Q&A: Stephen Daly, Author of 'The Last Death Poet'

We chat with author Stephen Daly about The Last Death Poet, which is a gripping LGBTQI+ YA novel set in Belfast, where the theme of queer identity intertwines with the ghosts of the city’s political past and the dark forces of Irish mythology, creating a gripping and unforgettable story with a paranormal twist.

Hi, Stephen! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Well, if you will excuse me jumping straight in with a dad joke type wordplay I would say that I am a huge nerd so you might even call me The Nerd, Daly. Sorry about that. I am a massive geek though. I am from Belfast and worked for most of my life producing theatre while being an avid bookworm and wishing I had the confidence to give it a go. During lockdown I couldn’t master a sourdough starter so finally started writing. Aside from that, I love photography, wildlife, Lego and have recently got into TTRPGs.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

It was always there to be honest. I grew up in libraries and I don’t think there has been a time in my life when I didn’t have my nose in a a book. Discovering fantasy and urban fantasy/portal books as a child really cemented my love though. The Narnia books and The Hobbit showed me the power that books could have in helping a reader escape to a new world. I wrote all the time as a child but when I hit my teen years I stopped, not believing someone like me could be an author. I am so glad I was wrong about that.

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

The first book you ever remember reading: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
The one that made you want to become an author: His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman
The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

**Your debut novel, The Last Death Poet, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?**

Queer – Dark – Funny – Irish – Magical

What can readers expect?

A queer coming-of-age story that blends contemporary Belfast with supernatural forces from Irish mythology. A story about the damage that secrets can cause, and how authenticity is a struggle in a culture that demands you conform.

**Where did the inspiration for The Last Death Poet come from?**

A mix of my own experience of growing up in Belfast and wondering what it’s like for young people today. I wanted to explore how we live with the bloody legacy of the Troubles and how it can align with Irish folklore. Urban fantasies delve into the darkness that exists in our culture from long before we had the language to write them down.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

I loved writing the large ensemble family scenes. I have a background in theatre and am from a huge Irish family, and I loved getting all those personalities round a table and letting the craic flow.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

On a practical level, I had way too many ideas to try and cram into one story, so I had to do quite a lot of structural changes both with my agent and editor. I trusted them completely and knew they wanted my story to be the best it could be. I also found it difficult sometimes to write about some of the more sensitive cultural issues in the book, and started to censor myself in case I said the wrong thing. I had to let go of that and make sure I was writing what was right for my character. The great thing about writing teenagers is that they can be a lot more forthright with their beliefs than a polite adult – so I let Michael lead the way.

This is your debut novel! What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?

I am very lucky in that it has happened quite quickly for me; this is the second book I have ever written and things moved relatively quickly. It’s been a surreal experience that often doesn’t feel real at all. I have made incredible friendships with other authors and that has been one of the most special aspects of this. Seeing other debuts shine, and also having people to chat about the highs and lows of the journey.