Writing Podcast Episode 728: Tom Rob Smith explores love and marriage in 'Twenty Years Together'

Same-sex couples fought long for marriage equality, but finally getting it didn’t necessarily equate to ‘happily ever after’. That’s the area UK-based bestselling author Tom Rob Smith explores in his new novel Twenty Years Together – inspired by how legalisation of gay marriage changed the psychology of long-term relationships. In this episode, Tom discusses the inspiration behind telling this nuanced love story and his own journey as a writer. 00:00 Welcome04:24 Writing tip: Active vs. Reactive characters10:04 WIN: The Warrumbar by William J. Byrne11:48 Word of the Week: ‘Incrassate’12:37 Interview with: Tom Rob Smith13:45 Twenty Years Together premise15:24 Defining the genre19:17 Plotting and outlining process21:54 Finding the right ending23:24 Queer love story influences26:48 Midlife marriage thought experiment31:50 Publishing his debut Child 4435:45 Success and self doubt39:02 Balancing books and TV43:37 Disciplined writing routine46:55 Connecting with readers48:50 Tom shares a writing tip51:33 Final thoughts Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.