Interview with Author Nomi McLeod

Nomi McLeod's story "30/30 Rule" captivated the editors last submission period. We enjoyed the uniqueness of its conceit and the layers of ambiguity and human complexity within, which make the somewhat absurd thought processes of its characters seem very real. We hope you enjoy this short interview with the author below, featuring an appreciably weird self-portrait too.

What makes you keep writing, even when it's hard? 

That amazing feeling of flow when a piece of writing is pouring through you and you’re not even sure where it came from. 

Advice on creating that you’ve learned by trial and error.

Trust your instincts, don’t work when you’re really in need of sleep, and find some creative buddies who understand your passion and excitement.  

What's your favorite obscure novel or short story (a work you never hear anyone else talking about)?

L.R. Fredericks wrote a novel called Luce which I completely adore. 

In your opinion, who is an underrated author that more people should read?

I’ve recently discovered the writer Noemi Kiss-Deaki—her short stories are so compelling and her first novel The Rabbit Dream is like a strange folk incantation. 

Do you have a favorite book on writing or creating that's been a helpful resource?

No, but I recently attended a talk by Jen Calleja who spoke about wanting to stop people from feeling like the literary world wasn’t for them, whether because of class or disability or self-belief etc. It was so motivating—just what I needed to hear! 

Where do you go when you need to work out a writing block? 

I’m lucky enough to currently live by a woodland so I go walking and muttering to myself through the trees. 

What are your long-term writing goals? 

I would love to find a publisher for my novel, Woodwose, which I recently completed. It’s a queer love story set against a hunt for the British Bigfoot. I have a second novel I’m starting to draft—about a little girl and her imaginary friend who is a cuttlefish—which needs some time and attention. 

What is your favorite banned book?

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. We studied this in school and it made me want to be a writer. And a feminist. 

If you were a cryptid, what would your name be and what strange habits would people whisper about?

My name would be Boggy Myrtle, I’d haunt moorlands, my long tail hidden under my longer skirts. Locals would warn visitors not to accept invitations from a strange woman offering a seat at her picnic blanket at dusk. 

What is your writing strategy? Do you write every day, as the mood hits you, or do you have a rigid schedule?

I have three kids and two jobs so sadly a strict schedule is impossible. I write whenever I can sneak a moment in, often a bit later at night than is really sensible. Sometimes I make quick notes on my phone to return to later and I always carry a paper notebook with me. 

If you could travel anywhere in the universe, where would it be?

I would really like to see what various dinosaurs actually looked like, so I’d stay on Earth but go back a bit. 

Have you ever had a supernatural encounter?

I had strange experiences of coincidence and dreams which told the future. BUT I’ve still never seen a ghost or a UFO which I’m pretty fed up about at this point. 

What is your favorite nostalgic film?

The Dark Crystal! I worked with the son of the main creative visionary behind Dark Crystal, (Brian Froud, his son is Toby) on another film which also had a puppet—it’s called I Am Not a Serial Killer. 

Do you enjoy book series or do you prefer stand-alone novels?

When I was younger I loved a fantasy series, but now I’m more of a stand-alone fan. I like to be left guessing a bit by the author. 

Is there a book or film that significantly altered your perception of reality? 

When I was younger, Island by Aldous Huxley had a profound effect on me. 

What do you hope readers gain from reading your work? 

A sense of the impossible being possible. 

Did you have a favorite game of make-believe as a kid? How about now? 

I used to play Apocalyptic Mega Storms with My Little Ponies. I really hope now that this game wasn’t prescient. 

How do you cope with existential dread? How about existential joy? 

I try to come back to gratitude for my life in both instances. Or cake. 

How is a raven like a writing desk? 

Both seem to stare accusingly …

Tell us a secret. 

As I’ve just read down to the next question—I’ve never seen Twin Peaks. I know… 

If you could purchase one item from David Lynch’s personal collection, currently on auction, what would it be?

I would like his statue of the Buddha. Or failing that, one of his lighters, because both would probably lead to similar reflections on the transient nature of things. 

What is your favorite museum or gallery?

I love the drawers in the Pitt Rivers in Oxford—the things you can find.

Unpopular opinion, go: 

Well, it used to be my low opinion of Neil Gaiman, but I think we’re all on the same page with that now. 

Do you have a favorite weirdo? (Could be famous, obscure, fictional, or a personal connection.) 

Harley Quinn from the DC universe. Chaotic Neutral, clown princess of Gotham! 

What’s the one mystery of the human condition you wish could be solved? 

What happened to make us so seemingly different to the other animals on this planet? 

Nomi McLeod is a writer and artist living in Devon, England. Both her visual and written work often engage with stories of the land, particularly those from folklore. In the past she has also worked as a circus artist, a theater dresser and an artist’s model. Her written work has appeared in The Selkie, the upcoming York Literary Review 2025 and The Ecological Citizen. She has a daughter, twin sons and a black cat.