Ali: Hello Debbie, it’s so nice to get a chance to chat with you. Would you please introduce yourself?
Debbie: I’m Debbie, I’ve been married to my husband for 18 years. We have two amazing teenagers. I am an avid reader and have always loved writing. My favorite genre is YA/NA- there’s just something unique about that time of discovery, independence, learning who you are, epic tales, and first love. I also am a big fan of PNR, UF, Fantasy Romance, thrillers, and the occasional contemporary romance.
Describe yourself in three words.
Nice, positive, weird.
What genre do you write?
I am currently writing YA Fantasy with a MM romance, but have also written a mystery/suspense, and a historical fiction/romance.
What inspired you to write in this genre?
As I mentioned earlier, I love reading YA but I felt like there is a lack of LGBTQ characters that are the MC’s, they usually play the part of the sidekick or best friend. I think everyone deserves to see themselves in the hero or with the epic love story. I felt like because I was writing a fantasy world, I could make my own rules, so my characters will never face any hate or negativity for who they love.
Who are some of your influences?
Jennifer L Armentrout is one of my favorite authors, I think she writes really fun characters, and use humor throughout. I also felt really inspired by Red, White, and Royal Blue and the response it has received. I think there is so much need for inclusive fiction.
Tell us a little about your first book.
My very first book that I published a few years ago was a Bible-based fiction about Rahab and the city of Jericho. I spent years finishing The Scarlet Cord, and I’m really proud of it. I also know that my writing has changed since I first started writing that book, and I hope to be able to revisit it at some point. My current series is holding my attention and passion at the moment. The first book in this series is Of Heart and Wings. In OHAW, we follow the story of Raiden and Egan. Raiden is a 17 yr old prince, who is burdened with the weight of the crown after his father gets injured. Egan is a dragon shifter who has always had to keep his distance from others in order to protect his secret. After Raiden discovers Egan’s secret, they form a friendship, that soon grows into something neither expected. It is a sweet MM romance. This first book shows the beginning of their relationship, and they are adorkable and sweet as they get to know each other, and show up for each other when they are facing difficulties.
Tell us a little about the new series and how the new book fits in it.
The Dragon King Series follows Prince Raiden and Egan, a dragon shifter. In the first book, Of Heart and Wings- Raiden discovers Egan’s secret, and they form a friendship forged by trust. Soon their feelings change and grow in ways neither of them expected. In Bound in Fire, book 2, we get to watch their relationship deepen and they have to learn how to fit into each other’s worlds, all while their realm heads to war.
Talons of Love, book 3, is coming out April 11th- this book follows the aftermath of the war- the dust has settled only to reveal a new danger, one that has us leaving the Sixth Realm behind. Raiden will do whatever it takes to get to Egan, and what they experience will change them forever. They hope that their bond and connection that they have will be enough to reunite them once again.
Which secondary character that you created is your favorite?
I would have to say Kairn. Kairn is Raiden’s 12 yr old brother, and he just brings a lot of energy to the page. I really love the dynamics of him looking up to his big brother, while also trying not to seem to care too much.
If you could write yourself into one of your stories which would it be?
Oh, that’s tricky…I think I gave little pieces of myself into a few different characters, but I’m not sure what it would look like to just write myself in completely. I would say Egan and Eislyn (Egan’s mom) both got some of me.
What have you been reading lately?
I’ve been a little all over the place lately, I did just recently finish Crescent City which I absolutely loved, and have been reading several indie YA Fantasy and supernatural books. I highly recommend the Faye and the Ether series by Nicole Bailey, and The Season of Angels series by Christopher Stanfield. I do also slip in a Black Dagger Brotherhood book every now and then, and an occasional MM romance.
Biggest pet peeve when you are reading a story?
Being interrupted by pesky things like work, sleep, people LOL As far as pet peeves within the writing, tons of extra content at the end of the book- when you think you have 100 pages left but the story is almost over, and then you get to the end only to find out that 80 of those remaining pages are all extra content- bonus scenes, excerpts from other books, etc.
One word you can’t spell without autocorrect?
Committment/comittment/commitment yup, that one LOL
Do you support any causes or charities?
I am a member of the Kiwanis LGBT Club of Southern California- which is the first Kiwanis group that is focused on supporting LGBTQ youth. We work with local resource centers, and do backpack drives, and have organized a pride event in a small town. I also contribute to a group called Queer Christian Family Values, and have donated to their giveaways for binders/gaffs- personal items for transgender folx.
What’s up next for you?
The 3rd book in the Dragon King Series comes out April 11th. After that, I will have one more novella side story from the series, and the 4th and final book will be coming out in August. The audiobook is currently being produced for Of Heart and Wings, and I hope it will be out in the next month or two.
About Debbie McQueen:
Debbie McQueen has been married to her loving and supportive husband for eighteen years. They have two amazing kids that share her love of musicals, singing, fairies, dragons, and superheroes. Debbie is an avid reader and loves to read YA/NA, PNR, Urban Fantasy, Thrillers, LGBTQ stories, and more.
Debbie is an affirming Christian who is proud to continue learning and serving as an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate. She has learned more about God’s love through the beauty of a diverse creation and strives to support her friends and loved ones, as well as the broader LGBTQ+ community. She proudly gives out Free Hugs at Pride events, and also works with a service organization that helps support LGBTQ youth in Southern California.
Connect with Debbie McQueen:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Amazon
