HUSBANDS was the winner in the LGBTQ category in the 2025 IndieReader Discovery Awards, where undiscovered talent meets people with the power to make a difference.
Following find an interview with author Mo Fanning.
“I’m beyond grateful to receive the Indie Reader LGBTQ Prize. Husbands was born from a question—what if a bad decision led to the right kind of chaos? It’s a story about identity, ambition, and finding hope in unexpected places. Thank you to Indie Reader for recognising queer voices that don’t fit neat boxes. To my readers—you’re the reason I write. And to younger me, who didn’t see himself in books: this one’s for you. We belong on every shelf. Thank you.”
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Title: HUSBANDS; Publication Date: 6th June 2024.
What’s the book’s first line?
I’ve always believed that winning at life comes down to achieving the holy trinity: a fabulous job, great (and regular) sex, and a Sunday supplement-worthy home.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
HUSBANDS follows Kyle Macdonald, a down-on-his-luck supply teacher from Birmingham who discovers he drunkenly married a top Hollywood director in Vegas six years ago. Seeing opportunity instead of scandal, he flies to LA, chasing fame and fortune. But beneath the glossy façade of showbiz lies a dangerous underworld. With help from the director’s fiancé, Kyle uncovers disturbing secrets—and may just find love in the process.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
A tell-all article by a (gay) Hollywood actor about the machinations of Hollywood.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Kyle is a self-deprecating, sharply witty underdog navigating a midlife crisis with a mix of naivety and bravado. His dry humour and craving for reinvention in the spotlight evoke comparisons to a younger David Sedaris or a fictional cross between Fleabag‘s protagonist and Hugh Grant’s romcom persona, with a distinctly modern queer twist.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
HUSBANDS balances biting satire and emotional depth. It’s a love letter to misfits chasing dreams, a critique of Hollywood’s underbelly, and a celebration of resilience. If you like stories that blend humour with mystery, and romantic tension with psychological insight, this is essential reading.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Kyle Macdonald could be portrayed perfectly by Andrew Scott (of Fleabag fame), blending comedic timing with vulnerability. For Aaron Biedermeier, think Mark Ruffalo with a dark edge. And Ben Whishaw could bring nuance to Noah Winters.
Is this the first book that you’ve written?
It was my fourth novel. My next book is out in June 2025. Rainbows and Lollipops explores the joy and love of found family in times that can only be described as troubled.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
My day job involves writing – mostly attacking words other people write with a red pen. Otherwise I’m fairly obsessive about the Eurovision Song Contest.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Getting anyone to take your work seriously. There’s still a huge ‘vanity publishing’ stigma to overcome.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Matt Haig (though Marian Keyes was the one who made me consider writing, so am I allowed two?)