Hi, Jonathan! Welcome back! How has the past four years been since we last spoke for your debut, Yes, Daddy?

I’ve been so grateful to see the wide and passionate readership that has emerged around Yes, Daddy. The book has resonated with so many people on such a deep level, and seeing how it continues to find new readers to this day is so incredibly gratifying. It is out in the world, doing the work I always hoped it would.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

I’ve loved writing and stories ever since I was a young child. There is a picture book I wrote when I was in elementary school called “Witches in Ditches.” It wasn’t exactly Dostoyevski, but it was my first foray into storytelling. It was—as the title suggests—about witches that lived in ditches!

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: I remember reading Gerald’s Game by Stephen King way too young. I think I picked it up at the library in 4th grade. And boy did that make an impression. I was simultaneously terrified and absolutely riveted. I suppose I’ve had a taste for darkness in literature since I was a kid.
• The one that made you want to become an author: Agatha Christie was another early influence on me. I remember ravaging the library for Miss Marple mysteries as a kid, devouring them like they were candy. If I could transport people in the way that Agatha Christie transported me, I felt that would be an incredible dream come true.
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: The Trees by Percival Everett. So wildly brilliant, so unlike anything I’d ever read before. Everett is one of my favorite writers in general, he has such incredible range. He can seemingly tackle any subject matter in any genre and absolutely succeed. He is such an innovative thinker, such a gifted prose stylist, and such a wildly unique writer.

Your latest novel, It’s Not the End of the World, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

A bonkers gay dystopian rollercoaster.

What can readers expect?

They can expect a wild genre-mashup, that blends brutal gore, provocative sexuality, disturbing projections of our future, and biting satirical wit.

Where did the inspiration for It’s Not the End of the World come from?

It was born out of my own feelings of dread and anxiety about where America and the world is headed, as we grapple with the oppressive forces of capitalism, patriarchy, and climate change. I wanted to confront my fears head on, and try to imagine how we could find hope amidst so much horror.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

The book is set in the near future, but the dystopia depicted within is not the result of some crazy, world-altering event. Rather it is a grounded projection of where we might be, based on where we currently are as a society. I found the research both satisfying and horrifying, though I did find solace in researching resistance and activist movements throughout history, to see how marginalized populations have fought against oppression in the past.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

The plotting in this book was more complex than in my last, and definitely required significant outlining to make sure everything was tracking correctly.

What’s next for you?

I am currently working on a new novel! I am still in the early writing stages, so I’m still keeping the logline under wraps. But rest assured it will be even more wild than this one!

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

Deep House by Jeremy Atherton Lin is fantastic. I was such a fan of his first non-fiction book Gay Bar, which was a personal history of gay bars. This one takes a similar approach to marriage equality. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors is every bit as good as the hype would suggest! Next up for me is Paul Preciado’s Dysphoria Mundi.

Will you be picking up It’s Not the End of the World? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Author of ‘It’s Not the End of the World’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Jonathan! Thanks for chatting with us! Why don’t you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Thank you for having me! I’m a novelist, journalist and screenwriter living in Los Angeles, California. My writing has appeared in a variety of publications including Vice, OUT Magazine, Slate, Medium, Atlas Obscura, W Magazine, and more. Yes, Daddy is my debut novel. And I’m very excited to be chatting with The Nerd Daily!

Now, tell us about Yes, Daddy! What can readers expect?

Here’s a brief spoiler-free peek: When Jonah Keller meets Richard Shriver—rather, pursues the older famous writer as stepping-stone to the fame he craves—the two begin a hungry, passionate affair. And when summer arrives, Richard invites his young lover for a spell at his sprawling country estate on Long Island. Set in the hamlet of Sagaponack, Southampton, a tall iron fence surrounds the idyllic gated compound where Richard and a number of like-minded, successful artists enjoy their summers. But Jonah can’t help noticing that the “help” is composed of young, attractive gay men—some sporting ugly bruises—and before long the chic getaway takes a series of disturbing turns. With stomach-dropping suddenness, Jonah is cast out of Richard’s good graces and forced into something more sinister. As a series of transgressions and degradations lead inexorably to a violent climax, Jonah hurtles towards a decisive revenge that will shape the rest of his life.

Yes, Daddy is an unpredictable read that hooks readers right from the beginning with its unsettling yet compelling prologue. What inspired this book for you?

Yes, Daddy is a very personal book for me. Though it is not autobiographical, it does explore many subjects that have had a profound impact on my life: the erotic pull of older men, the power imbalance at play within “daddy” relationships, the potential for toxicity and abuse, and sexual violence within the queer community.

