We chat with author Melissa See about her new release Love Letters for Joy, a new LGBTQIA+ young adult romance story!
Hi, Melissa! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! Thank you so much for having me! I’m Melissa See (she/they), and I write young adult contemporary novels that feature disabled teens falling for each other; being messy; and above all, being loved for exactly who they are.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always loved stories, but I knew I wanted to be an author by the time I was seven years old.
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!
The first book I remember reading was Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots, which is a part of The Bailey School Kids series. (A series I absolutely devoured.) I think it was that whole series that made me want to become an author, actually. As for a book I can’t stop thinking about, that would be Into the Light by Mark Oshiro. It had me captivated.
Your latest novel, Love Letters for Joy, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Romantic, dramatic, affirming, soft, and honest.
What can readers expect?
In Love Letters for Joy, readers can expect a lot of academic rival banter, romantic tension, and intersectionality of the disabled and queer experiences, all wrapped up in my beloved home of New York City.
Where did the inspiration for Love Letters for Joy come from?
Well, Love Letters for Joy is a retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, so a lot of inspiration for the book came from the play itself. The retelling began as an unintentional part of the story, but once my friend told me that the premise was like Cyrano, I decided to really delve deeply into that aspect. (And even though me writing a retelling of Cyrano was a surprise, I have a deep love for theatre, as someone who has been in performance spaces for most of their life, so it was a wonderful happenstance!)
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Nathaniel was a great character to explore. Originally, he had a much different role in Love Letters for Joy back when he was conceptualized. So, realizing his true role in the story was a lot of fun. I’ve never unraveled a character and knitted them back together like that before.
What do you hope readers will take away from Love Letters for Joy?
When they read Love Letters for Joy, I hope readers take away the notions that they are valid exactly as they are, and they deserve people in their lives who love them for exactly who they are as well.
What’s next for you?
Currently, I’m drafting a young adult contemporary that I can best describe as Dungeons & Dragons meets Paper Towns. It follows a group of friends who embark on a cross-country road trip to find their Game Master when he goes missing. It’s been so much fun to write!
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers during Pride Month?
Yes, absolutely! I love Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa, A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy, Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White, and as mentioned before, Into the Light by Mark Oshiro.
