Laura Purcell
Author Interview - Laura Purcell
Author of The Shape of Darkness and The Poison Thread
“A struggling silhouette artist in Victorian Bath seeks out a renowned child spirit medium in order to speak to the dead - and to try and identify their killers - in this beguiling new tale from the queen of Gothic fiction, Laura Purcell”
Author I draw inspiration from: There are so many, it’s hard to narrow it down! But I will choose Sarah Waters for this, as her work was pivotal to The Poison Thread.
Favorite place to read a book: On a bench in the park, preferably under gentle sunshine in late spring.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Becky Sharp from Vanity Fair. She would have ALL the gossip to pass the time.
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I don’t remember an exact Road to Damascus moment, but I decided during my early teenage years whilst reading and adoring Jane Austen novels.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: I use and really love all four formats. However, I’m going to select audiobook because it’s just incredible being able to read at the same time as doing the washing up or ironing!
The last book I read: I am just coming to the end of The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter. It’s truly mesmerising.
Pen & paper or computer: Computer for me. My hand writing isn’t great and typing is so much faster.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Lassie. Such a good girl.
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: I’ve done many other jobs but not enjoyed them. I think I’d like to work in a museum or with rescue animals.
Favorite decade in fashion history: WHAT a brilliant question. Also massively difficult to answer. I’m a big fan of the 1780s and 1790s for female fashion. I love how the dresses started changing towards the Romantic silhouette but still retained the theatricality of the earlier Georgian era.
Place I’d most like to travel: I really want to see Canada.
My signature drink: If it’s alcoholic, a gin and tonic. Otherwise a skinny vanilla latte!
Favorite artist: John William Waterhouse.
Number one on my bucket list: I would really like to go to the Bronte Parsonage. All three Bronte sisters were so important to me in my teenage years, it would be amazing to see where they lived.
Anything else you'd like to add: Thank you for hosting me!