Lucky 13 Interview With Neema Shah

1 – Can you start by telling us a little about your current book?

My debut novel Kololo Hill is set in 1972, against the real-life events of the Ugandan Asian expulsion by President Idi Amin. Recently-married Asha, her husband Pran and their family are given 90 days to leave everything behind, except their devastating secrets... The story follows the family from Uganda to the UK, where they have to start again and rebuild their lives.

2 – Are you a plotter or a panster?

I often joke that I'm a 'plantser'. I plan a little in terms of overall story structure, but the plot and characters don't really take shape until I begin writing. I certainly don't have excel sheets of chapters and scenes like some authors!

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Sweet - I'd eat three desserts and nothing else for dinner if my waistline could get away with it.

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and Fingersmith by Sarah Waters.

5 – Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Wars.

6 – If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To fly! No commuting, bird's eye view, no sitting on economy airplanes, carbon neutral travel. What's not to love?

7 – Music or Silence when writing?

Instrumental music... or silence.

8 – If you could live anywhere in the world, and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose?

Indonesia, beautiful country, beautiful people, beautiful food.

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

One Way or Another by Blondie, sung badly.

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Keep going. It's not always glamorous or fun, it's sometimes downright boring, but that's part and parcel of being a writer and it's worth it when you've got a finished novel to show for it.

11 – You win £1 million, but you must give half to charity. Which charity do you chose, and what do you do with the rest of the money?

I'd give half to Water Aid and give some to my family and friends. Whatever was left, I'd put a little into a bank (living off the interest - I do have a vaguely sensible side), build my perfect home, go mad on clothes and shoes at Selfridges and hotfoot it on holiday, starting with Mexico.

12 – Horror films, yes or no? If so, any favourites?

I love the idea of being scared silly but in practice, I struggle. My writer's imagination seems to take over. That said, I seem to have got a lot better and can manage watching them during the day now! My favourites are The Others, Sixth Sense and Get Out.

13 - What are you currently working on?

Book 2, which is set in the 20th Century. I can't say more at the moment. I've also recently launched a Marketing for Writers online course, combining my 20 years of experience in my day job with everything I've learnt as a debut author.