Outsider
by Jade du Preez
Released: Feb 06, 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
Why this book and why now?
I have been working on versions of my manuscript for at least 10 years, but I was inspired to complete it after the semester I spent studying law in Japan in 2017. I got to meet international law students and also Japanese artists, poets and designers. Their stories and that time generated a stronger sense of where the novel needed to go.
My background is in visual arts, but during the pandemic when exhibitions and in-person events became difficult, I got back into writing with regular Zoom sessions as a way to connect with a creative practice.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
Over time I understood where and when it needed to be situated. Experience of some of the economic and political views that were relevant provided a richer work.
The novel changed from a more poetic work into something tied to a moment in time.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
I had chosen “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. It’s a book I also love because it’s about wonder and friendship; what to value and how the values we are conditioned to adopt as adults can be silly when interrogated.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
I’d say phone, cigarettes and (to be practical) a lighter. Why? Because she didn’t think too far ahead!
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
I would have said sparkling sakura wine, but its a little early for hanami season. There is a sake called Bishonen, that translates to “Beautiful boy” – I think we may get some of that for the launch party!
