Q&A with Jesse Q. Sutanto

 

Photo by Michael Hart

 

 

Jesse Q. Sutanto is the author of the new novel You Will Never Be Me. Her other novels include I'm Not Done with You Yet. She lives in Jakarta, Indonesia.

 

Q: What inspired you to write You Will Never Be Me?

 

A: As a mom, social media's algorithm is always pushing momfluencers to my feed. I find them so fascinating, especially the ones who look flawless all the time and make everything from scratch, like, "You want a grilled cheese sandwich? Let me make the bread AND cheese from scratch."

 

I just knew that one day, I would like to write a book with momfluencers as the characters!

 

Q: How did you create your characters Meredith and Aspen, and how would you describe the dynamic between them?  

 

A: I don't usually think about my characters before writing the book. As soon as the first line is typed out onto the page, the characters come to life. I get to know their voices and personalities and that was how it happened with Aspen and Meredith.

 

I would describe them as best friends with a status quo, and when that status quo is disturbed, it doesn't go well for them. 

 

Q: What do you think the novel says about social media influencers?

 

A: I hope it shows how fake things can be online, while at the same time also shedding a somewhat sympathetic light on ambitious women. 

 

Q: How was the book's title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: There have been many times where I've looked at social media and come away feeling sad because I'm not as productive or successful or pretty or whatever as people are on it. Part of me goes, "When will my life look like that?"

 

That's where the title comes from. An acceptance that I will never be like someone else. 

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Nothing right now! I finished a new book a month ago and I need to edit it, but I'm still winding down after a chaotic summer, so I'm taking it easy. 

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Jesse Q. Sutanto.