Anbara Salam
Author Interview - Anbara Salam
Author of Belladonna
Author I draw inspiration from: The thoughtful strangeness of Angela Carter. I first read her collection of stories, ‘The Bloody Chamber’ as a teenager and her weirdness and precision really blew me away.
Author Interview - Anbara Salam
Favorite place to read a book: By a swimming pool on a sunny afternoon. I’d like to be uncomfortably hot and a bit sunburnt, with some snacks within arm’s reach.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Oh my days. Jason Bourne maybe, so he could get us out of there? I was once stuck in an elevator during a power cut, and now they make me break out in a cold sweat!
Author Interview - Anbara Salam
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: When I added ISBN numbers in crayon onto all my Sesame Street fan fiction.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Paperbacks in the bath, and ebooks in bed while my partner is sleeping. I’m unlucky enough to get terrible motion-sickness so audiobooks are my lifeline while travelling anywhere.
The last book I read: Women Talking, Miriam Toews. It’s sparse and very moving, although by no means a cheery read.
Author Interview - Anbara Salam
Pen & paper or computer: Computer all the way! I can hardly even hold a pen properly anymore…
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Matilda. A nerdy book fiend with sometimes-telekinetic powers and a thirst for vengeance would be a great pal.
Author Interview - Anbara Salam
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: Can I be an ethnobotanist?
Favorite decade in fashion history: I’m a sucker for slouchy 1990s streetwear.
Place I’d most like to travel: Yellowstone National Park.
My signature drink: Campari & soda, it reminds me of summer holidays.
Favorite artist: Henri Matisse. I know that’s kind of basic, but it’s the truth! My grandmother had Matisse prints in her house and his work makes me feel energised and nostalgic.
Number one on my bucket list: Learn to rollerskate. I’ve been practising skating up and down the corridor of my apartment during lockdown and I think my downstairs neighbours are ready for me to start falling over outside instead.
Find more from the author:
You can find me on twitter @anbara_salam and instagram @anbarasalam
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Author Interview - Anbara Salam
