Christie Watson
Where Women are Kings is the story of Elijah, a seven year old boy who is adopted by Nikki and Obi, but who dreams of returning home to his Mama, who loves him like the world has never known love. It is a study of childhood, and attachment, and how despite good people doing their best, sometimes tragedy is inevitable.
You trained as a paediatric nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital before studying an MA in Creative writing so what made you take on this course?
I became a nurse and loved (and still love) being a nurse, but writing was something I had dreamt of since I was a little girl. I did a short evening course in creative writing and from there ended up doing an MA. It's interesting to me that people are much more impressed with my writing than my nursing. Being a nurse should be much more impressive ...
How much has your background helped you get into the mind-set of children for the book?
I've worked with children for most of my career and have children of my own so I'm surrounded by children's voices. I love the way that children see things - and find it fascinating: the wonder of childhood, the horror of adolescence, how adults forget.
Your debut novel Tiny Sunbirds Far Away won the Costa Award for First Novel, so how did this make you feel?
I felt a huge amount of disbelief - and then of course excitement. It still doesn't feel real sometimes but I know I'm so lucky. It's an honour that people actually want to read something I've written.
How much has your MA helped your writing?
My MA gave me the tools I needed to develop my craft. It' possible of course to write without studying writing, but it takes longer, and for me at least, the writing would never have been as good if I hadn't had that time to discover myself, to experiment with form, and to be around other writers (and readers).
Who are your favourite reads?
I have so many favourite authors and a wide range of reading tastes. At the moment I'm reading Cormac McCarthy's The Road - and almost weeping at how good it is. I love post-colonial writing, particularly Earl Lovelace, and short stories - of Junot Diaz, Beth Nugent, Lorrie Moore. I also read a fair amount of poetry which I think is important for novelists.
What is your writing process?
Ideally, I'd write early in the morning when my brain hasn't quite woken fully - that's the best writing - in a semi dream like state. But these days I'll write when I can - I have young children and two jobs, so snatching time is always an issue. I treat writing like any other job - and sit at my desk and get on with it. If I always waited for inspiration to arrive there would be no books.
What is next for you?
I'm beginning on working on book three - and generally enjoying life, being thankful and grateful to have found something creative to do that I love, and that I'm OK at. Most days, I feel blessed.
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