Born and raised in the island town of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland, Ryan Love is a NCTJ-qualified journalist. He was the first Showbiz Editor at Digital Spy and has written for publications including the Independent, the Telegraph, Attitude, Radio Times and Yahoo. After moving into music PR, Ryan worked on campaigns for global superstars including Britney Spears, Shakira, Usher, John Legend and OneRepublic. Ryan is passionate about mental health and enjoys speaking and writing about his own experiences. When he isn't writing, Ryan can be found tweeting, watching—and playing—Countdown or enjoying cuddles with his two golden retrievers. Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out is his debut novel, and he recently talked about it with Daryl Maxwell for the LAPL Blog.
What was your inspiration for Arthur and Teddy are Coming Out?
One of my grandfathers died before I was born, while the other died when I was only two, so I never had this older figure in my life, and it was something I'd found myself thinking about while working on my family tree. I had been wondering what they would think of life today, what they'd think of me, and how they'd have felt about me being gay. Coincidentally, it was around this time that I read an article about an older man who had come out as gay. His story really inspired me, but then led me to think about both the differences and similarities in our coming out stories. It was then that I had the idea of both grandfather and grandson being gay and how their intertwining stories could affect each other and their family. Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out was born from this!
Are Arthur, Teddy, or any of the other characters in the novel inspired by or based on specific individuals?
I wouldn't say any one character is based on a singular person. I took elements of people I am close to and mixed them up. I borrowed a lot of myself for Teddy but really created personalities and relationships around smaller elements. Arthur was very much a 'dream' creation. He was the 'dream' grandfather I'd have loved to have had in my life.
How did the novel evolve and change as you all wrote and revised it? Are there any characters, scenes, or stories that were lost in the process that you wish had made it to the published version?
It definitely evolved throughout the editing process, and I was able to extract much more out of my characters and the situations they found themselves in. My brilliant editor, Cicely, really helped me see how I could push things more so that the pay-offs were even more rewarding for myself, the characters, and, ultimately, the readers. There's nothing I would say I wish had made it to the final edit overall that didn't. The process allowed me to take what I already had and build upon it. One character in particular who really became extra special to make during the editing process was Arthur's wife, Madeline. She could have gone in a very different direction as a scorned woman, but ultimately, I wanted to show a strong woman who actually understood the journey her husband was going on and stood by both him and her family – even when people outside of the family might have expected her to react differently.
How old were you when you came out? How did it go?
I came out as gay to my family when I was 19. I had just left my hometown in Ireland and moved to London, so it was very much me escaping the confines of rural living and hitting the big city. My biggest regret to this day is that I told my parents via email. They'd never given me any reason to doubt them or fear a negative reaction, but I had built up every worst-case scenario in my head. Their response was everything I could have wished for, so I consider myself exceptionally lucky. I wanted to reflect on some of that in the book but also present an element of what other people can face when coming out to loved ones. Everyone's journey is so unique, but I definitely feel very blessed that I can look back on my own positive experience and happily share it with others today.
What would you say to someone, at any age, who is struggling with the idea of coming out?
Everyone knows their own individual situation better than anybody else, but don't get lost in the fear. It can be very scary; you can get caught up in the possibilities of how people will react, but this is your life. You deserve to be who you are, to live your most authentic life. You'd regret not being who you are more than telling other people. It'll be scary, there's no doubt about it, but there's a big, wonderful LGBTQI+ community ready and waiting to welcome you, too. Coming out is just the beginning of your story!
Would you ever do something crazy and adventurous like Arthur? Would you only do it for charity, or would you do it for fun?
Haha! I wish I could say I would, but I would never be so brave. Maybe I would do something that allows me to keep two feet on the ground. If there was an opportunity to do it for charity, I might be tempted to force myself to find a tiny bit of bravery to do something that takes me out of my comfort zone.
Do you have a favorite romance novel, television show, or motion picture? A least favorite? (I realize that you may not want to single out a bad one and if that is the case, please don't. But I also realize it might be so bad that it could be fun to answer.)
