Right Here Write Queer
A collective of queer and cozy indie authors discussing books, writing, and publishing.
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Trope Talk - Enemies to Lovers
09/09/2025
Trope Talk - Enemies to Lovers
The opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s indifference. Indie authors R.K. Ashwick (she/her), Luna Daye (she/her), and Noah Hawthorne (they/them) come together to discuss what makes a compelling enemies-to-lovers narrative. RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Sidequest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website: Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the Fated Fae romantasy series as well as the epic fantasy series the Thoraius Saga. You can connect with her at her website: Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website:
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Ch. 2 - Phantom and Rook (audiobook!) by Aelina Isaacs
09/02/2025
Ch. 2 - Phantom and Rook (audiobook!) by Aelina Isaacs
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Phantom and Rook by Aelina Isaacs, narrated by Kirt Graves. At 100 years old, witch Arlo Rook is set to finally leave the orphanage and strike out on his own — but his life turns upside down when he crashes into Thatch Phantom, a celebrated immortal who longs for a place and a person to call home. Embark on a cozy fantasy adventure full of magic, mystery, and romance! Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook. You can connect with them at their website:
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Contemporary Romance with D.C. Emerson
08/26/2025
Contemporary Romance with D.C. Emerson
D.C. Emerson (they/them) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about finding yourself and creating community through contemporary storytelling. D.C. Emerson (they/them) writes queer romance, including the Not So Normative series and the spin-off series Conflict Mediation. You can connect with them on Instagram Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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Tales from the Tea Shop with Nik Kirimizi
08/19/2025
Tales from the Tea Shop with Nik Kirimizi
Nik Kirimizi (they/them) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about fantasy worldbuilding rooted in real-world history, mental illness representation, and how the only way out is through. Nik Kirimizi (they/them) is the author of the fantasy novels Bounds of the Forest and Of Indomitable Desire as well as their forthcoming book Tales of the Tea Shop. You can find them on instagram Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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The Voice of Wild Places - Kickstarter with Noah Hawthorne
08/12/2025
The Voice of Wild Places - Kickstarter with Noah Hawthorne
Indie author Luna Daye (she/her) interviews Noah Hawthorne (they/them) about crowdfunding their upcoming queer historical adventure novel The Voice of Wild Places—also known as “the gay we found along the way.” Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the Fated Fae romantasy series as well as the epic fantasy series the Thoraius Saga. You can connect with her at her website:
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Ch. 6 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook sneak peek!) by Sebastian Nothwell
08/05/2025
Ch. 6 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook sneak peek!) by Sebastian Nothwell
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong. Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. Oak King Holly King is a gay romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a mortal clerk fated to save him. Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
/episode/index/show/a7e25475-a818-4bac-ae61-6573ebcfc5ac/id/37686505
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Old(er) Characters in Romance
07/29/2025
Old(er) Characters in Romance
From Professor X and Magneto to Our Flag Means Death to, yes, actual romance novels—unlock the potential of a lifetime (literally) with older characters in romance. Readers yearn for old man yaoi. (And, if we dare to dream, old lady yuri…?) Carolina Cruz (they/them) is the author of the vampire horror romance Blood in the Water and the queer fantasy series The Creed of Gethin (beginning with The Unwanted Prophet). You can connect with them on instagram Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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Plotting vs. Pantsing
07/22/2025
Plotting vs. Pantsing
Three indie authors discuss the opposing methods of plotting out a book vs. flying by the seat of your pants, and strategies to blend these methods to achieve the best of both worlds. RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Sidequest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website: Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the Fated Fae romantasy series as well as the epic fantasy series the Thoraius Saga. You can connect with her at her website: Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website:
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Selling Direct
07/15/2025
Selling Direct
