Sarah Winman, novelist: 'I have learnt so much from the way Colm Tóibín writes'

Winman discusses Edna O'Brien, standing up to injustice, and naked wrestling

Where are you now and what can you see?

I'm at home. Through the window I can see an exceedingly ugly red brick hotel. It's all a bit Rear Window. I can see into other lives as I sit at my desk. I have witnessed naked wrestling and alarmingly filled Y-fronts. Because of this, I am a slow writer.

What are you currently reading?

I have been given Kevin Barry's Beatlebone from my friend Selina Guinness and have just bought Edna O'Brien's The Little Red Chairs. I have yet to start either. The anticipation is delicious. I just finished reading Isherwood's A Single Man.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire her/him

I often come back to Colm Tóibín because I have learnt so much from the way he writes. There is a certain restraint to the emotion but when the emotion comes, my goodness, it ambushes. He writes women so astutely, and notices things that other writers don't. There is such elegance to his writing.

Describe the room in which you usually write

The room where I write is the room where I live. It is noisy and often shakes as lorries catch the potholes outside. Books are everywhere, paintings on the wall, there is a sofa, a thinking chair, and jugs with fresh flowers. I clear the table of my writing every night so we can have dinner.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

No idea. Years ago I may have said Jennifer from Tim Winton's The Riders. She is the character who never shows up.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

Anyone who stands up to injustice.

Sarah Winman's 'A Year of Marvellous Ways' (Tinder Press) is shortlisted for the Richard & Judy Book Club 2016