Elizabeth Wassell

Elizabeth Wassell was born in New York and now divides her time between County Cork and Nice, France. She is the author of The Honey Plain (1997, Wolfhound Press), Sleight of Hand (1999, Merlin Publishing), and The Thing He Loves (2001, Brandon). In addition, her short stories have appeared in various publications, including the Dublin Review and the Irish Times. She divides her time between West Cork and Nice where she lives with her husband John Montague.

*Interview with Elizabeth Wassell*

When did the idea for your book first come to you?

Some years ago, a phrase sprang unbidden into my mind: ‘In the past, there were accomplished people and their genuine admirers, whereas today there are celebrities and their stalkers.’ And I realised I would like to write a book about stalkers.

What attracted you to the topic of your latest book?

I was intrigued by the difference between pity and mercy. Shakespeare wrote, ‘The quality of mercy is not strain’d,/It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven…’ and ‘[Mercy] is enthroned in the hearts of Kings,/It is an attribute of God himself…’ While pity can be false, unfeeling, even contemptuous, though it is often confused with mercy or compassion. My main character is inclined to feel pity for those he considers hapless, which, alas, makes him susceptible to stalkers.

How long did it take you to write?

About four years.

How much research would you prepare before beginning to write a book?

For this book, research consisted of observing Nice, where I live, as alertly and carefully as possible, and reading about the writers and artists who lived here in its heyday, since versions of those characters appear in the novel.

What do you find the most challenging aspect of writing?

Simply trying to get it right, to summon the best words to tell the story.

Was there any aspect that surprised you the most?

I am always surprised by how mutinous my characters become. When a novel is going well, the characters don’t remain tractable. If I’ve really breathed life into them, they begin to insist on their own destinies, and I must do as they say.

What are the best conditions for writing?

Morning, when the veil between dreams and the daylight life is most porous.

Do you picture the reader when writing your books?

Yes, but in a sort of amorphous way. He/she is a benign though exacting presence.

Are you ever worried about what the reaction to your books will be like?

Always.

Are you working on a book now?

Yes, a new novel called ‘Sustenance.’ The main character is a restaurant critic in Dublin, and her restaurant reviews appear in the course of the book. She had an alcoholic parent so meals at home were fraught and dishevelled when she was small, which is why she loves the ceremony and formality of restaurants, the idea of the meal as a sacrament. Also she falls in love with a chef who has a mysterious past.

What, as an author, do you see as your biggest responsibility?

Fiction has been called ‘the lying truth.’ In other words, it doesn’t tell the truth of fact, but explores the truths of the heart and spirit. So my responsibility would be to try and tell that truth as authentically as I can, even if it’s sometimes painful.

In regards to your writing, did you have much encouragement in your early days?

I attended a wonderful college in the States called Sarah Lawrence, which has a rigorous academic programme but where pursuit of the arts is also encouraged. It is an ideal college for, say, a cellist who would like to work towards a BA while studying his instrument, rather than going to a conservatory. As for me, I was able to take creative writing workshops with the likes of Grace Paley and Doctorow, who were extremely generous and encouraging.

What was the last book you read?

Restoration by Rose Tremain, and Netherland by Joseph O’Neill.

In this genre which authors do you particularly recommend or enjoy?

Among contemporary Irish novelists I particularly like Christine Dwyer Hickey, Sebastian Barry and Colm Toibin for the sheer beauty of their writing.

What advice would you give to anyone trying to write or publish their work?

Well, I’m afraid you must work like a dog, and try to remain undaunted since rejection is inevitable. Don’t give up!

If you were heading on your holidays in the next week what book or books would you bring?

Anything by the Irish writers mentioned above (also the new Colum McCann), as well as a classic novel, like George Eliot or D. H. Lawrence: something really intelligent and sensuous, that difficult combination.