Beginner’s pluck: Full-time writer Lucy Steeds

'The Artist' is quite brilliant, a gloriously written atmospheric debut exploring creativity

Author Lucy Steeds: 'I always had something — writing notes on my phone on my commute to work.'

A quiet, bookish child, Lucy was always being asked to speak up at school.

“They said when I did, I was interesting. That’s because I was observant — always looking and thinking,” she says.

After graduating, Lucy worked in academia, researching in the humanities: “It was a wonderful job because it kept me in touch with my academic side.”

Meanwhile, she was writing.

“I always had something — writing notes on my phone on my commute to work,” she says.

Then, deciding to take it seriously, Lucy gave herself a year in which to write a complete novel.

Having decided on her theme and the period, she researched through reading arts history books, and letters from artists.

“I’ve always loved art — I think very visually,” she says.

The novel had been percolating — but I started it during covid when I was living in Paris and finished it when the world was opening up.

To give herself structure, Lucy did a Faber course during that time.

Then she signed with agent Eleanor Byrne, did two rounds of edits, and sold the manuscript in January 2024: “I signed the day before I turned 30.”

The Artist was shortlisted for the Woman’s Prize.

Lucy has lived in Singapore and Amsterdam but is currently in Santiago.

Who is Lucy Steeds?

Date/ place of birth: London/ 1994.

Education: A small arty school in London, that encouraged creative writing. Oxford University, BA in English literature, MA in world literature.

Home: Santiago in Chile. “I’m travelling, but I’m moving back to Amsterdam soon.”

Family: “I’m close to my family, especially my younger sister Tash.”

The day job: Full-time writer.

In another life: “I would love to have had the talent to be an architect.”

Favourite writers: James Baldwin; EM Forster; John Dunne; Donna Tartt; Maylis De Kerangal.

Second book: “It will be historical fiction again.”

Top tip: “Read your work aloud to hear all your mistakes.”

Instagram: @lucysteeds

The debut

The Artist

John Murray, €19.99

Joseph arrives in Provence from England in 1920 to interview the reclusive Edouard Tartuffe. 

The article will make his name, if only he can get the artist to talk. Meanwhile, Tartuffe’s niece, Etty, holds the secrets that Joseph needs to unearth.

The verdict: Quite brilliant, a gloriously written atmospheric debut exploring creativity.