Indie authors Noah Hawthorne (they/them) and Tess Carletta (she/her) discuss selling direct—aka acquiring books you love directly from the authors who wrote them. From cutting out the middleman to adding a unique personal touch to every package, they weigh the pros and cons of bringing their books directly to readers like you. Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website:
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Ch. 5 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook sneak peek!) by Sebastian Nothwell
07/08/2025
Ch. 5 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook sneak peek!) by Sebastian Nothwell
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong. Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. Oak King Holly King is a gay romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a Victorian clerk fated to save him. Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
/episode/index/show/a7e25475-a818-4bac-ae61-6573ebcfc5ac/id/37328200
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Annotated Books
07/01/2025
Annotated Books
Why annotate a book? From enriching your own reading experience to starting a long-distance book club with your friends or even getting a personalized intimate view of your favorite novel from the author themself, the possibilities are endless when you open your heart to annotations. Plus—tips on throwing your own annotation party! Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: Luna Daye (she/her) is the author of the Fated Fae romantasy series as well as the high fantasy series the Thoraius Saga. You can connect with her at her website: Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
/episode/index/show/a7e25475-a818-4bac-ae61-6573ebcfc5ac/id/37241390
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Ch. 4 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook sneak peek!) by Sebastian Nothwell
06/24/2025
Ch. 4 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook sneak peek!) by Sebastian Nothwell
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong. Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. Oak King Holly King is a gay romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a Victorian clerk fated to save him. Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
/episode/index/show/a7e25475-a818-4bac-ae61-6573ebcfc5ac/id/37132990
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Goldheart - Floral Fantasy with Tess Carletta
06/17/2025
Goldheart - Floral Fantasy with Tess Carletta
Growing flowers out of your skin all by yourself, handsome? Plant magic, putting characters through the wringer, and sunflowers vs. lilies—Tess Carletta (she/her) talks with RK Ashwick (she/her) about her new queer romantasy novel Goldheart. Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Sidequest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website:
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Sapphic Shenanigans at the Ren Faire with Jess Galaxie
06/10/2025
Sapphic Shenanigans at the Ren Faire with Jess Galaxie
Jess Galaxie (they/them) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about fantastical inspiration and the joy of collaborating with human artists. Jess Galaxie (they/them) is the author of the cozy fantasy duology The Graveyard Trees (beginning with Feathers of Dawn) and the forthcoming sapphic ren faire romance How to Juggle Ballads and Blades. You can connect with them on instagram @galaxiebot Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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Groveling - Trope Talk
06/03/2025
Groveling - Trope Talk
The hour has arrived for a big apology to slake the reader’s thirst for justice. Indie authors Tess Carletta (she/her) and Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) discuss the groveling trope in romance and genre fiction, why it’s so difficult to get right, and what can be done to make it truly satisfying. Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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Cozy Capitalism - Trope Talk
05/27/2025
Cozy Capitalism - Trope Talk
Authors RK Ashwick (she/her) and Noah Hawthorne (they/them) discuss why so many cozy fantasy stories feature coffeeshops and bookshops, how to break out of the mold, and where the genre’s economic models may go in the future. RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Sidequest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website: Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website:
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Immortality - Trope Talk
05/20/2025
Immortality - Trope Talk
Indie authors RK Ashwick, Tess Carletta, and Noah Hawthorne discuss their immortal characters and how they use immortality in their writing—from forest spirits to fae descendants and everything between and beyond. Spoilers ahead! RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Sidequest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website: Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: Noah Hawthorne (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website:
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Astrophobia with Vesper Doom
05/13/2025
Astrophobia with Vesper Doom
