The Queerly Books Podcast

In this episode, Rob sits down with acclaimed poet and author Seán Hewitt on The Queerly Breakfast Show to discuss his debut novel, Open, Heaven.

Set in a remote English village in 2002, the novel follows sixteen-year-old James as he navigates the complexities of first love, desire, and identity upon meeting the enigmatic Luke. Hewitt's lyrical prose captures the intensity of adolescent longing and the indelible marks it leaves on the soul.

Seán shares insights into his transition from poetry to fiction, the inspiration behind Open, Heaven, and the themes of memory and nature that permeate the narrative. He also reflects on the significance of queer representation in literature and the enduring impact of formative experiences.

🔗 Listen now to explore:

• The intersection of poetry and prose in storytelling

• The role of nature as a mirror to human emotion

• The universality of first love and its lasting echoes

Whether you're a longtime fan of Seán Hewitt's poetry or new to his work, this conversation offers a profound look into the heart of Open, Heaven and the artistry behind it.

🎧 Subscribe to The Queerly Breakfast Show on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more conversations at the intersection of literature and queer culture.

In this episode, Rob sits down with acclaimed YA author Josh Silver on The Queerly Breakfast Show to delve into his latest novel, Traumaland—a gripping psychological thriller that blends dystopian elements with a poignant exploration of trauma and identity.

Seventeen-year-old Eli, emotionally numb after a near-fatal accident, discovers an underground club where virtual reality simulations offer a chance to feel something—anything. As Eli immerses himself in these experiences, he uncovers unsettling truths about the club and himself.

Josh shares insights into the inspiration behind Traumaland, the challenges of writing about mental health and trauma, and the importance of queer representation in YA literature. He also discusses how his background as a mental health nurse informs his storytelling.

🎧 Tune in to explore:

• The intersection of technology and emotional healing

• Crafting authentic queer narratives in dystopian settings

• The ethical implications of commodifying trauma

Whether you're a fan of Black Mirror or compelling YA fiction, this conversation offers a deep dive into a novel that's as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

🔗 Listen now and join the discussion on how fiction can illuminate the complexities of the human psyche.

In this enriching episode of The Queerly Books Podcast, we welcome the remarkable K Patrick, the voice behind the compelling debut novel, "Mrs. S". Set in the claustrophobic yet liberating confines of an elite girls’ boarding school, "Mrs. S" masterfully explores themes of gender, sexuality, and identity.

Join us as we delve into K Patrick's creative process, unpack the evocative narrative of "Mrs. S", and discuss the profound themes that permeate the text. We explore the significance of an unnamed protagonist, the representation of queer longing and desire, and the role of Mrs. S - the paragon of heteronormativity.

This episode offers unique insights into the transformative power of queer love, the dissonance between self and place, and the author's personal journey in the realm of queer literature. Whether you're a writer, a reader, or someone interested in queer narratives, this conversation with K Patrick is not to be missed.

Grab your headphones and get ready for a thought-provoking conversation on queer storytelling.

In this episode of 'The Queerly Books Podcast', host Rob Gillett dives deep into the mind of debut author Tony Santorella. Tony's novel, 'Bored Gay Werewolf', brings together themes of horror, comedy, personal growth, and social commentary in a unique way.

Show Highlights:

- Tony shares the inspiration behind 'Bored Gay Werewolf' and how his experiences from Danvers to Washington DC, London, and across the globe influenced the book.

- Listen to Tony discuss his unique career transitions, from waiting tables to international development, and finally to writing.

- Learn about the creation of Brian and Tyler, the two main characters in 'Bored Gay Werewolf', and what Tony hopes readers take away from their roles in the story.

- Get a sneak peek into Tony's future writing plans and where you can purchase 'Bored Gay Werewolf'.

Guest Bio:

Tony Santorella is a debut author with a rich background in the service industry and international development. He brings a unique mix of experiences from Massachusetts, Washington DC, London, and his travels globally to his writing. His debut novel, 'Bored Gay Werewolf', offers a unique perspective on the power of friendship, the struggle of adulthood, and the complexities of masculinity and sexuality.

Links and Resources:

- Buy 'Bored Gay Werewolf' (Bookshop.org)

- Follow Tony Santorella on Instagram

Next Episode:

Tune in next time for our interview with K Patrick, author of the thrillingly evocative debut novel 'Mrs. S', a tale of queer love set in an elite English boarding school.

Welcome back to The Queerly Books Podcast! In this second part of our conversation with acclaimed author Becky Albertalli, we turn our attention to her latest novel, 'Imogen, Obviously'.

We explore the complexities of Imogen's self-perception, her journey in a queer college community, and the ways this narrative parallels Becky's own personal journey. With its engaging characters and Becky's signature blend of warmth and wit, 'Imogen, Obviously' presents a rich exploration of sexuality, identity, and friendship.

