Farrah Yusuf’s novel has been shortlisted for the Avon x Mushens Entertainment Prize. Find out more about Farrah below.
Meet Farrah:
Born in Pakistan and raised in London. Her short stories have been short or long listed in the BBC National Short Story, Asian Writer, Leicester Writes and Writeidea prizes and she has taken part in the Royal Court and Kali Theatre playwriting groups. Almost Strangers is her first novel. She was a solicitor and charity worker but now can usually be found trying to side step rogue toys.
Can you give us a one-line pitch of your book?
Don’t be fooled by her photos, all that glitters is not gold.
What inspired you to write your novel?
A combination of having my eldest daughter and losing my mum 18 months later. One day, I hope to see my mum again and tell her I tried to pursue my dreams. In the meantime, I want my girls to see me do it.
Where is your favourite place to write?
Anywhere my kids (a 3 year old and 10 month old twins) can’t find / ambush me!
What are three essentials you need when writing?
Masala chai, snacks and, time allowing, the chance to go for a walk to let the ideas (and food!) digest.
If you were stuck on a desert island what three books would you take with you?
So hard!
1. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
2. My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
3. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Find out more about each Avon x Mushens Entertainment shortlisted author for the next five days.
