“I experience the need to write like a cat needing to sick up a furball…”

- Sheena Patel

Sheena Patel is a writer and assistant director for film and TV who was born and raised in north-west London. She is part of the 4 BROWN GIRLS WHO WRITE collective, has been published in 4 BROWN GIRLS WHO WRITE (Rough Trade Books) and a poetry collection of the same name (FEM Press). In 2022 she was chosen as one of The Observer's top 10 best debut novelists. I’m a Fan is her first book.

Tell us about your book I’m a Fan?
I’m A Fan is about internet stalking, memes, being a complete mess, unrequited love and the workings of power.

What inspired you to write the book?
I watched Trump attack the Capitol and found the whole thing so surreal and strange and we were in the midst of our own worship of Boris Johnson and I thought, fandom has infiltrated the political sphere in a destructive and unfettered way and I wanted to connect that to social media and the liberal circle I am a part of and implicate all of us.

What authors have inspired you?
Too many! James Bladwin, Cathy Park Hong, Hanif Kureishi, Tanizaki, Maggie Nelson, Jamaica Kincaid, Jean Rhys – I can keep going.

What is one book everyone should read and why?

Women who run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

Where do you feel most inspired to write?
I experience the need to write like a cat needing to sick up a furball so wherever I am and that feeling occurs is where it’s going to happen.

What is the best advice you ever received?
Don’t ever bad mouth your friends’ partner after they break up because they’re probably going to get back together and you’ll have egg on your face.

What do you love about London?
It’s beauty in the sun and at night. Nowhere looks as pretty as London in September and October where it’s chilly but sunny. I love the life of it and its changing face.

What upcoming projects can we expect to see from you?

Not sure yet! Waiting to see what happens.

What can people expect from We Move: Debut London Literature?

Laughs together and a smattering of despair as we think about the state of Tory Britain, and a celebration of the books, of course.

Instagram: @imightbesheenapatel
Twitter: @Sheena_Patel_
Website: roughtradebooks.com

See Sheena Patel at We Move: Debut London Literature as part of The Southbank Centre’s London Literature Festival. Thursday 20 October, 7.45pm - 9.15pm, Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall. Ticketed at £10.  Click here to book.