Louise Beech’s debut novel, How to be Brave, was published in 2015, followed by The Mountain in my Shoe, Maria in the Moon, The Lion Tamer Who Lost, Call Me Star Girl and, most recently, I Am Dust all published by Orenda Books and all attracting great reviews and accolades.
Hi how lovely to see you in my virtual cocktail lounge, Louise. What can I get you at the bar?
L: I’m a girl of routine. If I’m having a meal, I like a glass of Pinot Grigio. If I’m celebrating, then it’s Champagne or Prosecco. And if I’m out on the town, a Gin Sling or two. So what are we doing? Partying? Eating? Celebrating? All of it…
All of it but let’s start with Champagne. So where did we first meet in real life?
L: I believe we first met outside Goldsborough Books in London. It was September 2016, and I’d just had my launch of The Mountain in my Shoe at Waterstones. There was some sort of crime event and so I rushed across to attend that too. It was hot. I was quite drunk, I believe.
Yes, I was at your launch and then we all dashed over to Crime in the Court led by Karen Sullivan! You looked stunning and so happy. First impressions?
L: You had a lovely smile, and hair almost as wild as mine. I was on a high and a bit overwhelmed with having a new book out, and just having done a Q&A, but I clearly haven’t forgotten it. I think we have since met at a few festivals. And it’s always a pleasure.
Yes I think the last time was at CrimeFest 2019 where you did a fantastic job moderating a panel. Any points in common?
L: Writing is always a great thing to have in common. And there are not many out there with the same curls as I have. Most people give in and straighten them.
I’ve read all but two of your books and I loved I am Dust which resonated with some personal memories for me. Tell us about it?
L: I Am Dust is a bit of a ghost story and a bit of a love story and a bit of a whodunnit too set in a theatre – and was inspired by my own time working as an usher. The theatre is believed to be haunted by a long-dead actress, Morgan Miller, looking for the person who killed her.
Dust, the iconic musical, is returning after twenty years. Theatre usher Chloe Dee is caught up in the spectacle. As the new actors arrive, including an unexpected face from her past, everything changes…
It’s been a challenge launching it during lockdown.
Yes so many authors have found themselves “grounded” during this time. What are you working on now?
L: I just finished a couple of books. This Is How We Are Human will be published by Orenda next year (pencilled in for June) and is about a young autistic man looking for love. It was inspired by the son of a great friend of mine, and a particular dilemma he had. It explores a few modern-day issues, including consent, sex workers, and how we judge those with any sort of disability. I also finished my memoir, Daffodils, inspired by my mum’s suicide attempt last year and have been sending it out to publishers.
That must have been difficult for you. On a lighter note what would be your dream panel (at any event) – subject, fellow panelists or a Q&A with someone you have met or would love to meet?
L: I’d love to do a panel with some of my favourite memoir writers, like Rhik Samadder and Maggie O’Farrell. Even though she writes fiction, it would be cool to have Margaret Atwood there too, just for the privilege. I’d also invite dear friend Madeleine Black, author of Unbroken, and we’d have a juicy chat all of us.
Sounds fascinating – mind you any panel that includes you is always fun. In the meantime what are you most looking forward to when lockdown is finally lifted?
L: Hugging my friends.
Another thing we have in common! Is there anything lockdown has made you think about/want to do?
L: It made me complete my memoir and decide to send it out for publication. I wasn’t going to, feeling it was too personal. But I realised it might help others.
Louise it’s been a delight to catch up with you. Good luck with This Is How We Are Human and your memoir, Daffodils. Let’s have another glass of Champagne to celebrate.
You can find out more about Louise Beech here and follow her on Twitter @LouiseWriter.