Carolina Cruz (they/them) is joined by Vesper Doom (she/they) to discuss their space horror anthology Astrophobia—including an audio love letter to the Alien films and the joy of collaborating with human authors and human artists. Vesper Doom (she/they) is the author of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror works like Broodmother, The Binding of Bloom Mountain, and the upcoming Metropolis Down. You can connect with her on their website: Carolina Cruz (they/them) is the author of the vampire horror romance Blood in the Water and the queer fantasy series The Creed of Gethin (beginning with The Unwanted Prophet). You can connect with them on instagram
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The Spirit’s Curse with RK Ashwick
05/06/2025
The Spirit’s Curse with RK Ashwick
Cozy fantasy author RK Ashwick (she/her) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about the rewards and challenges of wrapping up a series with her latest novel The Spirit’s Curse, the conclusion to the Lutesong trilogy. The spirits have awoken- and can never sleep again. After being roused to defend against a magical disaster, the nature spirits of Thalis have begun to leave their groves and mingle with humans. Eager to welcome their verdant new friends, Emry, Cal, and Aspen take center stage once more: they throw the country’s first spirit festival. Music and merriment abound—but when an angry lynx attacks Aspen onstage, demanding to know how to go back to sleep in his grove, Emry realizes that not every spirit wants this new life…and he has no idea how to return them to their old one. The trio and their allies venture into an old-growth forest, seeking answers from Yarrow, the country’s oldest spirit. But Yarrow has grown treacherous—instead of helping them, it traps them in Raven’s Rest, a stubborn little village fighting for its place in the forest. As Yarrow’s malice grows and the spirits question their place in the world, Emry, Cal, and Aspen must join forces with the village to subdue Yarrow—even if it means destroying the very answers they seek. RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit, as well as the cozy fantasy series Sidequest Row beginning with A Rival Most Vial. You can connect with her at her website: Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King, the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, and the historical romance Mr Warren's Profession, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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Sneak Peek! The Kit and Basie Audiobook with Tess Carletta
04/29/2025
Sneak Peek! The Kit and Basie Audiobook with Tess Carletta
Please enjoy this exclusive preview of the audiobook for Kit and Basie by Tess Carletta, narrated by Josh Innerst. Immortality is a dangerous affair when it isn’t done right. Basie Yeats knows he’s doing immortality all wrong, spending endless days in the same place, but he doesn’t see a reason to leave the home he loves in Long Lily, Pennsylvania. Once the impossible death of his mother leaves him the only immortal person he knows, Basie decides that the only thing he wants to do is get out of Long Lily and start doing immortality the right way—alone. Kit Elliot has wandered the world looking for the right place to call home, so when a church-turned-cottage suddenly goes up for sale in a quaint Pennsylvania town, it feels like it was meant to be. It takes only a few days at Wellhead Cottage for Kit to decide that the man who sold it to him is frustrating, awkward, and terribly handsome. He offers to help Basie find a new home away from Long Lily—but as days turn to months, Kit finds himself wishing he could make Basie stay. Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit and Basie, a cozy contemporary queer romantasy, as well as its sequel Patchwork and the stand-alone romantasy adventure novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website:
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Indie Bookstore Day - A Love Letter
04/22/2025
Indie Bookstore Day - A Love Letter
A roundtable of indie authors chat about why we love independent bookstores, the perfect match between indie authors and indie bookshops, and what NOT to do as an indie author who wants to work with independent bookshops. Carolina Cruz (they/them) is the author of the vampire horror romance Blood in the Water and the queer fantasy series The Creed of Gethin (beginning with The Unwanted Prophet). You can connect with them on instagram Noah Hawthorn (they/them), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with them at their website: RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the cozy fantasy A Rival Most Vial and its sequel A Captured Cauldron, as well as the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit. You can connect with her at her website: Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website: Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website:
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Ch. 3 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook!) by Sebastian Nothwell
04/15/2025
Ch. 3 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook!) by Sebastian Nothwell
