Isobel de Border is a Melbourne-based diarist and writer of autofiction. Bella & Rami is her debut novel.

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Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title Bella & Rami came before the book. I grew up reading classics such as Jane Eyre and Anna Karenina. When a book is about a particular person or character, it makes sense to me to call it by their name. I also wanted names that indicated ethnicity but were readily understood and remembered. Bella and Rami seemed perfect and still do.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It took more than one go to get to the final book cover. The first cover design I chose was beautiful but on reflection was better suited to a memoir than a novel. For the second cover design, I kept my brief simple and let the designer do his work. I am so glad that I did. The orange chrysanthemum on a dark-green tropical background was perfect. Readers love it, as do I.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I started writing letters at a young age. My earliest correspondence dates back to age six, and I still write letters to this day. I wrote because my family moved every few years and letters were the way I kept in touch with friends who lived far away and I saw rarely. The humble letter isn’t so common now, but it was a great way to learn how to communicate with someone in written form. I didn’t realise it at the time, but letter writing grew my writing muscles.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I have had several careers and regard myself as very fortunate in that respect. I worked in international aid and development when young and got to work in many less-visited parts of the world. Later, I worked in the higher education sector and had the pleasure of working with a great many interesting and talented people. Being a writer and author is my third career. It was an early ambition that had to wait until there was time and space. Feels good to have come full circle.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most rewarding part of publishing Bella & Rami has been the way it has reconnected me with people from my past and introduced me to a myriad of new folk. The interest, friendship, enthusiasm, and support I have received from those I have met on my writing and publishing journey has been awesome.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

“If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

Bella & Rami is a complex, multilayered book, and each reader will take away different things. However, if I had to choose one thing, it is that sometimes you have to revisit the past to understand what you thought you already knew. Whoever reads Bella & Rami from the start to the finish is my perfect reader.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

I am mostly enjoying the experience of being a debut author. However, I am also working on a prequel for Bella & Rami, and percolating ideas for a more substantial book. I will reveal more when I am a bit further along.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

I enjoyed working with Atmosphere Press. The team is professional, kind, and really is intent on making your book awesome. Bella & Rami is a carefully edited and beautifully produced book. I feel happy to be numbered amongst AP authors.

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