An Interview with Mesalie Feleke

Mesalie Feleke is a doctor, biologist, peer reviewer, and postdoctoral cancer researcher based in Perth. She has a passion for literature, art, and storytelling, and draws on her diverse experiences to craft thought-provoking narratives that explore change, resilience, and human complexity.

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

I’ve always loved writing, but I didn’t initially see it as a possible career path. Eventually, I found a rare moment of peace and quiet and decided it was time to take the leap. Writing came naturally. Jane Austen’s novels have always inspired me, and Shakespeare left a lasting impression during my school years. Studying literature at university was a formative experience—I seized that opportunity wholeheartedly. Books like The Bluest Eye, Frankenstein, and Hiroshima deeply influenced me. I especially admire Pride and Prejudice and Hamlet. I’m also drawn to painting, and visual art often shapes my creative process.

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

I’m a doctor, peer reviewer, and editor for Academia Medicine. I’ve worked as a medical intern at a hospital in Perth, and currently, I’m a biologist and postdoctoral cancer researcher.

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

The title The Last Report came to me early on, and it just stuck. I sat with the idea for a while before starting to write, but once I did, much of the book flowed out in a raw, unfiltered form. The names of places and characters were some of the first things I envisioned.

What part of publishing your book made it feel real for the first time?

It truly felt real when I held the first printed copy in my hands and signed the publishing contract. The entire experience felt like a dream.

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

Gwen, the main character, is cool and intelligent, and her story deserves a diverse, rich soundtrack. One song that stands out is Gavin DeGraw’s “How Lucky Can a Man Get.” It fits the tone and spirit of the story beautifully.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

Change—whether environmental, political, or technological—is often daunting. But when something feels wrong in the world, speaking up matters. Your voice can make a difference.

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

Writing is often a solitary process, so having the chance to collaborate with others on something that means so much to me was incredibly special.

What creative projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently writing a non-science fiction book focused on bone and skeletal diseases and publishing a picture book. I’m also working on adapting The Last Report into a feature film.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.