UK novelist Claire Fuller has revealed the secret sauce behind her writing success – a dash of Dylan Thomas's poetic flair, a pinch of Shirley Jackson's masterful storytelling, and a whole lot of comfort reading in between. As she delves into the books that have inspired her journey as a writer, it's clear that literature has been her constant companion, fueling her creativity and passion for the craft.
Fuller's earliest memories of getting lost in a good book date back to when she was just five years old, poring over a coach plaque warning passengers to "Mind your head when leaving your seat" – an early fascination with the peculiar that would stick with her throughout her life. But it wasn't until the late 1970s, when her dad introduced her to John Michell's 'Phenomena', that she truly discovered the magic of books. This collection of strange and wondrous tales was a game-changer for Fuller, opening her eyes to a world of possibilities and sparking a sense of wonder that would stay with her forever.
A life-changing moment arrived for Fuller at 14, during a school production of Dylan Thomas's 'Under Milk Wood'. As she brought Mrs Ogmore-Pritchard to life on stage, something clicked – the realization that words could evoke a full spectrum of emotions and transport readers to another world. It was a eureka moment that would shape her perception of literature forever.
But it wasn't until she read Shirley Jackson's 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' that Fuller truly understood the power of writing. She devoured every word, analysing Jackson's masterful crafting of Merricat and the way she drew out strong emotions from her readers. Years later, Fuller would rediscover the brilliance of Denis Johnson, initially dismissing his work but ultimately becoming a devoted fan after reading 'Train Dreams' and 'Jesus' Son'.
Today, Fuller's bookshelves are packed with comfort authors who provide her with inspiration and solace. She keeps Richard Ford's 'Wildlife' on her desk, referring to it frequently for guidance. While she enjoyed Larry McMurtry's epic 'Lonesome Dove', its length means she wouldn't reread it – instead, she's always on the lookout for new titles that spark her imagination. And when she needs a dose of comfort reading, there's only one author who fits the bill: Elizabeth Strout. Fuller praises her writing, stories, and characters, having recently fallen under the spell of 'The Things We Never Say'.