Q&A: Lior Torenberg, Author of ‘Just Watch Me’

We chat with Lior Torenberg about Just Watch Me, which follows a charismatic misfit who livestreams her life for seven days and nights to raise money to save her comatose sister—a poignant and darkly funny exploration of grief, forgiveness, and redemption.

Hi, Lior! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi, readers! I have a cat named Eevee and I currently split my time between London and New York City, which is not as glamorous as it sounds, especially since I’m afraid of flying. But I’m afraid of a lot of things. I try not to let that get in the way.

“Just Watch Me” is my debut fiction novel, and follows an errant livestreamer who starts a streamthon to raise money for her comatose sister’s healthcare. It’s dark, funny, and, I’ve been told, stressful (in a good way).

My protagonist, Dell, is nothing like me, which is a good thing.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

My earliest writing memory is winning a Mother’s Day poetry contest in 2nd grade, and I’ve been chasing that high ever since. This feels pretty close.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket.
• The one that made you want to become an author: “Birds of America” by Lorrie Moore.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: “The Talented Mr. Ripley” by Patricia Highsmith

Your debut novel, Just Watch Me, is out January 20^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Seven days. Hot peppers. Chaos.

What can readers expect?

Lots and lots of gastrointestinal distress.

Seriously though, Dell is going through it. She is raising money by eating hot peppers, all while developing an ulcer, trying to ignore her mom’s constant barrage of voicemails and texts, and falling behind on her rent. Expect a fast-paced, stomach-churning ride.

Where did the inspiration for Just Watch Me come from?

“Just Watch Me” started as a pandemic novel. I was fascinated by livestreaming culture and wanted to understand who the people behind the camera were, especially in the pressure cooker of those particular end times when we were all cooped up at home.

While I have personal experience with hot peppers, and New York City, and a lot of the various other elements that give the book texture, Dell is truly one of a kind; I don’t know anyone like her. And I don’t think I’d like to. With Dell, I was inspired here by the general archetype of the sad clown, or the jester/martyr; someone who is acting out in every way possible to avoid dealing with what they’re really feeling.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I adore Dell’s neighbor and best friend, Lee. They have their shit together in a way that Dell does not, and their kitchen is always stocked with the best snacks.

On a deeper level, I wanted to write a book without a romantic throughline. While Dell and Lee’s best friend relationship is platonic for the most part, it’s also quite intimate, and they both rely on each other in sincere and unique ways.

I wanted to explore a non-romantic relationship that would still keep a reader on edge and bought in, and I think I accomplished that.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

The process of writing this book was relatively smooth but I struggled (and continue to struggle) with the size of a novel as a form: you just can’t hold it all in your head.

Outlines help. Editors and readers help. Time helps. But writing a book is like playing chess in your mind and trying to keep track of the whole board at once.

As I continue on to write more sophisticated and structurally complex books, this is something I’ll keep working on. It’s part of what makes the novel form such an endurance sport.

This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?

Thank you for asking! I’ve been writing in various forms since I was in ESL in elementary school, and books and writing became my way into the world.

I’ve been writing books since I was twenty. I’ve just turned thirty and my debut is coming out. A decade later, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

There has been a tremendous amount of rejection along this road and constant ego death; I don’t think this stops. And I think it’s important, even and especially when it’s painful. At the risk of platitudes, you really do just have to keep going.

What’s next for you?

I’ve been working on another book since 2023. It’s vastly different from “Just Watch Me” in nearly every way, and a very personal book for me as it fictionalizes aspects of my family history. Hopefully you hear more about it soon!

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?

Oh, so many! Here’s what’s currently on my bedside table:

Will you be picking up Just Watch Me? Tell us in the comments below!