YALC Q&A WITH HARRY TREVALDWYN.
I CAN’T BELIEVE I DON’T HAVE A BOYFRIEND (FIRST INK, PB £8.99) IS OUT NOW.
– Thanks for joining us here at YALC. We would love you to introduce yourself
Hello! I’m Harry! I’m an actor and a writer and also an Aquarius which I know very little about but, cards on the table, that’s what I am!
– Can you give our readers an overview of your YA novel I can’t believe I don’t have a Boyfriend
This is a follow-up to Patch’s adventures (or misadventures) in love. The first book looked at Patch trying to find a boyfriend in The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King and in I Can’t Believe I Don’t Have a Boyfriend Patch is now trying to figure out what to do when there’s an actual viable potential boyfriend on the cards… or potentially more than one.
– And, if you could do it in just 5 words or less, what would they be?
Figuring out romance is HARD.
– Who was your favourite character to write and why?
I’ve always loved to write for Jean because she’s the best friend that everyone needs. She’s so practical and organised and as somebody not very practical and largely disorganised, it’s very calming being in her head for a bit.
– Is there a character that you relate to?
Patch. For most reasons, actually.
– Did the idea for this novel start with characters, a funny situation or something else?
The novel was totally lead by Patch. He charged into my head and I was just along for the ride.
– Which character was the most fun to write?
Patch because it’s fun being in his head and seeing his intentions and then seeing what actually comes out of his mouth.
– Is there a particular scene that felt rewarding to write?
There’s a scene between Patch and his mum’s new boyfriend that felt very special to write.
– Is there a character’s backstory you would love to explore in another book?
I think Jean. Partly because I think it must be pretty rough growing up with the name Jean.
– Did you have to do much research before you started the writing process for the book?
No, one thing that came up was researching what the actual ‘examining process’ now is at school as it’s been a good long while since I did my GCSE and A-Levels.
– Your novel is packed with humour. How did you know when you’d found the right balance between comedy and emotion?
I think the two work very harmoniously together for me actually (something my therapist is desperate to unpack). But I think that humour can often lead us into a less guarded space. Some of the times I’ve laughed the most have been at times I’ve been the most emotional.
– How important was it to write an authentic LGBTQ+ representation in this story?
Very important! I really wanted to write a lead who was wholly confident in how he wanted his romantic life to unfold and never let shame be the reason he doesn’t have such big dreams.
– How did you come up with the title? Was it a hard process?
It was quite hard! I attempted to come up with a title that was less wordy than the first. An endeavour I failed wholeheartedly.
– Where do you write?
My favourite place to write is cafes, I’m someone that needs other people nearby to focus and I like the idea of everyone being in their own little worlds together.
– What is your favourite genre to read?
Gosh. I love fantasy, I love memoire, I love romance. I love em’ all!
– Where can our readers find you on social media?
I’m @harrytrevaldwyn on nearly everything!
– Finally can you give us your favourite quote from a novel (it can be yours!)?
“I wish I sometimes kept my cards closer to my chest. My method with cards is saying I’ll keep them close to my chest, but I then quickly show them to everyone, basically throwing my cards on the table and screaming, ‘THIS IS HOW I FEEL!’” (from I Can’t Believe I Don’t Have A Boyfriend).