Inspiration is the key to Marian's success

Ireland's hottest author Marian Keyes knows what it's like to battle the booze.

She hopes speaking out about being a recovering alcoholic will help other addicts.

Marian studied to be a lawyer - something she calls "the greatest waste of time."

Then she wanted to study journalism but didn't get into a course.

She responded by shutting down and turning to alcohol.

It wasn't until she read a short story four months before she checked into rehab that she considered a career as an author.

Now, after seven sober years, she's sold more than three million books worldwide and is one of the 100 richest women in Britain.

There's no doubting the 37-year-old has come a long way.

She's grateful for every day.

Marian has been in New Zealand to promote her latest book Sushi for Beginners.

It follows her other bestsellers Watermelon, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, Rachel's holiday and Last Chance Saloon.

She says she's overwhelmed by her popularity here. More than 200 people turned up to a reading in Auckland.

"If I had heard about a young woman who'd struggled and come through booze, it would have been easier for me to face up to it," says the author of five bestselling novels.

"The fear that this is the day I run out of inspiration never goes away. It's something I feel has been given to me on loan and could be taken away any day.

"But this is a life beyond my wildest dreams. I've been incredibly fortunate," she says.

"I don't even get those numbers at home in Ireland. It was the most lovely feeling."