In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with writer and violinist Ling Ling Huang, author of the acclaimed debut novel Natural Beauty and the recently released Immaculate Conception. Together, we explore the ways fiction - and creative expression more broadly - helps navigate identity, ambition, and the emotional aftermath of betrayal and transformation.

Ling Ling shares how her background in music informs her literary voice, and how both Natural Beauty and Immaculate Conception confront the pressures of perfection and commodification, from the insidious demands of the beauty industry to the often invisible toll of technology on human connection.

The conversation spans everything from the pain of friendship loss, the complexity of female jealousy, and the shifting landscape of motherhood and creativity, to how speculative fiction allows us to reimagine the limits of identity, body, and self-worth.

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In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, I sit down with author Emma Van Straaten to explore the raw, unsettling beauty of her debut novel, This Immaculate Body.

Emma reflects on her journey from aspiring writer to published author, sharing how her own personal history informed the creation of her complex protagonist, Alice. We discuss the nuances of character development, how trauma shapes narrative voice, and why writing unflinching, emotionally charged fiction is both a creative and cathartic act.

This episode also explores Emma’s publishing journey, how she balances writing with parenting, and the unique pressures that come with telling stories grounded in identity and internal conflict. From the daily rituals that keep her grounded to the literary influences that shaped her perspective, Emma offers honest insights into the joys and challenges of writing in today’s literary landscape.

If you're drawn to books that confront what it means to exist in a body — and all the pain, rage, and beauty that comes with that — this conversation will resonate.

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In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, author Anna Dorn joins me to discuss her novel Perfume and Pain, a sharp and provocative exploration of identity, desire, and self-destruction. Anna opens up about her writing process, and her transition from a legal career to full-time novelist.

We dive into the literary value of unlikeable women in fiction, the cultural tension around cancel culture, and how queer literature allows space for complex, messy, fully human protagonists. Anna also shares her thoughts on the evolving business of writing — from the emotional toll of professional publishing to the power of author merch and literary events in building a community around books.

The conversation touches on perfume as a narrative device, how creative inspiration comes from unexpected places (including music and social media), and why embracing vulnerability in storytelling is more radical than ever.

Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram.

Follow Anna on Instagram.

Takeaways:

• Anna Dorn transitioned from law to writing, driven by her passion for storytelling.
• Her background in law influences her writing style and character development.
• Perfume plays a significant role in her latest novel, symbolizing desire and identity.
• The importance of author merchandise in connecting with readers.
• Literary events are crucial for networking and community building among writers.
• Unlikable characters often reflect societal frustrations and personal struggles.
• Writing is a deeply personal process, often influenced by lived experiences.
• Creative inspiration comes from various sources, including music and social media.
• The evolution of writing as a profession can lead to insecurity and pressure.
• Exploring diverse settings and characters in fiction can enrich storytelling.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.