WPS 2026 Day 12: Via Luino

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 12: Via Luino

Welcome to day 12 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Via Luino. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Via Luino's LGBTQ+ Release

• All the Scattered Stars

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Demisexual and bisexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Aromantic, asexual, lesbian, nonbinary, BIPOC: invented ethnic minority that experiences severe racial persecution; many important side characters are Romani"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"My usual genre is YA fantasy, but I'd like to write an adult or new adult fantasy soon, and I've also been tinkering around with a retelling of the Medusa myth. My books are always queer, so if I were to step totally outside the realm of sci-fi and fantasy, I would probably write a queer rom-com. I love reading them, so I think I might like writing them, too!"

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"I've always been a nerd for mythology and folklore from all over the world, and I absolutely love both reading and writing retellings and reimaginings of these stories. Lately I've been branching out into remixes of classics as well--my current WIP is a Romeo and Juliet retelling but with witches and assassins (and everybody's gay!). Beyond that, I'm rather obsessed with trees and the natural world in general."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"My debut novel, All the Scattered Stars, is about a girl with forbidden Earth magic trying to survive the sinking of Venice in the year 2063. It just came out from a small press this past April, so I have a summer full to bursting with author events and festivals! Besides that, Pride is my favorite holiday, and I'm planning to march in Boston's parade again this year." 

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Emily Dickinson! I know we don't know for sure that she was lesbian, but I'm about as sure as I can be without having the ability to travel back in time and ask her. She, like me, is from Massachusetts, and her poetry has always deeply resonated with me, even before I figured out that I'm queer, too. I also really admire the works of Sappho and Oscar Wilde." 

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 12: Kiki Fehling

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 12: Kiki Fehling

Welcome to day 12 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Kiki Fehling. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Kiki Fehling's LGBTQ+ Release

• The LGBTQ+ Mental Health Workbook: Find Emotional Resilience, Self-Love, and Queer Joy with Dialectical Behavior Therapy

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Bi and queer nonbinary"

2. What rep do your books have?

"BIPOC, neurodivergent people, and various LGBTQIA+ identities"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"When I'm not reading nonfiction, I most enjoy reading science fiction so I think I'd have to say that! My brain doesn't seem to work that way (in terms of its creativity), however, so realistically I'd say memoir would be the different nonfiction genre I'd be most likely to write."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"I have directly witnessed the way that people's lives are drastically changed, improved, or even saved by finding the right psychotherapy for them. But, I also know that many people—especially LGBTQ+ and other marginalized folks—often can't access therapy. So, I'm inspired to write affirming and evidence-based mental health books so that more people can receive the emotional support and information they want. As an emotionally sensitive person, I've read books that have deeply improved my relationship with myself by helping me feel seen and OK exactly as I am. I try to write self-help books that will do the same for my readers."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I'm a heart attack survivor, and I recently started working more closely with a few organizations focused on cardiac health equity. I'm really excited about helping them integrate both mental health and LGBTQ+ topics into their education and advocacy efforts in the future!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I'm continually moved and inspired by the way that the poet ALOK communicates their ideas, interacts with the world, and expresses themselves with compassion and unabashed authenticity. I similarly look up to a few queer content creators whose authenticity, writing, and advocacy work I admire: KB Brookins, Cody Daigle-Orians, and Bailey Merlin and Jace Rios Rivera (hosts of the podcast Bisexual Killjoy). (To name just a few. It's so hard to choose!)"

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 11: Taylor Hubbard

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 11: Taylor Hubbard

Welcome to day 11 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Taylor Hubbard. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Taylor Hubbard's LGBTQ+ Releases

• The Flowered Blade
• A Corruption of Souls

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Queer and trans man"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Autism"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Definitely sports romances. Every time I try, nothing comes out. But I love the genre and I'm always looking for my next queer sports romance."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"My biggest inspiration is just the ability to touch more people. Seeing the incredible response that my books have had on people, specifically in helping people along their gender journey, has been exactly what I need on the days where I question what I'm doing."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Plenty! I have several drafts ready for revisions, and a book nearly done being edited for release this year!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"At this point, I try not to look up to one single figure. Don't meet your idols and whatnot. Instead, I admire the queer people in my life. The people I grew up with, grew apart from, and reconnected with. The people I've met along my own journey. The people who raised me, taught me, and loved me. While I may not look up to them like an idol, I do look to them to inspire me to be my best self."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 11: Andy Barrow

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 11: Andy Barrow

Welcome to day 11 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Andy Barrow. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Andy Barrow's LGBTQ+ Release

