In her captivating debut book, A Short Life, Nicky Greenwall offers an intimate and poignant glimpse into the fragile beauty of existence. With lyrical prose and a keen eye for detail, she weaves together a series of evocative vignettes that explore the myriad ways in which life can be both fleeting and profound.
Through her deeply personal reflections and compelling storytelling, readers are invited to contemplate the essence of what it means to truly live and embrace the ephemeral moments that define our journey. A Short Life is a testament to Nicky’s unique voice and her ability to capture the subtleties of human experience with grace and insight.
Glamour: What inspired you to write A Short Life, and how did you transition from your career in TV and journalism to fiction writing?
Nicky: I was at a place in my career where I wanted to experiment with a different medium. I’ve always enjoyed reading so, there was a desire to understand if I might be able to weave that kind of magic myself. When my first attempt was rejected by everyone I sent it to, I enrolled in a series of online writing classes with Curtis Brown Creative. Working in a writing group helped me move forward and gave the me the confidence to trust my instincts and write from my heart.
Glamour: The novel involves two car accidents on the same night that drastically affect the lives of six friends. How did you develop this central plot, and what was the driving force behind the dual-accident concept?
Nicky: It’s an allegory that sprang from my need to understand lack of control. The plot evolved and changed many times. I didn't start writing the book with a clear ending in mind - I only knew the feelings I was hoping to evoke in the reader.
Glamour: Can you elaborate on the characters who know the truth about what happened that night? How did you approach creating their back stories and motivations?
Nicky: No spoilers! One of the devices I used was to imagine the first meeting of the characters in the story and then examine how the dynamics changed or didn’t change from that first point of contact.
Glamour: Trust and betrayal are key themes in the book. How did you explore these themes through your characters and their interactions?
Nicky: The central premise of the story is: if you can love a partner, a friend, a parent and a child simultaneously, where will your loyalties lie when the people you love prove not to be on the same side? Relationships offer security and when they’re threatened, it can feel like your oxygen supply has been cut off. These are all aspects I was looking to explore.
Glamour: How does your background in journalism influence your writing style and shape your approach to character development?
Nicky: In some of the writing classes I took, we were encouraged to get to grips with what each character ultimately wants, and then put obstacles in the way of them getting what they want to create a sense of jeopardy. In journalism it’s as important to get to a subject’s true motivation. So, at times it felt like I was interviewing the characters in my mind.
Glamour: Was there a particular scene or chapter that was especially challenging or rewarding to write? Can you share any insights into that process?
Nicky: A lot of the story is drawn from my own experiences of loss and grief. It can be challenging to access the real emotions, and not be tempted to glamorise or be influenced by how people think you should or would react in these types of situations. I read recently that when you sit down to write fiction you should not think, you should only feel. The thinking arrives in the edit. This sentiment rings very true to me.
Glamour: The novel touches on themes of trust and deception. How do you think readers will relate to these themes, and what do you hope they take away from the story?
Nicky: I hope the story can act as a memento mori - a gentle reminder that we’re all going to die. This is not meant to be morbid, it suggests we can live our lives more fully if we acknowledge our own mortality.
Glamour: What was the most surprising or unexpected element that emerged during the writing of A Short Life?
Nicky: I started the book fearful of the future and lack of control, and when everything was finished and ready for print, I did feel a sense of peace. When the book was published I felt stirred up again, vulnerable and exposed, but I guess that’s the rollercoaster all writers end up on.
Glamour: What do you hope readers will take away from engaging with your book?
Nicky: I hope the book entertains, and also makes readers think deeply about their closest relationships. I hope it helps people live their lives more fully. And if they’ve experienced loss, I hope it makes them feel understood.
Glamour: Are there any new projects or genres you’re interested in exploring next?
Nicky: I’ve written another novel and I’ve started on a third. Who knows if they’ll ever see the light of day. I’ve learnt to accept that nothing in life is guaranteed!
Recent stories by:
Thobeka Phanyeko
We reflect on the key moments of Married at First Sight Mzansi ahead of the 2-hour reunion
Review: The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 merges fashion and functionality
A snapshot of our Sept/October cover story featuring Coach Desiree Ellis
Wellness Wednesday: Understanding Ovulation Pains, Symptoms, and Relief Tips from Experts