In recent years, there has been an incredible and important cultural shift in how we, as a society, view sexual assault and rape. Stories of power imbalances, abuse, exploitation and sexual assault have become common place in the media. When the criminal justice system fails victims (as it still does far too frequently), the court of public opinion has emerged as a place where society can hold abusers accountable. But, of course, there is still so far to go. I think part of the challenge moving forward is adjusting our ideas of who we think of as victims. I long for these vital discussions around harassment, assault and abuse to incorporate more queer and trans victims, for the media to pay attention to people within my own community. I hope that Yes, Daddy can be part of the movement to create more space for LGBTQIA+ voices in our national dialogue surrounding sexual misconduct. I also wanted to show intersecting issues that could lead someone to become uniquely vulnerable to the type of exploitation depicted in my novel: poverty, familial estrangement, and the spiritual trauma that is experienced by so many members of the LGBTQIA+ community who come from Christian backgrounds.

The main character Jonah is the definition of “young, scrappy, and hungry” and tugged at my heartstrings with his ambitions and the painful journey he goes through. Without spoiling too much, can you talk a bit about Jonah’s struggles and what it was like to bring them to the page?

Jonah is an ambitious aspiring writer, who has a passion for storytelling. He believes that through his relationship with Richard—an older, famous writer—he will finally experience the success he longs for. He thinks that Richard is the answer to his professional prayers. Additionally, he identifies Richard as a man who can provide him with a version of paternal love that he never received as the child of an evangelical pastor who put him through horrific conversion therapy. In short, Jonah’s critical mistake is leaning on Richard for everything he desires: love, acceptance, financial support, professional validation. In the process, he loses himself and becomes completely dependent upon someone who will eventually exploit his vulnerabilities.

You explore difficult topics in this book – what’s your writing/research progress like? Are there ever moments where you need to take a step back because a scene gets too overwhelming? If so, do you have any tips for fellow writers on how to make it “through”?

I think that therapy is a wonderful thing that can be incredibly helpful to anyone going through a tough time. I also think that for writers who are dealing with subject matter that is personally difficult or overwhelming, it’s important for us to remember that writing is not a substitute for therapy. Writing can be therapeutic, but it is also important to have a support system in place while engaging with intensely personal subjects in your writing practice. If you are unable for whatever reason to hire a therapist, I would recommend seeking out a supportive friend, family member, or a fellow writer who can give you the support you need while writing about a topic that is painful for you.

In terms of research, this book was written over the course of four years, and I conducted comprehensive research to complement and enhance my personal knowledge of the topics and themes explored in the novel. The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is one of the best resources on trauma that I’ve encountered. Know My Name by Chanel Miller is a bracing and essential memoir that gives a powerful account of the personal impact of assault and the systemic failures of the U.S. justice system when it comes to victims. Boy Erased by Garrard Conley is a searing depiction of the horrific effects of conversion therapy. The essay anthology Not That Bad, edited by Roxane Gay, is another excellent resource. I’ve also read countless articles chronicling the #MeToo movement, but The Atlantic piece about Bryan Singer, titled “No One is Going to Believe You,” was particularly vital to my research for this book. The Jeffrey Epstein documentary Filthy Rich, Michael Jackson documentary Leaving Neverland, NXIVM documentary The Vow, and Surviving R Kelly are all essential viewing for understanding the ways in which wealth can be used to control the lives of victims and silence their voices. I also recommend the following scripted television series: I May Destroy You, Unbelievable, and The Tale.

You have contributed pieces for outlets such as Slate, Out, W, Atlas Obscura and many more – has this experience helped you in writing Yes, Daddy?

I believe that my experience as a journalist has helped hone my eye for detail and deepened my involvement with communities that share similar concerns as myself. I’ve worked with activists, organizers, artists, political advocacy groups, and various non-profits to help promote wide-ranging and intersectional social justice initiatives. Particularly close to my heart are issues that impact the LGBTQIA+ community, which is why I view this novel as a companion to my journalistic work.

Yes, Daddy has already been optioned by Amazon Studios. What are you most excited to see translated from the book to another medium? Is there a moment in the story that you need to be included?

I am very grateful to have queer collaborators who are helping me bring my book to the screen! Patrick Moran is a gay producer with so many incredible book-to-screen adaptations under his belt; he’s overseen the Little Fires Everywhere adaption for Hulu as well as the Zoe Kravitz-starring adaptation of High Fidelity, and so, so many other incredible shows. I’m also lucky to have queer filmmaker Stephen Dunn onboard, who is helming the upcoming Queer As Folk reboot for Peacock, and is the director of the film Closet Monster and the queer episode of Apple TV+’s Little America.

I don’t know if I’m as concerned with one particular moment being adapted for screen. What matters the most to me is that I have found queer collaborators who truly understand what I am trying to accomplish with this book. They understand the intense nature of this subject matter and the importance of adapting it with sensitivity and care. I feel lucky to be in such capable queer hands!

