We chat with debut author Natalie Sue about I Hope This Finds You Well, which is a fresh and surprisingly tender comedy about loneliness and love beyond our computer screens.
Hi, Natalie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a Canadian writer currently living in Calgary. I enjoy all genres of books and TV and have new obsessions monthly. I love to do pottery (even though I’ve hit a skill plateau that I try to ignore). I also love walking in trees (hiking but maybe softer?), and gardening on occasion.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
It kind of feels like both were always there, but I remember getting a typewriter from our neighbour and setting up an “office” when I was around eight. The letter “M” didn’t work and I usually gave up after a paragraph or so, but I was a writer then (and there are still some days where that’s pretty much on par). I also rediscoverd my earlier love for reading shortly after high school at a time where I was unsure what to do in life and books helped.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I think it’s Ramona and Beezus
- The one that made you want to become an author: So tough to narrow! I will say, The Bell Jar opened something in my mind that I wanted to tap into and explore more of.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: A Thousand Splendid Suns. Forever in my heart.
Your debut novel, I Hope This Finds You Well, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Honest; Messy; Funny; Corporate-BS-ie with Feelings.
What can readers expect?
It’s a story about lonely, sarcastic, Jolene who is working a cubicle job she hates and leading a slightly heartbreaking life. When she’s accidentally granted access to her colleague’s emails, she uses the unauthorized intel to save her job, but her plans get far away from her in chaotic and emotional ways.
Where did the inspiration for I Hope This Finds You Well come from?
At my former office job, I was having an innapropriate DM conversation with my work bestie when I remembered the disclaimer that appears at login (the one that warns that nothing shared is private). I wondered what would happen if that stored data ended up in the (very) wrong hands, and it bloomed from there.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
This is the first book I’ve written where I truly enjoyed writing the entire thing (which I think means something re: following your bliss). My very favorite moments were the ones where a lot of the cast is together (meetings/meltdowns/parties), because there’s so much possibility with the messes of different personalities clashing, and navigating each character was a fun challenge.
This is your debut published novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Oh boy! So I completed my first novel in 2017 and then looking into getting it published. Had no idea what I was in for, but I found a writing community, and wonderful wonderful people willing to help and mentor (that carried throughout). I got hundreds of rejections over three other books (died a little inside), then said “screw-it” and wrote my debut with that same energy. Finally, I hit that elusive mix of: right book/right people/ right time, and I’m so grateful for how it all went down.
What’s next for you?
I’m excited about what I’m working on! It’s another ensemble cast with some funny moments planned. I’m just in the process of falling for the characters and it’s the best feeling. It explores the possible repercussions of honesty, perfection, and “hope” or what that even means.
Lastly, are there any book releases that you’re looking forward to picking up this year?
I’m so excited to read You Know What You Did by KT. Nguyen! (out now, but my TBR is shameful). I’ve been on a thriller kick and this one sounds right up my alley! As for books coming soon, Sunshine and Spice by Aurora Palit sounds like such a fun romcom!