• Peter in Progress

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Gay"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Gay, queer, and range of races"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Investigative journalism. I'd *love* to be at the helm of a big expose (think "Bad Blood" / Theranos!). "

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"On one level, my thirty-something gay adolescence (I'm a late bloomer) inspires quite a bit of my writing ...  my life is awash in so many amazing, confusing, and rich experiences right now, and I find myself needing to write through them all. But at another level, I think of storytelling (and story reception) as such a human act - as the primary way that we discover and expand our own humanity; and the vehicle by which we connect with other humans in our increasingly isolating world. When I think of the texts that have touched me - the lines and moments that have made me feel more seen and known and alive - I feel very inspired to create, and to participate in creative exchange."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Peter in Progress, out June 2, is my debut novel. So everything is super exciting (and scary!) right now. I have readings coming up in Provincetown (6/26), New York Pride (6/27), and my hometown on Long Island (6/29) - pumped for all of those. But really, I'm most excited to start hearing from readers, to get their reactions to Peter's journey." 

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I've been so fortunate to work with my publicist, Michele Karlsberg, and the Publishing Triangle, an organization of queer creatives that she helps to spearhead. For decades, this group has nurtured, supported, and advocated for queer writers. They are talented artists and fierce activists; at the same time, they sustain a loving, diverse, and genuinely welcoming artistic community. I'm learning so much from them."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 11: Jennifer Moffatt

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 11: Jennifer Moffatt

Welcome to day 11 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Jennifer Moffatt. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Jennifer Moffatt's LGBTQ+ Releases

• A Hard Sell
• A Hard Fit
• A Hard Note
• Flirty Dancing

The Interview

1. What rep do your books have?

"BIPOC characters in every book. A Hard Sell, A Hard Note, and Flirty Dancing are MM (gay), and A Hard Fit is M(bi)/nb"

2. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I would loooove to write middle grade or early YA novels. Lois Lowry, Beverly Cleary, Sharon Creech, Judy Blume, Gordon Korman, Louis Sachar, The Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley Twins… these authors were so important to me. I spent most of my childhood buried in those books, reading them over and over… I would love to write something that would be so impactful to kids one day."

3. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Casey McQuiston’s Red, White, & Royal Blue was a game changer for me. It was the exact kind of novel I wanted to write. I read all of their work and it continues to inspire me. Plus, Casey is just a cool person! I would die of excitement to meet them one day."

4. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"My fifth book, BUMP, SET, SPARKS, a sapphic rivals-to-lover beach volleyball romcom, comes out June 16! And then I will be hard at work with my editor this summer finalizing book number six."

5. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Freddie Mercury! I am a massive fan of Queen (they make multiple appearances in my books) and Freddie’s passion, talent, dedication, bravery, and flare will always be something I look up to."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 10: Raluca M. Matara

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 10: Raluca M. Matara 

Welcome to day 10 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Raluca M. Matara. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Raluca M. Matara 's LGBTQ+ Releases

• Winter's Winter
• Not What I Ordered
• Exactly What I Needed

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Lesbian"

2. What rep do your books have?

"All are sapphic

Not What I Ordered: BIPOC

Exactly What I Needed: BIPOC"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I would love to be able to write epic fantasies. It takes a lot of discipline and patience to create and plot such stories and be able to bring the reader into that world, and keep them there."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Women. Women in all their forms and colors and beauties. I can't imagine anything more inspiring."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

" My next novel, Hitchhiking With Daisy comes out November 2nd and I'm preparing for ARCs. This is the most exciting part of writing and publishing books for me (aside from actually selling them 😅). I love that moment when the first reviews come in, the anticipation, the thrill. Books are meant to be read and it's so satisfying to see if people like your work."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Can I pick more than one? 😅 Because Cynthia Erivo, Sophia Bush, Laverne Cox, Billy Porter, Elliot Page, they all make my list. These are some of the people I admire, their values, their loud voice amongst our community and beyond, the will to fight for equality."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 10: Lara A. Springs

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 10: Lara A. Springs

Welcome to day 10 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Lara A. Springs. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Lara A. Springs's LGBTQ+ Release

• Forgotten

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Demi lesbian"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Gay with an ED and self harm tendencies, queer with anxiety and panic attacks. Their adopted child is Black."