Last but not least, do you have any bookish recommendations for our readers?

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters is one of my favorite books in recent memory. I’d also recommend the recent release Let The Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993 by Sarah Schulman, which is a critical account of a crucial chapter in the history of the AIDS epidemic. A few other recent favorites: We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice by Mariame Kaba, Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon, Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia, Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour, 100 Boyfriends by Brontez Purnell. I feel lucky to have my book coming out around the same time as so many other fabulous recent releases!

Will you be picking up Yes, Daddy? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Author of ‘Yes, Daddy’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

If you thought 2020 was a year of breathtaking and riveting queer releases, you ain’t seen nothing yet. With highly anticipated new stories from authors such as Casey McQuiston, Ciara Smyth, and Kelly Quindlen as well as promising debut authors like Morgan Rogers and Robbie Couch, 2021 is shaping up to be the most inclusive and LGBTQIAP+ friendly year yet (and we couldn’t be happier to see it)!

Now, our focus was mainly YA and middle-grade releases, but we’ve also thrown in a couple of queer fantasy, mystery, and romance releases too!  Want even more 2021 releases? Check out our list of Most Anticipated releases, Fantasy and Sci-Fi releases, Young Adult releases, Romance releases, and Queer SFF releases.

Read on to get a glimpse at some of the January to June 2021 #LGBTQIAP+ novels we cannot wait to get our hands on! And as always, tell us what other queer releases you’re looking forward to in the comments below!

JANUARY

Lava Red Feather Blue by Molly Ringle
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

On a magically hidden North Pacific island, when a man awakens a sleeping beauty of a prince, it’s only the beginning of the fairy tale, as breaking the spell unleashes a dangerous force among the fae too.

Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Project Runway goes to Comic Con in an epic, queer love story about creativity, creation, and finding the courage to be your most authentic self.

Wench by Maxine Kaplan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A funny, fiercely feminist YA epic fantasy—following the adventures of a tavern wench.

When Tara Met Farah by Tara Pammi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

“Sunshine Girl needs math lessons” in this sapphic grumpy meets sunshine new adult romance.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Acclaimed author of Ash, Malinda Lo returns with her most personal and ambitious novel yet, a gripping story of love and duty set in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the 1950s.

Not Quite Out by Louise Willingham
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

William Anson is done with relationships, thanks. He’s starting the second year of his medicine degree single, focused, and ready to mingle with purely platonic intentions. Until he meets Daniel, a barely recovered drug addict that turns his world upside down.

The Heiress by Molly Greeley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this gorgeously written and spellbinding historical novel based on Pride and Prejudice, the author of The Clergyman’s Wife combines the knowing eye of Jane Austen with the eroticism and Gothic intrigue of Sarah Waters to reimagine the life of the mysterious Anne de Bourgh.

FEBRUARY

Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A refreshingly timely and relatable debut novel about a young woman whose life plans fall apart when she meets her wife.

100 Boyfriends by Brontez Purnell
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

An irreverent, sensitive, and inimitable look at gay dysfunction through the eyes of a cult hero

A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The Cruel Prince meets City of Bones in this thrilling urban fantasy set in the magical underworld of Toronto that follows a queer cast of characters racing to stop a serial killer whose crimes could expose the hidden world of faeries to humans.

Love is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this wry and hilarious queer romantic comedy, fifteen-year-old Phoebe realizes that falling in love is maybe not just for losers.

As Far as You’ll Take Me by Phil Stamper
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The author of The Gravity of Us crafts another heartfelt coming-of-age story about finding the people who become your home – perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli.

Let’s Get Back to the Party by Zak Salih
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Rich with sharply drawn characters and contemporary detail, provocative, and emotionally profound, Let’s Get Back to the Party is sure to appeal to readers of Garth Greenwell, Alan Hollinghurst, Claire Messud, and Rebecca Makkai.

The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A funny and heart-warming queer Indigenous YA novel, set in a rural Australian community, about seventeen-year-old Jackson finding the courage to explore who he is, even if it scares him.

MARCH

Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Sophie Gonzales’ Perfect on Paper, Leah on the Offbeat meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: a bisexual girl who gives anonymous love advice to her classmates is hired by the hot guy to help him get his ex back.

Sweet & Bitter Magic by Adrienne Tooley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this charming debut fantasy perfect for fans of Sorcery of Thorns and Girls of Paper and Fire, a witch cursed to never love meets a girl hiding her own dangerous magic, and the two strike a dangerous bargain to save their queendom.

