We chat with author Robyn Green about The Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose, which is a nuanced, queer debut romance in which a fake dating publicity stunt between rival co-stars results in romantic sparks neither of them expected.
Hi, Robyn! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m a British author living outside of London in a little village with my family and pets, and spend far too much time drinking tea and going to the theatre.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I used to write a lot when I was in primary school and always had my nose in a book. My parents encouraged creativity which I’m so grateful for, so they often had to read my little stories I came home with. I didn’t really get into it seriously until I went to sixth form when I was around sixteen years old; it was there I really found my love for literature (thanks to an amazing literature tutor) and I joined a creative writing club. Being able to choose the subjects I wanted to study had a huge impact, and I’ve carried that passion with me for years now.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I wish I could remember the name of it, but it was a book my grandad used to read to me about a magical train, I’m going to have to track it down one day!
- The one that made you want to become an author: This is a hard question, and I think my answer might change day to day. I remember reading Of Mice and Men at high school and being blown away at the emotional reaction I had to that novel, so, I think today at least I would have to say that one.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: There are so many books that have stuck with me through the years, some because of how beautiful they are, some because they broke my heart while reading. One I often re-read though is Circe by Madeline Miller.
Your debut novel, The Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Dramatic, queer, West End romance.
What can readers expect?
Jonah has its romance tropes, fake dating, enemies to lovers, but also much deeper themes too which I think really are the heart of the narrative. Without giving away too many spoilers it’s a story about love, redemption, family and how life changes as you get older.
Where did the inspiration for The Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose come from?
I remember talking with my agent (Nina Leon) about what I wanted to write and she told me to write about something I loved. Which for me is the theatre. I had this idea of a romance brewing behind the scenes in the spaces audiences can’t see and ran with it, and this was honestly one of the most therapeutic things I’ve ever worked on because I got to write about what I know having worked within costume and props for the theatre for years now. So the inspiration comes from the theatre and a deep love of the performing arts and the people who make those stories we see on stage come to life.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I loved thinking of the musical the characters are working on in the novel. I didn’t want them performing something that was already in existence because I wanted to be able to have complete freedom with how that musical might work. I also wanted to mirror some themes there, like Dexter being the Trojan Horse and infiltrating the theatre bubble Jonah has created for himself. I also adore Greek mythology, so being able to imagine a musical based on Achilles was really fun.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I think most writers sometimes hit a wall when writing where you just stare at your work and wonder how you’re going to get onto the next part. I do a lot of back and forth when writing and end up removing scenes and shifting them about until they make sense, but I always find when I’m feeling frustrated at how things are working narratively to just step away and either go for a walk or listen to some music. Having a break and a good cup of tea always helps.
This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
It’s been a very long road! I had a dream of being a published author back when I was a teenager, but struggled to actually finish writing a novel, with my first full novel being completed in 2019 which I then sent to agents. When that novel didn’t get picked up I ended up writing two more I didn’t send out then two more I did, so I went from not being able to finish writing a novel to finishing quite a few in quick succession. Finally getting my agent was an absolute dream, and she is the best agent anyone could ask for, she’s encouraged me to write from the heart and to enjoy my work. She found a home for Jonah with Jackie at Harper Perennial who loves the theatre as much as I do, so I knew the novel was going to be in good hands even after our first meeting.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on another romance that I’m having so much fun with, and I’ve also finished something that’s top secret at the moment!
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up in 2026?
I was so excited for Sunrise on the Reaping and absolutely adored every word of it. I also loved When The Tides Held the Moon, the writing was gorgeous as was the artwork, I love being fully immersed in a world when reading. For next year there’s so many debuts that sound incredible, I’m looking forward to A Wish so Deadly by Marilize Loxton in particular. I’m also looking forward to Frances White’s new book The Bone Door.
