Are you a plotter or a pantser?
A little of both. I don’t start a novel project until I have a decent idea of the character motivations and where the story might be going. As I write, I think a few steps ahead, though I often don’t know how it will end until I’m halfway through. I tidy up the foreshadowing and other plot elements on the second draft.
How do you feel about the book now it’s out of your hands?
Like it’s a bit miraculous it even exists. The past few years have been a blur – the pandemic and the lockdowns, of course, but also family care, a whole lot of work and deadlines… I’m proud of Moon Sugar; I think I allowed myself to play in a way that was a bit scary. It’s possible the book may date, but if it captures the moment it certainly has been an interesting moment to catch. And books that ‘date’ can still become a part of some readers’ nostalgic landscape.
As you were writing, who did you have in mind as the ideal reader?
The ideal reader for Moon Sugar is probably in the range of the age of the characters – 20s to 40s – any gender, and I hope it will be enjoyed by queer readers. When I was writing, I was thinking about growing up in a very specific age (or two very specific, close together generations, and the similarities and differences between them). That said, some people outside those demographics have got in touch with me and said they really enjoyed it!
If Moon Sugar was made into a movie, who would you see playing the main characters?
This is such a fun question and not one I’ve put much thought to yet, other than that Josh could be Timothee Chalamet? Kyle could perhaps be played by Alberto Rosende. It would really suit Mia as a character if she was played by someone who had been underrated so far, but who could shine in the role. Of course, they should probably all be Australian, if this was a real fantasy… (Could Chalamet do an Aussie accent?)
Are you reading anything at the moment?
Very much enjoying Claire G. Coleman’s latest literary sci-fi, Enclave.