Get ready to learn more about the book She’ll Find Me in this discussion with sapphic author Laikyn Meng.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Laikyn Meng about She’ll Find Me, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Nerdy / Geeky category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write She’ll Find Me?
I initially wrote it after an encounter about being awkward and not knowing how to talk to someone I wanted to engage with. The situations and self-struggles spoke to me in a way I can relate to, where there is doubt and worry about the person you are presenting yourself as. It was a milestone in my personal life, and I wanted to give it a voice to work through those issues and see them develop into a positive outcome.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
My favorite characters in this book are the mothers of the two love interests. They are both wildly accepting and loving while staying authentic and supportive of their daughters. I think I wrote these mothers as an extension to give this fictional scenario support. These characters are shaped by their relationship with their mothers and it’s a beautiful dynamic to see it evolve through the struggles of identity.
What inspired the idea for She’ll Find Me?
A town nearby has this winter festival, where people float down a freezing river or jog in their swimsuits down the main street in the dead of winter. I was there one year and saw this person, and there was so much chaos all around us, but when our eyes locked it felt important. Then I saw them a few more times, but I was too terrified to even give a wave. And that is how this story blossomed, out of an unfulfilled dream.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
Dealing with my own personal demons and beliefs and how I was personally raised to break away from the toxic upbringing.
What part of She’ll Find Me was the most fun to write?
The part where Cooper plays a prank on Cameron with her family.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I believe it is more nostalgic and wishful thinking, She’ll Find Me, sounded like it was meant to be.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Oh, I don’t have any plans for a sequel. I wonder what that would look like. Interesting idea, though.
What is your writing process like?
Panster to the max.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Jay McLean, because I feel we have a similar angsty aspect of our books and would love to speak about craft and characters.
Is there a particular genre you would love to write but only under a pseudonym?
I am currently writing my first paranormal/fantasy book, about the Mothman under the pen name Nimueh Virago, it will be out later this year.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Believing that writing it for myself and lowering my high expectations.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
I jump around a lot, so I am usually in the right mood to right a specific scene and lean into those feelings when I have them.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
Memoirs, and Non-fiction. I like the reality aspect of it, all the unique backgrounds.
What books did you grow up reading?
I grew up reading tons of fantasy books, I am only now getting to write one, so I think it helped improve my imagination.
