Literary Birthday – 20 May – TJ Klune

Happy Birthday, TJ Klune, born on 20 May 1982.

TJ Klune Quotes

1. Part of being an author is asking yourself, “What if?” (LAPL)
2. The best kind of “villains” are the ones who are believable, ones who you might find yourself agreeing with in part. Throw in being the leader of a cult, and you need them to be charismatic. (LAPL)
3. I wanted to write an action movie in book form, a queer thriller that I’ve never done before. Why is it that every action movie is so heterosexual? Queer people can run from explosions and government agents just the same as everyone else. (Writer’s Digest)
4. There is still hope in the world, even when things are at their darkest. This book is a different side of my writing, but it carries some of the same themes I’ve become known for: found family, queer peace and joy, and what it looks like when you have to fight for what you believe in. (Writer’s Digest)
5. Read as much as you write! Read fiction, read non-fiction, read fan fiction. Reading is so fundamental in becoming a better writer. I try to read anything and everything I can get my hands on. Not only can it help spark ideas, but it can also give writers a chance to see how other authors perform their craft. (Writer’s Digest)
6. [I like to write] Only in my office. I have it exactly as I want it, meaning minimal distractions. I can’t write anywhere else. (Macmillan Library)
7. Early in my career, I was romance-first, narrative after. But as I’ve gotten older (and, I think, a better writer) I’ve found myself moving away from focusing on romance, and wanting to explore relationship dynamics that aren’t just about romantic love. (Macmillan Library)
8. I’m just getting started. I plan on writing until my fingers fall off. When and if they do, I’ll know that I did my damnedest to tell stories about queer people that treats them with the love and respect they deserve. (YALSA)
9. Outlines—for me—are as much a part of the writing process as writing the book itself. It keeps me focused and on track. (Literary Vault)
10. Writer’s block will hit every writer. It’s just the way it is. For me, trying to push through that block only makes things worse. If I ever get to that point, I usually step away from the work for a little while, either by taking a break for a bit or working on something else. (Literary Vault)
11. Dialogue is something I work very hard on. Regardless if I’m writing about the fantastical, I want the characters to feel real to the reader. A big part of that is through dialogue. (Literary Vault)
12. Everyone experiences rejection in writing. Even though it might feel personal, you can’t always think of it as such. Rejection happens; the best thing to do next is learn from it, and then move on to what comes next. (Literary Vault)

TJ Klune is an American author of fantasy and romantic fiction featuring gay and LGBTQ+ characters. He is the #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today bestselling, Lambda Literary Award–winning author of The House in the Cerulean Sea, Under the Whispering Door, In the Lives of Puppets, The Bones Beneath My Skin, the Green Creek Series for adults, the Extraordinaries Series for teens, and more. Klune believes it’s important, now more than ever, to have accurate, positive queer representation in stories. Klune’s writing influences include Stephen King, Wilson Rawls, Patricia Nell Warren, Robert McCammon, and Terry Pratchett. Follow him on Instagram.

Source for image: Author’s Website

by Amanda Patterson

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