Featured Interview With Louise Watkiss Lucas
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Writer, designer, and Architect. Author of three novels, short stories, a children’s book, and a biography of the artist Gillian Watkiss.
I was born in an old Cornish cottage in the rural parish of St Levan.
Dylan Thomas lived there before his marriage to Caitlin.
My parents then moved to Zennor, a remote coastal village where D.H. Lawrence and his German wife, Frieda, had a cottage during the first world war. At the time, and because of Frieda’s background (she was related to the infamous Red Barron), the locals suspected them of spying.
The relevance these famous writers have to my story is, precisely… none whatsoever. They are just interesting facts about two elite literary figures I considered worth bandying about in this biography. I’m not saying our closely shared geographical history has, in any way, enhanced my own literary talents.
However, I’m sure Dylan and Lawrence would have really enjoyed my novels had they lived long enough to read them.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
As soon as I could read, from the age of four, I loved books and stories.
When my two sons reached early adulthood, my work as an architect took a back seat, and I started to write with serious intent.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
The authors I read and admire are too numerous and diverse to mention in this short blurb.
Douglas Coupland, Scott Fitzgerald, Laurie Graham, Thomas Hardy, Knut Hamsun, P. G Wodehouse, John Irving, A.M Homes, Iris Murdoch, Charles Dickens… and the list continues.
All good writers inspire me to write and also, sometimes, to give up.
My favourite genre of writing is contemporary fiction.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is a collection of contemporary stories resulting from a personal challenge.
In 2022 I decided to write a short story a month.
Greasy Joe’s & Other stories evolved from that starting point.
The inspiration for the stories comes from personal observations of people in the town where I live, current affairs and overheard dialogue.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles