Join host Ian Henzel for an intimate, funny, and deeply heartfelt conversation with YA author Russell J. Sanders, whose novels tackle everything from queer identity and transgender love stories to the darker corners of religion and morality.
In this episode, Russell shares how growing up gay in conservative 1960s Texas shaped his worldview, his long career as a teacher, and how a lifelong love of reading—and a copy of Auntie Mame—helped him imagine a bigger life. We explore his newest books, The Secret Life of Remy Walsh and Bud, and dig into how he brings complex, emotionally resonant teen characters to life.
đź’¬ Topics include:
• His latest books and the intense subjects they tackle
• Writing queer young adult fiction that resonates with adults
• Growing up bookish and gay in a conservative Texas town
• The magic of reading as escape and expansion
• What book world he’d actually want to live in (hint: it involves a showboat)
• Whether he'll ever write for older characters—and why not (yet)
📚 If you love bold stories, queer voices, and good yarns—this episode is for you.
👇 Everything you need to know about Russell’s books is in the show notes below.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!
Books Mentioned in this Episode:
An Angry God
Amazon: Paperback-https://amzn.to/4aJauwD – Kindle-https://amzn.to/4aCcOFC
Bookshop.org-https://bookshop.org/a/110292/9781955826471
The Secret Life of Remy Walsh:
Amazon- https://amzn.to/45PxCcu
Bud:
Amazon-https://amzn.to/45PxCcu
#RussellJSanders #BoldVoicesGoodYarns #QueerYA #LGBTQBooks #AuthorInterview #YAfiction #BookPodcast
