However, many popular entries in this genre are usually (not always!) rife with things that are decidedly not up my alley: heterosexism, rigid gender binaries and expressions, gender essentialism, and patriarchal beliefs disguised as feminist empowerment.

As a straight nonbinary romantasy author, I find that I land in that awkward place where my preferences are too conventional for more queer-oriented romance, but much too opposed to traditional m/f romantasy. I can’t be the only one who feels this way, and so I write for myself and those who might land in a similar spot, regardless of gender or sexuality!

I love romances that explore and play with power imbalances, gender expressions, and societal structures and beliefs, all without falling into the usual tropes. Those tropes are perfectly fine if you enjoy them, but alternatives should exist for those of us who don’t but still want the fantasy of being swept off our feet by our very own Legolas (though I’m personally more of an Aragorn girlie) (it’s the sadness in his eyes) _{^{(and he runs funny)}}.

So, if you’re thirsty for non-heteronormative m/f* romance/fantasy/romantasy written by a nonbinary author who can’t get enough of elves, enjoy Howl’s Moving Castle (book and/or movie), or have really great abs, take my hand and let’s explode this dancery!

*not always m/f, sometimes nb/m