I would love to know what you think about Willioam and Catherine. And George of course

2) I have ordered your book but how happy do you think you are?

Thank you in advance

I love the sound of your book and have just ordered it on amazon. what will you be writing next?

If you had 4 children and were a single mum then found out the eldest wasn't of the same parentage when would you tell him, he is now 8?