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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Max Austin shares how his bio-fictional novel, That Is What We Are, rooted in his experiences as a gay nurse, championing LGBTQIA+ inclusivity with humor, hope, and raw honesty, inspires readers to embrace their authentic voices.

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Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Max Austin about his life and career, what inspired him to write his new book, That Is What We Are and his creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

If Iโ€™m totally honest, Iโ€™m still trying to work out the answer to that question!  If anybody asked me, I would describe myself as a work in progress. I donโ€™t think Iโ€™ll ever be โ€˜finishedโ€™; but Iโ€™m at peace with that too. My new bio fictional novel, โ€˜That Is What We Areโ€™, picks up from where my debut โ€˜How Can We Be Wrong?โ€™ ended. With an eclectic cast around me, I portray both my professional and personal experiences of working as a front-line nurse.

Max Austin on The Table Read Magazine
Max Austin

Iโ€™ve many passions in my life; my husband, my two children, my writing and my work as a nurse. Oh, and not to forget the family dog, of course! Through my writing and lived experiences, I want to give a voice to silenced and marginalised LBGTQIA+ groups.

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Iโ€™ve been a keynote speaker at LBGTQIA+ inclusion conferences. For me, kind inclusiveness in health care and indeed our broader society is as vital as breathing. When Iโ€™m not working as a nurse or writing, I love nothing more than spending time with my children and husband. Most weekends, we can be found covered in mud whilst being led through the park by their rather boisterous but friendly black Labrador!

When did you first WANT to write a book

My bio fictional story has been bubbling just under the surface for thirty years. I use my lived experience to emphasize the importance of kindness and inclusivity. My critically praised and yet  emotionally raw second heartwarming message offers a glimpse into LGBTQIA+ life. My story is a roller-coaster tale of warmth, humour, pain, truth and hope.

When did you take a step to start writing?

About four years ago, I joined a writersโ€™ network, dipping my toe into the world of books. Having this support system really helped me to grow.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

Spectrum Books, thought that my story was so powerful that they published my first novel, โ€˜That Is What We Are?โ€™ in March 2024. Many of the reviews and feedback that Iโ€™ve received from the public have spurred me on. Iโ€™m a nurse with a message of hope.

I released my second novel, โ€˜That Is What We Areโ€™ with Spectrum in March 2025.

How long did it take you to complete That Is What We Are from the first idea to release?

It was instantaneous- once I got going, I just couldnโ€™t stop! After finding solace and support from my writing group, I reached out to any-one who would listen to me. Iโ€™d written nothing more than a clinical note before, let alone finding a publishing company who believed in my message as much I do. Iโ€™m so grateful to Spectrum Books for giving my voice a home.

My gut-wrenching story describes my experiences of being prescribed an almost lethal mixture of bullying, bigotry and rejection from the very nursing community I represent today. Sadly, being a nurse doesnโ€™t come with an invisible shield. This story is a personal account of the good, the bad, and the dam right ugly of NHS staff. And yet the underbelly of stigma isnโ€™t watered down; it is there without sentimentality.

My story parallels the social, political, and personal impact of โ€˜coming outโ€™ within the early 1990s. It describes my experiences of working within the health service following the aftermath of Section 28 and the HIV/Aids era.

What were your biggest challenges with writing That Is What We Are?

That is What We Are by Max Austin on The Table Read Magazine
That is What We Are by Max Austin

Overcoming my own anxieties and believing in myself that Iโ€™m good enough. Iโ€™m so grateful to every-one who has helped me. Some-times I wonder how I keep all the plates spinning; juggling full-time work as a front line working nurse, family life and writing.

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What was your research process for That Is What We Are?

My story is about lived experience and authenticity, truth and mental health recovery. I draw inspiration from my own experiences in my work as a nurse, adopter and gay man. My mission is to represent every colour on the LGBTQIA+ flag; therefore, I have made it a priority to understand the world from the eyes of other marginalized groups. For example, in my new book, we meet Laura, who has gone through a journey of transition to live as the authentic women she always has been.

How did you plan the structure of That Is What We Are?

As this is a bio-fictional memoir, Iโ€™ve planned the structure around my own lived experience. There was something very cathartic about plotting out your life in a narrative arc and introducing characters along the way.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did That Is What We Are need?

Yes, the team at Spectrum Books is just wonderful.

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What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

As my drag queen, Miss Nancy Eclair would say, โ€œStick your stilettos in the mud and donโ€™t let any-one knock you off them.โ€

Find networks and support from kind people who value your voice and want you to be the best version of you.

Have fun along the way- Iโ€™ve met some brilliant people from all over the world.

Can you give me a hint about any further books youโ€™re planning to write?

Iโ€™m pleased to announce that Spectrum Books will publish the third book in the series in ther spring of 2026!

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

If my story just stops one person thinking that their voice doesnโ€™t matter or feeling so desperate that they want to take their own life, then my entire journey to becoming an author has been worthwhile.

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Kindle:ย https://amzn.to/4i3a3jb

Paperback: https://amzn.to/43Sm2Mw

Website www.maxaustinauthor.comย 

Follow Max on the socials

Bluesky: @maxaustin.bsky.social.

Instagram: maxaustin50

Facebook: Max Austin

Tick Tok @max.austin7

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