Author Q&A with TJ Klune – The Bonus Chapter

We always say we are delighted to announce a new episode of the Bonus Chapter podcast – and that is because we genuinely are. This conversation with TJ Klune is a great example of why the show is so popular. In a candid chat with host Paige, TJ shares his background, from growing up below the poverty line in rural Oregon to coming to terms with his identity by age ten. He also speaks openly about how undiagnosed ADHD affected his early life, and why the local public library proved to be his saving grace.

There is a celebratory feel to this episode, marking TJ's milestone of over a decade as a published author. Having first been published in 2011 for a modest $250 advance, he has now been writing full-time for ten years and has written nearly 40 books.

A common theme among successful authors is that they started out balancing a demanding day job – yet that rarely holds anyone back. TJ was no exception, regularly working 50 to 60 hours a week at a corporate desk job in insurance.

The authors we interview are always generous with their insights. TJ encourages aspiring writers to focus on building a deep backlist – a solid body of work – rather than placing all their hopes on a single debut novel.

TJ's book, The House in the Cerulean Sea, was released at the start of the Covid-19 lockdowns. It stars Linus Baker, a fussy, queer social worker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (DICOMY). Linus starts out living in a grey, rainy world before travelling to an extraordinary island. There, he discovers colour, finds a chosen family, and embraces the simple joy of hiking in tiny brown shorts while debating philosophy. Throughout the episode, TJ explores the core themes of his book and explains why they matter so deeply to him and his readers.

We know you are going to love this episode, and we are excited to reveal the next line-up of authors joining us over the coming months.

Catch the full episode on YouTube via the link below, or tune in on your favourite podcast app.

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https://youtu.be/8pdKpCBh2bg