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Horror! I mostly read fantasy but I absolutely love horror movies. When they’re good, they’re life-changing, and when they’re bad, they’re hilarious. Almost all of my books have romantic elements in them so I’d love to try romance as well (historical or contemporary)."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"I take inspiration from all sorts of media, but I think we are all sleeping on video games. Video game plotting has near-endless options and we are only just now realizing their potential. The ability to play through the adventure and choose your own story leads to some fascinating narrative dynamics that really help me push my storytelling to the limits."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"My nonfiction debut with @online1roomschoolhouse comes out this month, The Actually Autistic Guide, and the sequel to The Orphan’s King comes out in August. And of course I have ten other projects I’m working on behind the scenes!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Mary Shelley. I admire a lot of historic queer people (whether it’s verified or not, we all know the score) but Mary Shelley is such an icon."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 9: RM Bellamy

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 9: RM Bellamy

Welcome to day 9 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing RM Bellamy. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

RM Bellamy's LGBTQ+ Release

• Frisky Business

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Panseuxal and polyamorous"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Queer, ADHD, and autism"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I would really love to be able to do thriller/suspense. I come up with so many ideas that are all just sitting on the back burner of my mind while contemporary romance takes the forefront."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"My life and the people around me are my biggest inspiration . Anything can be a story… a conversation can spur on a book series, or a novella, etc."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Book-wise, I have two books releasing in the next 6 months from my Flight Crew Series. And more past that- I am writing the last two books in the series now."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I could say someone famous—And these people are famous figures in a small subgroup out in the world. The people that keep coming to mind are the queer therapists who helped me figure out my queerness over the last few years…who understand what a complex journey queerness is and held space for learning and growing and expressing myself in a safe manner and space."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases! 

WPS 2026 Day 9: Meg Macy

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 9: Meg Macy

Welcome to day 9 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Meg Macy. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Meg Macy's LGBTQ+ Releases

• All You Need Is Love
• Love Me Do
• P.S. I Love You

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Ally, kids are ace, a cousin died of AIDS"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Gay, asexual, trans black/white, neurodivergent, mental health, and nonbinary"

3. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Hmm, wanting to show love in all forms, justice and healing."

4. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"My 3rd book in my ❤️ Love Is Love ❤️ series, P.S. I Love You, is coming out on June 15th! 

5. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"My very first concert (yeah, I was in my early teens) was Elton John for the Yellow Brick Road tour, but I realized later in life that I found inspiration from George Takei's quotes and personality, Freddie Mercury's songs, and Ian McKellan's (not just as Gandalf) performances. I also credit my sister as well, who was courageous in her life choices, as well as my child coming out as Ace in HS. I'm a loyal ally. 🥰"

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 8: Galadreal Simmons

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 8: Galadreal Simmons 

Welcome to day 8 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Galadreal Simmons . Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Galadreal Simmons's LGBTQ+ Releases

• The Purrfect Pack
• Building a Pack is Ruff

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Ally and maybe bisexual (happily married so not exploring it)"

2. What rep do your books have?

"The Purrfect Pack: ADHD, Anxiety, Depression

Building a Pack is Ruff: depression, anxiety, suicidal"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I really love horror, I grew up reading Stephen King...The stand is an excellent read and great for bludgeoning people with if they decide to make fun of you for carrying around a massive tome. That being said, I always feel bad when my characters get hurt, so if I wasn't writing romance...or specifically omegaverse, I'd probably like to do fantasy. My name actually came from Lord of the Rings (but I couldn't spell it right when I was learning as a small child)  But I love all things fantasy."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Life? It imitates art which imitates life? Too zen? Ok...Real talk, my first book started out as an homage to my cat who passed away in 2020. He was a cranky old man, and I still miss him terribly. But each of my characters get a little bit of me in them. I also just get warm cuddlies from seeing people in love, so writing about the love I want to see around me, and people being happy makes me smile. Maybe that's too simplistic, IDK.  The ideas for characters come to be at the most random times, and then I write a profile for them...and then they tell me their story. So far, none of them have turned out how I thought they would."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"No...not really? I have a book coming out in May...but this is later. I'm working on 3 other books as well, one with a mated omega pair that have had to deal with some horrible stuff...and the alpha's that they meet. I also woke up a few months ago with a song stuck in my head and wanted to write something that made me think of sea shanty's...so there's a pirate romance on the way. And I'm working on a collab project for an omegaverse themed, zodiac inspired series. Those guys have been loud in my head lately, so hopefully they'll be getting written soon."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Mary Shelley. She was both bisexual and a hell of a goth. I've read Frankenstein a few times (the language sometimes causes me problems as I try to translate while I read and my brain says NOPE). But the fact that it came out as part of a ghost story "contest" of sorts makes me laugh, cause I'm not the only one faking till I make it.  If I had to pull someone more modern, probably George Takei, because l...ok, I love his voice, but I also love the fact that he used to be a straight sexual icon and it turns out...everyone was wrong. He's never been my cup of tea, personally (though I do love a guy with a sword). I also love Freddie Mercury...but that's more because he loved/was obsessed with his cats, and I can totally relate to that."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 8: Kestrel Martin

