Meet Ryan O’Connell, an actor you may recognize from Peacock’s Queer as Folk and Netflix’s Special. His new novel, Just by Looking at Him, is in bookstores now.
Ryan will be one of the storytellers at Pop-Up Magazine: Love Stories, presented by Literary Arts on October 26 in Portland at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Get your tickets now!
Enjoy this sneak peek at the story at the story you’ll experience from Ryan.
Your new book, Just by Looking at Him, has just published to some rave reviews. From a storytelling perspective, how does writing a novel compare to acting in shows like Queer as Folk?
Acting is much more of a collaboration. You’re bringing someone’s (sometimes my own) words to life and building off of people and what they’re giving you. writing a novel, by contrast, is much more solitary but the tradeoff is it being a much purer expression of self. You work with your agent and your editor and that’s it. Both mediums are enriching in their own way. I need to do everything. Otherwise, I get bored. And not in a “I’M A GENIUS” way. Just like, “I need 40,000 distractions from life” way.
Your upcoming Pop-Up Magazine story will show us a unique perspective on open relationships. Tell us, in honor of our Love Stories issue, what does love mean to you?
Love means being able to be yourself with no limitations. So much is discussed around compromise when you’re with a partner. Maybe there’s concessions made superficially but I feel like with my partner there’s no compromise. We’re there to lift each other up, to support the other one being their best self. It truly feels like a team, as corny as that may sound. Also, love is communication.
What’s inspiring you lately?
New York is inspiring me and Tender New Signs by Tamaryn is inspiring me and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice is inspiring me and sex is inspiring me, always, and having a mortgage.
Describe your Pop-Up Magazine story in 5 words.
slutty horny lol gay melancholy
Intrigued? Grab tickets now!
We’ll see you there.
With support from Google, Pop-Up Magazine: Love Stories will feature ASL interpreters, open captioning, and ADA accessible seating. Masks will be required. For more information, visit Pop-Up Magazine‘s FAQ.
