An unexpected audience of straight friends, family and acquaintances has recently emerged – people who have read and enjoyed my books while initially knowing very little about what it’s like to be queer in this world. I’m excited to say it’s been an education on both sides.
Because these stories are far from mainstream, they are not available in any old bookseller’s shop down the road... mores the pity. And there seems to be a dearth of queer bookshops across Australia, particularly in rural communities. The chaps at The Bookshop Darlinghurst in Sydney proudly told me they had encouraged the Sydney City Library to add my books to their stock – thanks, guys!
Not everyone can afford to buy every book they fancy, making libraries an absolute goldmine because any patron can borrow for free. So if you’re living off the beaten track, by all means make purchase suggestions to your public library. A request will get their attention – if you don’t ask, you don’t get! And all the more people will benefit from greater access to stories they can relate to, learn from and share.