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong. Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. Oak King Holly King is a romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a Victorian clerk fated to save him. Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
/episode/index/show/a7e25475-a818-4bac-ae61-6573ebcfc5ac/id/36153955
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Gay the Pray Away with Natalie Naudus
04/08/2025
Gay the Pray Away with Natalie Naudus
Audiobook narrator turned author Natalie Naudus (she/her) joins Carolina Cruz (they/them) and Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) to discuss her debut novel Gay the Pray Away, a young adult tale of escaping the confines of a cult to find a sapphic happily-ever-after that deftly weaves raised stakes with even higher hopes. Natalie Naudus (she/her) is an Audie and Earphones award-winning audiobook narrator of over 500 titles, as well as the author (and narrator!) of the young adult novel Gay the Pray Away and the co-creator of spicy sapphic short stories on her Patreon. You can connect with her at her website: Carolina Cruz (they/them) is the author of the vampire horror romance Blood in the Water and the queer fantasy series The Creed of Gethin (beginning with The Unwanted Prophet). You can connect with them on instagram
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She Was Monstrous with Robin Jo Margaret
04/01/2025
She Was Monstrous with Robin Jo Margaret
Robin Jo Margaret (xe/xyr) joins Noah Hawthorne (he/they) to discuss xyr queer indie author journey, including the new She Was Monstrous anthology, flipping the script on who gets to be the beast in romance, forging author community through collaboration, and the joy of commissioning human artists. Robin Jo Margaret (xe/xyr) is a queer and disabled author from Italy, writing paranormal and monster romance and erotica under the penname Robin Jo Margaret for paranormal and monster romance and erotica, and human stories (both spicy and non) under R.J. Margaret. Whether clearly stated or not, there is always some kind of queer representation in xyr books, and xe makes room for many body types, especially bigger ones, as well as disabilities. You can connect with xyr through xyr website: Noah Hawthorn (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook, and the solarpunk novel The Rebel Foxes, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at their website:
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Ch. 2 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook!) by Sebastian Nothwell
03/25/2025
Ch. 2 - Oak King Holly King (audiobook!) by Sebastian Nothwell
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Oak King Holly King - a gay Victorian fae romance by Sebastian Nothwell, read by Gary Furlong. Shrike, the Butcher of Blackthorn, is a legendary warrior of the fae realms. When he wins a tournament in the Court of the Silver Wheel, its queen names him her Oak King - a figurehead destined to die in a ritual duel to invoke the change of seasons. Shrike is determined to survive. Even if it means he must put his heart as well as his life into a mere mortal’s hands. Wren Lofthouse, a London clerk, has long ago resigned himself to a life of tedium and given up his fanciful dreams. When a medieval-looking brute arrives at his office to murmur of destiny, he’s inclined to think his old enemies are playing an elaborate prank. Still, he can’t help feeling intrigued by the bizarre-yet-handsome stranger and his fantastical ramblings, whose presence stirs up emotions Wren has tried to lock away in the withered husk of his heart. As Shrike whisks Wren away to a world of Wild Hunts and arcane rites, Wren is freed from the repression of Victorian society. But both the fae and mortal realms prove treacherous to their growing bond. Wren and Shrike must fight side-by-side to see who will claim victory - Oak King or Holly King. Oak King Holly King is a romantasy wherein a fearsome fae warrior destined for ritual sacrifice seeks a Victorian clerk fated to save him. Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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Goldheart on Kickstarter with Tess Carletta
03/18/2025
Goldheart on Kickstarter with Tess Carletta
Tess Carletta (she/her) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about her successful Kickstarter campaign for her queer romantic fantasy novel Goldheart. After being abducted from his orphanage, Senna Kane was raised and molded into the perfect Goldheart. As his personal guard, Senna accompanies Prince Percy on a journey outside the kingdom of Talsura...and its protective barrier. The Dam has always kept them safe from the sun sickness, a deadly disease that causes its victims to grow plants from their bodies when touched by sunlight—but it also means they must live under a relentless black sky.
They set out to a neighboring rival kingdom and find the citizens of Redwind have embraced the sickness and the gifts it offers. Among them is Captain Emrys Calloway, the handsome guard to the princess who encourages Senna to do reckless, impossible things—like learn to wield the sun's magic himself. They form a furtive plot with Princess Thea and the spirited librarian, Nare, to tackle the dangerous magic and restore the bond between their kingdoms before it's broken once and for all.
