Mini Interview with Nat Luurtsema Plus Extract from Girl Out Of Water

One of the funniest UKYA books I've read in AGES is comedian Nat Luurtsema's first novel for teens, Girl Out Of Water, published by the fabulous Walker Books! It's a really hilarious read and main character Lou is fantastic, as are the three boys she tries to train to become a synchronised swimming team...

I was thrilled to be asked to host a video on the blog tour, and even more delighted to get the chance to briefly interview Nat as well!

If you were auditioning for a talent show what would you do? Stand-up comedy, or another hidden talent?

I think it would have to be stand-up! Not that I think I’m brilliant at it, I just don’t have any other skills. I can slice bread very evenly, people have remarked upon it, but I wouldn’t sell tickets to it.

I love the relationship Lou forms with all three of the boys. Who would have been your favourite of the three as a teen?

As a teen I would’ve been so in awe of Roman and Pete but Gabe would’ve been my favourite – he’s funny and kind. Winning combination!

How much research did you have to do to before writing the book?

None! I wrote it all, THEN thought maybe I should fact-check (I’m an idiot) so I sent an early draft to my friend  Bet O’Brien who knows about ME, to check I didn’t have one of the characters having unrealistic relapses and recoveries. Then I got in touch with Jessica Fullalove, a British back stroke swimmer who my friend knows, and asked her loads of questions. I was right on most things but definitely had to make some tweaks!

I thought Girl Out Of Water was one of the funniest books I've read so far this year - what are some of your favourite funny YA reads?

Thank you! I’m so happy to hear that! I love Neil Gaiman’s funny YA books, Terry Pratchett, the Geek Girl books by Holly Smale, Georgia Nicolson, Louise Rennison, also there’s a book called The Day Of Dog by Paul Sangster about a bunch of dogs who break out of the pound. It’s really hard to find, but as a kid I thought it was the funniest thing I’d ever encountered and I read it again and again. It took loads of googling but I have my own copy again!

Thanks for great answers, Nat! Now, don't miss this video.