Nicola Dinan, author of the debut novel BELLIES, recently published her latest work, DISAPPOINT ME, through The Dial Press. Dinan, who grew up in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur and now resides in London, has received multiple accolades for her writing, including the Polari First Book Prize and nominations for various literary awards.
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In an interview, Dinan discussed her writing process. She expressed that after completing a novel, she often doubts she will have another complete idea, describing the creative process as slow and occasionally unpredictable, with ideas coming together over time.
When asked about the emotions she hopes to evoke in readers of DISAPPOINT ME, Dinan stated that she aims for a sense of disappointment in her characters, who are deeply flawed. She believes that these imperfections resonate with readers and encourage introspection about personal relationships.
Dinan also shared insights about the cover of her book, which features the painting Decadent Young Woman After the Dance by Ramon Casas. Initially, she suggested a different artwork as inspiration, but the final choice reflects her protagonist Max’s character. Dinan praised the cover's design, noting its vibrant colors and bold typography.
Music plays a role in her creative process, and she created a playlist for DISAPPOINT ME. She selected the song “What Was That” by Lorde as particularly representative of the book's themes.
On her recent reading habits, Dinan mentioned her enjoyment of lengthy novels, such as WELLNESS by Nathan Hill, which provide a deep connection with characters over time. She recommended ANOTHER COUNTRY by James Baldwin as a must-read for all.
Reflecting on Pride Month, Dinan expressed hope regarding Pride events in the UK that have excluded political parties due to their positions on trans rights. She emphasized the importance of Pride as a time to gather and advocate for political issues, acknowledging her concerns about ongoing threats to human dignity globally.