By Mawunyo Gbogbo

Romance Books

Friday, June 12, 2026, at 9:00 am

Roxane Gay is a well-known writer and professor. She has written about politics, feminism, and culture.

Roxane Gay is now writing a romance novel with actor Channing Tatum.

This might seem unusual, but Roxane Gay is excited about the project.

There is a connection to Australia.

Roxane Gay is in Australia for the Vivid Sydney event.

Roxane Gay said, 'This project has been in the works for a long time, but my schedule has been busy.'

The idea started in Australia when a journalist asked Channing Tatum if he had read Roxane Gay's book.

This question led to a series of events.

Roxane Gay said, 'Channing Tatum's team contacted me to work on a book together.'

Channing Tatum reached out to Roxane Gay after learning she was a fan.

The book is called Down to You and is about two friends who make a promise to marry if they are still single at 40.

An Australian journalist helped bring Roxane Gay and Channing Tatum together.

The journalist was surprised to hear about the impact of his interview with Channing Tatum.

Robert Moran interviewed Channing Tatum in 2015.

Robert Moran asked Channing Tatum a question about Roxane Gay.

At the time, Roxane Gay was tweeting about Channing Tatum.

Robert Moran said, 'We were following Roxane Gay's tweets because her book was popular.'

One of Robert Moran's colleagues asked Roxane Gay if she had a question for Channing Tatum.

Channing Tatum showed interest in Roxane Gay's work.

Channing Tatum wanted to learn more about feminism and its relation to his work.

One of the characters in the book might be similar to Channing Tatum.

Channing Tatum could play this character in a movie.

Roxane Gay is open to the idea.

Roxane Gay said, 'Channing Tatum is handsome and kind.'

Roxane Gay enjoys working with Channing Tatum.

Roxane Gay said, 'Channing Tatum has a lot of creative energy.'

Roxane Gay is against using AI for writing.

Roxane Gay will talk about creativity and politics at Vivid Sydney.

Roxane Gay will discuss the importance of human imagination.

Roxane Gay said, 'Using AI is not creative.'

Roxane Gay will talk to Narelda Jacobs at Vivid Sydney.

Friday, June 12, 2026, at 9:00 am

Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:22 am

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