If you haven't listened to the first part of our discussion, where we delve into the intersection of authorship, identity, and representation, we highly recommend you check it out. Becky shares her experiences with coming out publicly and how it influenced her work.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain unique insights into 'Imogen, Obviously' and Becky's remarkable storytelling skills.

Guest: Becky Albertalli

Featured Book: 'Imogen, Obviously'

Previous Episode: A Deep Dive with Becky Albertalli, Part 1

Remember to subscribe and leave a review on your preferred podcast platform. For more information about the books and authors featured on our show, visit our website at thisisqueerly.com. Connect with us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @thisisqueerly to join our ongoing conversation about LGBTQ+ literature.

Stay tuned for our next episode – more fascinating discussions and inspiring voices await!

Welcome back to The Queerly Books Podcast! In our Series Two premiere, we're tackling some complex and important topics as we sit down with the celebrated YA author Becky Albertalli.

In this first of a two-part conversation, we discuss the intersection of authorship, identity, and representation. We focus on the challenges and controversies faced by authors who pen narratives outside of their own experiences, as well as the impact of diverse representation in literature.

Becky Albertalli, known for her beloved work 'Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda' and its film adaptation 'Love, Simon', has been a pivotal figure in these discussions. In 2020, Becky publicly identified as bisexual, adding a new perspective to the dialogue around her work. In this episode, we delve into her journey, addressing the accusations around appropriating queer content and spaces, and exploring how her personal experiences have informed her writing.

Next week, in Part 2 of our deep dive, we'll turn our attention to Becky's latest book, 'Imogen, Obviously'. This novel introduces us to Imogen, a 'hopelessly heterosexual' character who finds her notions of identity challenged when immersed in a queer college environment. With Becky's characteristic warmth and humour, this story intricately explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship.

Join us as we begin Series Two with a candid and compelling conversation with Becky Albertalli. You won't want to miss it!

Guest: Becky Albertalli

Featured Book: 'Imogen, Obviously'

Next Episode: A Deep Dive with Becky Albertalli, Part 2 (Releasing Next Week)

Remember to subscribe and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. For more information about the books and authors featured on our show, visit our website at thisisqueerly.com. You can also connect with us on social media - find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @thisisqueerly.

See you next week for Part 2 of our conversation with Becky Albertalli!

Dead men and buried secrets. On this episode Rob is joined by the award-winning author Kelly J. Ford to discuss her new book, the queer crime thriller REAL BAD THINGS. The story sees Jane, a queer woman in her forties, returning to the small Arkansas town she left 25 years earlier after confessing to the murder of her violent stepfather. There was no conviction at the time, but now that the body has surfaced Jane is back in an attempt to face her crimes and ensure other well kept secrets don't make their way to the surface.

REAL BAD THINGS is published by Thomas & Mercer and out now in bookstores in the US & worldwide via Amazon. You can find Kelly on Twitter and Instagram.

FLORIDA WOMAN APPEARS ON LGBTQ+ BOOKS PODCAST. This week Rob's joined by Deb Rogers to discuss her debut novel Florida Woman which follows one woman's sensational summer at a Floridian wildlife centre for exotic monkeys but all is not quite as it seems. They also discuss the origins of the 'Florida Woman...' meme and just how exactly you get Tiger King's Joe Exotic to blurb your book - FYI he said "My kind of book. I loved it.'

Florida Woman is out now in the US from Hanover Square Press, you can also find it on import from several UK booksellers. You can find Deb Rogers on Instagram and Twitter as @debontherocks

A gay millennial Bridget Jones? Yes please! Henry Fry's debut novel First Time For Everything promises exactly that and he joins Rob on this episode of The Queerly Books Podcast to talk all about it. They also discuss the challenges of getting comfortable with yourself as a queer person, the concept of a second coming out and things get a little awkward with regard to Rob's (now cancelled) plans for his own memoir.

First Time For Everything is out now in the UK from Orion Books and Ballentine Books in the US. You can find Henry on Twitter and Instagram.

Who doesn't love a royal scandal? Benjamin Dean's debut YA book certainly offers exactly that, the likes of which you have never read before. The King Is Dead is a Black LGBTQ+ royal reimagining full of scandalous secrets, rollercoaster romances and one hell of a mystery. Officially described as Gossip Girl... but make it royal. In this episode of The Queerly Books Podcast Ben tells us how his love for Princess Diana inspired this story, describes the moment he wasn't sure if he could finish the book and answers questions from @queerly.books followers on Instagram.

The King Is Dead is out now in the UK from Simon & Schuster and will be published in the US & Canada next year. You can find Benjamin on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok as @NotAgainBen.

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