We asked Michelle See-Tho 25 questions to learn more about her and her new book, Jade and Emerald.
Winner of the 2023 Penguin Literary Prize Michelle See-Tho is the debut author of Jade and Emerald, a gorgeous novel about growing up and accepting who you are.
To learn more about the book and author, we met up with Michelle for a rapid-fire interview. Read on for insights into the book – straight from the author herself.
25 questions with Michelle See-Tho
1. Describe your book in 3 emojis?
💅💔😭
2. Favourite place to write?
My kitchen – it’s close to the snacks.
3. How long did it take to write?
From start to finish, four years. But the editing process took longer.
4. Handwrite or typing?
A bit of both. Probably typing more because you can get your thoughts out faster.
5. Planning or freestyle?
Planning and then sort of changing the plan as I go along.
6. Favourite character to write?
Gigi. She’s flamboyant and fun.
7. Nicest thing someone has said so far?
That it is like White Teeth by Zadie Smith.
8. First fan?
My mum.
9. Fancy restaurant or cook at home?
Depends on my mood. If I am feeling like splashing out, fancy restaurant, but if I need to save money, cook at home.
10. Ever almost spoiled the book?
I didn’t, but an interviewer did the other night! I had to kind of deflect the question a bit.
11. Favourite book?
- The Secret History, Donna Tart
- Normal People, Sally Rooney
- One Hundred Days, Alice Pung
12. Favourite movie?
- The Parent Trap
- Miss Congeniality
- Legally Blonde
13. What’s your coffee order?
Skinny latte.
14. 3 best things about novels?
1. That they take you to worlds that you can’t live in ordinary life.
2. That they give you access to people’s thoughts and feelings that you might not relate to.
3. They’re a great way of using language.
15. Weirdest item used as a bookmark?
I once used my phone as a bookmark and then couldn’t find my phone.
16. Book, ebook or audiobook?
A bit of all three. Physical is kind of my number one preference but I read all three – usually all at once.
17. Biggest plot twist surprise?
Something happens to someone and then someone’s history is revealed.
18. Favourite scene to write?
I loved Lei Ling’s birthday. It is fun and then it is filled with emotion.
19. Last book you read?
The Burrow by Melanie Cheng. It is a story of a family that adopts a rabbit during the pandemic. It’s emotional; it’s brilliant. I loved it.
20. Who inspires you?
My mentor, Melanie Cheng! She’s a great writer, a great mentor and a great person to bounce ideas off.
21. Best writing advice?
Never give up!
22. Favourite fictional world?
The world of Pokémon.
23. Favourite video game?
There are way too many to choose from. I might go with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
24. Favourite childhood meal?
Crunchy Nut® Corn Flakes.
25. Most nostalgic 90’s moment?
Playing Pokémon Blue on Gameboy.
You can aslo find Michelle online at @michelleseetho on Instagram!
Plus, her #1 tip for aspiring authors.
A fierce, emotional, and nostalgic novel to read with your book club.
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