Where do I even begin?! It's almost a cliche with my name, but I really love 'love'. I'm an absolute sucker for every trope you can imagine. The classics are classics for a reason, and I love to revisit them every now and again, but I also love a light read that I can pick up and enjoy for a few hours too. I had no intention of getting sucked into the Bridgerton series, but I've loved the three seasons so far. However, I've resisted the books and have been debating finally caving in and starting them. If anyone wants to convince me to do this, now is the time!
As a debut author, what have you learned during the process of getting your novel published that you would like to share with other writers about this experience?
Be resilient. This was a lifelong dream, and I am so proud to finally be a published author. However, it will be challenging and require you to learn fast. I had built expectations up in my head over the years, but of course, those get ripped up, and you have to adjust and adapt. Be willing to learn from everyone around you—editors, agents, and the team at your publishers. There are so many brilliant people who will work to get your book out there, so cherish them, ask questions, and take in as much as you can. It's hard work; you'll have tough days, but holding your book and seeing it in libraries and bookshops makes every part of the journey worthwhile.
What's currently on your nightstand?
I've got a huge TBR list right now; I'm actually embarrassed. I've neglected it for several months due to moving house and other life events, but I can't wait to dive back in. Top of my list are the gorgeous new romcom Things We Do For Love from the wonderful Miranda Dickinson and Leading Man by the brilliant Justin Myers.
Can you name your top five favorite or most influential authors?
It feels like a cop-out, but I actually don't think I could. One thing I never do is compile the top 5 lists in anything as I struggle so much to pick and commit. So many different authors have been influential in ways I can't even articulate, some in the smallest ways, not even necessarily through their writing. There were authors through childhood who were pivotal to my love of reading and ultimately having the dream of becoming an author myself, but then I was inspired by the stories some tell, the writing, and now—with my experience—the work ethic and passion so many writers have. I'm still in awe of anyone who actually makes it as far as getting their book published!
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
Charlotte’s Web or Matilda. I could re-read those endlessly.
Was there a book you felt you needed to hide from your parents?
There wasn't. I never felt the need to hide what I was reading, and they never made me feel like I did, either. That being said, I did sheepishly admit that I had read the first Fifty Shades book when it first blew up out of curiosity. That was enough for me.
Is there a book you've faked reading?
I've not, but I did come very close to doing so when meeting another author. I felt so bad that I hadn't read their new book yet, so I decided to be honest. I'm so glad I was because once I had read it, I was able to message them and tell them how much I loved it!
Can you name a book you've bought for the cover?
I've bought multiple editions of some books I love because of the covers, but I don't think I can remember buying a book I haven't read or heard good things about because of the cover.
Is there a book that changed your life?
I'm going to be a little cringe and say my own book, Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out. I never thought it would actually happen, so to be able to say I achieved my ultimate dream and now have the chance to write more books still blows my mind. To say it has changed my life feels like an understatement.
Can you name a book for which you are an evangelist (and you think everyone should read)?
If I hadn't just named Arthur and Teddy above, would I get away with saying that here?! I'm a bit weird about stuff like this. I've read books people have pushed on me and then felt bad when it's not connected for me. I never like to assume anyone will love what I love or connect with the story, characters, or writing. One thing I've learned is just how personal our own individual connection to every aspect of a book is. If you love it and want to shout about it, that's brilliant, but I'd never actively say someone MUST read something I've enjoyed. I also couldn't handle hearing why they might not like it!
Is there a book you would most want to read again for the first time?
There are so many, but I'm going to be a little sentimental and choose Roald Dahl's Matilda. It was my favourite childhood book, so I'd love to have that experience of picking it up today and experiencing it for the first time as an adult.
What is the last piece of art (music, movies, TV, more traditional art forms) that you've experienced or that has impacted you?
I would have to say the film All of Us Strangers. It has stayed with me since watching it for the first time. Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal deliver incredible performances in it.
What is your idea of THE perfect day (where you could go anywhere/meet with anyone)?
This is an answer that could change on a daily basis, but I think any day where I'm around the people I love the most is a perfect day. It doesn't matter what we're doing, where we are or what the weather is, I'm a very family-orientated person, so just sharing special moments with them when we can is the most important thing to me.
What are you working on now?
Some more quirky older characters coming your way!
