Meet the author: 5 minutes with Sussie Anie

As part of the upcoming Bury St. Edmunds Literature Festival, we had the opportunity to sit down with one of the event's guest authors, Sussie Anie. Generously, she shared some insights into her writing journey, inspirations, and her much-anticipated participation in the festival.

Inspirations and Early Interests

When asked about her early inspirations, Sussie revealed a list of authors that reflect a rich and diverse literary background. Names such as Ben Okri, Margaret Atwood, Maya Angelou, Aldous Huxley, and Jodi Picoult were some of the literary greats that inspired her growing up.

Her interest in writing sparked quite early in life, stemming from her curiosity and a certain wonder she found in stories. She took to journaling at a young age and found both relief and inspiration in expressing herself through words. This love for storytelling extended to creating stories and songs that she would share with her family and friends. Books for the Festival

At the Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival, Sussie will be discussing her debut novel, "To Fill a Yellow House". This novel was born out of a period of transition in her life when she moved back to Northwick Park in London, after a year in Norwich. The familiar city suddenly appeared new and startling to her, inspiring her to reflect on themes of change, belonging, discovery, and loss, as well as the relationship between people and places. Looking Forward to the Festival

Sussie is eagerly looking forward to the Bury St Edmunds Lit Fest, not just for the opportunity to share her work, but also to hear about the reading and writing experiences of others. She is excited to explore the stories from which our stories grow and delve into the intricate relationship between writing and places. Book Recommendations and a Fun Fact

When asked about her recent reads, Sussie recommended "When We Were Sisters" by Fatimah Asghar, describing it as a poetic and heartbreaking read. A fun fact that readers might be surprised to know is that Sussie enjoys playing the fingerstyle guitar and even used to write and perform her own songs. Join Sussie Anie at Bury St. Edmunds Literature Festival

Sussie Anie will be part of the New Voices Panel at the Bury St Edmunds Literature Festival, scheduled for 3pm on Sunday, 22nd October 2023. The festival, which celebrates books and writing in the heart of East Anglia, will take place from 20th to 22nd October 2023. Book your tickets now at https://theatreroyal.org/shows/new-voices-in-fiction-out-of-east-anglia-panel/ and join us for an enriching literary experience.