My Writing Life: Hanif Kureishi
"Read, read, read to embed in your creative soul the nature of what a story might be."
Hanif Kureishi is a novelist, screenwriter, and playwright. He is the author of nine novels, including The Buddha of Suburbia (winner of the Whitbread Prize for Best First Novel), The Black Album, Intimacy and The Nothing. His screenplay of My Beautiful Laundrette was nominated for an Oscar, he is the recipient of the PEN/Pinter Prize, the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He writes The Kureishi Chronicles on Substack.
The RSC’s adaptation of The Buddha of Suburbia opens at The Barbican tomorrow, 22 October, and runs until 16 November.
Hanif Kureishi’s memoir Shattered – which details the accident that left him paralysed, and its aftermath1 – will be published by Penguin on 31 October.
What book should every writer read?
I wouldn’t like to nominate any particular book, but only emphasise, that for young writers, one of the most important things is that they read and read and read. It doesn’t matter so much what it is, but that they are embedding in their creative soul the nature of what a story might be, and what the possibilities of writing are, which they might explore themselves later in their own writing.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you started your writing career?
I always knew that for someone from my background to become a professional writer would require a lot of hard work and self-belief, but I wasn’t aware that along the way – in theatre and cinema particularly – that it would be such fun. Nobody warned me, but I have to say I enjoyed it all along the way.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received about your writing?
That it is a discipline, a practise, which you get on with every day for the rest of your life.
What is the most underestimated challenge about being a professional writer?
How difficult it is to make a living.
What was the proudest moment of your writing career?
Receiving the first finished copy of my first novel, The Buddha of Suburbia.
What is your typical writing day like?
I start work at ten in the morning with my son Carlo and work until 12:30. The rest of the day I piss about.
Read more ‘My Writing Life’ interviews on our RLF Substack.
Hanif Kureishi had a serious accident on Boxing Day 2022 where he received a spinal cord injury which has meant that he can no longer walk or use his hands. He requires round-the-clock care as well as physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and equipment, which will enable him to maintain his fitness such as it is.
If you would like to contribute to his upkeep and welfare so that he can continue to function as a writer, please do so at hanifkureishi.org.
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