Make Room for Love
by Darcy Liao
Released: Nov 18, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
I wanted to write about two women who seem like opposites at first, but who each turn out to be exactly what the other needs. Mira is a sweet, shy Ph.D. student recovering from an abusive ex-boyfriend, and Isabel is a blue-collar butch who’s grieving, lonely, and too tough for her own good. Once I saw how they could help each other heal, I couldn’t let the idea go.
It was important to me that Mira doesn’t just get rescued by a chivalrous butch, but that she discovers her own power. Like the many grad students all over the US that I was inspired by, Mira is organizing a union at work, and Isabel, a seasoned union electrician, is there to support her. I wanted to portray real struggles that queer and trans people have to go through; I hope it makes the love story feel grounded and the victories that much sweeter.
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?
In my first draft, Mira and Isabel were both too guarded with each other. I realized it would be more compelling if Mira reached out to Isabel from the start. It catches Isabel off-guard, because she’s not used to people caring for her, and she comes to see Mira’s kindness as a form of quiet strength.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Mira is too well-read, snobby, and indecisive to pick a single book. As a classicist, she admires Anne Carson’s work (and knows her Sappho translations well).
Isabel’s favorite book is The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin. She’s drawn to the ideals of the hardscrabble moon colony, but she also sees herself in the protagonist who doesn’t fully fit in.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Isabel takes Mira to the Metropolitan Museum of Art when it’s open late. They each pay a dollar to get in. Mira tells Isabel about the Greek and Roman art while Isabel listens adoringly.
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.
This time of year, they’d make hot chocolate on the stovetop together. (With homemade whipped cream.) They’ll never pass up an opportunity to make each other warm drinks.
