PRIDE INTERVIEW 2025
Harry Trevaldwyn
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King
MAY, 16, 2025
The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King is the hilarious YA rom-com debut from actor and comedian Harry Trevaldwyn. Touchingly funny and written with incredible honesty and insight, in 'Patch' Trevaldwyn has created a teen protagonist that hasn't been explored with such beauty and clarity since 'Holden Caulfield' in Cather and the Rye.
Hi Harry, thank you for taking the time, during what seems like the start of a very hot pre-summer, to talk with us. Keeping things very British right from the outset, how have you been finding the weather?
I’ve been finding it blurry (because of hayfever) but from what I can see, London is very very beautiful in the sun so I love it.
Have you started breaking out the shorts or you waiting to see if our actual summer is sunny?
I’m always desperate to wear powerfully short shorts so when the sun came out it felt like mother-nature was saying “Go on honey! Get the pins out!”.
You’ve been getting a lot of amazing notices for your debut novel The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King. Did you imagine you would get such a great reaction?
Yes!! I deserve more!!! Jk, jk. I really went in with no expectation on what the response would be like as it’s my first foray into the literary world so it’s been lovely!
What was it like walking into Waterstones for the first time and seeing your book on the shelf?
There is of course that panic that you won’t find it and will have to leave Waterstones with a very specific sort of humiliation but grateful/humble/thankful I did find it! I love Waterstones so it felt very special!
What was your writing process?
WISH I had a process. I love reading about writers’ processes. Typically I write best in the morning and am what I have branded as an “exhibitionist writer” meaning I have to write in cafés otherwise I will do endless chores. My house is never tidier than when I’m on a deadline.
How did The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King come about?
I’d always thought I would write a book and YA books have always had a very special place in my heart. I had an amazing agent who believed in me and coaxed the story out of me.
I have to ask about Patch, how much of Patch is drawn from your own experiences or people you’ve know?
Patch is sort of who I wish I could have been at that age. But a LOT of the specifically humiliating experience’s are my own. I couldn’t possibly say which.
Where did the inspiration come from for the letter to poor Jean-Pierre that opens your book?
I’ve always loved letter format (books like ‘Love, Nina’) and so this was my way of doing a little homage to that!
I loved the Milka reference that’s in the letter and right off the bad you’ve created a character that is instantly likeable and there is a touching innocence to his confidence that make you want to get to know him. During your writing how did you manage to create to wonderful balance between Patch’s honesty (brutal sometimes) and his innocence?
That’s so kind, thank you! I think Patch could do with a sprinkle more humility but he wouldn’t be Patch if that was the case. I think as long you know their intentions are good, and their heart is in the right place- you can get away with a lot (and Patch certainly does).
It’s a bit of a hard one as you wrote the book, but, do you have a favourite line? Mine is: I say ‘actual’ park because Hiverhampton technically has several, but it’s quite impressive what the council can Lebel as a park these days.
“I hate it when reality gets in the way” I think that sums Patch up best.
What would you say has been the experience of you writing, publishing, and seeing readers connect to your book?
It’s been so brilliant- I feel I’ve had a very lucky first experience, I had a team that immediately understood Patch and protected him and it’s been so wonderful hearing from such a wide group of people who have connected with it.
And what would you say have been the most interesting things you have discovered about yourself, as a writer, throughout this process?
That I love semicolons but don’t fully understand; them.
How much of a romantic are you?
Am obsessed with romance tbh! My favourite thing is hearing how two people met.
"That everyone deserves Big Love in whatever form that takes."
Do you recall your first kiss? I am drawing a blank right now, I should remember it…ah I think I do, didn’t go well at all.
I do and promise I’ve got better
Any advice you would offer someone about to start their own debut book journey?
Give yourself a fake deadline to finish! I did that for myself and think it genuinely helped.
And finally, what message do you hope The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King has for your readers?
That everyone deserves Big Love in whatever form that takes. Also that sometimes there’s such a thing as too much eyebrow gel.