Jan Saenz's debut novel, 200 Monas, was one of the first books I read this year. While squeezed into the middle seat on a flight to Stockholm, I was acutely aware of the side eyes from my neighbours as I found myself gasping, laughing and totally gripped to the chaotic world of Arvy Keening, a college student who finds a stash of unidentified pills in her recently deceased mother's wardrobe. Part dark comedy, part horny romcom, 200 Monas is a propulsive story about love, grief, and mind-blowing orgasms.
When I spoke to Jan over Zoom earlier this year, I was keen to find out what inspired this absolute rollercoaster of a story. Open, warm and effortlessly funny, she opened up about her own creative process, the book's upcoming film adaptation, and the most important piece of advice she'd give to new writers.
