Wales Book of the Year Focus: Natalie Holborow
Ask the Author: Natalie Holborow
When did you first realise that you wanted to be an author?
Probably when I realised that being a koala wasn’t an actual career choice (aged about 10). I started writing fiction mainly, tapping out funny stories that I’d put in a folder and take to show my Nan on a Saturday. This continued until I discovered at 16 that poetry could make me cry (Seamus Heaney’s Mid-Term Break, if you’re wondering. Utterly beautiful). From there, I had a slight crisis over my future, failed to get into medical school and then stayed an extra year in college to study Classics and Ancient History instead. It unlocked something in me, and inspired so much of my work in later years. Literature was what I adored, and despite people raising their eyebrows, I realised that writing is what I should follow. I’d have been awful at medicine anyway (apparently a dislocated knee can’t be fixed with a sympathetic haiku).
What inspires you?
People, mostly. I’m not an extrovert, but people still fascinate me and I love noticing little quirks that make us all so individual. Also, running and music have a huge influence on my work. Only last week, I went out for a run (against physio’s advice on shin splints), but came back with a whole idea for a novel. Whether I’ll actually do anything with it is another matter, but the combination of music, lyrics, nature and movement just inspired something totally unexpected.
Who’s your hero and why?
Grandad. He was the most selfless, funny, clever person and I miss him terribly. Everyone loved him and it was easy to see why. He was just one of those people who were just so very kind.
Your favourite place on earth and why?
So many places in Gower, particularly Pobbles Bay, where Grandad and I would go swimming. And farther afield? Kolkata stole my heart when I went as part of a literary residency in 2017. I’d go back there again in a heartbeat.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve only just finished Open Up by Thomas Morris, which absolutely blew my mind. I’ve always loved his writing, but this latest book is on another level. It really inspired me to get back to my short stories after abandoning them for so long! I’m now reading Evenings and Weekends by Oisin McKenna (a novel), re-reading The Illustrated Woman by Helen Mort (poetry) and working through The Creative Act: A Way of Being’ by Rick Rubin (non-fiction). It’s a fine spread, which I call a balanced book diet.
What inspired the idea for your book?
A lot of this book is set in Singleton Hospital, where I could see the comforting view of Swansea Bay through the window of my grandfather’s room. This dichotomy of the fear of being inside hospital walls and the nature that ticks on outside the window has always felt somewhat profound. Even when attending diabetic clinic appointments, the sound of gulls on the hospital roof has become a comfort, reminding me of the Gower landscape outside the windows that I’ve loved since I was a child.
In 2020, so many of us reconnected with nature when our little universes were in turmoil. I want this book to remind people that they’re not alone in grief, and that there’s hope. That doesn’t mean grief will ever disappear, but you should find your little moments of joy and seize them when you can.
Will you read a piece from it please?!
Who should read your book and why?
Anyone who feels like they just want someone to listen. There have been times in my life where poetry has made me feel seen and comforted, and for anyone who’s ever felt grief or anger, I hope this book helps you feel less alone. And I hope it validates your feelings, but also gives you hope.
How does it feel to have reached the WBOTY 2025 Shortlist?
I’m still checking whether the name is right on the email! I’m still shocked, but I appreciate it so much. There’s a nervousness about it too, and a worry that I don’t deserve it, but that’s just a normal, human reaction right from someone who overthinks everything, I suppose. I’m very lucky. Very grateful. And I’m in wonderful company.
Do you have any other work/events in the works?
I’ve got my debut non-fiction book, Wild Running, coming out with Seren in September this year (this is why I have shin splints, but I don’t regret a thing). There’s also the Rheidol Prize shortlist in July which I’m looking forward to!
In the words of the judges…
Praise for Little Universe
