Tell me a little bit about your latest book Between the Walls.

Between the Walls is a gothic, spooky gay romance, set in remote countryside. James, a college footballer, moves into a haunted house with his recently divorced Dad, waking up the dormant ghost of Nathaniel, a trans boy from the seventeenth century. After a few misunderstandings they start to connect, but Nathaniel isn’t the only ghost in the house…

What first made you want to tell this story?

I often feel like characters wander into my head and draw me into their world, both James and Nathaniel wouldn’t let me rest until I told their story.

Narratively, there are a lot of threads of my own life experiences in there as well as people I love (and don’t! If anyone has been very nice, or very not-so-nice to me, then they’ve probably inspired bits of it.).

It’s also the kind of book and representation that I went looking for and couldn’t find, so I knew I needed to write it.
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​Was there a particular moment or character that came to you first?

The very first impression I had was Nathaniel, lingering within the walls and his sense of yearning for true companionship and love. That was my starting point for it all.

What do you hope readers take away after finishing the book?

I would love it if readers get a sense of hope, the value of found family and the magic of those unexpected special connections that can change your life.

Did anything surprise you while writing it?

Too many to recall I think…I tend to find my characters surprise me with their choices as I go along and I like to let them.

Which queer book has stayed with you the longest?

​Vanished Years by Rupert Everett. That was heartbreaking and incredibly powerful.

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m currently reading two books, in non-fiction: The Quantum Universe: Everything that can happen does happen by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw and in fiction: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.

Which author has influenced your writing the most?

I’m really struggling to choose just one…Matt Haig has definitely been a major one though.

What three books are you taking with you to a desert island?

That’s a tough one! But probably With Nails by Richard E.Grant (that’s my comfort re-read that always makes me laugh), The Lord of The Rings trilogy (can I count that as one?), and Peter, Darling by Austin Chant.

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​What’s your favourite bookstore?

I’ve done author events at The Common Press in Shoreditch and The Kirkdale Bookshop in Sydenham and loved both of them for their community feel and fantastic atmosphere (and book selection!).

Who are some queer creators you’d like to show some love?

All of the other authors who have been or are going to be published by the wonderful Tiny Ghost Press! I’m in the process of making my way through their back catalogue and they’re all great.

What's next for you?

I’ve just finished two new manuscripts in different genres and will start to refine those soon and then submit them. I also have an idea for something else...

What would you recommend to someone just starting to explore queer books, art or community?

Support indie presses and check out small queer owned bookshops to discover hidden gems and own voices work with authentic representation.

If you could tell your younger self one thing about queer community, books or belonging, what would it be?

That it is out there and you will find it, or in some ways, it will find you.

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Huge thanks to Caspian for taking the time to chat with Between the Margins. Be sure to follow him on social media to stay up to date on future releases!

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