Good Reading for Young Adults caught up with author MARIKO TURK to discuss her latest novel, I’ll Be Waiting For You, which is a moving enemies-to-lovers romance that follows Natalie and Leander, two teens who navigate love, loss, and everything in between during a fateful summer internship.

What sparked the idea for ‘I’ll Be Waiting For You’?

Author Photo Credit: 11:11 Productions

My family takes yearly trips to Estes Park, Colorado, and I’ve always been fascinated by this small town surrounded by the vast, 14,000-foot peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Before I even had an inkling about plot or character, I knew I wanted to write a story set in Estes Park that captured what it felt like to be there—a story that felt simultaneously small and epic, quiet and explosive, ordinary and surreal.

What was the most enjoyable aspect of writing this book?

It was exciting to write something that was both familiar and unusual for me! My previous YA novel features romance and coming-of-age themes, like this book does. But I’ll Be Waiting for You has a light supernatural or at least speculative element running through it, and that felt very different. I learned that throwing different elements into your work ensures that you’re constantly learning new things about the craft of writing. It also makes the writing process feel fresh.

Who is your favourite character from the book, and what do you love about them?

I love Natalie. I relate to her sceptical nature and how it can clash with her desire to believe in the supernatural. I also love that she’s brave because this is not a trait that I share with her. I’m an extreme lightweight when it comes to all things scary, so I admire her fearlessness.

Is the ‘Harlow Hotel’ based on a real place?

It is loosely based on the beautiful and historic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, mostly because of its location in Estes Park and its general ‘haunted’ status. I used some of the Stanley’s cool features (like the underground employee tunnel) and décor. But I gave the Harlow its own unique history with Spiritualism and mediums to suit the story.

What made you decide to feature supernatural elements in your book?

I wanted to write a different kind of ‘ghost story,’ one that featured ‘metaphorical ghosts’ instead of ‘horror movie ghosts.’ But whenever you write about ghosts, you have to play around with some supernatural elements, even if the question that runs throughout the book is whether the supernatural exists or not.

Did you visit any haunted hotels to write this book?

Yes, I visited the Stanley Hotel! It was so fun to soak up the history and vibes of the place and to explore its various unique features.

What does a day of writing look like for you – do you have any particular habits?

I have a 3.5 year old, so my writing days are always a bit up in the air. When I do get the chance to sit down to write for a couple hours, I tend to go straight to drafting. I figure out a lot about plot, theme, and character while I’m writing. I’ve tried to outline before, and I always stall somewhere in the midpoint of the plot. I’m one of those people who has to write in order to think things through. It means I have to revise a lot, but I’m okay with that because I love revising!

What are you currently reading?

I’m reading two books right now: Bethany Mangle’s YA contemporary novel, Conditions of a Heart, and Krystal Marquis’s historical YA novel, The Davenports.

What’s next for you after this book?

I’m working on another YA novel and also an adult romance novel. Crossing my fingers that they will be out in the world one day!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mariko Turk grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in creative writing. She received her PhD in English from the University of Florida, with a concentration in children’s literature. She lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter, where she enjoys tea, walks, and stories of all kinds.