An Interview with Sue Morris

Before I became a writer, I was an English teacher for over thirty years, and prior to that a painter – a successful one. As an esteemed writer of fiction, particularly of the novella, I have now returned to my greatest love. Whilst I was a teacher, I was lucky to have re-read Shakespeare’s tragedies, the poetry of Blake, becoming embroiled in the fine Victorian description, bestowed by Dickens. As a writer, I think it is always the history and culture before us that truly form the words on a new page, and that connect which equates the first stroke of a paintbrush and the first line of a book which cements the foundations.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

There have been so many writers and relationships I have formed over the years that have played a significant part in my writing career. Of course, as an avid reader, I am drawn between the writers of the nineteenth century and contemporary writers, especially translations, rekindling a love for learning something new. There will always be the first book I ever read, Heidi, which captured my imagination. And the description of the rose in Virginia Woolf’s Kew, and then, of course, Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. The work of so many gifted Irish writers too have inspired me.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I formed the ideas behind Anna Gallo’s Lily more than ten years ago. And it is only now that I have been able to bring all those initial images and thoughts to light.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

In the mid-sixties, Lily, an unusual Bed and Breakfast, is re-imagined through the eyes of its owner, Anna Gallo, who turns this quite run-of-a-mill boarding house into an Italian dream. Set in West Yorkshire, the first five guests arrive. Childhood memories and family bonds unite, igniting long-lasting friendships. Full of humour, dreams, sadness, the story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

Much of my research was talking with people, observing others, reading periods of the time, and most importantly, asking questions. I started with the familiar, West Yorkshire and the 1960’s, but of course, I go back to the past, so the research regarding location and what has changed over the years was integral. For me, the pure nature of writing with those historical reference points, strengthen and authenticate a place, a character, a time.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I like the idea that readers from around the world will read my book and perhaps gain something different, something new. The characters that I have created document many years for me, so as a writer, my hope is that there will be moments, places, the traits of a particular character which will resonate for readers too.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.