'Everyone has an amazing future ahead of them': Scott McGlynn

Scott McGlynn is a celebrity blogger from South Wales. In the short memoir, Out, he writes about growing up and learning to celebrate his identity and sexuality. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who's experienced bullying, teasing or self-doubt.

One small part of Scott's story is almost identical to mine. I too looked up 'gay' in the dictionary after hearing it as a slur against me on the school playground. Except the dictionary I used was quite an old one, and defined gay as being happy. What a beautifully poetic truth that's turned out to be.

I asked Scott more about the book and the message he hopes people will take from it.

Why did you want to write your book?

I always enjoyed writing and love blogging on my own site. Someone suggested I write a book and I knew it was the perfect time to help others going through coming out and getting bullied.

How does your book differ from others about including coming out?
Everyone has a different story to share. Everyone is different. Mine is a story anyone can relate to for being bullied, whether it's for being gay, hair colour, size.

What's your top tip for anyone inspired to write their story?
If you're writing a book about your life be honest and go into detail. People say 'it must be hard to write about what happened to you for the world to see'. It was emotional bringing up memories from the past, but I knew it would help and support others.

In your book, you say you didn't report school bullies as that would only give them more power. Do you think action on bullying in schools is better now?
I hope so! A lot of young people get cyberbullied now through social media, which wasn't part of the problem back in my day. It's upsetting to me that people sit behind a computer just making comments about other people.

What impact do you hope the book will have?
I want to let people know if you're getting bullied or you're going to come out, everything will be ok! Everyone has an amazing future ahead of them. You have an amazing future. Don't allow people put you down!

The book ends with your engagement. Congratulations! How is your future looking?
Thank you! My finance and I are slowly planning our wedding and have the same ideas for it which is great! We'll be getting married very soon. Until then, I'm busy touring and talking about the book.

Out is available to download and buy now from Amazon. You can follow Scott on Twitter @ScottyMcGlynn.

Looking for another great book to read? Check out my suggestions from 'My Gay Bookshelf'.