We chat with author Sara Nisha Adams about The Twilight Garden, which is a life-affirming story of small spaces, small pleasures & friendships coming into bloom…
Hi, Sara! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a writer and an editor, and I have two cats who just about tolerate each other. I live in London, and spend much of my time knitting, reading, writing or chatting . . .
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I fell in love with stories and reading as a child and writing went hand in hand with that. It has been my dream to be a writer for as long as I can remember, and I used to take a notebook or bundle of scrap paper with me wherever I went when I was little, eager to capture everything I was seeing in words, making up stories constantly to entertain myself.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – given to me by my granny – she told me the font was probably too small for me when she first gave it to me, which of course made me even more determined to read it as soon as possible.
- The one that made you want to become an author: Any book by Diana Wynne Jones! I read so many when I was young and they completely captured my imagination and made me want to write so many stories, in all sorts of different genres and styles.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy – my favourite book of all time.
Your latest novel, The Twilight Garden, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Heart-warming, hopeful, honest, funny, thoughtful.
What can readers expect?
A story of a community brought back to life by two neighbours – who really dislike each other – and their shared garden. It’s full of community and unlikely friendships, and how the past can inspire the future.
Where did the inspiration for The Twilight Garden come from?
I was living in a top floor flat in Stoke Newington, desperate to have a garden and I kept gazing down longingly at the overgrown garden belonging to our downstairs neighbours. It made me think about the potential of two neighbours who didn’t know each other at all, and how they might bring a shared garden space back to life – and all the hiccups and problems that might arise along the way. Writing The Twilight Garden was in many ways wish fulfilment – for a garden, and neighbours who would become friends.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really loved exploring the snippets from the past – Alma and Maya’s story – and learning about the rich, inspiring history of the area at that time and the power of communities who came together to fight for justice for each other, uniting in support for one another. I really enjoyed spending time with all of my characters – discovering who they were, and the journeys they had been on, and I have a particular soft spot for Alma and Maya’s history and how their friendship blossoms.
This is your second published novel! What were some of the key lessons you learned between writing the two?
It turns out that even though you’ve written a book before, writing doesn’t get any easier! I had so many moments of doubt, worried I’d never be able to write a book again, as I muddled my way through the first draft – written predominantly during lockdown . . . but I kept going. And I managed to write the book. So that was a relief!
What’s next for you?
I’ve just handed in a draft for my third book – I don’t think I can say very much, but it’s a story of a mother and daughter finding their way back to each other, and a community of artists that become their found family.
Lastly, are there any book releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
I’m a little behind on new releases, but I’ve just finished reading GIRLS by Kirsty Capes and I adored it. I’m also really looking forward to reading Etaf Rum’s latest novel EVIL EYE and COME AND GET IT by Kiley Reid.
