Bustle Book Club
In ‘People Person,’ Candice Carty-Williams writes about a family much like her own.
Candice Carty-Williams has only two speeds: on or off.
Today, it was the latter.
I was meant to be writing and I was like, It’s not going to happen.
I was in bed and I probably watched over 1,000 TikToks, theBritish Book Award-winning author ofQueenietells Bustle.
But when it came time to start writing herlatest novel,People Person, she was all in.
Go to bed now.
People Personis what Carty-Williams calls her daddy issues novel.
The premise is familiar terrain for Carty-Williams, who is one of nine half-siblings born to a not-so-present dad.
As a child, this family structure made her feel ashamed for no reason, she says.
But as I got older I was like, There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Carty-Williams blames pop cultures limited view of father-daughter relationships for her early struggles.
We were always taught in fiction and TV shows that this person would be in your life.
Some fathers are just like Cyril: apathetic about being a parent.
Below, Carty-Williams talks A$AP Rocky, writing in her underwear, and Marlboro Menthols.
On the rise of social media novels:
I’m readingI’m a Fanby Sheena Patel.
Its literally all about this woman whos just cyber-watching and is totally obsessed.
Theres something about the idea of stalking.
I really lovedPatricia Lockwoods latest book, [No One Is Talking About This].
On cultivating her creative space:
I have a custom-made, massive desk.
On it, there’s plants and loads of trinkets that I fiddle with.
I always have my Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, which is right here next to me.
Sometimes I might have gum, notepads, and to-do lists.
Its also covered in tissues, because I cry a lot.
Then the wall in front [is decorated with] loads of memories.
Tickets to shows, posters, postcards people have sent me.
It’s like, “Look at this creative hub that you are around and a part of.
Thats my writing thing, my body knows.
But I can only edit at my desk.
Then sometimes, if I’m editing, I’ll listen to theWest Side Storysoundtrack.
Deal with it.”
I get a load of them, and I bring them back over.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onSep.