Bruised by Tanya Boteju
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Whip It meets We Are Okay in this vibrant coming-of-age story, about a teen girl navigates first love, identity, and grief when she immerses herself in the colorful, brutal, beautiful world of roller derby. From the acclaimed author of Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens.

The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When two teens discover that they were both sexually assaulted at the same party, they develop a cautious friendship through her family’s possibly magical pastelería, his secret forest of otherworldly trees, and the swallows returning to their hometown.

She’s Too Pretty to Burn by Wendy Heard
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Inspired by The Picture of Dorian Gray comes an electric romance set against a rebel art scene that sparks lethal danger for two girls in this expertly plotted YA thriller. For fans of E. Lockhart, Lauren Oliver and Kara Thomas.

I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A YA contemporary rom com about two girls who start as rivals but after a twist of events, end up falling for one another–at least they think so.

Follow Your Arrow by Jessica Verdi
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, this is a riveting and irresistible take on love, life, and identity – both online and off.

APRIL

The Sky Blues by Robbie Couch
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sky’s small town turns absolutely claustrophobic when his secret promposal plans get leaked to the entire school in this witty, heartfelt, and ultimately hopeful debut novel for fans of What if it’s Us? and I Wish You All the Best.

Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A moving #ownvoices YA debut about a trans boy finding his voice—and himself.

These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Three Dark Crowns meets Wicked Saints in this queer #ownvoices retelling of The Firebird, a Russian folktale, by debut author Alexandra Overy.

Zara Hossain Is Here by Sabina Khan
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of the “heart-wrenching yet hopeful” (Samira Ahmed) novel The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, comes a timely, intimate look at what it means to be an immigrant in America today, and the endurance of hope and faith in the face of hate.

Malice by Heather Walter
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A princess isn’t supposed to fall for an evil sorceress. But in this darkly magical retelling of “Sleeping Beauty,” true love is more than a simple fairy tale.

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

High school nemeses fall in love in this queer YA rom com perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuisten

The Key to You and Me by Jaye Robin Brown
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sweet and funny #ownvoices LGBTQ+ romance perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Julie Murphy, from the critically acclaimed author of Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit!

MAY

Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Felix Ever After meets Becky Albertalli in this swoon-worthy, heartfelt rom-com about how a transgender teen’s first love challenges his ideas about perfect relationships.

It Goes Like This by Miel Moreland
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In Miel Moreland’s heartfelt young adult debut, four queer teens realize that sometimes you have to risk hitting repeat on heartbreak.

How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

11-year-old Pluto struggles with her depression and anxiety diagnosis, which feels like a big black hole sitting on her chest making it too hard to do anything. She makes efforts to find balance with an assist from the friendly voice on the Hayden Planetarium’s Astronomy Question and Answer Hotline.

Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the author of The Falling in Love Montage, this queer coming-of-age story about a slacker who inadvertently becomes her school’s underground problem-solver is wry, multilayered, and unflinchingly honest—perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Nina LaCour.

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Cool for the Summer is a story of self-discovery and new love. It’s about the things we want and the things we need. And it’s about the people who will let us be who we are. 

Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To All the Boys I Loved Before meets LGBT romance in this funny, heart-warming rom-com about first love and identity.

May the Best Man Win by ZR Ellor
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A trans boy enters a throw-down battle for the title of Homecoming King with the boy he dumped last summer in ZR Ellor’s contemporary YA debut.

JUNE

The (Un)Popular Vote by Jasper Sanchez
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Red, White and Royal Blue meets The West Wing in Sanchez’s electric and insightful #ownvoices YA debut, chronicling a transmasculine student’s foray into a no-holds-barred student body president election against the wishes of his politician father.

Jay’s Gay Agenda by Jason June
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From debut novelist Jason June comes a moving and hilarious sex-positive teen rom-com about the complexities of first loves, first hookups, and first heartbreaks—and how to stay true to yourself while embracing what you never saw coming.

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

They Both Die at the End meets The Loneliest Girl in the Universe in this mind-bending sci-fi mystery and tender love story about two boys aboard a spaceship sent on a rescue mission.

The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

To save a fae kingdom, a trans witch must face his traumatic past and the royal fiancé he left behind. This debut YA fantasy will leave you spellbound.

Yes, Daddy by Jonathan Parks-Ramage
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A propulsive, scorching modern gothic, Yes, Daddy follows an ambitious young man who is lured by an older, successful playwright into a dizzying world of wealth and an idyllic Hamptons home where things take a nightmarish turn.

Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A queer YA reimagining of Thelma & Louise with the aesthetic of Riverdale.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

From the New York Times bestselling author of Red, White & Royal Blue comes a new romantic comedy that puts a queer spin on Kate & Leopold.

What queer 2021 book releases are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Anticipated Queer Book Releases You Can’t Miss In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.