I’m proud to say my first novel, titled You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About, is out now through Harper Collins.
‘You’re The Kind of Girl I Write Songs About’ is a young adult novel featuring two different narrative viewpoints. Tim’s a young singer-songwriter with a guitar case full of songs and dreams of finding an audience to embrace his tunes. Mandy’s a music obsessive and a compulsive dreamer, longing for something more fulfilling than daytime TV and cups of tea with best friend Alice, something like the excitement and passion of rock and roll.
When their eyes meet at a gig, sparks fly across a crowded room and hope burns in their hearts. But in a city of millions and a scene overrun with wannabes, can they ever get it together? Will Mandy’s nerves doom their romance before it ever starts? And where does the darkness in Tim’s songs come from?
This is a tale of Sydney’s Inner West, of first love, crush bands and mixtapes, the thrill of the night and what happens when the music stops. It’s about that time in your life when everything seems possible and nothing seems more important than your best friends and your most prized records.
Reactions to You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About:
“I loved this book. Funny, sexy, sad in parts. The perfect mixtape of a novel”
Cath Crowley, Author of Graffiti Moon
“Some of the best writing isn’t like writing at all – it’s like eavesdropping. Daniel Herborn has that gift, and it’s rare. His characters and their world are completely convincing. If he told me now that he doesn’t inhabit the music scene of Sydney’s inner west, I don’t think I’d believe him. Boy-meets-girl might be the most-told story in the world, but every so often a writer comes along, shows us why and makes the concept seem fresh and new again. Daniel Herborn is that kind of writer”
Nick Earls, Author of 48 Shades of Brown
“Following Mandy and Tim as they build a relationship, Daniel Herborn does a terrific job of representing the intensity of their physical attraction. Later, events from Tim’s past threaten the swift and blissful start to their relationship.
You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About alternates perspectives between Mandy and Tim in short chapters. Herborn’s skill is evident in playful and often unexpected dialogue…
You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About provides a vivid portrayal of two school-leavers falling in love. It is a warm, compelling book, as much a love story about girl-finding-boy as it is about songs finding their audience.”
Laura Elvery, Australian Book Review
“Set in the inner suburbs of Sydney and given a distinctly Australian flavour, this story sings to us the love story of Tim and Mandy. Daniel Herborn writes with sensitivity, insight and an obvious passion for live music. He knows his bands and he remembers what it’s like to be a teenager. A great read.”
Wendy Noble, Good Reading
“A sweet coming-of-age love song, with a steady pulsing beat driving the narrative”.
The Sydney Morning Herald
“A pleasure to read…I flew through You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About because it was so entertaining” (5/5 stars)
“There’s nothing ordinary about this story of two everyday teenagers. Definitely one of my favourite reads this year”.
“Living up to my high expectations, You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About didn’t disappoint…There were so many sweet, tender and emotional moments mixed in with the confusion and frustrations of life and I certainly had my fair share of smiley, happy, reading moments… it gave me a plethora of new music to investigate”. (4/5 stars)
“Absolutely loved this book!!….So so so great”
Rhianna Patrick, ABC Radio
“True, funny and a little heartbreaking. I really felt the music, sticky carpets at dive pubs. Great writing”
Pip Harry, Author of Head of the River
“Took me right back to those first few years after high school…If you’re looking for a great read, I highly recommend picking up a copy”
Tara Eglington, Author of How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You
“Loved it. Took me back to my very late teens/early twenties going to bands, writing for street press mags, falling for guitarists and generally making poor decisions. Made me pine for a night at the Hopetoun”
Gabrielle Tozer, Author of Faking It
Read an interview I did about the book with Australian writer Kirsty Eagar.
From Book Vibes, Harper Collins Australia/NZ rights guide:
“Funny, sweet and beautifully depicted, You’re the Kind of Girl I Write Songs About is a startlingly fresh voice from a very talented new author”.
daniel herborn 