Interview – Finnian Burnett and Redshirts Sometimes Survive

From Canada Reads American Style by Canada Reads American Style

April 10, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 264

About this episode

Tara welcomes back Canadian author Finnian Burnett to discuss their latest novella-in-flash, Redshirts Sometimes Survive.

Tara welcomes back Canadian author Finnian Burnett to discuss their latest novella-in-flash, Redshirts Sometimes Survive. https://offtopicpublishing.com/product/redshirts-sometimes-survive-by-finnian-burnett/?srsltid=AfmBOoqqrDjkjomUw5LV1p4n7BFWy7-l2RrTh5Ty2L2VoSYamvlByFX8 "A neglected boy clings to an action figure like a lifeline. A trans man meets his childhood hero. An introvert finally finds her voice at a protest. Queer fans, lonely children, awkward convention-goers, and disillusioned adults seek out their favourite starships and captains for solace and strength. In these interconnected flash stories, the outcasts, the rebels, the bullied, and the weird find themselves, one other, and a place to call home.By turns moving, thoughtful, and wry, Redshirts Sometimes Survives offers connection and comfort. Being a redshirt doesn’t mean you’re doomed. Sometimes, it means you survive." Books discussed: The House in the Cerulean Sea; Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid The Book of Delights by Ross Gay Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White Ravens Don’t Get…

People in this episode

Host: Tara

Guest: Finnian Burnett

Topics covered

society
culture
fiction
arts
books

Keywords

novella-in-flash
queer
action figure
childhood hero
protest
connection
comfort

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Redshirts Sometimes Survive, The House in the Cerulean Sea, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, The Charm Offensive, Red, White & Royal Blue, Heated Rivalry, The Book of Delights, Hell Followed with Us, Ravens Don’t Get High Blood Pressure and Other Tales of Queer Love, The Life and Dead Trees

Books & works: The Book of Delights, Ravens Don’t Get High Blood Pressure, The Life and Dead Trees, The Clothes Make the Man, The Price of Cookies, Redshirts Sometimes Survive, Redshirts Sometimes Survives, The House in the Cerulean Sea, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, The Charm Offensive