A Q&A WITH EMMA NORREY, AUTHOR OF FABLEHOUSE
Who inspires you?
Most people I meet! Once you've gone past pleasantries, people have an unlimited capacity to surprise and inspire me. Writing-wise, I admire screenwriters such as Sally Wainwright, and writers like Donna Tartt, Joyce Carol Oates, and Margaret Atwood.
What’s your favourite book of all time?
Gosh, that's a difficult question! Probably “Remains of the Day” or “One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest”... but it can depend on my mood!
Where’s your favourite bookshop?
It would be an independent bookshop for sure, though I'm not sure I've found my favourite yet… I am partial to a sit down, so if there is a bookshop with comfy chairs, coffee, cake, and stationery then I'd probably never leave!
Why writing?
Because there's nothing else I've ever wanted to do. Everything and everyone are stories. Writing is how I make sense of who and what and where I am; how I see the world and understand my place in it. Writing is my comfort, my friend.
Do you have any advice to people who want to read more?
I found my own reading habits - usually prolific - severely challenged over lockdown. I've decided that 'little and often' is a good way forward. I can definitely always find half an hour a day, whether that's a lunchbreak at work, or waiting around for a child to finish an afterschool activity. I never read at night because it wakes me up and always makes me want to continue reading long into the night!
Describe your perfect Sunday.
Wake up naturally with no need for an alarm. No housework or chores need to be done! Then someone brings me breakfast on a tray: warm croissants, blackcurrant or damson jam, with fresh coffee.
A gentle walk outdoors with warm, maybe somewhere like the New Forest or along a quiet seafront. Listening to nature, birdsong, the world. Perhaps a little writing if the mood strikes. Then reading for an hour or so in companionable silence with a friend... afterwards we might share our thoughts about what we've read.
Lunch out - light and healthy, with a lemon tart with cream for dessert.
Cinema in the evening, with a drink to analyse and discuss the film!
Then board game or cards with the family - with absolutely no squabbling! Followed by a lovely late dinner. Go to bed late in fresh, crisp sheets and a head filled with wonderful dreams!
