Maggie Su, author of 'Blob: A Love Story,' shared insights about her first speculative fiction novel in an interview with BookTrib. The story follows 23-year-old Vi, who feels trapped in her midwestern college town. Her life changes when she discovers a blob-shaped creature outside a drag bar, brings it home, and feeds it sugary cereals, causing it to become sentient. Vi then transforms the blob into the Perfect Boyfriend of her own imagination.
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Central themes of the book revolve around the nature of love—whether it can be forced or must be unconditional. Su reflected on her writing process, the impact of childhood pets, and the authors who inspired her love for literature.
As she prepares for the novel’s release on January 28, Su expressed excitement and disbelief about sharing her work after a long creative journey. The initial idea for 'Blob' sparked seven years ago and evolved from a ten-page short story into a ten-minute play before being developed into a full novel during the pandemic.
Su’s background in speculative fiction allows her to explore complex human connections through unconventional narratives. In discussing the blob’s role, she emphasized the importance of developing Bob as a character beyond a mere experiment, allowing him to become a unique individual within the story.
Her personal experiences greatly influenced the narrative, reflecting her upbringing in a midwestern college town and her understanding of relationships, both human and animal. Themes of nature and responsibility toward living beings are interwoven throughout the book, shaping Vi's character and her journey toward self-love and growth.
Readers can expect relatable characters and rich layers to the narrative, appealing to a broad audience while also paying homage to Asian American literature. Su hopes her story resonates with readers from all backgrounds and encourages diverse interpretations of her work.
The overwhelmingly positive and personal responses to her writing motivate Su as she embraces the journey of publishing. Her blend of personal experience and speculative fiction aims to create a unique reading experience upon its debut.