We chat with author J. S. Strange about The Boyfriend Academy, which a mix of dark academia, dystopia, horror, and romantasy—think Never Let Me Go meets Atlas Six.
Hi, J. S.! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I’m a Welsh author writing queer stories. When I’m not writing, I’m a writing and creativity coach, and a travel writer and content creator. I also read tarot and dabble in astrology. I have three cats.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I think I always writing, thinking about stories, and telling stories, so I can’t exactly pinpoint when I first realised I loved it. I grew up in a household of readers, and was always reading. I remember a lesson when I was around 9 or 10 where our teacher discussed story structure, and I was hooked. I started writing stories and it kind of spiralled from there.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Being Welsh, probably Roald Dahl
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Hunger Games
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Swimming in the Dark
Your debut novel, The Boyfriend Academy, is out April 28th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Dystopian. Foreboding. Political. Angry. Curious.
What can readers expect?
Population regrowth is vital, and same-sex attraction is truly forbidden. Dylan Cecil is in his final month of school where he has to graduate. To do that, he must action everything he has every been taught, and all that he believes, to show he is the perfect man fit to graduate and enter a life where everything is provided for him and already waiting: a job, a home, and most importantly, his assigned female partner. He has been observed and studied his whole life, as has everyone else. Perfection is everything. I have leaned heavily into dystopia, and they can expect a book that delivers on that premise. It is not a cute romance – though the romance within it develops and offers some hope – but it is not a happy story as of yet. It’s full of secrets, mystery, dark academic corridors, and asks more questions than it answers.
Where did the inspiration for The Boyfriend Academy come from?
I always have ideas. Sometimes they arrive separately, and other times they come together, which is what happened with The Boyfriend Academy. I had an idea for a dark academia story, and a separate idea for something around the themes of masculinity. Another idea for the climate. It took some time, but eventually those ideas came through as one as I thought more about what I wanted to say with The Boyfriend Academy, and the story I might be able to tell. The dystopia came as the story was being written, as I thought of reasons as to why Dylan was living in the world he was living, and why perfection was so vital. It’s very much inspired by the current events of the world, and the question is: is this really the direction we want to go in?
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved exploring Dylan, because he’s unique in the sense that he has had a rather sheltered life. He trusts everything and everyone around him, so peeling that back and giving him his realisations made for a great character to explore and write. The Dylan at the end of the story is not the same at the beginning, and the reader really goes on that journey with him as he learns that all this perceived safety is not what it seems. It truly is Dylan’s story.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
Many challenges, especially around the why’s. I had to understand and unlock Dylan first, and once I did that the story came. When I considered that this is a young man who has been promised the world in a world that doesn’t accept him, it made it all lock into place. Often, when readers are left with questions when reading The Boyfriend Academy, it will be because Dylan himself doesn’t know them. But I do. Trust the process.
What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
I have been writing for many years, and the dream of becoming a traditionally published author has been one I’ve had since I can remember. There have been a lot of setbacks over the years, and a lot of frustrations. But I took the time to study writing, read a lot, and simply keep writing until I got better. I’ve learned a lot, and I’m always learning more about how to approach writing. It is a dream come true to be published.
What’s next for you?
I hope I can write a sequel to The Boyfriend Academy, especially with the way this book ends. I have all the answers and know exactly where I want to take it, and I’m itching to write it. In the meantime, I’ve written a horror that I hope to find a publisher for, and I’ll keep writing and hope somebody will publish it.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
I just read Yesteryear and I have many thoughts. As for what I want to pick up, anything and everything. Never lose me in a bookshop. I’ll end up coming out with too many!
