Farrah Yusuf
Highly Commended Cheshire Novel Prize 2022 - Almost Strangers - Cozy Crime
Represented by 2022 judge Honor Spreckley from RCW Literary Agency
I was born in Pakistan, live in London and can usually be found chasing my toddler twins and 4 year old or side stepping rogue toys. I began my career as a solicitor then became an advocacy / project manager in the charity sector. I loved writing as a child but it wasn’t until I switched careers that I rediscovered that love through short stories. My short stories have been listed in the BBC National Short Story, Asian Writer, Leicester Writes and Writeidea prizes and I’ve taken part in the Royal Court and Kali Theatre playwriting groups. Almost Strangers is my first novel.
What Made you enter the Cheshire Novel Prize?
The offer of feedback - I never imagined getting beyond that. I loved watching the Instagram lives and reading all the information that was helpfully provided but it was the feedback that pulled me in.
What did it feel like when you were LL and then SL?
Each time Sara called to say I’d made it to the next round I was sure she had made a mistake I was so shocked. The first time I was at a 5th birthday party with around 30-40 kids and I think I bellowed hello as I couldn’t hear anything because they’d just caught sight of the cake. When she introduced herself and told me I covered my mouth so I didn’t squeal louder than all the kids put together.
What was the reaction from those around you/family and friends?
My friends are delighted for me, they know how much I love writing and how much I try to weave together time to do it around the edges of life. My husband has always believed in me more than I could ever believe in myself but our kids are so young they don’t understand. When I was shortlisted, I translated my joy into language they could understand – blowing bubbles while having a dance party and eating snacks which is their idea of heaven. My mum is the reason I am so passionate about books, I wish she were alive to see this but as she sadly isn’t I whisper things to the universe hoping she will hear. I have told my dad who is not very expressive but I know he is happy for me because of the way he smiles.
You were unrepresented when you entered the Cheshire Novel Prize, but you now have an agent!
This has been a surreal experience. I was lucky to have so much interest for Almost Strangers but ultimately Honor Spreckley, one of the CNP judges blew me away with her enthusiasm for the book and her insight. To say I am delighted is an understatement!
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
One day a net curtain twitching Miss Marple came to me and from there on the world of the story appeared around her. It began with the street it all takes place on then I started to populate each house. Before long I knew exactly who had gone missing and had a cast of characters. The plot fell into place from there.
What’s it about?
Essentially that all that glitters is not gold.
When an ambitious make-up artist and new mum with a large Instagram following disappears without a trace everyone becomes a suspect and the police, public and media rip apart her seemingly idyllic life.
What’s your writing routine?
I wish I had one, like many people I mostly I sew together time around life. It does however always involve chai and snacks, without snacks I can’t write or at least that is what I tell myself. I am lucky my husband is super supportive and encourages me to keep going. I also have the most wonderful mentor, Sara-Jade Virtue, who has been part therapist part magician in every one of our monthly zoom chats.
What’s next for you?
I am hoping this novel may get published. I’ve also got ideas for three more novels, all mysteries so after editing this I will start outlining them. I also have dreams of writing a Young Adult mystical mystery trilogy.
What are your favourite books and why?
This changes all the time and I could spend many hours happily thinking about it. Having said that, a name that comes to me instantly is Daphne du Maurier. I am in total awe of her. I return to several of her books every few years but my favourite is ‘My Cousin Rachel’. No matter how many times I read it never fails to give me chills, the creeping menace is just delicious.
With three kids aged 4 and under I have to include a children’s book. Our favourite is ‘Barbara throws a Wobbler’ by Nadia Shireen. It has really helped us to have conversations with our eldest about feelings and differing ways to express them. I am always raving about it.
I could go on and on so I will stop there.
Any tips for writers intending on entering the competition?
Do it - At worst you will get constructive feedback and at best your dreams could be given wings