INTERVIEW: Jordan Clayden-Lewis talks 'Such a Small World'

What would you do if you could see how something would end before it even began?

That's the question Australian author Jordan Clayden-Lewis implores his readers to ponder in his sophomore novel 'Such a Small World' (SASW). We follow Mack through two dual-timelines: 'Then' and 'Later'. As a teen (Then), Mack finds himself in a situation all-too-familiar to many a queer person; falling for his best friend. Meanwhile, now an adult, Mack finds himself in close proximity to a dashing British flight attendant named Jasper. It's a simple set up, but where SASW truly shines is the dash of speculative fiction that grounds the plot.

You see, when Mack first meets a person, he catches a glimpse of their future together in the form of short mental vignettes, aptly nicknamed "Brain Cinema". When Mack meets Jasper, he can see right away they're going to have a strong, fiery connection - but he also foresees a tragic end.

It sounds counterintuitive, but grounding an otherwise realistic story through this fantastical element creates a real sense of relatability. It's a level of humanity not seen often in young queer characters, and it's where SASW grips the reader the most.

I sat down with Jordan to talk about all things young love, travel and what it takes to write a queer romantic lead.

Congratulations on your second book's release, Jordan! I read your debut 'When Things Happen Together' (WTHT) last year and loved it, as I'm sure many others did. What's different about SASW? 

Thanks so much, Shea - I appreciate it. And super stoked that you loved WTHT! I feel as though Such a Small World is similar in tone to my romance debut, with the addition of more speculative elements. One big difference is that WTHT is a linear narrative, whereas Such a Small World is a dual timeline novel.

Travel seems to be a central theme in both SASW and your debut - are there any locations in particular that really inspire your writing?

It is, yes! I love to travel and explore, so naturally, many of my characters do. I've been to most of the places featured in WTHT and SASW, which helped majorly with writing the setting. But if I had to pick three regions that really inspired these books, it would be the Northern Territory, South East Queensland, and the Tweed Coast in New South Wales. I lived in and worked in the NT in 2017, and I currently live on the Tweed Coast, which is the home base setting for both books.

'Brain Cinema' is an important part of the plot - where did the idea for this come from? If you had the choice to have the 'Brain Cinema' power yourself, would you want it? 

The idea kind of just came to me. I actually got asked the same question a while ago and had a think about it. 'Heroes' used to be one of my favourite TV shows when I was younger, so I think subconsciously the idea stemmed from my love for that series. I would choose not to have Brain Cinema, though. Seems a bit too exhausting for me.

'Such a Small World' is the second novel from Australian author Jordan Clayden-Lewis.

I must say, you have a real knack for writing relatable queer characters. Where do you think this comes from? 

Aside from being a gay man myself, I also have some amazing queer friends. I think being around queer people regularly makes it easier to write relatable queer characters. I also read a lot of queer books, which helps too!

Talk me through the inspiration for SASW - did the idea come to you fully formed (say, like a 'Brain Cinema' vision?) or did it come together as you wrote it?

I'm very much a plotter, so I outline my stories before I start writing. Once the idea for SASW was developed and outlined, I started writing a first draft. A lot of the time, the story will naturally branch out with new ideas during the drafting process, but I like to have a rough outline there so I can keep track of the story I'm telling.

If you could say one thing to Mack, what would it be?

"You're going to be okay."

What do you hope readers take away from SASW?

That people can live a fruitful life, even with a complicated past and painful memories. And the importance of cherishing time with loved ones in a world where time slips away so quickly.

And finally... where can we get a copy of the book?

Such a Small World is available in paperback at major online retailers and independent bookstores (The Bookshop Darlinghurst and Shelf Lovers are both fantastic Australian LGBTQIA+-focused bookstores that stock it).

Readers can also read it in eBook, or request a physical copy at their local library.

Such a Small World is out now.

Advanced review copy provided.