We're all about Tom Ellen....plus a book giveaway

We're pleased to welcome Tom Ellen to CLC today, to talk about his debut adult novel, All About Us. Thanks to Harper360, we have one copy to give away!

Tom Ellen is an author and journalist from London, England. He is the co-writer of three critically acclaimed Young Adult novels: LOBSTERS (which was shortlisted for The Bookseller's inaugural YA Book Prize), NEVER EVERS and FRESHERS. His solo adult debut novel is the romantic comedy ALL ABOUT US (HQ/HarperCollins, published October 2020). His books have been widely translated and are published in 20 countries. He is a regular contributor to Viz magazine, and has also written for Cosmopolitan, Empire, Evening Standard Magazine, The Daily Mash, Glamour, NME, ESPN, ShortList, Time Out London, Vice, Stylist, and many more. (Bio courtesy of Amazon.)

Visit Tom on Twitter.

Synopsis:

If you could turn back the clock, would you choose a different life?

Ben’s always loved the month of December, but this year, with his relationship with Daphne on the rocks, it’s missing its usual magic. And then his old friend Alice gets back in touch. Ben’s always thought of Alice as the one that got away, and he can’t help but wonder: what if he’d done things differently all those years ago?

He never imagines he might get to find out… but when a stranger sells Ben a mysterious watch one freezing winter’s night, he’s astonished to wake up the next morning on 5th December 2005: the day he first kissed Daphne, leaving Alice behind.

Now Ben must make the biggest decision of his life, all over again. But this time around, will he finally find the courage to follow his heart?

All About Us is a captivating novel of heartbreak and loss, friendship and hope – and how the choices we make throughout our lives will shape our destiny. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

‘Magical and beautiful’ -Josie Silver, author of One Day in December

What was it like going from writing young adult novels to writing your first adult novel? 
The actual style of writing and the way of telling a story didn't differ very much, to be honest. I think people often imagine that YA books - or books for younger readers - are somehow easier to write, but that's definitely not the case. I think young readers want their stories just as grippingly told and well written as 'adult' books. The really big difference between the two, for me, was that I wrote all my YA books with my co-author (Lucy Ivison), and All About Us was the first novel I've ever written alone. So, that was a big jump to make - it's so much easier writing with a partner, because you can bounce ideas off one another, and if one of you is lacking in motivation, then the other will boost them up. Writing with Lucy, I would finish a chapter and then think: 'Brilliant - I can relax now until she sends me her chapter back'. But writing by yourself, the pressure is always on you! You definitely need a lot more confidence and will power. In the end, though, I really enjoyed it - but I'd still love to write more co-authored stuff in future. And more YA!
 
How are you similar to or different from Ben? 
I'm afraid to say I probably share quite a few of Ben's bad traits! Like him, I can definitely be prone to self-doubt, self-pity and just general anxiety and grumpiness. We also went to the same university - York - and acted in plays during our first term, so we're quite similar in that way too. However, I have never bought or owned a time travelling watch. So that's one major difference between us.  
 
If All About Us were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles? 
Well, definitely Bill Nighy as the watch-seller! Bill, if you're reading this: call me. In terms of Ben, I reckon someone like Nicholas Hoult or Domhnall Gleeson could be quite good. And my dream casting for Daphne would probably be either Phoebe Waller-Bridge or Gugu Mbatha-Raw. Oh, and Kate Bush for Ben's mum. I realise that's pretty unlikely, but you've got to shoot for the stars, haven't you? 
 
What TV series are you currently binge watching? 
I've just finished I May Destroy You by Michaela Coel, which is ridiculously good. During lockdown, I did a lot of bingeing, and very much enjoyed Normal People, Succession, Sharp Objects, and the Hip-Hop Evolution series on Netflix. Next up is I Hate Suzie, which I've heard great things about.  
 
What is your favorite thing about the month of October? 
For me, the best thing about October is that it's usually the month that brings my favourite type of weather - crisp, cold, but very sunny. So I've got my fingers crossed for some of that this year - although judging by 2020's record so far, it'll probably just rain non-stop for 31 days.
 
What song is currently playing in your head? 
For some reason it's the song "Bullion" by the Swedish punk band Millencolin. I haven't listened to it since I was about 16, so I've got no idea why.  

Thanks to Tom for chatting with us and to Harper360 for sharing his book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends October 21st at midnight EST.