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 8: Kestrel Martin

Welcome to day 8 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Kestrel Martin. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Kestrel Martin's LGBTQ+ Releases

• The Cost of Vices
• Wars in Wonderland

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Lesbian"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Lesbian, pansexual, and mental health rep in both books"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Honestly, I already write in all the genres I want to be in (fantasy, romantasy, horror, thriller, mystery) so I'm not really sure which genre I'd pick outside of those😅"

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"The weather. I tend to have more inspiration and more productive writing days when it's cool and rainy. I also sometimes find inspiration in certain songs."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I have a new erotic thriller coming out later this year! Date TBD but I'm hoping for September :)"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"This might sound like a cop out but every queer person doing the work and fighting for our rights is someone worth looking up to. Especially my town's local drag queens because they are seriously some of the most amazing people out there!"

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 7: Brad Peacock & James Crews

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 7: Brad Peacock & James Crews

Welcome to day 7 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Brad Peacock & James Crews. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Brad Peacock & James Crews' LGBTQ+ Release

• Love is For All Of Us 

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Gay married couple"

2. What rep do your books have?

"BIPOC and LGBTQIA+"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"James: Fiction

Brad : Fiction"

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"James: I try to find inspiration in the everyday material of life, and all the small wonders already around me. This is the most consistent source of my work. 

Brad:  I would definitely say nature is a huge inspiration in my work.  Being a vegetable farmer for over 20 years, I spend much of my time out amongst our natural world.  Compassion, empathy and community also align very closely with my writing"

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"James: I am publishing a new poetry collection with Andrew McMeel this fall called The Sacred Everyday, and a children’s book in the spring with Beaming Books called Helpers All Around, which is about finding kindness in our lives around us.

Brad:  We are currently collaborating on another poetry anthology that we are both very excited about, and is scheduled to come out in 2028.  I would say another very exciting prospect on our horizon is our search for our own farmland so that I can start my own vegetable farm and nursery, with a focus on native plants to the Northeast.  We plan on building a gathering space on the farm so that we can host other creatives and authors to come share their work, and allow us to hold workshops.  We look forward to conserving the land we find so that it will stay in farming for generations to come."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"James: Andrea Gibson is someone I look up to immensely. Their poetry still affects me each and every day, and has had a deep influence on my own work as well. Their message of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary life we are given aligns with my own intentions for writing and living.

Brad:  Harvey Milk first comes to mind.  His legacy certainly inspired me to get involved when our home state of Vermont was debating passing gay marriage.  I was barely out at the time, but I felt called to speak out and was able to voice my opinion in front of the legislature that year, which not only was empowering, but helped me to become my authentic self.  He truly sacrificed his life, for the empowerment of all queer people.  I also believe Alok Vaid Menon has been inspirational and transformative in our current history, helping to further queer causes and inspiring many to be their authentic creative selves."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 7: Simone Holiday

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 7: Simone Holiday

Welcome to day 7 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Simone Holiday. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Simone Holiday's LGBTQ+ Releases

• Let Them Fall
• Falling Forward

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Bi/omnisexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Let Them Fall: BIPOC, Lesbian, Pansexual, and Bisexual

Falling Forward: Lesbian, Pansexual, and Middle-aged MCs, BIPOC"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Well I do (haha), I love writing contemporary romance, but I also dabble in paranormal/fantasy under a different pen name. No matter what I write it will likely always have some element of queer romance because of HEA factor, which I think is so needed right now. I will say, that one day I'd love to write a memoir though!"

