By BRUCE DENNILL
Acclaimed author Patricia Schonstein‘s eighth novel, The Glass Island, is a daring and spellbinding work that shimmers with her signature theatricality, sensuality, and candour. Set in a Venetian‑esque golden city slowly sinking into ruin and on the island beyond its lagoon, the novel explores humanity’s failings through a surreal blend of autobiography, parable, and speculative fiction. Once a prison for political dissenters, the island is now home to the mysterious Magistra and her Contemplatives, who have created a sanctuary of peace in a world darkened by moral decay. Five powerful figures arrive on the island to confront ethical collapse and tyranny. Under Magistra’s watch — and in the presence of a concealed sixth character — they consider whether creativity and Truth can stand against oppression.
Writing a book is a huge commitment. What are the elements that need to be in place if you are going to meet whatever writing goals you set?
I will get an idea for a novel and begin by identifying its ‘core’. I will then secure its position in terms of genre and time and begin inviting characters into my space. But I cannot seriously begin until I hear the narrative voice. All the preparatory work is just like sketching before beginning a painting; or like making a maquette before beginning a sculpture. The narrative voice is like wind in the sails. Once I hear it, I begin in earnest, writing every day, never losing that voice. If that voice were left to slip away, the novel would never find life.
Conversely, what are the strangest or most creative procrastination techniques you’ve devised to avoid all that work?
Fortunately, I’m never troubled by procrastination. But there are times during the creative process when I step away from the work to reflect on it; to listen to its dialogue; or to attend to the setting and furnishment. In such cases I get on with other things, like preparing a meal, or going out for a coffee, or going to a gallery. These might be seen as procrastinating activities, but they are actually hugely creative times for me during which I do a lot of processing.
Is there a specific author (or writer, journalist, etc) who made you feel, “I want to be an author”? And what was it about them that spurred that feeling (anything from admirable eloquence to an outrageous public persona)?
I was fortunate to receive an education that was rich in literature and language. From a very early age I was reading books that inspired and made a lifelong impact. I wrote from an early age, also because of good schooling, so there was never any doubt that I would become a professional author. Many writers inspired and continue to inspire me. If I were to single out one from early childhood, it would be Ivy Wallace. And one from adulthood would be Carson McCullers.
Do you tend to read the same kind of material (genre- or style-wise) that you prefer to write? If yes, what makes that particular niche so attractive to you? If no, what do you think it is that makes each different area appealing?
I read across numerous genres. I love narrative fiction for its imaginative component; and memoir for the real life that it contains. I also enjoy art books and read poetry every day. I read non-fiction too, mostly about war because I constantly question why war is such a hallmark of our species.
Outside of your profession, what role do books play in your life? Are you constantly reading; is your house lined in bookshelves; are books the ideal gift to give or receive, etc?
My life would be empty without books. My home is actually a library. I feel the authors whose works line the walls are friends and guides who miraculously live with me. Yes, indeed, books make the best gifts. Especially to children.
Who is your favourite literary character?
I have many favourites, but if you only want one it would be Miss Amelia in Carson McCullers’s The Ballad of the Sad Café. She is a magnificently and faultlessly sculpted character. She all but walks off the pages and sits with you in your voorkamer.