Interview with Nancy Foley on Her Debut Novel 'I Am Agatha'

Foley grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico, a place historically linked to the Manhattan Project. She describes the town as both isolated and culturally unique, shaping her views on life and art. Her deep connection to the northern New Mexico landscape informs much of her writing in *I Am Agatha*.

Foley's love for storytelling began in her childhood, as she frequented the library and wrote in her diary. Influenced by a mix of authors, from V.C. Andrews to Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, she found joy in creating narratives from her experiences, a thrill she continues to feel while working on her novel.

In a rapid-fire Q&A, Foley revealed her early literary influences, naming *The Wolves of Willoughby Chase* by Joan Aiken as her first memory and *Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit* by Jeanette Winterson as pivotal in her desire to write. She also highlighted *The Book of Emma Reyes* by Emma Reyes as a work she can't stop thinking about.

Her debut novel, releasing on March 17, is characterized as "wry, mysterious, meditative, sometimes shocking." It tells the story of an unlikely romance between two women in their sixties, set against the backdrop of 1970s New Mexico. Agatha, a painter seeking solitude, encounters a widow with a hidden past, resulting in a darkly humorous exploration of art and aging with unexpected twists.

The inspiration for *I Am Agatha* came from a story shared by Foley's grandmother about abstract painter Agnes Martin, who lived near her grandparents in the 1970s. This anecdote sparked Foley's imagination, leading her to weave the hidden dynamics of friendship and secrecy into her narrative.

Foley found both joy and challenge in writing Agatha's voice, crafting the novel in the first person to fully realize her character’s perspective while balancing it with the voices of others around her. The writing process during the COVID-19 lockdown was particularly illuminating, as Agatha's voice emerged, guiding her through the story.

Previously, Foley had written several novels without seeking publication until she completed *I Am Agatha*. After joining a virtual writers conference during the pandemic and pitching her manuscript, she secured a literary agent, leading to a two-year revision process that ultimately honed the novel.

Looking ahead, Foley is currently drafting a new novel and anticipates finishing it over the summer. She shared her excitement for upcoming reads, including *They* by Helle Helle, *The Disappearing Act* by Maria Stepanova, and *The Keeper* by Tana French.