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"This is going to sound corny but I really believe in the power of art to process and to encourage progressive change. So my inspiration is truly the world around me, and all of the things going on in it. Anyone who reads my work will see this, though at varying degrees. In terms of actually getting my butt in the seat and doing the thing? My kiddo is a huge inspiration for me. I saw my mom pursue her dreams growing up and it had a profound impact on me. I want to demonstrate the same thing for my kiddo, and also let them know that the world can be diverse and beautiful and that people always have the option to choose love and acceptance. Lastly, it is deeply important to me that they see that no matter who they choose to love or how they express themselves, they belong in my world (and as main characters, not just supporting figures)."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I am still so new at this that this is ALL exciting. Exhausting, but exciting! I can't wait to see where I go as a writer and also, where my books go!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"There are so many in my life because I grew up around queerness in all forms. So I have plenty of familial and personal people I look up to but cannot name here. If I had to think of a public figure it would be Marsha P. Johnson. She was such a stunning force and laid everything, including her life, on the line for a chance at happiness and freedom. That type of bravery is unbelievably admirable but I also hate the fact that it probably came down to 'do or die' for her. Because of that, I want to do my best to honor what she, and so many other queer individuals (especially queer women), fought for and gave up their lives for by using my voice, art, and anything I can."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases! 

WPS 2026 Day 6: Lacie M. Lou

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 6: Lacie M. Lou

Welcome to day 6 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Lacie M. Lou. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Lacie M. Lou's LGBTQ+ Releases

• Prophecy of Blood and Flames
• Children of Gods and Monsters
• Guardian of Fate and Vengeance

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Asexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Anxiety, depression, SA survivor, abuse survivor, grief, asexual, pansexual, bisexual, trans (books 2&3), nonbinary"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"It's so hard to choose. I think I would write horror, or dystopian. Both have been such major influences for me and my writing, and I think getting to explore the emotional storytelling and themes of those genres could be really fun! Incredibly devastating to my readers, so even more fun, haha."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"I think it's true for many authors, not just me, but my lived experiences and my own journey are heavy inspirations for my writing. Having gone through a lot of hardship, there's no end to the depth of raw emotion I can pull from -- so there's some good and some bad to that. Being able to escape into books during those dark times in my life gave me such peace... I want to do that for readers."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I am publishing my first romance-centered book this year! It's still fantasy, still dark and epic -- but queer love is the driving force to the story. I'm so excited to dive into a new story, and to stretch myself as an author, but it's also a little scary. This is so different from my other writing, so it will be a new experience not only for me, but also my readers."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I have to give all the roses to my fellow queer authors, especially those that have been trailblazing this space for everyone else. This community has meant so much to me. I continue to meet incredible authors across social media and in person, and readers, too. I love this little corner of the community I am building and all the wonderful people who build me up. I couldn't do this all without them!"

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases! 

WPS 2026 Day 6: Farhad J. Dadyburjor

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 6: Farhad J. Dadyburjor

Welcome to day 6 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Farhad J. Dadyburjor. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Farhad J. Dadyburjor's LGBTQ+ Release

• Queerly Beloved

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Gay"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Gay"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Anything with humor and a queer romance in it, even if it was a murder mystery."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Books by Martin Amis, JG Ballard, Bret Easton Ellis and Hanya Yanagihara."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Right now I’m enjoying promoting my new book ‘Queerly Beloved’, a romcom about a big fat Indian gay wedding."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Tom Ford. His fashion, aesthetics, and eye for detail is incomparable."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 6: Alex Amore

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 6: Alex Amore

Welcome to day 6 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Alex Amore. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Alex Amore 's LGBTQ+ Release

• House of Lilith: Rise of The Morningstar

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Queer and genderfluid"

2. What rep do your books have?

" Sapphic Female MC (spent 4 years as a psychiatric patient), Gay Male MC (anxiety & depressive disorder), Pansexual Male MC. (Alcoholism)"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I would love to write in every genre! I have so many stories that I want to write and I might be starting in dark fantasy, but that's just the beginning."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"I'm most inspired by stories in mythology or fairy tales. As a kid I was usually by myself and in those stories I found such possibility, endless potential that made the lonely little child I was, feel like I was capable anything."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"Yes! In June, I'll officially begin posting chapters (weekly) of my own original web novels. This will include five ongoing series! I'm also planning on releasing 'Heart of The Fallen' the sequel to my debut dark fantasy novel 'Rise of The Morningstar' in October of this year!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I feel kinda tacky for saying this but...myself? I amaze myself with everything I've done, because I never thought I was capable of most of it, especially writing a book. Not only that, but I've made it my mission to create a platform and space for all members of the queer community to feel seen and safe, especially the queer people of color. I write for them and for myself, so we can live in a world where we don't feel alone."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 5: Lowri Charles

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 5: Lowri Charles

Welcome to day 5 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Lowri Charles. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Lowri Charles's LGBTQ+ Release[s]

• Call It Fête

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Demisexual and pansexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Call It Fête: Gay and bisexual

This Is Going to Ruin the Tour: Demisexual"

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"I would love to write Horror. I find the way writers piece together all the twists and turns, keep me hooked AND scare the beejus out of me so clever, and I'd love to pull off the scariest story of the year."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"I adore Ali Hazelwood for her quirky stories, millennial references and how she writes about people in love. I also love Alexis Hall's queer stories."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"My next book is due out on June 25th, and I'm excited for people to get to know Lucy and Rhys' story. Plus, it's based in Wales, where I'm from, and we absolutely need more love stories from Wales."

