Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an English writer based in Central Portugal, living something of a double life. By day, I’m a commercial content writer; by night, I become alter ego author Jemima Mori and craft strange, liminal fiction! My debut novella PARKING is out now.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The initial concept for PARKING was born from a conversation many years ago about whether there might be a fetish that doesn’t exist on the internet. From that decidedly quirky launching point, my aim became to build a surreal but familiar contained world that holds few of the stressors of modern life, inhabited by a cast of characters upon which readers can project their own ideas and identities. I hoped to create a sense for the reader that they are not only solving mysteries with the protagonist but also evolving alongside them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My constant writing companion is a deaf cat named Yoshie. She likes to yodel and break dance, which is perfect entertainment for my writing breaks.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors I cherish and return to the most are Hillary Raphael and Banana Yoshimoto. I’m a particular fan of contemporary Japanese fiction, and Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, The Lonesome Bodybuilder by Yukiko Motoya, and In the Miso Soup by Ryū Murakami spring to mind as favourites from my bookshelves.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a collection of surreal short stories that I hope to release in early 2025. I’m also developing the outline for my next novella.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m focusing the most on community building, using social media to connect with people who favour a kindred aesthetic and life perspective. Both my commercial and fiction writing are very much centred around the importance of authentic human connection – I believe that’s essentially what we serve as creatives and that it’s vital for both us and our readers!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a daunting thing to put your unique voice out there in the world, but nobody else can do it the way you can. So I say, hit your marks for diligence – be sure to prioritise quality editing, formatting, and design – but beyond that, just play and experiment; enjoy creation for its own sake, and then fling what you’ve made out into the ether.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be brave! A dear friend gave me a quick crash course in self-hypnosis to get me over the last few fear hurdles ahead of getting my book finished and setting it free. Happily, there are plenty of tools and tricks to help us shed whatever is holding us back, so find the right lever to liberate your brave self and pull it.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading A Life Unwrapped by Diane von Furstenberg.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on a collection of short stories alongside my next novella. While my writing doesn’t seem to fit neatly into any particular genre, I’m definitely chasing a feeling. It’s a medley of strangeness and comfort – something both edgy and uplifting. I’m a big fan of duality!
What is your favorite book of all time?
My favourite book of all time is I Love Lord Buddha by Hillary Raphael. It is not only a cultish thrill ride of a tale, but Raphael elegantly demonstrates the art of throwing the literary rule book out of the window. The entire novel is in lowercase bar the name of the central character, and chapters jump between a dizzying spectrum of character voices and formats. It’s a zany and addictive read that I return to again and again.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jemima Mori Website
Jemima Mori Amazon Profile
Jemima Mori’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile