Conversation with Catherine Dellosa
Catherine Dellosa is a Manila-based writer whose love for storytelling is matched only by her passion for video games and comics. A dynamic and versatile author, she brings heartfelt narratives to life, blending poignant themes with engaging characters and compelling plots.
Her Young Adult fantasy novel, Of Myths And Men, published by Penguin Random House SEA, is a tribute to gamer culture, mythological beings, aliens, and the thrill of epic quests. Its sequel, Of Life And Lies, continues the trilogy, captivating readers with imaginative worlds and intricate storytelling. Catherine has also penned The Choices We Made (And Those We Didn’t), published by BRUMultiverse, and contributed to the #romanceclass community with works like Raya and Grayson’s Guide to Saving the World and The Bookshop Back Home, showcasing her talent for weaving romance with relatable, real-life struggles.
Her latest work, The Summer of Letting Go, captures the emotional journey of Kali, a young girl grappling with grief, loss, and the bittersweet process of moving on. The novel offers a profound exploration of love, healing, and the courage to embrace change, delivering a narrative that is as touching as it is transformative.
When Catherine isn’t immersed in fictional worlds, she works as a games journalist for one of the leading mobile gaming media outlets in the UK. Her husband’s creative insights often inspire her storytelling, fueling her passion for crafting meaningful narratives.
Catherine believes in the power of fiction to touch lives and inspire change, dreaming of one day becoming a superhero soaring through the skies. Until then, she continues to save the day through her vibrant imagination and evocative words.
1. What inspired you to write The Summer of Letting Go, and how did the concept of balancing grief with a budding romance come to life?
> I've always believed that Young Adult books should never shy away from the darker topics in life, and death is very much a part of that. For this one, I wanted to show that sadness and happiness are two sides of the same coin. They're both part of growing up - something that anyone who's coming of age needs to go through.
As a YA author, I hope to offer some semblance of comfort in my stories - whether that's the giddiness of young love or healing from grief.
2. Kali’s connection to Uncle Drew's ghost is central to the story. How did you approach writing about this supernatural yet deeply emotional bond?
> I tried my best not to see Uncle Drew as a ghost in my head - I wanted to treat him as a living, breathing human being, to make sure that the emotions in the story were raw and real. I hope I was able to portray that in my writing! When all is said and done, my main goal is, really, just to make a connection with a reader - to have my words resonate with someone emotionally in one way or another. To be able to forge that kind of bond is truly more than enough.
3. The tea shop, Tea For Two, feels like a significant character in its own right. What role does the setting play in shaping the narrative, and how did you conceptualize it?
> It's all about the cosy feels! For me personally, I love tea shops and cafes because they always have some form of welcoming warmth. I wanted Tea For Two to feel like a home for Kali - somewhere she could be with her uncle to bask in all the nostalgia, but also a place where young love can blossom and grow.
4. Luca, the charming college-boy barista, brings a sense of hope and lightness to Kali’s life. How did you craft his character to complement Kali's journey through grief?
> I've been told that Luca is a bit of a "tsundere" trope - someone who's initially cold on the outside but is actually a sweetheart on the inside. They're also opposites when it comes to their goals - Kali is adamant about staying put and living in the moment, while Luca is all about moving on as fast as he can.
Regardless of his outer shell, what's important to me is that Luca is simply a good person, someone with a certain kindness and a heart that Kali needs at one of the lowest points in her life. I wanted him to have his own goals and struggles, but still have enough of himself to give to someone who is grieving. We all need someone like that in our lives, after all.
5. Grief and letting go are universal themes, but you’ve woven them with humor and heart. How did you strike the balance between the heavy and lighter moments in the story?
> Omigosh, thank you for saying that! You're too kind, and I'm very honoured. I suppose there was no specific method or conscious system that I used to strike the balance, per se. I just knew I had to write from the heart…and hopefully, my words were able to connect with readers in some small way.
6. Uncle Drew’s love for Cheetos and his carefree personality leave a lasting impression on readers. Was his character inspired by someone in your life?
> No, but also technically yes? Haha! My husband and I have a very close relationship with one of our nieces, so the interactions between Kali and Uncle Drew are a little bit inspired by those moments we had with our own niece.
She really loves Cheetos, by the way.
7. The looming demolition of Tea For Two adds urgency to the plot. How does this external conflict mirror Kali’s internal struggle?
> The demolition is a bit of a plot device here to add a so-called "ticking time bomb" to the whole story. Kali, with her stubborn refusal to move on, is content with staying put, so I wanted something to force her to take action, something to jolt her out of her complacency.
While letting go isn't supposed to happen overnight, it's also no good wallowing in self-pity forever. Luca's leaving adds to the urgency too, forcing Kali to make an important choice so she can learn to face the consequences of her decisions and discover how her actions affect the lives of those around her.
8. In your work, gaming and pop culture often shine through. Did any of your passions influence the themes or characters in The Summer of Letting Go?
> Most definitely! Uncle Drew's job as a reviewer is part of my own responsibilities as a games journalist, and because I'm in that headspace all the time, gaming and pop culture are always, always front and center. Romance is always in the cards too since I'm part of #RomanceClass, a community of Filipino romance authors.
All of my previous books revolve around themes, settings, and characters related to video games, comics, and overall geekery. Geeks unite!
9. Your stories often feature characters grappling with personal and fantastical challenges. What draws you to these kinds of narratives?
> The stories that I want to read are about characters who have both internal and external struggles, because they're simply the most compelling ones to read! I find myself emotionally invested in them, also because it's extremely satisfying once they overcome their struggles in the end.
I hope to be able to evoke that same kind of emotional investment in readers with my own characters, whether that's about the beautiful chaos of love or epic quests to save the world.
10. As a writer, how do you hope readers will feel after finishing The Summer of Letting Go, and what message do you want them to take away?
> Oh wow, I only really just hope to make a connection with any reader through my stories. After all the cathartic tears are shed, The Summer of Letting Go is a humble journey of grief, healing, and finding hope at the end of it all, so I'd be honoured if my story could somehow give readers the courage to see hope too no matter what their own circumstances are.
Most of all, I hope that the love that was shared between family and friends in the story will stay with readers long after turning the last page - because at the end of the day, love is all we really need.