Roselle Lim is the critically acclaimed author of Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune, Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop and the upcoming Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club. Read on to learn more about her latest release, writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi, Roselle! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I write books about family, food, and a sprinkle of magic. I want to leave my readers feeling uplifted and happier after reading my books.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I discovered my love of writing when I drew my first picture book in grade 3. It was the thrill of being able to craft my own stories and having control over what the characters will do, where the story will take place, and what kind of magic I’ll get to use. There always has to be an element of whimsy and fantasy in the process of crafting stories.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
It was a Disney Golden Book of The Stone Soup. Daisy convinced her stingy uncle that she can make a delicious soup with just one stone. She kept asking him for ingredients (thus making the soup better) and in the end, it turned out wonderful and the miser learned to share.
Your new novel, Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club, is out August 16th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Male Version of Golden Girls.
What can readers expect?
I hope they laugh and cry when they follow Sophie’s adventures. Be prepared to have a list of snacks on hand as you read this. There’s whimsy to balance the underlying darkness there. I warn readers who are sensitive to parental abuse and there is death in this novel.
Where did the inspiration for Sophie Go’s Lonely Hearts Club come from?
The inspiration is from my grandparents and the snacks and candy my childhood growing up in Scarborough. I loved my grandparents and I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve spent so much time with them before they all passed. They showed me that life is still full of joy and wonder in your golden years. I can only hope I’d live to be as old as they were.
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
I wrote this novel during the pandemic. My life was in upheaval—my in-laws had cancer, I’ve lost family members to cancer, on top of everything else that was happening. I tried my best to survive and find hope. The underlying current of melancholy in the novel was from personal experience and I tempered this with layers of whimsy, humor, and wonder.
I overcame them by writing this book. It’s my act of resistance from sinking further into depression and getting the story I wanted from the pain and anguish.
Were there any favorite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Oh goodness, the Old Ducks. How much do I love them? Mr. Regret, Mr. Porcupine, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Moon, Mr. Sorrow, Mr. Durian, and Mr. Dolphin. These seven bachelors were a joy to write. They came out from my brain talking, arguing, and laughing from the get-go. I was more of a spectator to their antics than a master planner.
I can see each of them having their own mini tv shows or novellas.
What do you love about the romance genre?
The promise of a HEA (happy ever after) or a HFN (happy for now). I feel like my heart is protected knowing the main character will get their happy ending. It’s a wonderful bit of reassurance that no other genre promises. I also enjoy the spicy scenes and great chemistry between the main character and the love interest. When I read a romance, I want to be lost for a few hours and forget about the world for a while.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
The best writing advice I’ve received is to remember the joy of the craft. With the ups and downs of publishing, the passion for what we do is what keeps us going. Hold onto all that joy and make sure you never lose it. We spin worlds and write destinies for a living—this is something to be grateful for.
The worst writing advice is to change your writer voice or ignore your instincts. Early in the process, I came across critique partners who gave terrible feedback—to change how I write and how I write my own cultural experience. If I had listened to them, I’d be in worse shape writing-wise—I’d lose the very spark that made me special. Always trust your gut when it comes to feedback.
What’s next for you?
Book 4 isn’t set in the same world as Sophie, Vanessa, and Natalie. It has gods, ghosts, and two exes trapped in separate places and they need to work together to escape. It’s far more fantastical than my previous works.
I’m working on a YA fantasy that I hope I’ll be able to talk about soon.
Lastly, do you have any 2022 book recommendations for our readers?
Kamila Knows Best by Farah Heron is a fantastic Emma retelling set in Toronto with wonderful desi characters.
Like a Sister by Kellye Garrett is a fantastic, witty thriller that you have to pick up that features Instagram and influencers.
