Did you see the recent TV series about Anne Lister, starring Suranne Jones? Our latest debut author wrote a book about Anne: here’s a little more about her story.
Tell us a little about your book and how you came to write it.
The Moss House is my own take on Anne Lister and Ann Walker of Shibden Hall, Halifax and their relationship from 1832 to 1839. It’s based on a true chronology but I’ve written it first person from both women to hear their own thoughts and stories, especially Ann Walker who we know very little about. I first wrote a draft in 2015 but was worried it would be hard to pitch as no one had heard of Anne. However, as soon as I knew she was going to be the subject of a TV series I dug it back out and re-wrote it and submitted it.
What makes your book unique?
This book is a love story, a family saga, a historic novel, a true story and a relatable tale of a search for partner. It’s also about identity and the secret world of their lesbian relationship. It explores how these two women chose not to conform and the struggles they faced.
Your book will soon be in readers’ hands. Which part of being published are you most excited about?
I’m excited to share this remarkable true story and my own version of the characters and their inner thoughts. I’m excited to hear how women find my version of Anne Lister and Ann Walker and how relatable the characters and their dreams and fears are to women today, 200 years on.
What has been the most challenging part of your journey to publication?
I wasn’t brave enough to submit the book when I first worked on it, but the last few years have seen so much empowerment and interest in women’s stories and given me confidence as a woman writer to share this sometimes personal account. LGBT stories were very marginalised until more recently too and it feels like now is the right time for a lesbian narrative to take centre stage. The novel was rejected by ten top agents but luckily taken on by a local publisher. I think this one happened because I pitched it at the right time and was very lucky there was going to be a TV series. It’s certainly not my first work or possibly what I’d have liked to have published first, but at least it’s out there, so I’m just hoping I’m recognised for the writing and given the opportunity to have more published.
Do you have a writing mentor, or someone who has influenced your work?
Unfortunately not.
If there was one book that you could have written, other than your own, what would it be and why?
I would have loved to have created any one of Roald Dahl’s books. I owe him my ‘wonderment’. He opened my eyes to fiction as a very young age which has always stayed with me. Although this novel is a historical fiction one (one of three I have written based on true stories with first-person narratives), my writing varies greatly in format (TV and theatre, poems and novels), and genre (true stories, fantasy and science fiction).
What advice would you give to other writers hoping to publish a novel?
Don’t give up. I first pitched a novel (not this one) back in 2002. I’ve since published non-fiction and had plays and short films I’ve written produced. I also write regularly in my full-time job in heritage for exhibitions, marketing, online etc, but always kept writing fiction. Although this is amazing to be published, a first novel is a tiny step up the ladder and as yet I’ve no idea if I’ll be published again. It’s a waiting game. Luckily I have a career to support myself whilst waiting!
About the author
Clara Barley has written fiction and non-fiction for publication, theatre, exhibitions and short films. She works in the heritage sector sharing historical collections and characters with the public.
You can visit her publisher’s website or follow her on Twitter.
The Moss House is on Amazon and Waterstones.