More than just a writer, Daniel Hall is a storyteller with a passion for transporting readers to new worlds. His debut novel, “It Was a Riot,” released on June 28, 2024, exemplifies this passion, as the gripping narrative explores profound themes. You can read our full review of It Was A Riot, >>here<<
Beyond his creative pursuits, Daniel Hall holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Imperial College, UK, and an undergraduate degree in History.
We have the pleasure of chatting with Daniel Hall about his captivating debut novel, “It Was a Riot.” We discuss the inspiration behind the story, the creative process, and what lies ahead for this exciting new voice in fiction.
Q1: What inspired you to write a coming-of-age fictional story set against the backdrop of the 1980s, particularly with the Falklands War, the AIDS crisis and its impact on the gay community, and social unrest as significant elements?
I have always loved the film Forrest Gump and felt that the UK needed its own version. The 1980s were a decade full of significant events, making it the perfect backdrop for my story, which naturally evolved from there.
Q2: While reading It Was a Riot, I often felt your writing was deeply personal. Were there specific personal experiences from your life as Daniel Hall, or real-life figures that inspired Eddy’s character and his struggles?
Nope. I just try to imagine myself being the main character in the story and I try to imagine how they are feeling and how I would react if I were them.
Q3: One touching aspect of the story is that it is only when Eddy forms meaningful connections with others, particularly Brian and his son Carson, that he begins to break free from the cycle of seeking his father’s approval. What did you set out to achieve with the character of Lenny, with his emphasis on physical strength, aggression, and conformity to societal norms, especially as those attributes create a toxic environment for Eddy, who is more sensitive and drawn to “feminine” pursuits?
It’s an acknowledgement to my children that I realise I’m wrong when I push them to be the best at everything they do. I try my best to be a good dad but there’s a fine line between doing what you think is right and actually doing the right thing.
Q4: It Was A Riot will be released on June 28, 2024, and the novel tackles heavy themes like homophobia, violence, and loss. How did you approach writing those difficult topics? And how do you think the reception has been so far, considering the sensitive nature of the topics it touches upon?
I had a lot of sensitive readers read it before I showed it to anyone else because I wanted to make sure I got it right. Judging by the great feedback I’ve received from the LGBTQ+ community, I feel like I’ve done that.
Q5: Were there any characters or storylines that you initially considered including in the novel but ultimately decided to leave out? Alternative endings in mind for Eddy’s story? If so, what were they?
Nope. I wrote the outline and showed it to a few people for their thoughts. The HIV part changed slightly as I originally made a mistake with how it could be passed on. But after I corrected that issue, the plot stayed as it was and didn’t change when I wrote the book.
Q6: What do you hope readers will take away from Eddy’s story? Is there a particular message or theme you want to resonate with them?
You don’t need validation or people’s approval in life. Just do what’s right for you and what makes you happy.
Q7: In one of our correspondences, you mentioned that you were a former tech blogger, how has that experience influenced your approach to writing fiction?
I’d say it’s more my history degree that has helped with my writing than my blogging days. I was taught to write succinctly and to leave out any fluff. If something isn’t needed in my books, it won’t be in there. I don’t pad out the words at all. I never got many visitors to my tech blog posts. Hopefully, I do better as a fiction writer.
Q8: Interesting. Do you see any parallels between the tech world and the literary world, in terms of creativity, innovation, or the challenges faced?
Both worlds are overcrowded and face similar threats from AI. In both, we must learn to coexist with AI. However, the key difference is that creativity cannot be replicated, whereas much of technology relies on data, which can. Therefore, I expect the tech world to be more profoundly affected by AI than the creative industries.
Q9. What’s next for you as an author? Are you working on any new projects, and if so, can you share a little about them?
I’ll be releasing Mademoiselle from Armentières, later this year. That was the first book I wrote and I thought it would be the best book that I’d ever write, but then I wrote It Was a Riot, which I think is slightly better. I’m currently writing historical fiction about a guy called João de Sá Panasco and I’m writing a kids’ book about aliens.
You can connect with Daniel Hall on Instagram @danielhallwriter, Tiktok @danielhallwriter, or via his website, https://danielhallauthor.com/.
