Putting Authors in the Picture #8: Louise Beech

By Liz Robinson | 1st April 2019

Sssh, don’t tell anyone but Louise Beech is a particular favourite of mine, her books are wonderfully individual, quirky, beautiful observations of human life. Not only that, she is bold, passionate, her social media accounts make me ahh and chortle, and she is an Orenda author (and boy do Orenda know how to pick a fabulous book!). Louise’s writing is instantly recognisable, yet doesn’t fit in a pigeon-hole, The Lion Tamer Who Lost is an absolute wow of a relationship tale with a difference, and her latest Call Me Star Girl, out in paperback in April, is a beautifully powerful read focusing on the murder of a pregnant woman. Let me pass you over to the lovely Louise...

The book that made you first want to become an author.

The World According To Garp by John Irving made me know, without question, that I had to write a book. It’s so perfectly unique; funny, dark, heart-breaking, and beautifully written.

Where do you prefer to read?

This is where I love to read. It’s near the radiator, the window is opposite, the room is a quiet one, and the books are nearby.

Show us a booky photo that makes you beam with happiness.

This booky photo makes me laugh so much! It was on one of the infamous Orenda Roadshows. Thomas Enger looks like he’s sleeping on the job, and I’m doing my favourite thing – signing a book.

Which photo best sums up your author journey.

This photo best sums up my author journey. I was on a panel at Crimefest, and as you can tell I’m a bit happy and a bit stunned. I’ll be there again in May and can’t wait.

Which was your most memorable book event?

This photo was at the launch of How to be Brave in Hull and is my most memorable book event. It was my first ever book launch, so it was a bit magic. I don’t think anything will ever match the first time I signed an actual book that I’d written and had published.