Amy Beashel
Writer
Describe who you are and what you do.
I'm Amy Beashel, or at least that's the name I use for writing, and I'm an author. My first boo for young adults (The Sky is Mine) will be published in spring 2020 so the being an author thing, and the being Amy Beashel (as opposed to an Amy Turner) thing is very new. That said, I've always written. Terrible teenage poetry. Terrible unfinished novel. I (hopefully) got less terrible as time went on.
How and where do you work to create your art?
Since moving to Shropshire couple of years ago, U have a writing room, which is a total luxury, as I previously worked in spare bedrooms and dining rooms. Now I overlook the garden and sometimes the bins, though I generally try to ignore that part of the view!
As we acquired a new family member over the summer, I've temporarily moved into the kitchen to be with Boomer, our golden doodle, while I work. It's safer than bringing him into my office, where he's quite prone to seeing on the rug. I find latent toiletry panic isn't conducive to writing so sitting at the kitchen table on a tiled floor makes for a better work flow.
Who do you most admire artistically?
There are so many writers I admire. Handy Nelson, Angie Thomas, Matt Haig, Jonathan Safran Foer, Nicola Yoon, Celeste Ng, Shivaun Plozza, Ann Michaels, Stella Duffy, Dolly Alderton, Elizabeth Acevedo. I could go on. And on. And on.
Describe a situation that inspired you.
It's not an exciting answer but my writing groups. Those regular meet-ups are a constant inspiration, and the support from my friends has been imperative to my drive to keep on going even when 1. it feels like the writing is awful and 2. I have that inevitable smack of who am I to think I can do this? They remind me that 1. it's not and 2. I can.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
The first time I met my publishers was incredible. I'd stayed in London the night before and forgot to take clean knickers so my agent and I had to stop at Zara - I think it was Zara, I was too nervous to note the detail - on the way to their offices. Sitting in a room - thankfully in fresh pants - and meeting a stream of people from Oneworld all telling me how much they loved my book was unbelievable. Proper dreams-are-made-of-this stuff. I just about held it together until I got on the train home when I promptly burst into tears. Pure joy, pure pride, pure can't-believe-that-just-happened.
Name something you love, and why.
I love trains. Though not in an Orient Express obsession or spot the engine numbers kind of way. I just love sitting on them, travelling and writing at speed. I don't know if it's the movement, but I'm especially productive on trains. I joked with my agent about becoming a writer in residence on the Shrewsbury - London line. I'd be prolific. I'll have to have a word with Virgin!
What is your dream project?
Co-writing a book with one of my favourite authors.
Favourite or most inspirational space?
In bed with my husband and my kids reading Harry Potter or a Boy Called Christmas. Those moments when all four of us are moved by a story reminds me why I write.
What's the best piece you've been given?
"Write the fucking book." Stella Duffy, brilliant writer, brilliant woman, once told me it's all well and good having ideas, going on writing courses and saying you're going to write a book but what's most important is getting your bum on a seat and writing the fucking book. #WTFB has become my mantra. I have it on a banner on my writing-room wall, and my mum even has pencils engraved with it on my birthday last year.
Twitter - @beashelwrites
Instagram - @beashelwrites
