One Minute With: Diana Quick
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Where are you now and what can you see?
I'm in my greenhouse in the garden. I can see lots of plants, and someone has just delivered a box of tomato plants.
What are you currently reading?
A selection of Chekhov's stories. I've just finished a week-long workshop on Three Sisters, which we're developing in a new translation. We're hoping the next stage will be to take it to Russia.
Choose a favourite author and say why you like her/him
Penelope Fitzgerald – for her style as much as anything. I like its economy. She came to writing quite late and is on record as saying that she'd go through everything - and take out whatever was not necessary with a blue pencil.
Describe the room where you usually write
If I'm here [on the Suffolk coast] I work at a big table looking out over the garden. It's a dark green room with windows all around. In London, it's my study full of books, with the desk turned to face the wall.
What distracts you from writing?
Almost anything. I'm very good at displacement activities. Putting the CDs in alphabetical order; sorting out the sock drawer.
Which fictional character most resembles you?
It's a difficult thing to ask an actor – we play so many parts of ourselves. You get used to pulling out little bits of yourself and inspecting it under the microscope.
What are your readers like when you meet them?
There are two types: people like me who had family in India and the colonies, and didn't know much about their background. The second are fans who have seen my acting work.
Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?
Helena Kennedy. She has done a great deal of public good and has never wavered from her principles.
Diana Quick's memoir 'A Tug on the Thread' is published by Virago.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments