Katie Wu’s debut novel, “Madder Lake,” is set to captivate readers with its unique premise, as revealed exclusively by PEOPLE. The novel, slated for release on 17 August 2027 by Harper Voyager, takes place in a fantastical realm where art and magic intertwine. It promises a rich narrative that will explore themes of rivalry, creativity, and the quest for connection.
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The story unfolds at Xenra, a fictional university renowned for its pioneering study of transportive painting. The protagonist, Ayla, is an international student from a nation marked by xenophobia. Her scholarship has been revoked, leaving her in a precarious position as she strives to support her ailing mother. The stakes are high, and Ayla’s determination drives her to seek help from none other than Constantine, a privileged student and her bitter rival. Together, they must enter a high-stakes painting competition, the winner of which will receive a significant cash prize, enough to cover Ayla’s tuition fees.
Throughout the competition, Ayla discovers a mysterious canvas that possesses the extraordinary ability to bring its painted creations to life. However, she soon realises that she is not the only one drawn to the potential of this magical canvas. Constantine, too, harbours secrets that could alter the course of their collaboration. As their relationship evolves amid the pressures of competition, the two students embark on unexpected journeys that challenge their perceptions and unveil hidden truths.
Katie Wu has long harboured aspirations of becoming an author, a dream she pursued whilst simultaneously building a presence as a book influencer. Her journey, however, has been accompanied by feelings of imposter syndrome. In her conversation with PEOPLE, Wu reflects on her experience: “As I posted book reviews and inexplicably grew my following, I could never shake off the feeling that one day the other book influencers would realise I was wearing a Mr. Potato Head mustache and terrible trench coat, masquerading as one of their own.” Despite her self-doubt, her community’s encouragement has been instrumental in driving her forward.
Wu envisioned “Madder Lake” as a tale infused with her passions: a vibrant university environment, cutthroat competition, and a sprinkle of romance. With a nod to her childhood inspirations, she cites a memorable 2002 film, “Barbie as Rapunzel,” as a significant influence on the magical elements within her narrative. “A major inspiration for the magic in this book was the generation-defining 2002 movie, Barbie as Rapunzel, who paints magic doorways and dresses,” she notes.
As Wu ventured deeper into her writing, she discovered layers of meaning within her work. She describes the novel as an unintentional tribute to the act of creation itself, exploring themes of yearning for connection across various divides, including class and race. “It became a love letter to the act of creation; hope for connection across boundaries such as class, race, and even time,” she shares. Through this process, Wu has also come to a deeper understanding of herself as both an artist and an author.
In her exploration of creativity, Wu reveals her fondness for stories that centre around characters crafting and creating. “I learned that I just love love. (I’m a Pisces),” she admits. “I learned that I love writing about people making stuff, such as crafting their own paints from plants.” In expressing gratitude for the impending publication of her work, she reflects on the journey that has led her to this moment.
As anticipation builds for “Madder Lake,” readers can look forward to a tale that promises not only to entertain but also to inspire. The novel is now available for pre-order through various retailers. As Wu prepares to share her creation with the world, her story stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the connections it forges. Whether it’s through the lens of competition, collaboration, or love, “Madder Lake” is poised to enchant and engage its audience in the years to come.