Fiona Kelly McGregor has published eight books, including Buried Not Dead and Indelible Ink. Her latest title is the historical novel Iris. McGregor is also known for her performance art and event curation, and contributes regularly to The Saturday Paper, Sydney Review of Books, and The Monthly.  

If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would it be, and why? 
I would head west to witness the effect of rain across the continent. As the floods recede, I’d check out the Barka, Murrumbidgee, and Darling rivers. If accessible, I’d camp at the AWC property near Kathi Thanda: the wildlife would be going crazy, the birds and the flowers. Or I’d go to México.  

What’s your idea of hell? 
Peter Dutton as PM.  

What do you consider the most specious virtue? 
Chastity and decorum – characteristics overwhelmingly expected to be demonstrated by women, which are only excuses for patriarchal oppression. 

What’s your favourite film? 
I’ll have to name a few. Zed, Aferim, Sembene (biopic), I shot Andy Warhol, Il giardino dei Finzi Contini. 

And your favourite book? 
This changes all the time. In the past year, three outstanding ones were Elena Ferrante’s Days of Abandonment, Tyson Yunkaporta’s Sand Talk, and Sophie Cunningham’s This Devastating Fever. An abiding touchstone is Judith Hemschemeyer’s edition of the Complete Poems of Anna Akhmatova.  

Name the three people with whom you would most like to dine. 
Pemulwuy, Claude Cahun, Chavela Vargas. 

Which word do you most dislike, and which one would you like to see back in public usage? 
I really dislike the term ‘politically correct’. I’d like to hear ‘shivoo/shivaroo’ again – an old Australian term for party, possibly of Cockney origin. 

Who is your favourite author? 
Naaaaah – can’t choose! 

And your favourite literary hero or heroine? 
I honestly can’t think – maybe James Baldwin from his non-fiction writing? I was captivated for many years by the voice/personality of a Japanese poet called Yosano Akiko – the Rexroth translations. But she is quite mysterious – I don’t know much about her. 

Which quality do you most admire in a writer? 
Courage to push the envelope. Vision and voice.  

Which book influenced you most in your youth? 
Tintin and Asterix were the books I taught myself to read with as a pre-schooler. 

Name an early literary idol or influence whom you no longer admire – or vice versa. 
Tolkien. I would never read him again. 

Do you have a favourite podcast? 
I like The Daily, 7am, The Book Shelf, and The Art Show. 

What, if anything, impedes your writing? 
When I have to do too many jobs to pay the bills. My hyperactivity and digital distractions. I can only write novels with my phone switched off, and Wifi disconnected.  

What qualities do you look for in critics, and which ones do you enjoy reading? 
Acuity, bravery, deep knowledge of the subject, curiosity, style. I’m an art critic, so I’ll name art critics and essayists: Hetti Perkins, Daniel Mudie Cunningham, Tristen Harwood, Neha Kale, Paul Kelaita, Alison Croggon, Coco Fusco, Chris Kraus.  

How do you find working with editors? 
I love it. The tougher the better. I’m a bit prolix, so I need tough editing. I’m notorious for handing finished work back and saying ‘More, let’s go another round!’ 

What do you think of writers’ festivals? 
I love the opportunity to spend time with peers and colleagues, and talk directly to readers. But I dislike festivals that focus on celebrity and impose hierarchies. I’d like to see more panels on the day-to-day reality of writing, to demystify us and create appreciation for our labour and craft. Festivals, if run as corporate events, can crush the very thing they are supposed to be for. If run with communal values, they can be wonderful. 

Are artists valued in our society? 
No. In general, only their success is valued, not their place as workers.  

What are you working on now?
An essay for an exhibition catalogue and a personal essay. I’m also planning novels – I have ideas for five! I’ll get started on the first one during the coming holidays.