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.
“I was a lonely, weird kid, and books, music, and animals were what pulled me through hard days. This is another example of why we need diverse books. Everyone deserves to see themselves in books and not feel so alone in the world.” Steven Gellman is an award-winning songwriter turned author. Inspired by his early love for Judy Blume’s groundbreaking stories, Gellman found his passion for writing coming-of-age fiction that centers LGBTQ+ voices and the real-life challenges of navigating adolescence in an ever-changing world. He has long championed authentic queer storytelling — first through song, now through fiction. His debut studio album Photobook was nominated for Debut Album of the Year by the Gay/Lesbian American Music Awards (GLAMA). His debut novel Somewhere in Nowhere will be published by NineStar Press this April, and I had the privilege of getting to know more about Steven for this new edition of 20 Questions.
What is the earliest memory you have of wanting to be a writer?
Just before the pandemic hit, believe it or not. The seed was planted while I was attending the Gaithersburg Book Festival. As I passed The Writer’s Center booth, someone asked if I was a writer. When I said no, they probed further, asking what I did for a living. When I replied, “singer-songwriter,” they said, “You’re a writer. It’s in your title.” It was a light bulb moment for me. Even though I’ve been a lifelong reader and lover of books, I had never thought of writing a novel before.
What time of day are you most inspired?
For me, the question isn’t what time of day, but rather, what time of year. Spring and fall days, especially, are when I can write on my porch and look up from my computer screen to see wildlife in the yard, or leaves falling from the trees. A nice pot of tea helps too.
Favorite book of all-time?
Ah! How can I possibly answer this? I want to cheat and list several favorites. But I’ll play by the rules and say… The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. Moving on to the next question before I change my mind.
What’s one vice you wish you could give up?
Reality TV. Survivor, Big Brother, and The Amazing Race. I always dislike most of the contestants. The good guys never win, and my husband and I just end up yelling at the television.
One movie that will always make you cry?
Again, just one? Uh, okay, let’s go with… Forrest Gump.
What’s the most challenging part of writing for you?
Oh, this one is easy. Spelling and grammar. I can be creative and tell a story all day long. What’s more challenging for me is the technical part of writing. I probably should have paid more attention in school and not daydreamed and drawn so many cartoons when I should have been paying attention.
The best book you’ve read in the last year?
Oh, good. Another easy one! The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman. What a brilliantly written, beautiful, heartbreaking book about brothers. I’m telling everyone I come in contact with that they have to read this book.
As both a musician and an author, how would you describe the similarities between writing songs and writing prose? The differences?
I thought it would be different, but I’ve come to realize the creative process is very much the same. The tools are what change. I trade my guitar and ukulele for my laptop and a pot of tea. Both require sitting down in a comfortable place (surrounded by my dogs and cat) and accessing the creative part of my brain. One comes out as a melody, and one comes out as prose. Each has its own rewards and challenges. In one form, you have to say a lot in a small amount of time, using very few words and letting the music amplify mood, texture, and feeling. In the other, you have more space for rich detail and emotion, but it’s harder to make people feel something through the written word alone.
The last series you binge-watched?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. I’m glad I stuck with it after the opening scene. IYKYK. I loved it.
What were some of your main influences behind your debut YA novel Somewhere in Nowhere?
My own mental health and anxiety. Though Somewhere in Nowhere is fiction, the crisis my protagonist, Simon, experiences is very much my story and my truth. I was in the throes of crippling anxiety and panic attacks while writing this book. I would be up all night. Then, in the morning, I laid my experiences bare on the page. What Simon was feeling and going through was what I was feeling and going through.
The best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Pretend you’re good at it.
If you could have one writer, dead or alive, to compose your obituary, who would it be and why?
Hands down, Judy Blume. Her books were everything to me as a kid. I learned about the world from her — things my parents didn’t tell me. She also helped me feel not so alone, and she inspires the books I write today.
One song that you will never be sick of?
Oh, no! Not one song. Sorry, I can’t. I’m going to cheat and say an entire album, Dreamboat Annie by Heart. Probably still my favorite album of all time. Though, In My Tribe by 10,000 Maniacs, or… Okay, I’ll stop. Ugh, next question, please.
How would you describe the importance of storytelling in an age of isolation?
A lifeline. A lifesaver. What I said above about Judy Blume’s books for me as a child is a perfect example of this. I was a lonely, weird kid, and books, music, and animals were what pulled me through hard days. This is another example of why we need diverse books. Everyone deserves to see themselves in books and not feel so alone in the world.
What’s your current read?
Heartbreaker by Mike Campbell. It’s a wonderful biography, and I’m a sucker for musician biographies. I’m learning so much about Mike and Tom Petty. I’m a huge fan.
Favorite board game?
Still love Monopoly, still love Parcheesi. I’m always down for an old-school board game night. But the one game I carry in the trunk of my car with me and bring everywhere I go to is a card game called Guillotine. So fun. Everyone I introduce this game to falls in love with it.
You’re stuck on a long flight. Which world-famous musician would you want sitting next to you and why?
Another hard one to answer, but my brain keeps coming back to Mary Chapin Carpenter. Her songs are like friends to me. They keep me company and bring me peace of mind. Plus, she loves books, too, so we’d have so much to talk about.
Pens or pencils?
I love me a mechanical pencil. Oh, yeah.
Favorite quote of all-time?
“Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea.”
What can we expect to see next from you?
Somewhere in Nowhere comes out in April and I’ll have a companion EP of songs inspired by the novel releasing on limited-edition, hot-pink vinyl at the same time. Recently, I turned in the manuscript for my second novel to my agent. And I really love this book! In writing Somewhere in Nowhere, I found my voice writing stories where the dark meets the light. I love giving readers all the feels.
My second novel takes that up several notches. You’ll laugh and cry, even harder, the second go around. I’ve also started writing book three. All three books are standalone novels and can be read separately. But if read together, they are connected by sharing the same world, and minor characters cross over from story to story. Readers who would like to learn more about me, my book, and my music can visit hiddenpoet.com and sign up for my newsletter.
Follow Steven Gellman on Instagram and Facebook, and get his debut YA novel Somewhere in Nowhere from your local indie bookstore or library this April.
Jeffrey Reads 