Sonya Lalli
Author Interview - Sonya Lalli
Author I draw inspiration from: My favorite author is Jhumpa Lahiri – I have read all of her books. She is such a talented author. One fact that is super impressive about her – she learned Italian and now writes in that language as well. I love that she is always challenging herself and growing and tackling something new. We should all try to live like that.
Author Interview - Sonya Lalli
Favorite place to read a book: Ideally, my favorite place to read is somewhere sunny on a patio or by the pool or a beach. I live in Canada, which is cold and snowy half the year, so that isn’t always possible. When I’m stuck indoors and it’s time to stay cozy, there’s nothing quite like reading on my couch with a cup of coffee and some chocolate, with fuzzy slippers on.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Mia Warren from Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng – she is a fascinating, complex character. Mia is an artist with a very mysterious past so I would love to know more about her backstory than is revealed in the book. Also, just to have the chance to see what Mia thinks about the world — I think it would be a conversation that would be as memorable as the novel itself is.
Author Interview - Sonya Lalli
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: Apparently when I was a small child I created a book out of construction paper and wrote a story about two snakes that were friends. It sounds pretty weird now, but my mom has kept it as proof that I’ve always wanted to be an author. I’ve always been writing or dreaming up stories, and I don’t think there was ever a moment that the decision to be an author became conscious - the hope and dream has always been there.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Paperback. As beautiful as they are, it’s hard to read a hardback sometimes. After reading for long periods of time, hardback books end up hurting my arms, plus they weigh down my bag on my commute, so paperbacks are perfect. But when I’m travelling, I definitely prefer ebooks. I love that I can take a million books away with me on my Kobo if I wanted to.
The last book I read: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgensten, author of The Night Circus. This book was just magical. It was full of magical realism and is beautifully written and entirely engrossing. I haven’t read Morgenstern’s first book, The Night Circus, but it’s now definitely shooting straight to the top of my TBR list.
Author Interview - Sonya Lalli
Pen & paper or computer: Computer all the way. Not only to I have terrible handwriting, but my hands wouldn’t be able to keep up with my brain. When I write, I type everything - usually imperfectly - for as long as I can, and then go back later to see what I can salvage.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: I think I’d get along really well with Hermione Granger. She’s such an amazing character. She’s smart, savvy, compassionate and stands up for herself. She’s also not afraid to be herself and stand up for causes that she believes in.
Author Interview - Sonya Lalli
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: Marine biologist. I would love to study and work with whales and dolphins and fish. It would be so rewarding to care for the ocean wildlife and work to help preserve their fragile ecosystem.
Favorite decade in fashion history: The 1920s. I think the Great Gatsby era was so incredibly glamourous and stylish. Those loose-fitting flapper dresses, pearls and long, black gloves were stylish, iconic, and edgy but still looked rather comfortable.
Place I’d most like to travel: I’d love to visit Peru. I’m fascinated with the history of the Inca and their culture, plus it would be amazing to see the wonders of the Amazon and Machu Picchu, and indulge in the cuisine. I’m hoping to travel there with my husband this year!
My signature drink: Saskatoon Berry gin and tonic. I love a good G&T – they’re crisp, clear, and they’re good for any occasion and during any weather. I love trying new flavours of gins and tonics. I’m from Saskatoon and we have a very tasty berry that the city was named after so I think that would be nicely incorporated into my perfect signature cocktail.
Favorite artist: There are so many talented Indigenous artists who create incredibly unique and beautiful works. One of my favorites is Jerry Whitehead, who is based in Vancouver.
Number one on my bucket list: I want to learn another language. I speak some French, but it’s fairly rusty as I’m out of practice. I would love to learn Hindi as well since I don’t know any Indian languages.
Author Interview - Sonya Lalli
