Author Emma Healey: 'I felt best when there was no softness to me and then my period stopped because I was losing so much fat, and I thought: "Yes, great, that's what I want, no possibility of any more reproduction"'

Emma Healey, acclaimed author of the best-selling novel 'Elizabeth is Missing,' discusses her growth as a writer since beginning her career at 23. Now approaching 40, she expresses a sense of hesitation regarding writing from the perspective of older characters, particularly those with dementia. Healey recalls the boldness she felt in her youth, recognizing the transformative journey of her writing and creative confidence over the years, particularly in addressing profound themes influenced by personal experiences like traumatic pregnancy.

"Now I can't believe how bold that was. Now I'd think, 'Oh, I couldn't possibly', but when you're in your 20s, you're like, yeah, I can do this."

"I was 23 when I started writing. Now I'm nearly 40 and I wouldn't dare think I could write something from the point of view of an 80-year-old with dementia."

Read at Independent