Q&A with Counting Down with Theodore Brown author Daniel Devenney

Learn about this coming-of-age love story with a twist in our chat with author Daniel Devenney.

A&U: Hey Daniel! Thanks for speaking with us. First, could you tell us a bit about your book Counting Down with Theodore Brown?

DD: It’s a coming-of-age love story with a twist. The story centres on an introverted college student with a unique ability. When Theo looks into a person’s eyes he sees a number: the exact number of days he’ll spend with them. It’s hard forming relationships when there’s a literal countdown! So, he mostly keeps to himself. Until he meets someone incredibly special and decides to throw caution to the wind. Lil Sanchez is fearless and creative, and Theo can’t help but wonder if the pleasure of knowing her might be worth the pain of losing her.

A&U: What was the initial spark of inspiration for writing Counting Down with Theodore Brown?

DD: The idea came to me after I applied for my New Zealand residency. I found myself questioning whether I could live so far away from my loved ones in Ireland. I was deeply torn because I’d fallen in love with Aotearoa, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how many days I’d have left to spend with my family if I stayed. I wondered whether I’d make the same decision if I somehow knew those precise numbers. Theodore Brown grew from there. I’ve always been interested in psychology and became fascinated by how this ability would shape a person. Writing Theo’s story helped me to navigate through my own anxieties regarding time and loss.

A&U: Can you tell us a bit about your writing process? Are you a plotter, pantser, or something in-between?

DD: I’m a plotter through and through. I outline and storyboard everything before I sit down to write. I usually know the ending before I begin. That being said, once the characters take shape, they often throw a curveball my way. I’ll reach a plot point and realise a particular character wouldn’t react how I’d originally intended. I find this more thrilling than frustrating because it means the characters are alive. Once I’ve spent enough time with them, they sort of take the wheel.

A&U: What would you like readers to take away from the novel?

I hope they come away seeing the value in every relationship. Even the one’s that don’t last. Those are often the ones that teach us the most about ourselves. The story explores our basic need for connection and the importance of communication. Theo’s journey highlights the joy close relationships bring to our lives, and the dangers we face when we isolate ourselves. It’s a story about mental health, identity, sexuality, friendship, love, loss, and the impermanent nature of the human condition. I wanted to write about life, and the universal triumphs and tragedies we all experience.

The most rewarding part has been hearing other people’s stories about how the book has helped them to process their own heartbreak or loss. This brings a tear to my eye every time. Knowing it’s providing some comfort to others is my greatest accomplishment.

A&U: Do you have any advice for writers out there who might be reading this Q&A?

DD: Keep writing and keep reading. When you’re bursting with creative energy, get it on the page. You can polish it later. When the tank is empty, it’s okay to step away. Grab a great book and read until your cup is full again. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You have to be your own biggest cheerleader in the beginning. Keep going, even when self-doubt and imposter syndrome creep in, which they will. If storytelling brings you joy, never give up.

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Counting Down with Theodore Brown

by Daniel Devenney

A fantastic coming-of-age love story with a twist.

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