Tobias Madden is an author and editor with a passion for creating captivating young-adult fiction. Originally from Ballarat, Australia, Tobias has worked as a performer, touring across Australia and New Zealand with productions such as “Mary Poppins,” “Cats,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Guys and Dolls.”

In 2019, Tobias edited and published Underdog, an anthology of #LoveOzYA short stories by previously unpublished Australian young-adult fiction writers. He is also the co-writer of the cabaret show “Siblingship,” which has played to sold-out audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.

Tobias’s debut novel, Anything but Fine, was published in 2021 and shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year for Older Children. His second novel, Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell, has also been praised widely by readers and critics alike. His third YA novel is set to be released in 2024.

Tobias is a passionate member of the #LoveOzYA and LGBTQ+ communities, and his work reflects his commitment to promoting diversity and representation in literature. He currently lives in New York with his husband, Daniel, and their adorable Cavoodle, Ollie. With his captivating storytelling, engaging characters and dedication to encouraging positive change through literature, Tobias Madden is a rising star in the world of young-adult fiction.

Q: You have worked as a performer in many musicals. How has your experience in the performing arts influenced your writing style?

A: I think my work as a performer has filtered into my writing in two ways. The first (and most obvious) is that my books all involve the performing arts in some way. There’s something so magical about writing about theatre and dance, especially now that I’m not performing myself. I love that I can take my passion for the arts and infuse it into my characters and their worlds. The second is that my favorite thing to write is dialogue, and this no doubt comes from my years spent as an actor, poring over scripts and getting to know characters from only the words they speak out loud. My writing often starts this way—just dialogue and some simple “stage directions,” so to speak—and I build the rest of the prose around that. (You can take the boy out of the theatre, but you can’t take the theatre out of the boy!)

Q: What inspired you to make the transition from performing to writing young-adult fiction?

A: I was lucky to enjoy a wonderful career as a performer in Australia, but as I got a little older, I started craving something more stable. This is when I made the move into the publishing industry, miraculously getting a job as a young-adult marketer and publicist at a very well-known publishing house. And while the job was fantastic, I knew I’d still need my own creative outlet, so I turned to writing. I’d written a lot throughout my entire childhood, so it felt natural to return to my love of words—arguably my original passion, before I discovered theatre.

Q: You have been a vocal advocate for the #LoveOzYA movement, which promotes Australian young-adult literature. Can you share your thoughts on the state of the Australian YA literary scene?

A: Australian YA is incredibly special, and I wish it had a bigger place on the world stage! The YA literary scene back home is flourishing, with the full scope of genres, styles and voices. It’s also becoming more and more diverse—like YA all over the world—and there is a huge thirst for queer stories. As someone who grew up in Australia with exactly zero books that reflected my identity, the progression of YA over the last few years has been truly incredible to watch. What’s even more incredible, is knowing that I’m a part of that movement!

Q: Your novels are known for their authentic portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters. How do you balance the need to represent this community accurately with the demands of the publishing industry and commercial success?

A: For the most part, my publishers in Australia and the US have been completely on-board with the (often frank) way I’ve written about the queer teen experience. As a proud gay man, I take the portrayal of gay teen boys in particular very seriously, as I don’t think the experience has always been represented as authentically by the publishing industry as it could (or should) have been. My goal is just to write with as much honesty and vulnerability as I can, to make sure young gay and queer readers feel seen. If I feel strongly about a particular moment in my work—one I know will be impactful for queer readers—it would take a hell of a lot to get me to compromise on that.

Q: What advice would you give to young readers who are struggling with issues like mental health or their own identity?

A: As someone who has their own mental health challenges, I would recommend speaking to a professional—a therapist, a counsellor at school, a doctor. If that’s not possible, find a family member or friend to confide in. Someone you really trust, who will listen without judgement. And just know that everyone has their own struggles. You’re not alone, you are worthy, you are loved. We’re all on different journeys with our identities, so take your time with yours, and only do what feels right in that moment. The most important thing is that you feel safe.

Q: In addition to writing young-adult fiction, you have also edited and published an anthology of short stories by Australian YA writers. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are looking to get published?

A: I firmly believe that everyone has a story to tell, so if you want to write, write! The publishing journey certainly isn’t easy, but if you really want to share your stories, you will make it happen. You will find a way. Plus, there are many different avenues for publication these days, and they’re all equally valid. The world is waiting for your stories!

—Weldon Ngetich