Benjamin Dean on his YA Book Prize shortlisted novel, How to Die Famous

What inspired the story?

I was a celebrity reporter/interviewer for a few years, and I always found it interesting how celebrities acted when the cameras were off, and how that changed when the cameras came on. Sometimes the difference was like day and night. I personally have always loved pop culture and the world of celebrities, so getting to dive into that and offer readers a peek behind the curtain was so much fun.

What do you want readers to take away from your book?

That fame is not all it’s cracked up to be, especially when you peel away the glamour on the surface. I also think we can all be guilty of forgetting that celebrities are real people, so I hope this helps to humanise them a little.

Which character is your favourite, and why?

I always have a soft spot for any of my main characters, but I think Ryan Hudson was my favourite to write in How to Die Famous. She’s been the star of [fictional TV station] Omni Channel for so long and has fought tooth and nail to get to where she is. I also love the fact that she has quite a steely exterior, which she uses to protect her heart, but she really just wants to love and be loved in return.

What does being on this year’s YA Book Prize shortlist mean to you?

I’m thrilled to be on the YA Book Prize shortlist this year. It’s always been an award that I’ve followed closely, rooting for my favourites to win, so to be included this year is very surreal. I’m massively grateful.

How do you think the YA genre has changed over the past 10 years?

I think it’s become so much more inclusive. There’s been a real boom over the past few years of hugely talented and successful writers emerging, telling incredible stories that never really got to take centre stage before.

Why do you write for young adults?

I want to be able to offer them what I never had growing up. When I was a teen, I felt like I couldn’t find myself in the pages of the books I read, which can feel really isolating. I don’t want any person growing up to feel that way, so to be able to tell stories with Black and queer characters feels like giving back to my younger self.

What was your favourite book as a teenager?

My favourite books as a teenager were Noughts & Crosses (Penguin Random House) by Malorie Blackman. It was the first book I read where I realised I could possibly follow my dream and become an author too. Then of course, The Hunger Games trilogy. I was in the perfect sweet spot when the first book came out and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

What do you need around you when you’re writing?

Complete and utter silence. Oh my God, I get so distracted far too easily and if there’s anything around me that can pull my attention away from my work, you can guarantee I’ll start to procrastinate. Also, coffee and some good snacks. Writing can be really hard work sometimes, so you need all the refreshments and supplies you can get to keep you going.

What songs would be on a playlist for your book?

Probably the entire "Euphoria" soundtrack by Labrinth. "All for Us", featuring Zendaya, and "Forever" particularly give off the kind of vibe I imagine for this book.

Which book, film or TV show would you recommend to someone who enjoyed your book?

I haven’t gotten around to reading it myself yet, but I just received an early copy of Last Seen Online (Walker) by Lauren James and it sounds right up my street. Fame, murder mystery, fandom? Sign me up! If you enjoyed How to Die Famous, then this might be for you too.