We chat with author Natalie Sue about You’ll Love It Here, which is a sharply funny, surprisingly tender novel about a woman stuck in place, her nosy neighbors, and the journey to find where she belongs—with all the heart of a grown-up The Breakfast Club.
Hi, Natalie! Welcome back! How have you been since we last spoke for the release of I Hope This Finds You Well?
Thanks for having me back! Since we last spoke I’ve been navigating debut while writing my second book (and living in this world). It was all a bit of an adventure filled with some wonderful ups and a few downs. Graduating from debut author to sophomore has really solidified my love for the writing. I’m so grateful to be able to do this.
Your latest novel, You’ll Love It Here, is out August 11th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Weird neighbours find each other.
What can readers expect?
An ensemble cast with wildly different lives interacting (sometimes for the first time). There’s a romance, a weiner dog that loves to steal scenes, and a comforting diner. Also, a laundry room panty thief mystery that needs to be solved.
Where did the inspiration for You’ll Love It Here come from?
Back in the day, I lived in an older apartment building for many years. I never got to know much about my neighbours but knew of all of them. Then a huge flood overtook the city and the building was badly damaged. When we all came together to clean up, I got to know them so quickly and intimately (it was a highly emotional time). A lot of that time was spend wondering why we hadn’t spoken before and that stayed with me and formed the root of the idea. Plus, I love writing ensemble casts that contain people forced to live in proximity.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Yes! It’s always fun when a character surprises me and that happened with all of the main. Mona’s bonds and hijinks with Carmen and Jane were both a lot of fun. I also loved writing oddballs interact with each other outside of the main character how so many relationships evolved. Lastly, I absolutely loved writing every scene in the diner. The ones where the whole cast is involved and the ones where it was just Mona and Sami. I truly wish I could visit that place now!
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
What they say about books twos is true! When writing I’d overthink a lot of my decisions and wanted perfection, which isn’t realistic. I think the best thing to overcome this challenge was the smart advice to write even when it doesn’t always feel right. You can always revise.
What are some of the key lessons from your debut that helped with working on You’ll Love It Here?
I love to remember to focus on what I can control. Once a book is out in the world, it really isn’t mine anymore in a lot of way. Other than chatting with readers about it (which is an unexpected delight that never gets old!), I try really hard not to focus on the book when it’s out of my hands. It’s so much more productive and rewarding to focus on the book I’m working on and the craft of writing (both of which I can control). Also, find your people: both writers and none writers.
What’s next for you?
A great question! I’m working my way through an idea (or a couple now!) that I’m really excited about and can’t wait to explore more and hopefully share someday soon.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I’ve excited to read Let’s Kiss and Tell by Joss Richard, and See You at Sunset by Susan Lee (both also out Aug 11). I’m also excited for Garbage Girl by Emily Austin. I recently really enjoyed Leave and Come Back by Lavanya Lackshmi.
