Two of fiction’s rising stars discuss their brilliant debut novels, strong women characters, narrative voice, the perils of modern love and relationships, and how we present ourselves in the physical and digital worlds. Monica Heisey is a writer and comedian from Toronto. She has written for television shows including Schitt’s Creek and Workin’ Moms. Her astute and wildly funny debut novel is Really Good, Actually. Sheena Patel is a writer, assistant director for the film and TV industry and part of the 4 Brown Girls Who Write collective. Her witty and acerbic debut novel, I’m A Fan, won the Discover Book of the Year at the British Book Awards 2023, and was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Supported by Sofas & Stuff.

‘The novel I’ve been waiting for my whole life. Brutal, sharp as broken glass, funny, delusional, sexy, troubling. Like Camus went rogue on Instagram.’ Sophie Heawood on Sheena Patel’s I’m A Fan.

‘Really Good, Actually is a goddamn delight. Heisey doesn’t shy away from any of the hard stuff, showcasing the myriad ways people turn into little monsters when their hearts get broken and they lose sight of themselves.’ Kristen Arnett on Monica Heisey’s Really Good, Actually