LGBTQ+ Fantasy Novel?!

Meet Debbie McQueen

I am a wife, a mom to two teens, and a proud affirming Christian LGBTQ+ ally. I've always been an avid reader, and also have had a love of writing. I once thought that being a "Christian fiction" author was my biggest dream, until I realized that there are a lot of boxes and boundaries set for Christian fiction. As I'm sure many have found, the bigger perception of Christianity isn't as inclusive as they'd like you to believe it is. I self-published my first book in 2017, and at the time was really focused on writing the women of the Bible. I love how strong they are despite the little time on page they were given in a male-dominated society. My first book, The Scarlet Cord, is a fictional re-telling of Rahab and the city of Jericho. I loved how God took this harlot in a godless city and used her in a great way. Originally, I planned to do more women of the Bible stories, but my attention soon became drawn to the mistreatment and misrepresentation of LGBTQ+ people within the "church" and Christian circles in particular.

While I am really proud of my Rahab story, I left it behind to focus on books that were inclusive and affirming. I happen to love YA fiction, it's my favorite genre. I think there is something really fun and special about that time of self-discovery, gaining independence, learning who you are, and of course epic love stories. But, the more YA I read, the more I found that LGBTQ characters were often designated to side kicks or best friends, but not very often the main characters, the heroes, or the ones with the epic love story.

Of Heart and Wings started with the simplest idea of creating a dragon shifter character that was male as human, but had a female dragon. I wanted to have something that didn't necessarily fit gender norms, and while he's human, he's all male, he's also not the typical alpha males you usually see in shifter books, but there's also this other part to him that most won't ever know or see.

I loved playing with the old trope of the prince saving the princess from the dragon, and decided to spin it on its head, by having the dragon save the prince. An action that begins a unique friendship, one where they can let the walls down and be seen for who they really are, and through it all that friendship grows into something much deeper, much stronger.

One of the things that was really important to me with this series, besides showing that deep and meaningful connection isn't defined by gender, is creating a world where my characters will not face negativity or hate for who they love. In fact, they are shown acceptance and encouragement.

Of Heart and Wings is the first of a 4-book series, book 2, Bound in Fire will be releasing January 24th. While there is this love story developing, there's also a lot happening around Raiden and Egan, their realm is heading towards war, and Egan has had to conceal his dragon side to protect himself.

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Of Heart and Wings Blurb

Raiden is the firstborn son and heir to the throne. When his father is injured, the weight of the crown is heavier than ever. At seventeen years old, Raiden isn’t sure he can live up to the king’s legacy.

Egan is a dragon who appears human. He works for his family as a blacksmith. The secret he must protect keeps him from getting close to anyone.

After a chance encounter, Raiden discovers Egan’s secret. They form a friendship forged by trust, it soon blossoms into something neither of them expected. The strength they find in each other may just help them rise up to meet their destinies.

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Bound in Fire Blurb

War is coming.

One way or another, the outcome will forever change the Sixth Realm.

Egan once thought his life would be marked with loneliness and invisibility in order to protect the fact that he’s actually a dragon, until meeting Prince Raiden. Now, he’s thrust into a world he never imagined he would be a part of. He's willing to find his place in Raiden’s world to be with the man he loves.

As prince, Raiden feels the weight of the impending battle and the lives of his people in peril. Everything hangs in the balance. He finds hope, strength, and refuge in the love he has in Egan and wants to cherish every moment while they can.

When the day arrives, Raiden and Egan march to war. Two soldiers bound together, bound both with duty and love.

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Visit Debbie's website & grab yourself a copy now!

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