After a year as a gossip columnist for the "Daily Express", Cartland published her first novel, "Jigsaw" (1923), a risqué society thriller that became a bestseller. She also began writing and producing somewhat racy plays, one of which, "Blood Money" (1926), was banned by the Lord Chamberlain's Office. In the 1920s and 1930s, Cartland was a prominent young hostess in London society, noted for her beauty, energetic charm and daring parties. Her fashion sense also had a part, and she was one of the first clients of designer Norman Hartnell; she remained a client until he died in 1979. He made her presentation and wedding dresses; the latter was made to her own design against Hartnell's wishes, and she admitted it was a failure.