The Bookseller – Author Interviews – Benjamin Dean

What inspired you to write this story?

I worked as a celebrity reporter/interviewer for a few years and always found it interesting how celebs behave when the cameras are off and how that changes when the cameras are on. Sometimes the difference was like night and day. Personally, I have always loved pop culture and the world of celebrity, so it was so much fun to dive into it and give readers a behind-the-scenes look.

What should readers take away from your book?

That fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when you strip away the glamour on the surface. I also think we all sometimes forget that celebrities are real people. I hope this helps humanize them a little bit.

Which character is your favorite and why?

I’ve always had a soft spot for my main characters, but I think Ryan Hudson was my favorite How to die famous. She’s been the star of (the fictional TV network) Omni Channel for so long and has fought tooth and nail to get to where she is now. I also love the fact that she has a pretty ironclad facade to protect her heart, but really all she wants to do is love and be loved in return.

What does it mean to you to be shortlisted for this year’s YA Book Prize?

I’m so excited to be shortlisted for the YA Book Prize this year. I’ve always followed the awards closely and rooted for my favourites to win, so to be included this year is surreal. I’m so grateful.

How do you think the genre of young adult literature has changed in the last ten years?

I think it’s become much more inclusive. In recent years there has been a real boom in talented and successful authors telling incredible stories that have never been in the spotlight before.

Why do you write for young adults?

I want to be able to offer them what I never had as a child. As a teenager, I felt like I didn’t see myself in the books I read, which can feel very isolating. I don’t want anyone to feel that way as a child. Being able to tell stories with black and queer characters feels like giving back to my younger self.

What was your favorite book as a teenager?

My favorite books as a teenager were Tic-Tac-Toe (Penguin Random House) by Malorie Blackman. It was the first book that made me realize that I could possibly follow my dream and become a writer too. Then of course the Hunger Games trilogy. I was in a perfect mood when the first book came out and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since.

What do you need around you when you write?

Absolute silence. Oh my god, I get distracted way too easily and if there’s anything around me that can take my attention away from my work, I’m guaranteed to start procrastinating. Also, coffee and some good snacks. Writing can be really hard work sometimes, so you need all the refreshments and tools you can get to keep going.

What songs would be on a playlist for your book?

Probably the entire Euphoria soundtrack by Labrinth. “All for Us” with Zendaya and “Forever” in particular convey the mood I imagine for this book.

What book, movie or TV show would you recommend to someone who enjoyed your book?

I haven’t gotten around to reading it myself yet, but I just got an early copy of Last seen online (Walker) by Lauren James and it sounds Right exactly my thing. Fame, crime, fandom? Sign me up! If you liked it How to die famousthen this might be something for you too.