Questions for Harry Trevaldwyn
The judges for the Branford Boase Award describe The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King as ‘Louise Rennison for a new generation.’ How does that make you feel and what are the books that you remember with most affection from your teenage years?
TRULY couldn’t think of a better compliment because I adore Louise Rennison and the feeling I remember is wanting to be part of that world and part of those friendship groups, I really hope my book does the same.
They also describe it as ‘hilarious and heartfelt.’ Was it difficult to hit both those notes and how did you go about it?
I think being heartfelt is inherently hilarious, especially when you get it wrong. There’s something so humiliating and funny and endearing about going about love with an open heart.
How important are ‘big silly romances’ and why did you want to write this one?
Big Silly Romances are SO IMPORTANT, especially for the people who didn’t necessarily believe that big silly romances were in their future because they haven’t seen someone like them fall in love.
What did you enjoy most about the editorial process and working with Emma and Charlie? Was there anything about it that surprised you?
I loved it because Emma and Charlie immediately cared about the world and the characters as much as I did. I knew from the moment I met them how smart, funny and meticulous they were, but I was actually so surprised by how much I loved receiving their notes and thinking “Yes, of course! That would make it so much better!”
What’s the best piece of writing advice anyone has ever given you?
Write the bad version. At least you’re writing something and then you can make it better.
You are an actor and writer as well as a novelist. How do your different jobs feed into one another?
I think when I write, I’m sort of imagining things quite visually, almost like it’s already a film in my head. I think especially when I’m writing dialogue it helps being an actor because I can sort of gauge whether a human would say that!
Questions for editors Emma Jones and Charlie Castelletti
What was it about The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King that most excited you when you first read it?
The heart! Harry’s voice for Patch was immediately so charming, and we loved the authentic queer representation, which we both would have loved to read as teenagers ourselves.
What kind of notes did you have for Harry and how did you work with him on making the book the best it could be?
The voice was already spot-on, so our edits focused on leaning into that, and clarifying and streamlining so the jokes could really land. Structurally, we wanted to develop the side cast – Jean is one of our favourite characters.
Do you have a favourite scene in the book, one that exemplifies what it’s about?
Yes!! We both LOVE the first ‘coffee shop’ scene, where Patch and Jean are pretending to read books and order coffee, only to accept they just want to sit and drink hot chocolate and gossip. It’s so funny, and completely exemplifies that teenage experience of desperately wanting to seem grown up.
As editors, what do you hope you will find in your submissions?
We are always on the lookout for a genuinely unique point of view, or a unique twist on a genre or setting that we already love. And of course – unputdownable writing.
What advice would you give anyone wanting to write romantic comedies for teenagers?
What we love about Harry’s books is that they draw on his own teenage experiences and feelings for comedy (it’s the kind of situation comedy he’s fantastic at in his work as a comedian) but it’s not his story – Patch is a creation. This makes it relatable without becoming too self-conscious. And don’t forget: if it’s fun to write, it’ll be fun to read.
What is the most satisfying thing about being an editor?
We love getting to work closely with the amazing author talent that we do – what a privilege! And there’s no more satisfying moment than when we suggest an editorial note or ask a question that totally chimes with an author, and helps make the book stronger. That’s what we’re about!
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn is published by First Ink, 9781035049202, £8.99 pbk.
Thank you to Harry, Emma and Charlie for answering our questions.
