“Young Sheldon”’s Raegan Revord Is a Teen TV Star. Now, They’re a Teen Author Too (Exclusive)

Young Sheldon’s Raegan Revord has recently made a significant debut in the literary world with their young adult novel ‘Rules for Fake Girlfriends’. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Revord shared their journey in balancing acting with writing and the inspiration behind their queer love story.

Best known for playing Missy Cooper on the popular CBS sitcom, Young Sheldon, 17-year-old Raegan Revord has now joined the ranks of teen authors with the release of their debut novel, ‘Rules for Fake Girlfriends’. The YA rom-com delves into a quirky love story that unfolds when a college student, Avery Blackwell, finds herself entangled in a fake dating scheme orchestrated by a newfound acquaintance, Charlie.

According to Revord, the idea for the novel stemmed from a passion for storytelling cultivated since childhood. From writing stories about American Girl dolls during recess to managing a newspaper for the cast and crew on the set of Young Sheldon, Revord’s love for writing has been a constant companion throughout their life.

‘Revord’s book embraces themes of romance, tension, and drama, while drawing inspiration from beloved queer love stories like Alice Oseman’s ‘Heartstopper’ series. The young author credits Oseman’s work for its portrayal of found family dynamics and the importance of representing queer youth in literature.

To bring authenticity to the storyline, Revord immersed themselves in research, delving into numerous rom-coms and even visiting London, where the novel is set. Personal experiences from favourite locations in London, such as Notting Hill and the quirky antique shop Snooper’s Paradise, found their way into the narrative, adding layers of realism to the fictional world.

Despite the challenges of juggling writing with their acting commitments on the Young Sheldon set, Revord managed to craft their novel in between shoots, often concealing their writing sessions under the guise of family dinners. The experience of transitioning between acting and writing, according to Revord, honed their ability to switch mindsets seamlessly.

Having written the novel as a teenager for a young adult audience, Revord emphasises the importance of authentic representation in storytelling. The author’s personal experiences as a 17-year-old navigating adolescence inform the relatability and relevance of the protagonist’s journey, resonating with contemporary teenage experiences.

Apart from their foray into writing, Revord also spearheads ‘Read with Raegan’, an online book club for young readers. Drawing from a lifelong love for reading instilled by family influences, Revord aims to foster a sense of community and engagement among young readers through the club.

As Revord embarks on their writerly journey, including an upcoming book tour, they offer advice to aspiring young writers to persevere despite doubts and challenges. ‘Rules for Fake Girlfriends’ is now available for readers to explore and enjoy, offering a glimpse into the creative world of a budding teen author.

In conclusion, Raegan Revord’s transition from teen TV star to teen author marks a significant milestone in their career, showcasing a multifaceted talent that extends beyond the screen. With ‘Rules for Fake Girlfriends’, Revord invites readers into a world of love, friendship, and self-discovery, providing a fresh perspective on young adult storytelling.