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 11^th! 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.

Will you be picking up You’ll Love It Here? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Natalie Sue, Author of ‘You’ll Love It Here’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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!

Will you be picking up I Hope This Finds You Well? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Natalie Sue, Author of ‘I Hope This Finds You Well’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.