Meet the author: 5 minutes with Polly Crosby

As we gear up for the Bury St. Edmunds Literature Festival, taking place from the 20th to the 22nd of October 2023, we are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with one of the participating authors, Polly Crosby. Through this blog post, we will delve into Polly's writing journey, her inspirations, her upcoming book, and her anticipation for the festival.

Meet Polly Crosby

Polly Crosby is a name that resonates with lovers of literature, myth, and folklore. While she is now a successful novelist, Crosby's journey began at a young age when she was inspired by the works of Roald Dahl and the Brothers' Grimm. These authors, renowned for their ability to weave dark and magical elements into their stories, played a significant role in shaping Polly's unique writing style. Crosby's love for stories with a dark seam running through them is evident in her novels which masterfully blend elements of mystery, history, and art.

Polly on Writing

Crosby's writing journey is a testament to her determination and passion for storytelling. She penned her first novel at the tender age of nineteen and spent the next twenty years honing her craft and persevering through many manuscripts before publishing her debut novel. Her zeal for writing is infectious, and it is precisely this energy that she brings to her books making them a delight for her readers.

Polly on 'Vita & the Birds'

At the upcoming Bury St. Edmunds Literature Festival, Polly Crosby will be discussing her third novel, 'Vita & the Birds'. This historical dual-timeline mystery transports readers between the 1930s and the 1990s. The narrative revolves around a young woman who stumbles upon a portrait that eerily resembles her, in a derelict glass mansion on the Suffolk coast. The catch? The portrait was painted decades before her birth. The book is an engaging exploration of love, friendship, and art that promises to captivate the festival audience.

Polly on what she is looking forward to at the Bury St. Edmunds Literature Festival

Crosby is particularly excited about sharing a panel with S A Harris at the festival. Despite their differing writing styles, their novels share a common thread - both narratives are set along the same stretch of coast and feature a glass house as a central theme. This intriguing similarity is bound to spark interesting discussions and comparisons during their panel discussion.

Polly's reading recommendations and upcoming book

When asked about her current reading list, Polly recommended 'Weyward' by Emilia Hart, a book she describes as 'dark and beautiful'. In addition, she shared an exciting tidbit about her upcoming novel. Titled 'The Gilded Sanatorium', this gothic mystery is set in the 1930s in Norfolk and is slated for release in August next year. The news is sure to delight her fans and keep them eagerly waiting.

Join Polly Crosby at the Bury St. Edmunds Literature Festival

Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the Suffolk coast with Polly Crosby at the Bury St. Edmunds Literature Festival. The event is scheduled for 4.30pm on Sunday, 22nd October 2023. Be a part of this celebration of books and writing in the heart of East Anglia. Book your tickets now at https://theatreroyal.org/shows/mysteries-of-the-suffolk-coast-with-polly-crosby-sa-harris/#book