Exploring Family, Love, and Belonging in Fiction
Christopher DiRaddo discusses his novels, the importance of queer friendships, and how literary events foster LGBTQ+ storytelling. He reflects on Montreal’s influence, writing across genres, and advice for emerging LGBTQ+ authors.
Christopher DiRaddo has carved out a literary space where storytelling, community, and identity intersect. As the author of The Family Way and The Geography of Pluto, his work explores themes of queer kinship, love, and belonging with depth and wit. Beyond his novels, he has championed LGBTQ+ literature through the Violet Hour Literary Series, fostering a vibrant community of writers and readers. In this conversation for Reader’s House Magazine, DiRaddo reflects on his inspirations, the evolving role of literary events, and the enduring impact of Montreal on his narratives.
What inspired you to write The Family Way, and how did you approach exploring the themes of chosen family and parenthood?
I was inspired by my friendships. There’s a quote by W.H. Auden I love that says, “Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can; all of them make me laugh.” That’s how I feel about those closest to me. I wanted to write about my gay male friendships, and I wanted to write something that had a sense of humour. At the time, I was also navigating the process of being a sperm donor to two close friends—something I never imagined I’d experience as a gay man. Writing about it made me reflect on the unique ways queer people build family. I hope I’ve done it some justice.
The Geography of Pluto deals with themes of impermanence and change—how did your own experiences shape the story?
The first time my heart was broken, I felt like I had become unstuck in time (like a sort of queer Billy Pilgrim). Past, present, and future overlapping in a nonlinear timeline where I was the main character. The character of Will is very much like me. As a gay man, I feel a deep connection to my mother, and that relationship became strained when I met my first boyfriend. I wanted to explore the nature of these two “first loves” in a gay man’s life and dive into profound questions about the geography of love and what, in the universe, is truly ours.
As the founder of the Violet Hour reading series, how do you see the role of literary events in fostering LGBTQ+ storytelling?
People need to be encouraged to read. Today, so many things compete for our attention that, left to our own devices, we might not pick up a book. With my Violet Hour Literary Series & Book Club, we have a monthly deadline to meet, and the routine pushes us to stay engaged. Literary events permit us to dive deeper into the stories we consume, allowing us to fully chew on the ideas within the books, which hopefully leads to further reading. I think people just need a reminder of how great it is to read a book.
Your writing often focuses on Montreal—how does the city influence your narratives, and what aspects of it do you find most compelling to explore?
Montreal has a rich literary community and I’m grateful to be a part of it. We’re a city like no other in Canada, shaped by our unique history, politics, and culture—two major languages living side by side. But what truly sets Montreal apart is its people. I particularly like the interplay between the English-speaking and French-speaking populations. Our city’s history of displacement is equally fascinating and is currently inspiring my next book.
You’ve written across different forms, from novels to essays—how does your approach to storytelling change depending on the medium?
I haven’t written many essays, and when I do, it’s usually on a topic that interests me or as part of an assignment. For formal essays, I focus on sticking to the facts, but when it comes to personal essays, I allow myself to explore the emotions of the moment. I approach my novels the same way—they’re more about evoking feelings than following a strict plot. I’m not sure if I have a defined writing style, but if I do, I’d say it’s centered on trying to bring out emotions in my readers. After all, isn’t that why we read—to feel something?
Can you share a particularly memorable experience from your time as the inaugural writer-in-residence at The Hideout in PEI?
I loved reading at the coffee house in Charlottetown. It was a small crowd, but I had the chance to meet several local writers and learn more about their vibrant literary scene. Charlottetown reminded me of Montreal in the early 2000s—full of energy and inspiration. I really enjoyed the questions I received from the audience, and I even managed to make people laugh, which felt like a personal victory. The Hideout is run by writer Trevor Corkumand his partner, psychotherapist Joshua Lewis, who are both dedicated to fostering and supporting the writing community. Meeting them and seeing how they make a real difference in their own community was truly inspiring.
What advice would you give to emerging LGBTQ+ authors looking to break into the literary world?
Find your community. Or build one if it doesn’t exist yet. Seek out other queer readers and writers. Attend their events, make connections, share your work, and talk about it. It might bring up some anxiety (I know I’ve had my moments) but remember we are all connected, and no one thrives in isolation. You never know where these connections might lead. Step away from your phone, get off BookTok, and be present in real spaces with real people. And write every day, even if it’s just a sentence. Staying close to your work in progress is essential.
