Get ready to learn more about the book Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes in this discussion with sapphic author E. V. Bancroft.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz E. V. Bancroft about Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the England category in the 2026 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes?
This book is about family and duty, and how queer people existed throughout history. I wanted to show that despite homophobia and misogyny, sapphics could still have their happy ending!
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Maud has the biggest emotional journey to go in the story, having to deal with her own prejudices as well as battling to be true to herself, even in her nineties. She’s similar to me, in that she had to deal with misogyny at work. She’s also nothing like me. Because she’s tall!
What inspired the idea for Warm Pearls and Paper Cranes?
The book was inspired by my aunt who lived with another woman into her 90s. She wanted to be buried with her companion. They weren’t queer, but it got me thinking, what if they were? What if they were put into separate nursing homes because nobody knew they were lesbians?
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I’ve always loved the Carol Ann Duffy poem, Warming her Pearls, about hidden love. Pearls have always symbolised middle class middle England busybodies, and I wanted to show the contrast with the Japanese symbol of peace and long life, paper cranes. Of course, pearl also has another meaning 😏
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Bea, Maud’s love interest here, is also a supporting character in Encrypted Hearts, which is about women codebreakers in WW2.
Where do you usually write, and what do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
I am very fortunate that I have a writing room in my garden (which my daughter has dubbed my lady cave!), so I can close the door on my chores. To stay focused I use the pomodoro system of 25 minutes writing, 5 minutes break (although it seems to extend beyond that when I return to the house for tea!). I listen to a YouTube virtual writing session by Abbie Emmons, which has background music and ambient sounds, with a timer to indicate break times.
Is there a particular genre you would love to write but only under a pseudonym?
I am currently writing a fantasy, with sapphic MCs of course. I still haven’t decided whether to make it fade to black/ closed door, so will almost certainly need a pseudonym. I’m currently thinking I’ll have E.V. Bancroft writing as Xxx. What do you think?
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
Pause, don’t rush the scene. A story is felt in the reactions, rather than the actions. This was/is told to me by my editors. This gave me permission to be vulnerable in my writing.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
I cried when writing the scenes where Bea and Maud have to be separated, because Maud feels she has to do her duty to her family, even though her mother is homophobic. Bea doesn’t agree, so they fight.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
I re-read my favourite books when I am stressed or feeling vulnerable as a comfort read. When I need a comfort read, I cannot cope with the anxiety of not knowing the ending in a new book. Yes I’m one of those people who will flip to the end to see what happens. Amongst sapphic books I re-read Clare Ashton’s The Goodmans, Fletcher Delancey’s Chronicles of Alsea and E J Noyes’ Ask Tell series!
Describe your favorite reading spot.
Nowadays I have less time to read physical books, so I listen to audiobooks, which gives me the opportunity to read while I walk, garden, travel on long journeys and do my chores. So my favourite spot is anywhere I have the opportunity to listen. I had to switch off the book when shopping once, when listening to one of Roslyn Sinclair’s Vivian Carlisle series, as it was a little too spicy for Tesco!
