Monica Ali
Monica Ali
Monica Aliis a Bangladeshi-born British writer and novelist. In 2003 she was selected as one of the "Best of Young British Novelists" by Granta magazine based on her unpublished manuscript; her debut novel, Brick Lane, was published later that year. It was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. It was adapted as a 2007 film of the same name. She has also published three other novels...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionNovelist
Date of Birth20 October 1967
believe charities difference feels hard involved letter local people politics time worth year
People don't get involved with local charities or politics because they think it's hard to make a difference and the problem feels overwhelming. But I believe that if all I've time for this year is to write one letter to the local council, it's still worth doing.
children outside time
Outside of interviews, I spend very little time thinking about myself. I spend time thinking about my writing and my children and other things that are pertinent.
good provide
Character is always my driving force. And to tell a good story and to provide an entertaining read.
running assuming life-is
You know how if you're born in a certain situation you always expect your life to run on a steady trajectory? I've never really had a sense of that. I assume that life is going to go up and down.
hands done lasts
She touched his hand for the last time. "Oh, Karim, that we have already done. But always there was a problem between us. How can I explain? I wasn't me, and you weren't you. From the very beginning to the very end, we didn't see things. What we did--we made each other up." p. 382
trying outsiders needs
I was always an outsider, always standing outside, observing and trying to figure things out. Which is exactly what you need to do as a writer, I suppose.
writing escaping boredom
Writing is a deeply immersive experience. When the words are flying, the house could be burgled and I wouldn’t notice. I have a low boredom threshold and I like intensity – writing is a way of escaping the quotidian.
car changing-your-life new-car
A new car is not going to change your life.
drama book trying
I always try to create conflict and drama in my books; it's the engine of the novel.
thinking people want
I don't want to get hung up on what 'people,' that nebulous mass, think about me. That's the way to unhappiness, I think.
children way agendas
I rarely get a moment to myself, but I love the way that my agenda is dictated by the children, not my work.
morning lying wish
I wish I got a lie-in on Saturday mornings but I never do.
eclectic-style taste nina
I'm very eclectic in my music tastes - anything from Nina Simone to Beethoven to Talvin Singh.
jobs giving interviews
Some writers are more natural public performers than others; personally I find it quite strange giving interviews. But everyone has parts of their job that they like more than others. You can't complain if you get to do what you love doing most of the time, can you?