Wales Literature Exchange interviewed our Bookshelf author Rachel Trezise about her writing and influences.

1. What first inspired you to be an author and where do your ideas come from?

I always enjoyed writing simply to entertain myself but the idea to be an author only came when I studied I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings for A Level English Literature. My ideas come from my own life and the lives I see going on around me.

2. How would you describe your writing?

Honest and hopeful.

3. Which authors have influenced you the most?

Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Annie Proulx

4. In your opinion what are the biggest challenges that writers face today – and do you think these challenges have changed since you started writing?

For me the biggest challenge is trying to keep focused, especially on long works. I often have to put them down to work on other projects or do some properly paid work. This has always been a challenge but the lure of the internet and social media makes it even more difficult today.

5. What are the hardest and easiest parts of being a writer?

The hardest part of being a fiction writer is the loneliness and isolation. The easiest part is being able to do it on the sofa in my pyjamas.

6. Which writer from Wales would you recommend to readers and why?

Ron Berry. I recently read his autobiography ‘History is what you Live’ in one sitting. His writing is so visceral, words so alive and circumstances so unusual - a thoroughly working class writer who could write with complete authority and authenticity about the mining industry and south Wales valleys.

Easy Meat is selected to the Wales Literature Exchange 2021–22 Bookcase, our annual selection of recent Welsh literary works which we recommend for translation.