Ruth Brandt

Ruth Brandt was raised in Bristol, England, and now lives in Surrey with her two sons. She is studying the MFA in Creative Writing at Kingston University and tutors creative writing at Surrey AL. Her short stories have been placed in competitions and have appeared in anthologies including Take Tea with Turing, Bristol Short Story Prize 4, Leaf Books, Ripple 2013 & 2014; read at literary festivals and performed by Liars’ League; and published in magazines including Litro, Gold Dust, Candis, Yours, and Ireland's Own. Her poetry has been published in the Irish Literary Review. She is currently working on a novel.

Credentials

Ruth Brandt in 60 seconds

When did you start writing?

1999 Woking, England.

What do you love about short stories?

They distill the essence of living into a few, beautifully balanced words.

Do you write in other forms?

Novels.

What distracts you from writing?

Just about everything! I am very readily distracted.

Outside of writing, what are your other passions?

Travelling to places where I don't speak the language or understand the currency, friends, theatre, family.

What is your favourite book?

The Old Man and the Sea.

Who are your favourite writers?

Jill Dawson, Graham Greene and Raymond Carver.

Where is your dream location?

A deserted Cornish cliff top in the sun.

What one item would you put into Room 101?

Exploitation.

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Just write and don't be hard on yourself.