This is probably a first for us: discussing a rom-com written by a straight man. Well, it’s been a hit with us, and we hope you’ll enjoy it just as much.
Jonathon Shannon is a Sydney-based writer and creative director. His work has been recognised at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, screened at the St Kilda Film Festival, and is housed in the permanent archives of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Bound to Happen is his debut novel.
🎧 Listen to the episode on Spotify below or search ‘Better Words’ in your podcast player 🎧
Things we talked about
Deciding how much scientific theory to include in the book through the character of Sophie, an astrophysicist
WTF is 'string theory', and what does it have to do with love?
The difficulty of translating and sharing music through words
What's the line between romantic moves and creepy moves – and how do you make sure you're writing a poetic character, not a weirdo
Why don't more straight men read or write romance?
Jonathan's journey from copywriter to published author
What it's like to have a spouse also publishing novels
Other recommendations
Before we chat with our featured author, we always share some other recommendations.
Caitlin recommends: The House that Joy Built by Holly Ringland*
An inspiring non-fiction book exploring creativity and encouraging us to do things purely for the joy of them.
Michelle recommends: Begin Again by Helly Acton
Frankie dies in a freak kebab-related accident, and then she's faced with a choice: she can look at several turning points of her life and experience how it would have unfolded. Does she want to begin again in one of those lives or move to the Final Destination?
- Caitlin & Michelle
🎧 Search ‘Better Words’ in your favourite podcast player to get new episodes as soon as they’re live. We’ll be back with another episode next Wednesday! 🎧