Marlowe Granados
We're excited to welcome Marlowe Granados to our Hai Society! Marlowe is a multifaceted artist renowned for her contributions to both literature and film. In her Hai Society, Marlowe shares insights into her creative practice , her inspirations, and reflects on the success of her debut novel, Happy Hour. Delve in to discover her favourite travel destinations, what she's currently reading and to hear what personal touches make her feel most at home.
When did you realise you wanted to be a writer and filmmaker?
I've always considered myself an artist, it's just that the two mediums happen to be writing and film.
If you weren’t a writer and filmmaker what would you be?
Maybe I would be a painter. Sometimes I think in my past life I was one of those women that hosted cabaret shows. Doing that little chit chat between performances and working the crowd. It's too bad we don't have real show girls anymore.
Do you prefer working on writing or filmmaking?
Filmmaking is a collaborative process and takes a lot of people to execute a vision—and often, quite a lot of money. I've taken a bit of a step back from it in recent years. Writing is the exact opposite, where the only person standing in your way is yourself. They compliment each other in their contrasts. Right now I'm in a writing phase, but when that's finished I feel I will have worked up a hunger to collaborate on something for the screen.
What are you working on next?
I'm working on my second novel at the moment. I've come to Greece to hopefully finish the draft. It's important to sometimes get out of your routine and make yourself uncomfortable in order to do some honest work.
Of the projects that you’ve worked on, which do you think you’ve learnt the most from?
I think my debut novel Happy Hour really defined my twenties. The period of writing it, the period of rejection, the period of success. It had this beautiful cycle to it that felt like it was the only way it could have happened.
Where is your favourite place to go for a three day break? And give us your three best tips?
I love going to Paris. Do one museum (D'Orsay), drink a lot of wine, and pick up one French mannerism ("Bah ouais!")
What are you reading, or rereading, currently?
On my nightstand I have Everybody's Autobiography by Gertrude Stein, I just picked up Rien Ne Va Plus by Margarita Karapanou, and I am rereading The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy.
What book do you always gift and why?
I think a book of poetry is always the best kind of gift when it comes to books. You never want to give a gift expecting the receiver to feel like it's homework. I like to give any book of poetry by Frank O'Hara. Poems are nice because you can pick it up at different moments in life and they can mean something completely different.
What’s the best gift you ever received?
Oh god, I think any gift is wonderful and thoughtful. My grandmother gives me tickets to the ballet every year because she wants me to be "well rounded." I like getting early editions of my favourite novels, murano glass, and interesting antiques. A boyfriend gave me a pair of mother of pearl opera binoculars because he noticed me always asking antique shops if they had any.
Can you work to music? What do you listen to if so?
I listen to a lot of Chopin when I'm working. I like to listen to music on my walk to and from my studio. I usually make a playlist that somehow embodies certain themes that I'm writing about. On my current playlist there's a lot of Molly Burch, Hope Tala, Laufey.
You’re hosting a dinner for your closest friends; what are you cooking and what are you serving to drink?
I love having people over, but I don't do full sit down meals. We're doing hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie and dirty vodka martinis.
Where do you feel most at home, and why?
I feel most at home in bed. It's my preferred place to hang out in my apartment, or at a friend's house. A lot of work can be done in bed. I also think being in bed is the height of luxury. Sometimes I even wear perfume to make the experience even better.
When did you realise you wanted to be a writer and filmmaker?
I've always considered myself an artist, it's just that the two mediums happen to be writing and film.
If you weren’t a writer and filmmaker what would you be?
Maybe I would be a painter. Sometimes I think in my past life I was one of those women that hosted cabaret shows. Doing that little chit chat between performances and working the crowd. It's too bad we don't have real show girls anymore.
Do you prefer working on writing or filmmaking?
Filmmaking is a collaborative process and takes a lot of people to execute a vision—and often, quite a lot of money. I've taken a bit of a step back from it in recent years. Writing is the exact opposite, where the only person standing in your way is yourself. They compliment each other in their contrasts. Right now I'm in a writing phase, but when that's finished I feel I will have worked up a hunger to collaborate on something for the screen.
What are you working on next?
I'm working on my second novel at the moment. I've come to Greece to hopefully finish the draft. It's important to sometimes get out of your routine and make yourself uncomfortable in order to do some honest work.
Of the projects that you’ve worked on, which do you think you’ve learnt the most from?
I think my debut novel Happy Hour really defined my twenties. The period of writing it, the period of rejection, the period of success. It had this beautiful cycle to it that felt like it was the only way it could have happened.
Where is your favourite place to go for a three day break? And give us your three best tips?
I love going to Paris. Do one museum (D'Orsay), drink a lot of wine, and pick up one French mannerism ("Bah ouais!")
What are you reading, or rereading, currently?
On my nightstand I have Everybody's Autobiography by Gertrude Stein, I just picked up Rien Ne Va Plus by Margarita Karapanou, and I am rereading The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy.
What book do you always gift and why?
I think a book of poetry is always the best kind of gift when it comes to books. You never want to give a gift expecting the receiver to feel like it's homework. I like to give any book of poetry by Frank O'Hara. Poems are nice because you can pick it up at different moments in life and they can mean something completely different.
What’s the best gift you ever received?
Oh god, I think any gift is wonderful and thoughtful. My grandmother gives me tickets to the ballet every year because she wants me to be "well rounded." I like getting early editions of my favourite novels, murano glass, and interesting antiques. A boyfriend gave me a pair of mother of pearl opera binoculars because he noticed me always asking antique shops if they had any.
Can you work to music? What do you listen to if so?
I listen to a lot of Chopin when I'm working. I like to listen to music on my walk to and from my studio. I usually make a playlist that somehow embodies certain themes that I'm writing about. On my current playlist there's a lot of Molly Burch, Hope Tala, Laufey.
You’re hosting a dinner for your closest friends; what are you cooking and what are you serving to drink?
I love having people over, but I don't do full sit down meals. We're doing hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie and dirty vodka martinis.
Where do you feel most at home, and why?
I feel most at home in bed. It's my preferred place to hang out in my apartment, or at a friend's house. A lot of work can be done in bed. I also think being in bed is the height of luxury. Sometimes I even wear perfume to make the experience even better.