Lucky 13 Interview with Nigel Stewart

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

My latest book is called The Road Home, published in late 2023. The main character, Joe, sets off on a journey and finds how lost he is by reliving the sometimes terrible events of his young life. He finds revelations in, of all places, various cathedrals along his route. When Joe meets Louise, they embark on an affair that ends up filled with uncertainty and fracture. Perhaps like everything in Joe’s life, the affair is just another rudderless boat without an anchor?

2 – What book (if any) has had a significant impact on your life?

The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Milan Kundera. I was 26 when I read it and struggling with being a nobody at a time of great change (personal and in the wider world). One of its themes – that we have one life to live and whatever happens to us will never be repeated – really struck a chord with me. I liked the idea that we have a choice between being crushed by the things that are a burden, or floating away from them. The latter brings relief, if we can do it.

3 – Savoury or sweet?

Since I sailed past 60, I’ve gone from one to the other. Sweet, every time, preferably in the form of cake.

4 – Three books to a desert Island. Go!

Decline & Fall – Evelyn Waugh / An Artist in the Floating World – Kazuo Ishiguro / The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Graham.

5 – What is your favourite ever literary character?

This is hard. But after spending ages racking my brains, I think I am going to say Mrs Barbour in Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch. I found I was constantly moved by her actions and words, her generosity of spirit, the ways she cared and how she showed it. She is one of two driving characters in Theo’s life, giving him love and stability despite him not really wanting it. I ended up with a crush on her and that felt nice.

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

I’d like the power to switch off the engines of stationery cars with someone sat inside doing nothing.

7 – Music or Silence when writing?

Silence. Music is too important to me for it to be secondary.

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

Northumberland, somewhere near Kielder Water - the wilder and more remote the better. I was born in the county and it (possibly the north east of England in general) is the only place that feels like home to me these days. I wish my parents hadn’t moved away from the area when I was seven.

9 - Your favourite karaoke song?

Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Queen. I throw in air guitar as an extra.

10 – One piece of advice to an aspiring writer?

Focus hard on what you want to do: don’t be distracted by anyone that tells you you’re not doing it right, especially if they want your money.

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?

Alzheimer’s research, too late for my father but a cure has to be found to bring light into that darkness. I’d give the other half to my kids.

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

A big, loud “NO” from me. I just can’t do it.

13 - What are you currently working on?

I’m writing a novel set in 16th century England. It’s about a talented young musician who has written a song for Queen Elizabeth and is determined that, one day, he will sing it to her. His naive enthusiasm for this cause means that he is easily drawn into a darker world where his skills are put to use writing songs that deliver covert messages. I’ve nearly finished it, but there is a crazy amount of research to do once I begin the second draft.