My Writing Life: Anna Ellory
"Once you've got a clean sentence, don't mess with it."
Anna Ellory is the author of two novels: The Rabbit Girls (2019), which was translated into 14 languages, and The Puzzle Women (2020).
She has written for The Independent and Mslexia and recently contributed to PRISM, an LGBTQ+ Community Anthology.
She received an Arts Council Grant in 2021, and is an RLF Grants Beneficiary.1
1. What book should every writer read?
Every writer should read whatever book inspires them, and that should be everything. You should read children’s books, graphic novels, poetry, short stories, classics and contemporary writing. Every writer should simply be reading; it’s so important.
2. What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you started your writing career?
Before I started my writing career, I didn't realise how important the people around you are. So find an agent that you like rather than thinking that just because someone likes your writing, you must hire them. I think knowing that there’s a whole team involved and picking your people really wisely is something I didn't know when I started out.
3. What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you started your writing career?
The best advice I’ve received is that writing clear, clean sentences is incredibly hard but really good practice. So once you've got a clean sentence, don't mess with it; move on.
4. What is the most underestimated challenge about being a professional writer?
The hardest challenge of being a writer is finding the time and being able to support yourself and keep a roof over your head while writing.
5. What was the proudest moment of your writing career?
The proudest moment of my writing career was receiving a review from a reader, who said, "Thank you for giving me hope that life is possible for me again, that there is hope out there for a future." It really meant so much to me to be able to reach a person in that way.
6. What is your typical writing day like?
I start work mostly at 5 am, sometimes at 4. If I'm in the middle of a draft, then I will pick at it all day. I'll walk the dog, and then I'll go back and change something. I'm constantly scribbling on bits of paper everywhere. My typical day is messy and long.
If you are a professional writer needing short-term to long-term financial support, you can find out more about our grants here.