It was fifty shades of grey that inspired or more appropriately drove author Caitlin Moran to write her first adult novel.

E L James’ erotic novel incensed the British writer so much she was determined to write a “funny, dirty human book about what its actually like to go out and have sex. The result is How To Build A Girl.

Speaking on The Green Room, Moran said while there were striking similarities between her main character and herself, the book is resolutely a work of fiction.

It remains to be seen how it will compare to the unforeseen success of her first book How To Be A Woman which now sells in 37 countries.

The chapter about her abortion did pose initial problems.

“Often when we were selling the book into Catholic countries we were told we would have to take that chapter out.  I was very hard-line about it and said no.”

Moran says the decision to have an abortion after having children was “the least difficult decision” of her life.

“It was an easy decision after having two children because I know what a big job that is. I know how much care, love, time, effort, pain and risk is involved. I don’t casually or lightly decide when to have another child, when I think I am already too exhausted to do that.”

Now a film is being made based on How to be a Woman. The lead actress, says Moran will be a woman with “a big ass and big thighs.”

Listen here for the full interview with Caitlin Moran on The Green Room with Orla Barry

How To Build A Girl is published by Ebury Press and is available in bookstores now