Writing Podcast Episode 735: Curtis Garner explores identity in new novel, 'Orange'

UK-based queer author Curtis Garner burst onto the scene a few years ago with his debut novel, Isaac. Now he’s back with Orange – a coming of age novel that explores two characters as they grapple with a sense of identity and place across a five-year span. In this episode, Curtis shares his inspirations for this novel, his writing process and tips, plus why sex scenes in books should have less fluff!

00:00 Welcome09:09 Writing tip: Public transport13:46 WIN: Last Night I Dreamt by Paul de Zulueta15:32 Word of the week: ‘Ensorcell’16:26 Interview with: Curtis Garner17:00 Describing Orange19:15 Creating the characters20:20 Themes and clichés of place23:35 London as a setting26:27 Two timeline structure28:30 Writing sex scenes honestly33:33 Deadlines and drafting35:00 Rage behind the debut40:03 Writing around a day job42:25 Collecting notes daily44:35 The perils of overplanning46:15 Writing what you care about48:53 What’s next?50:25 Writing advice summary51:33 Final thoughts

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