Q&A: Julian Winters, Author of 'I Think They Love You'

We chat with Julian Winters, author of queer joy young adult novels such as Prince of the Palisades, As You Walk on By and now his upcoming adult debut I Think They Love You, which is a celebration of love, queer communities, big families―in all their beautiful complications― healing, and, most importantly, falling in love with the person you’re becoming.

Welcome, Julian! Thank you for chatting with us! How was 2024 and what’s ahead for the new year?

Thank you so much for having me! 2024 was an interesting year. Ups, downs, and so many twists and turns. But I released Prince of the Palisades, my YA royal romance, and wrote two books! 2025 is all about celebrating I Think They Love You, immersing myself in the adult romance space, and taking on new challenges to grow myself as an author.

Lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author and one you can’t stop thinking about!

The first book I remember reading was Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. The book that made me want to become an author is a tie between Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz and How to be a Normal Person by TJ Klune. The book I can’t stop thinking about is Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall.

**Tell us a bit about what readers can expect from I Think They Love You!**

All the tropes and all the fun that comes with them! There’s fake dating, second chances not only in love but in yourself, complicated family dynamics, extravagant parties, romcom movie shoutouts, fancy grilled cheeses, only one bed that leads to spiciness… Oh, and some pretty funny dad jokes.

I Think They Love You is your adult debut! What made you want to shift genres? Were there challenges or opportunities you noticed while writing?

All credit to my agent, Thao Le, for nudging me. At the end of 2019, she asked me for a list of all the stories ideas I wanted to write. I Think They Love You was one of them. After already having written four Young Adult novels, she suggested I finally dip my toe in adult romance.

Initially, it was difficult shifting from writing from a teen’s POV to an adult’s, which is weird to say since I’m an adult! It took a few drafts to nail down Denz and Braylon’s voices. But the opportunity to write an adult romance featuring two queer Black men at the center—in a space that has so few stories written by and featuring people like me as the main characters—was so encouraging and, honestly, a joyful experience.

One of the aspects I loved most about I Think They Love You is the intricately crafted web of familial relationships and the expectations and pressure that come with it. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired Denz’s family (and how you kept track of everyone’s journey)?

The Carters were inspired by my own family. I have a big extended family, where the word “love” is a very layered topic. Sometimes, it comes across as comforting, other times hilarious, and in certain moments, it’s dressed up in “well-meaning” commentary that doesn’t always have the effect either side wanted. I hope readers see glimpses of their own families/loved ones in Denz’s.

Thankfully, I have a notebook for every book I’m writing, so I was able to keep track of each Carter’s journey through pages and pages of detailed character profiles. In the original manuscript, the family was even larger! My agent helped me par it down to the members that would have the most impact on Denz and Braylon’s story.

Speaking of relationships: Denz and Braylon! What a whirlwind mix of second chance, fake dating and learning how to communicate. Without spoiling too much, can you tell us a bit about their journey and share your favorite scene between them?

Denz and Braylon are college sweethearts who break up just before graduation and it changes Denz’s entire outlook on love. Unfortunately, years later, he needs Braylon’s help to prove he’s more than what his family perceives him as. Their journey is about healing, defying expectations, getting a clumsy second chance at love, and owning the men they want to be, in life and for each other.

Choosing favorites is so hard for me! One that stands out is a scene between Denz, Braylon, and Denz’s nephew. It’s where Denz allows himself to believe he deserves something greater than life has give him and I love it dearly.

Q&A: Juliet Marillier, Author of ‘The Harp of Kings’

**In my review of I Think They Love You, I mentioned the cinematic quality of your writing. If it were to be adapted, which scene would you love to see playing out on a big screen?**

Either the engagement party where Denz and Braylon end up slow-dancing to Ingrid Michaelson’s “The Way I Am” or the flashback scene where Braylon teaches Denz how to make his famous French toast grilled cheese. Actually, any scene involving Denz, Braylon, and the French toast grilled cheese!

Writing can often be a solitary experience but you have an amazing group of fellow writer friends! Any advice for budding writers who want to feel more connected to others while crafting their stories?

First and foremost: be genuine. For me, that starts with shouting about the books/authors I can’t get enough of. If possible, attend in-person events or virtual ones. Have conversations with people you meet in those spaces. Reach out to writers you see at similar stages as you in their career. Don’t make every conversation about you and your work. And always remember—if you get through one door, hold it open for others to come through.

What’s next for you?

I have an unannounced YA romance that’s very different from my previously works. Think You’ve Reached Sam meets Lore Olympus. My next adult romance will be in the same universe as I Think They Love You featuring two characters you’ll meet—and hopefully love—in the first book.