Q&A Author Louis Ethan

In this exclusive Q&A, we sit down with Louis Ethan, the rising author behind The Lantern, a novel that’s quickly making waves for its addictive blend of suspense, emotion, and slow-burning heat. With a distinctive voice and an eye for tension-filled storytelling, Louis opens up about the inspiration behind his work, the writing process, and what drives his characters to life.

Whether you’re a fan of spicy MM romance, enemies to lovers, or simply love diving into the mind of a writer, this interview gives you a closer look at the passion and precision behind The Lantern. Get ready to explore the heart of the story, the secrets behind the scenes, and what’s next for this exciting new talent.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

I’m from the UK and love to read. My main genre of choice is anything within the LGBTQ+ world although I like to venture outside of that at times and that’s mainly listining to audio books. I have an amazing husband and a cute doggo called Max who are both my world!

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

A notebook with an attached pen (so I don’t lose the pen) so that I can document everything and also not forget anything as I have a terrible memory. If we’re talking sci-fi I’d take a replicator from Star Trek so I can make anything I need and want and finally I’d take the contents of my office which is techincally one thing (it has a look of books in it!).

Who is your biggest role model?

That’s a tough one. I’ve always found that it’s better not to have role models because then you compare yourself and that’s never a good thing when you don’t achieve everything you want. However, if we’re talking celebrity crushes, Gareth David-Lloyd (who I’ve met three times), Aaron Ashmore who I’m meeting at a Liverpool comic con soon and it’s hard to pick three but I’d probably go with Dylan O’Brein and I will die on that hill!

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

Easy!! I mean I have loads of favourite books but it has to be Date Me Bryson Keller. It’s my favourite gay book, it has zero spice, it’s heartfelt and one of them books you can read over and over again without getting bored of it, and I cry every time.

My favourite authors? Now you could say Kevin Van Whye because he wrote Date Me Bryson Keller but if we’re getting personal I would say Joel Rustin and Becca Steele, they are really nice people, easy to talk to and super supportive. Plus their books are amazing and Hits Different by Joel Rustin is my favourite Bisexual book ever.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

I enjoy books however they come to be honest. I don’t like hardback covers unless they’re special and I can put them on display. E-books are great for when I’m travelling because I have an endless amount to read and I like to listen to audiobooks when I’m going outside of the LGBTQ+ genre, I’ve just listened to a series by Sarah Ready and her books are amazing, Sarah Ready – Fated has to be the favourite from the series.

So I guess it’s an even split depending on where I am and what I’m doing.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

I wish it was full time, alas like most indie authors it’s just an expensive hobby but that doesn’t make it any less special. I love it when I see people reading my books!

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

All of them, however if I have to pick a favourite it would be Threads. Instagram is super slow to grow and my posts get hidden way too often but I do like to talk about random nonesense on TikTok as well.

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

I am terrible at planning! I normally just get an idea, write the first draft and then get feedback from my husband and then it starts to take shape. I do have a notebook that I need to use more, it has all the charachters in it so I don’t forget their traits and it’s come in handy for the dual POV Christmas book I’m writing at the moment.

Where do you like to write?

Easy, everywhere. I love going on writing retreats but they’re expensive. I mainly write either in my office or I venture out into Manchester and support local cafes by buying way too much hot chocolate and writing. My favourite has to be Queerlit in Manchester.

What do you like most about writing?

Getting lost. I love to put myself into the book and imagine it’s me. That way it’s a lot more personable and real.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Sleep and work. I wish I could write all the time. I also find writers block a pain and a lot of authors won’t admit to getting writing block too often than they’d like but I do.

What genres do you like to write and why?

MM romance and sci-fi/magic. I like my books to be fun, flirty and spicy. At the same time I like to have a decent story behind it and they don’t always have to have spice, I’m working on one at the moment with no spice, it just depends on my mood and how the story goes.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Just do it. It’s long, tiresome and can be expensive, but if you don’t do it, you’ll never know what it’s like. Also, don’t rely on your friends and family to automatically buy your book, build up a community and engage with other authors if you really want to sell copies.

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