Growing up, I felt unseen in the tales I devoured. Characters like me were either sidelined, used for jokes, or reduced to stereotypes.  Queer characters weren’t depicted as strong archetypes; we weren’t cut out to be valiant warriors; our love stories (if included) were overshadowed by shame or guilt, often unrequited or forced to remain hidden.  Young boys weren’t allowed to be emotionally complex, and young girls were allocated to being rescued and saved. Fantasy, which has long served as an escape in transporting readers to extraordinary realms where anything could happen, still neglected to include me.

This exclusion fueled my desire to become an author—to write the stories I craved as a kid. 

As a queer author, I know firsthand that representation matters to those who yearn to see themselves in the stories they consume.  Every child (and adult) deserves to escape inside a world where anyone can be the hero, love knows no limits, and magic thrives unrestricted by prejudice.  I feel a responsibility to the younger generation to provide content to help them dream bigger, push boundaries, and recognize they can be the central protagonists of new, bolder fairy tales.

When I wrote The Storyteller from Balincia, I deliberately intended for Black, Female, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+-centered narratives, arcs and characters to move out from the background and take center stage, instilling a sense of possibility and belonging for those who yearned to be seen. Success for me is not about being a celebrity; it means having my characters loved as they were crafted—with heart and intention—an ever-present theme in my books.  I want to build something that matters to those like me.

Every character plays an essential role in the world I am building—there are no mere sidelines or checkboxes here.  While I can’t dedicate entire books to every supporting character, trust that I am putting my love into all their stories.  Characters like Indigo, Ravenshire, and Xavier are more than just names; they will each have epic and pivotal moments to shine, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with them.

Incorporating diversity is not just about social responsibility for me; it is at the heart of my values.  The best stories often come from a blend of different ideas and cultural influences.  By embracing different perspectives, we, as authors and creators, can break free from conventions and enrich creative narratives that push the boundaries of traditional publishing norms.

Additionally, I support this philosophy beyond the pages of my books. My entire career has centered on helping drowned voices rise and shine. I have intentionally utilized emerging talents from diverse communities, including cover artists, internal illustrators, voice narrators, and designers, to publish my debut work. I am not the first author to advocate for change, but I’m here to join the chorus. 

As fantasy continues to evolve, the call for diversity in storytelling grows louder.  By prioritizing diversity, we foster a more inclusive and empathetic audience that celebrates all voices, experiences, and complexities.  In a genre that invites us to explore the unknown, let us ensure the landscapes we traverse allow everyone to be a part of our adventures.

At the end of the day, I am fulfilling a wish for a little boy with big dreams. I hope his stories find a cherished spot on your shelf—where young and old can embrace their unique spark.  We can all be dragonslayers.

Trust your magic!

-S.W. Kent