Goldheart is a story about chosen family, choosing love, and the impossible feat of staying good in times of darkness. Coming to a bookshelf near you on June 25th, 2025! Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of the Victorian romantasy Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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Phantom and Rook (audiobook!) by Aelina Isaacs
03/11/2025
Phantom and Rook (audiobook!) by Aelina Isaacs
Please enjoy this special sneak peek into the audiobook of Phantom and Rook by Aelina Isaacs, narrated by Kirt Graves. At 100 years old, witch Arlo Rook is set to finally leave the orphanage and strike out on his own — but his life turns upside down when he crashes into Thatch Phantom, a celebrated immortal who longs for a place and a person to call home. Embark on a cozy fantasy adventure full of magic, mystery, and romance! Noah Hawthorne (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook. You can connect with him at their website:
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Hope and Spite with E.M. Lindsey
03/04/2025
Hope and Spite with E.M. Lindsey
E.M. Lindsey (they/them) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about writing characters with disabilities, forging your own path through indie publishing, and keeping hope alive while spitefully surviving. E.M. Lindsey (they/them) is a non-binary, MM Romance author, an ancient historian, and avid lover of nerdy things. You can connect with them and their 100+ queer romance stories at their website: Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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The Viscount Says Yes with Sarah Wallace
02/25/2025
The Viscount Says Yes with Sarah Wallace
Sarah Wallace (they/she) chats with Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) about the surprise release of their queernormative cozy Regency romantasy The Viscount Says Yes. Pip Standish enjoys his life in Tutting-on-Cress, surrounded by found family and working in his friend Gerry’s spellshop. But there’s one niggling problem at the corner of his how to propose to the charming Viscount Bertie Finlington? When Gerry gets married and moves out, Pip is faced with how quickly things are changing in his circle of friends. With the spellshop temporarily closed for the honeymoon, now is the perfect time to take his prospects into his own hands. But as he and Bertie spend time together on a magical project, Pip finds himself puzzling through his past to decide what he wants for his future. And braving change may turn out to be even harder than asking for Bertie’s hand. The Viscount Says Yes is the HEA epilogue to Pip and Bertie’s love story, which began in The Education of Pip. Sarah Wallace (they/she) is the author of the queernormative cozy fantasy series Meddle & Mend, beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street, and alongside S.O. Callahan (she/her) is coauthor of the cozy queernormative Regency romantasy Fae & Human Relations series beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms. You can connect with them on instagram Sebastian Nothwell (he/him) is the author of Oak King Holly King, its sequel Tales from Blackthorn Briar, and the fantasy-of-manners romance Fiorenzo, amongst other titles. You can connect with him at his website:
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Found Family - Trope Talk
02/18/2025
Found Family - Trope Talk
A roundtable of queer and cozy authors discusses why we love the found family trope, what stories do it best, our favorite character dynamics within the trope, and why it rings so true for the queer community. RK Ashwick (she/her) is the author of the cozy fantasy A Rival Most Vial and its sequel A Captured Cauldron, as well as the Lutesong trilogy beginning with The Stray Spirit. You can connect with her at her website: Tess Carletta (she/her) is the author of Kit & Basie, a queer cozy fantasy romance, its sequel collection Patchwork, and the forthcoming fantasy novel Goldheart. You can connect with her at her website: Noah Hawthorne (he/they), also writing as Aelina Isaacs, is the author of the queer cozy fantasy series Adventures in Levena, beginning with Phantom and Rook. You can connect with him at their website: Sarah Wallace (they/she) is the author of the cozy Regency romantasy series Meddle & Mend beginning with Letters to Half Moon Street and coauthor with S.O. Callahan of the Fae & Human Relations series beginning with Breeze Spells and Bridegrooms. You can connect with them on instagram
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