WPS Author Interview Day 19: Lacey Ray

 WPS Author Interview Day 19: Lacey Ray

Welcome to day 19 of the Wonderland Pride Spotlight author interviews! Today I am interviewing Lacey Ray. To see all of the spotlight posts created by my lovely community, head over to the hashtag #wonderlandpridespotlight over on Instagram! 

Lacey's Books

• ICE: book 1 in the Wobniar University series
• Aftermath
• The Shorty Collection: Love Stories in Various Lengths

The Interview

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

"This is something I’ve been questioning lately.  Up until a few years ago, I would have said, 'No, I’m straight, but I’m an ally.'  In the last few years, what I’ve been learning about myself is that I’m attracted to the person.  But I’m also happily married (going on 20 years), and I’m not looking to explore this new piece of information!  So I guess this is a long-winded way to say 'Maybe?'"

2. What books of yours have LGBTQ+ representation, and what rep do they have?

"The Wobniar University Series, Aftermath Series, and The Shorty Collection are MM romances but there are an array of queer characters in each of my books.  Loud and proud gay, lesbian, bi, pan, demi, and more.  In my current work in progress, one of the main characters is non-binary.  I do have sensitivity readers to give me feedback, and if anyone would be interested in being a sensitivity reader, please reach out!"

3. Why do you think LGBTQ+ rep in books is important?

"Queer people deserve to be represented in books, television, movies, music, etc.  When reading, watching, or listening, a person wants to be able to see themselves in the story.  They shouldn’t just have to imagine it.  They should be able to say, 'That’s me.  That’s my experience!'"

4. What got you into writing?

"My love for books started way before I could read them myself, and once I was in school and learned to read and write, making up stories came naturally to me.  I spent many years writing original stories, and then I got into fan fiction.  The feedback and relationships I formed from posting on Wattpad helped build my confidence, and when I decided I wanted to publish, a friend of mine walked me through the process."

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

"Oh!  I have so many!  The one that comes to my mind first is my cousin.  She is a few years older than me, but we are very close.  I admire that she is living her truth and will continue to live her truth even as people are trying to take that away from her."