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Honestly, my friends. I play roller derby, which is one of the queerest sports, and I love everyone living their true lives <3"

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 5: Stevie Hosler

  

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 5: Stevie Hosler

Welcome to day 5 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Stevie Hosler. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Stevie Hosler's LGBTQ+ Release

• Shadow of Lilith

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Bisexual"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Bisexual FMC in a WLW relationship, depression and anxiety including anxiety attacks and her coping mechanisms. BIPOC characters: Black, South Asian, and Southeast Asian. MCs are immigrants to the US from Poland."

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Right now, I write paranormal, but I definitely want to dip my toes into dystopian/post-apocalyptic. I have a zombie apocalypse book loosely outlined that I think is a fresh take and will bring new readers into the genre."

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"Honestly, television and movies. I am incredibly moved by screenwriting. I think it's evident in my writing, which is character and dialogue driven, that screenwriting is where I draw inspiration, especially the shows I grew up on like True Blood, Charmed, Gilmore Girls, and of course, Buffy."

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"My second novel, The Stars in Our Hearts, is releasing in July. It's a witchy fantasy about best friends who cast a spell and are reincarnated over five lifetimes together. I am drafting the sequel to my debut, Shadow of Lilith, and I have a sapphic fantasy series that I am currently working on. I'm outlining the world-building and magic system. I do have the cover and some character art for book one in that series. No one told me how difficult it is to create and name your own continent and all of its provinces! It's daunting!"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"Harley Laroux. I think what they have done as an author and a public figure in standing up for LGBTQIA rights and against facism in this country is truly inspiring. They unapologetically bring their whole self to the table and I absolutely admire that and seek to do the same. We have a platform. We're writing stories in a time when diverse storytelling is at risk. We need to use our voices now more than ever to keep these stories and characters alive."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!

WPS 2026 Day 4: Cait Gordon

 

Wonderland Pride Spotlight Day 4: Cait Gordon

Welcome to day 4 of the 2026 Wonderland Pride Spotlight! This is my way to help champion LGBTQ+ books and authors this Pride month! Today I am interviewing Cait Gordon. Be sure to check out my Instagram for even more excitement with this event!

Cait Gordon's LGBTQ+ Release

• Season One: Iris and the Crew Tear Through Space!

The Interview

1. Are you LGBTQ+? If so, how?

"Abrosexual (fluid, pan attracted, ace spectrum)"

2. What rep do your books have?

"Disabled, deaf, blind, neurodivergent, selectively speaking or non-vocally speaking, ace/aro, bi, gay, and trans."

3. If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be?

"Even though I love space opera, I would also love to do more queer retellings of fairy tales! In Speculative Shorts: Stories that fell out of my brain, I wrote my own 'little mermaid' story, 'Ranger of the Sea,' starring a non-speaking mermaid-siren, who in my head is ace/aro. Her passion is protecting the creatures of the sea and not having a romance with a prince!"

4. What is your biggest writing inspiration?

"My biggest inspiration is seeking a world where disability is considered first and not as an afterthought. That’s why I wrote Season One: Iris and the Crew Tear Through Space! during the pandemic. After listening to all the eugenic-based messages that said only someone like me will get sick or die, I needed to go to a place where no matter what your body-mind is like, accessibility and accommodations are the norm!"

5. Anything exciting for you on the horizon?

"I am so thrilled to be releasing Hot Wings and Sauciness this late summer. It’s got the meet-awkward of the 25th century and stars a disabled and autistic FMC in her fifties who’s a bit sweary! I have zero clue how I came up with her. *cough*"

6. Who is a queer figure you look up to?

"I admire my BFF and co-editor of the Nothing Without Us (Too) anthologies, Talia C. Johnson. She’s fearless in her activism and always cares about boosting trans and autistic voices."

Outro

I adore this excuse to conduct little author interviews! Happy Pride everyone! Stay tuned tomorrow for another amazing indie author and their LGBTQ+ releases!