20 Questions is a Q&A interview series with authors, musicians, and everyone in between, celebrating experiences both shared and individual in the messy game of being human.
“There is also something about sharing a story, whether you’re an author or illustrator or a reader. It’s like sharing an experience with someone. You bond.” Paul Coccia is the award-winning author of several acclaimed titles for young readers. Paul has a specialist in English Literature from the University of Toronto and a master of fine arts in creative writing from the University of British Columbia. He lives in Toronto with his nephew, three dogs, and a small grey parrot. When not writing “glitterature,” he’s often found cooking but prefers baking. Paul joins me on 20 Questions this week to discuss his new YA novel Recommended Reading, which hits shelves everywhere tomorrow.
Where is your favorite place in the world to be?
This hobbit hates leaving the Shire; I love my home! Specifically, I love being in my kitchen. The windows let in a great amount of light. I can see the street and people walking by or enjoy the yard and my dogs and do my baking. The kitchen is also where family and guests congregate.
Favorite book of all-time?
Just one? I’ve read The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster illustrated by Jules Feiffer the most times. It’s the one I keep coming back to. I love the animated film too and know all the songs.
What is your earliest memory of wanting to be a writer?
My mom read to me a lot and my dad is not a reader unless you count contracts, but he did read me comic books. I must have been about four years old, my dad and I were lying on the bed on our stomachs while he read me an Avengers comic starring She-Hulk, my favorite superhero. I decided I wanted to make comic books. I didn’t exactly do that, but I do make books.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I’m a functional introvert who does a good job of extrovert masking.
Biggest pet peeve?
I’m not sure this is a pet peeve, but drivers who don’t pull aside for emergency vehicles get me upset. If we’re talking trivial annoyances, hanging the toilet paper the wrong way.
Favorite holiday?
The entire holiday season and all the holidays around that time although in my house we do up Christmas. I love the goodwill and decorating and sending cards and baking and the old movies and hearing how other people celebrate their traditions. Oh, and the music. I wait all year for it.
The last series you binge-watched?
I love TV but don’t watch a lot of it. The last series I binged (I think I’ve watched it three or four times now since it’s a few years old) is Veneno. It’s based upon the memoir of Cristina la Veneno, a Spanish trans icon and trailblazer from the ‘90s. From the way it’s put together both in terms of storytelling and visuals, it’s so artful in portraying how complicated each person and their relationship with their truth is. The actors are excellent. Everything about it is. It’s uplifting and heartbreaking, insightful, tragic, triumphant, bold, tender. All the good things. Definitely worth reading the subtitles for this one.
You describe the genre of books you write as “glitterature.” How would you characterize your new YA novel Recommended Reading?
Glitterature, a term I made up, began as a joke but ended up catching on. I use it to mean I like my stories and characters with a lot of tszuj and sparkle. Recommended Reading has that glitterature feel in that it’s a fun, feel-good, romantic romp. The main character, Bobby, is extra and extra large and makes no excuses. I kept pitching the story during the writing/editing as a take on Emma as filtered through Cher in Clueless with some I Love Lucy hijinks and an underdog redemption arc like with How Stella Got Her Groove Back or Elle Woods from Legally Blonde. Glitterature may also be characterized by this author’s propensity to gild a lily.
Most expensive thing you’ve ever shamelessly splurged on?
Shamelessly — a pair of gold mirrored Versace sunglasses. I was feeling bad for myself over a death and a breakup and the impending new year. I had an itch to make a bad decision and do something reckless. I’d also been coveting them since Versace released them in a campaign featuring Cody Simpson. Retail therapy was the lesser of the poor choices I considered and the sunglasses had more longevity than, say, an inappropriate fling with an attractive red flag. I love those sunglasses and I’m not sorry. I actually did feel better once I bought them.
The last book you finished?
I listen to a lot of audiobooks and Jason June’s The Spells We Cast is the last one I finished. Jason June’s work is always enjoyable, and he narrates his own audiobooks. The last non-audiobook I read was an advance copy of ‘Nathan Burgoine’s upcoming Dogs Don’t Break Hearts. If you’re a romance fan, you definitely want to check out Jason June and ‘Nathan.
Which authors would you say have influenced you the most?
There’s a long list and for different reasons. Susan Juby has been a mentor to me. She understands the craft of writing and comedy and makes me laugh out loud. My best writer advice comes from her. Eric Walters, who I co-wrote with, continues to teach me a lot on how to be a writer and build a community. He’s driven and hardworking and generous with one of the best hearts in the business. Julie Murphy inspires me as she is savvy in both writing and business, but also casually drops insightful gems that make me view topics with new nuance and perspective. She’s also incredibly kind. They’ve all pushed boundaries with their work. I admire that.
Favorite song to get your blood moving?
It depends on my mood but I love The Distillers and particularly love “Beat Your Heart Out.” If I need to wake up early, I listen to them to wake me up. A lot of people are going to be surprised I didn’t pick Cher but how could I choose just one Cher song? Although “Strong Enough” would get your blood going.
How would you describe the importance of storytelling, especially in an age of isolation?
Good storytelling connects us through our shared humanity. Some lessons are most easily digested in story form. There is also something about sharing a story, whether you’re an author or illustrator or a reader. It’s like sharing an experience with someone. You bond.
Best book you’ve read in the last year?
I really enjoyed the final book in Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone’s Christmas Notch series BUT I happened to get to read an advance copy of Julie Murphy and Jonathan Van Ness’ upcoming YA novel Let Them Stare. There are scenes in it that I am still thinking about. It’s a book that is currently needed so it’s great news it comes out soon.
One movie that will always make you cry?
I’m usually the one with the tissues for my crier friends or family when watching movies. I sense their tears coming and have the tissues ready.
Favorite quote of all-time?
I go around quoting a lot! Mostly film, TV, and viral online clips. However, my gran used to tell me and I believe her grandmother said it to her: “If people are talking about you, at least you’re still a subject of interest.”
You’re stuck on a long flight. Which world-famous musician would you want sitting next to you and why?
I’d take any of the divas — Cher, Dolly, Mariah, etc. but my wildcard answer is Kate Bush. I heard she hates flying, so that would add an extra level of drama to the story.
As a writer and artist, what would you say is the best way to rest or decompress?
Do something completely not writing, whether alone or with one of your people who balance you when you’re around them. Sometimes you need to get out of the world of your story and into the real world to figure the problems out. You gain perspective and allow your brain to relax enough to discover the needs of your writing.
Laptop or desktop?
I used to be desktop but have become laptop. I’ve had to learn to work anywhere and everywhere, and the laptop is easier for that.
What can we expect to see next from you?
I’ve got my first picture book coming out in 2026 called The Bear Fairy. It’s about a chubby, hairy, non-Tinkerbell-esque fairy found eating chip crumbs in the bottom of the bag. So, really, a universally identifiable tale about wanting to eat potato chips. Who can’t relate? Beyond that, I’m dabbling with an idea for an adult romance that is still taking form.
Follow Paul Coccia on Instagram and find his latest novel Recommended Reading wherever books are sold tomorrow.
Jeffrey Reads 