The Author

“Welcome, Readers!

As a queer author and an equity leader, I know, firsthand, the importance of representation. I’m a big believer that stories help to connect us and build empathy for the human experience, and I’ve spent my life dedicated to celebrating diversity and building platforms for underrepresented voices.

Growing up, I often felt unseen in the media. Characters like me were either sidelined, turned into jokes, or reduced to cliches and trauma tropes. This fueled my ambition to become an author—to write the stories I craved as a kid.

The ability to make someone smile, to fall back into wonder with magic, or to feel moved by the characters I’ve written is all the success I want. In today’s world, everyone can be creative and carve out paths beyond the standard routes dictated by publishing norms. I may not be the first author to lead the charge, but I’m here to add my voice to the chorus championing change.

Everyone deserves to be in a story, and everyone has a story to share.

Trust your magic!”

-S.W. Kent

The Artists

Miles Smart (Cover Illustrator)

Miles Smart (milesmartart.com) lives in San Francisco, where he spends his free time hiking, off-roading, and dreaming up new places to explore. Inspired by stories of brave heroes, monstrous creatures, and far-off lands, he brings each illustration to life with a sense of wonder and adventure.

Yornelys Zambrano (Interior Artist)

Yornelys Zambrano (@Missyozart) is a Venezuelan illustrator specializing in inks. She is a freelance artist who loves botany and fantasy.

Commitment to Readers

First, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you for being part of this journey.  As a fellow book lover, I get how frustrating it can be to dive into a story that grabs you by the heart only to find threads and characters trail off into nowhere.  I promise that if you stick with me through the series, every question will have its answer, every subtle hint will unfold in its time, and I’ll reveal all the surprises waiting behind every door.

I don’t believe in “side characters.” Early reviews have highlighted my specialty in crafting “endearing and genuine” character arcs that possess both meaning and purpose. If I’ve introduced a character, I have plans for each and every one of them, in this book or throughout the series.

I want the Driftstone series to be a soft introduction to epic fantasy for new readers. So, if you feel overwhelmed by the number of characters, places, and story arcs, just remember, this website and my appendices at the end of the books are there to help.

Creating a diverse and inclusive fantasy world means being thoughtful about how I approach representation. It’s crucial to collaborate with individuals from communities we include in our writing to craft authentic narratives and be guided by their expertise as sensitivity readers.  I’m committed to ensuring my portrayals are respectful, not just a checkbox.  I wrote the Driftstone series intending to let strong, complex Queer, Black, Brown, and Female characters take the forefront of the narrative. While I may not spotlight every identity immediately, I plan to continue expanding representation into often-overlooked communities in fantasy with intentionality and through an organic, thoughtful approach.

I want to build a genuine connection with all of you, so please bear with me as I navigate this introverted side of me.  Authenticity and vulnerability matter deeply to me in creating a trusting bond.  I’ve set up some social media platforms to engage with you when I have the opportunity. BookTok is my most popular platform, but I also encourage you to sign up for my newsletter.  I’d love to share your fan art or answer some of your questions.  Together, let’s create a community where everyone feels included.

While I’m not a parent, I am a proud uncle, and I understand the minefields parents have to navigate to determine what filters and freedoms are appropriate for their children.  These are deeply personal decisions, and one size does not fit all for every child. I aim to be transparent, intending to help you decide if my books are right for you and your family.  The main protagonists of my series fall within the age range of seventeen to twenty-five, and thematic issues appropriate for this age are explored. All identities of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression are viewed through the lens of acceptance, belonging, empowerment, non-conditional, and non-limiting. 

Critics, editors, and reader reviews agree that my book is correctly rated as suitable for YA readers, while also being enjoyable for readers of all ages. While I have written them to be enjoyed by those in the 13+ age range to adults, every parent is accountable for their discretion based on their child.

Sign Up To My Mailing List

I promise not to spam you—just a personal note from me quarterly with updates, first previews and some magical giveaways for fans along the way!