Q&A

if being queer, can be as nonchalant a part of the protagonist’s character, just like if they were written as a heterosexual one? As queer people, we have often felt as though we must over-explain our selves… and justify our own existence… which, can sometimes also lead to internalized homophobic shame. So, when writing, I just wanted to give Layla the chance to live in a world where being queer wasn’t too big of a deal or needed to be overly discussed.

How do you think LGBTQ+ representation in books has improved or expanded in recent years?

I keep saying to the Gen-Zer’s in my life, that I am a little jealous of them. But it’s true, just on TikTok alone, there’s several, entire accounts, with thousands, upon thousands of followers, dedicated to sharing queer literature. And I remember when I came out in college (2005), I went to the school library, at the University of South Florida, and went to LGBTQ+ section. It was a narrow, VERY NAROW, five shelf section. I know for a fact there’s more than that now!

So… I think it has expanded, and improved. It’s not in hiding, and it’s not banned… yet, or again.

That’s so weird to say. But very real. Again, I’m currently in Florida.

So, I hope we continue to expand, especially in this very unsafe climate that queer people are experiencing right now. Yes, there are still obvious limitations… like a book with a queer, and leading protagonist, is not your common New York Times Bestseller… but maybe that’s more systematic? I wonder. So, I’d like us to break down that barrier…. and more than once! One is NOT enough. On the other hand, reading about queer characters, written by heterosexual writers… in New York Times Bestseller’s… that also warms me, even though they are secondary characters, or secondary to secondary characters… and sometimes even a little misguided…they are at least starting to show up. So maybe not as much, or as fast as I’d like to read… but I do think it’s apparent (for now), that we have made some progress.

Though I’d love more.

Wouldn’t you?

What is the one question you wish I had asked you and didn’t?

Q: Why did you choose to independently publish?

A: Two reasons:

The publishers and literary agents I submitted to rejected me. I really believe in Layla’s story.

For more information go to: https://www.rebelinvenus.com/