Counting Down with Theodore Brown by DANIEL DEVENNEY is a coming-of-age love story with a twist. Read on for a Q&A with the author.

MEET DANIEL DEVENNEY

What sparked the idea for Counting Down with Theodore Brown?

The concept grew from my own anxiety about time. The idea came to me after I applied for my New Zealand residency, when I began questioning whether I could really live so far away from my family and friends in Ireland. I was torn. I’d fallen in love with Aotearoa, but I couldn’t stop wondering how many days I’d have left with my loved ones if I chose to stay. This thought knocked the wind out of me.

What would I do if I could foresee those exact numbers?

As unsettling as this thought was, I realised it would make a great book. I love psychology and quickly became fascinated by how such an ability would shape a person. It would clearly mess with their head, influencing every relationship and choice. Theodore Brown was born from there.

The idea that Theodore can see a countdown for each relationship is a striking concept. What drew you to explore it?

Change and loss have always been my deepest fears. Even as a child, I tended to overthink and catastrophise. I think writing this book became my way of grappling with this. Theo’s journey helped me to exorcise those demons in ways I never anticipated. By the end, I’d subconsciously created their manual I needed to navigate through thee anxieties.

I decided to depict the numbers in people’s eyes because eye-contact is such an important part of how we connect. It also presented a wonderfully weird visual for Theo’s issues. His voice quickly became so strong and distinct that I couldn’t ignore him. I simply had to share his story.

What was the most challenging or rewarding part of writing Theodore’s character arc?

Handling the heavier themes was the greatest challenge. Partly because Theo’s struggles were close to home, but also because I’m writing for young adults, and it was crucial to get the messaging right. Connection is a core theme in the book. It celebrates the joy relationships bring to our lives, while also confronting the quiet dangers we face when we isolate ourselves. I always knew the story would end on a hopeful note, but I couldn’t tell it honestly without travelling through some difficult terrain first.

The most rewarding part has been hearing from readers who say the book helped them process their own grief or heartbreak. That always makes me teary. A huge part of Theo’s journey is accepting impermanence as part of life. I had a 10-year relationship come to an end during this process, and I experienced other losses too. I had to walk-the-walk – to live by the message I was asking readers to embrace – and it truly helped. I’m a different person because of Theo. I’ll always be grateful to him. If readers can find a fraction of that strength or comfort in this story, that’ll be my greatest accomplishment.

Theo and Lil’s relationship is at the heart of this book. How did you develop their dynamic?

Their chemistry was the most fun thing to write. I developed the characters individually before bringing them together. I kept a diary for Lil too, and included things that would never make it onto the page – things she’d never dare tell Theo. This helped inform her reactions and choices throughout the story. Her journey was always as important to me as his. By the time I finally put them in the same room, they were so fully formed it honestly felt like they were writing themselves. Characters sort of inhabit my brain when I’m in the zone. After I’ve spent enough time with them, it’s like they take the wheel and I become a strange conduit. They start talking and I simply transcribe. It’s an incredible feeling. Less incredible at three in the morning. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve climbed out of bed to scribble down a conversation. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation is an occupational hazard.

Were there scenes that changed dramatically during the writing process, or that surprised you as you wrote them?

I’m a plotter, so I outline heavily before beginning a project. When a concept first enters my brain, it feels like an equation – I need to know how it ends almost immediately. I’m impatient that way. I typically begin with the opening and final scenes, then figure out how the characters get from A to Z. Of course, once those characters become fully formed, they love to throw a spanner in the works. I’ll reach a plot point and realise a character would never do that – or react the way I’d planned. But this is more thrilling than frustrating. It means the characters are alive. So, while I thrive on structure, I’ve learned to stay flexible.

The most dramatic change to this story involved the setting rather than the characters. Originally, I intended to keep the location ambiguous. The themes of the book are universal, so I wanted to create a fictional place that represented small towns everywhere. But I’d always planned to end with a road trip – and the moment Dollywood entered my brain; the story shifted to North America. I’ve loved Dolly Parton since before I could walk. She has this magic ability to unite people. Also, music is such a big part of this story. It felt kismet. Now, I can’t imagine the story taking place anywhere else. The Dollywood scenes were a joy to write. I did so much research I feel like I’ve been there. It’s high on my bucket list for sure. But I’m waiting for a certain someone to be removed from office first.

How did it feel to see your first novel completed and published?

I’m still pinching myself, to be honest. I couldn’t be more grateful to Allen & Unwin for believing in me and in this story. Writing is my favourite thing in the world. I have more ideas than I do time to write them. I’m hoping this is only the beginning – and that one day it might finally sink in.

Are there particular conversations or reflections you hope the book sparks among readers about love, loss and risk?

I hope readers come away seeing the value in every connection – even the ones that don’t last. Often, those are the ones that teach us the most about ourselves. I used to view breakups as failures. I don’t anymore. I wouldn’t be who I am today without those relationships – the good, the bad, and the ugly. Each one changed me. So, waste nothing. Look for the positive. If you can’t find the positive, find the lesson.

Just keep trying. Keep growing. And cherish those around you, because all our days are numbered. Most of all, be present, and enjoy your life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel Devenney was born in Donegal, Ireland. He has been a passionate bookseller in Aotearoa New Zealand for over a decade and currently works at Unity Books. He lives in Auckland with his fiancé. When he’s not reading or writing, he’s probably listening to Dolly Parton or rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Counting Down with Theodore Brown is his debut novel.

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Read more about Counting Down with Theodore Brown on the Allen & Unwin site