Yesterday, we had the thoughts of five of our anthology authors on what it means to be them to be part of the LGBTQ+ reading/writing community. We’ve got more for you today, and there’s just two days to go until release day of this totally free anthology!
“Okay, confession time. I had never read genre sapphic fiction before 2019 when I went on a Global Wordsmiths retreat. I’d read all the mainstream sapphic books I could get hold of (from Well of Loneliness through to some of Emma Donoghue’s), but it was a whole new world to me. Then I found my tribe. I love that people are supportive and have a love of writing and books, and we are accepted for all our wonderful weirdness. I love the camaraderie, which is amazing given that writing is primarily an individual pursuit and a fair proportion of us are introverts!”
E.V. Bancroft
“As a lesbian woman who lived many years in the pain of the closet, being a writer in the LGBTQIA+ community feels very special indeed. because I knew who I was but felt unable to be honest and so, I spent time desperately seeking characters whose stories were like mine. I sought refuge in reading and took the courage in hearing the voices of other gay women. I used their courage to fuel mine and ultimately find the strength to live my true life. As a writer, I feel the importance of sharing not only my story but the stories of other gay women through my writing because I know first-hand, how important that can be for readers who like me, may have been searching for LGBTQ+ voices.”
Maddy Thomas
“Being part of the LGBTQ+ writing/reading community means creating and supporting queer stories with positive representation and happily ever afters. Connecting with characters is a powerful way to learn about ourselves and others. There wasn’t much LGBTQ+ literature available when I was struggling to figure out my bisexuality, and what little there was tended to end tragically. Thankfully, that’s changed. It’s been amazing to watch LGBTQ+ literature grow and flourish. As a writer, I’m hoping to add to all that queer joy.”
Julie Brydon
“Honestly, this is a tough one. It means so many things; as a reader, it was finding a group of people who not only read the same books as me, but also shared some common interests or similar personalities. As a writer, I guess it’s the ability and opportunity to reach so many people. I tend to touch on tough subjects in my books, and sometimes the community tell me that they’re grateful, that they relate to some of the situations which I paint. That’s really rewarding. I learn from them just as much as they learn from me. And then there’s the other writers I have connected with. Let me tell you, hearing an author you’ve read say they’ve read your book is mind-blowing! And so it becomes a full circle: readers being writers, writers being readers. And overall, it’s just awesome to be part of the circle.”
Ami Spencer
“Being a part of the LGBTQ+ reading/writing community has been a wonderful experience for me. It has given me a platform to do what I have always wanted to do: write! I am so grateful for the support from other authors and for all the opportunities they offer to those of us who are new to the writing world. And I am always mindful of the time that readers give to read the words I have written.”
Emma Collier
“As a teenager, I read all the LGBTQ+ books I could get my hands on, which were not many. Living in a small country meant a very limited selection , and none of them were fantasy. I remember thinking I would have to write those stories myself. As I got older and learned to read English, I found more LGBTQ+ books and to my delight, they included stories in fantastical genres. I couldn’t believe that there were other people who wanted to read the same kind of stories I did. It made me realise that there was a community out there that I belong to even if I don’t actively connect with it. I rarely talk to other people about reading or writing; it somehow seems too intimate for me. I do, however, find joy in knowing that other people disappear into the same stories I do, and connecting them to their own lives. It makes me feel connected to people I don’t know through the stories we read.”
Karen Due
Being an author can be a lonely occupation, even if you have some great and interesting characters to keep you company. Being part of a community that understands your struggles and shares your passion for writing is to have the best kind of family; one that cares about you and wants you to succeed. Who could ask for more than that?
Emma Nichols
Tomorrow is the final day of our author thoughts on our beautiful community before we release the anthology on Saturday 1st July. Look out for our Saturday blog if you’d like our fantastic and free book jam-packed with 22 stories from new, upcoming, and established authors.
Hugs,
Robyn and Brey
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