Words: Franklin Abbott’s ‘My Ordinary Life’ - Bright story poems from dark times

Franklin Abbott’s newest book, “My Ordinary Life,” is more than a collection of story poems. It’s a quiet reckoning with the extraordinary weight of recent years. With a gentle yet unflinching voice, his work spans pandemics and personal moments.

Words: Jerry Wheeler and Shawn Stewart Ruff

Jerry Wheeler and Shawn Stewart Ruff have a few things in common, both known for writing LGBTQ literature, particularly with a focus on gay male characters and themes.

Words: Kara Zajac on 'The Significance of Curly Hair'

In Kara Zajac's memoir, "The Significance of Curly Hair: A Loving Memoir of Life and Loss," she shares the story of growing up with her grandmother and the bond they created that transcended time.

Words: Elizabeth Costello's novel, 'The Good War'

Elizabeth Costello's debut novel "The Good War" masterfully weaves two intertwining stories, capturing the complexities of two women's lives, with lyrical prose that resonates deeply.

Words: Ben Fink's 'Noble Deeds' - photo book of 'Mythic Portraits of the Imperial Court'

In 2017, veteran photographer Ben Fink embarked on a journey to illuminate the legacy of the Imperial Court. The award-winning artist captured scores of iconic personalities in dreamlike and distinctive tableaus.

Words: Melanie Senn's 'Murray,' a novel based on a true story

When I first spoke with Melanie Senn about her historical novel, "Murray," it sparked an interest in a nano-second. Who doesn't love a story about a gender-bending historical figure.

Words: 'Trans Anthology Project,' a new collection of stories written for and by gender-diverse teens and their parents

It all started with a single story; a one-off essay written by a mom trying to make sense of her experience parenting her trans son. Two years later, "Trans Anthology Project" is a 310-page collection of stories and educational content.

Words: 'Song Of Myself,' Walt Whitman scholar Arnie Kantrowitz's posthumous book published

The posthumous publication of "Song of Myself," a previously unpublished novel by the late gay activist and Walt Whitman scholar, Arnie Kantrowitz is about a gay man's odyssey of self-discovery.

Robert Raasch: author discusses 'The Summer Between'

The author of the acclaimed coming of age novel set in 1970s Greenwich Village discusses his work process and inspiration behind the story.

Donna Minkowitz: acclaimed journalist & author takes us to 'Donnaville'

Donna Minkowitz has been a dynamic force in the literary world for decades. Her journalism and memoir have won acclaim. Now she's taking us on a multiple (and single?) character novel set in her self-named town.

MariNaomi - Queer graphic novelist confronts censorship

Confronted with censorship, queer graphic novelist advocates for freedom of expression, visibility for comics and artistic rights. Their efforts have made them a significant figure in the fight against book banning, inspiring others as well.

Words: writer meets publisher: Elisabeth Nonas on meeting Nancy Bereano

Elisabeth Nonas is an accomplished author whose path crossed with Nancy Bereano, a noted publisher. Although Nancy Bereano did not publish Elisabeth Nonas' works, their professional connection blossomed into a significant personal relationship.

Words: savoring Saints & Sinners: Gerard Cabrera on the LGBTQ literary festival

At the 2024 Saints & Sinners Literary Festival in New Orleans, writer Gerard Cabrera had the opportunity to immerse himself in a vibrant and diverse community of writers and readers.

Funny stuff: author James Pauley Jr. on learning to laugh in life

James Pauley Jr. is a humor writer with a knack for storytelling, focusing on personal experiences that are both entertaining and heartwarming. His two books contain a collection of laugh-out-loud anecdotes and messages of love and acceptance.

Words: J. M. Redmann and Terry Wolverton: authors discuss lesbian mysteries and thrillers

Lesbian mystery and thriller authors have carved out a unique niche within the genre. Authors J.M. Redmann and Terry Wolverton discuss their writing in and outside genre expectations.

Words: Lesléa Newman and Gary Eldon Peter: Young Adult writers in conversation

Books about LGBTQ younger generations living in rural settings helps to save lives. Characters, stories and landscape that young readers can connect with are always important. YA authors Lesléa Newman and Gary Eldon Peter discussed their new books.

Words: Emanuel Xavier and Cheryl Boyce Taylor: two poets in conversation

Our new literary columnist shares a conversation between acclaimed poets Emanuel Xavier ("Love(ly) Child") and Cheryl Boyce Taylor ("The Limitless Heart: New and Selected Poems 1997-2022").

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