Writing as M.A. Wardell, Lambda Literary Award nominee Matt writes spicy queer rom-coms. His goal is to tell adult gay love stories with a diverse representation of flawed and damaged characters who find healing through love. Matt loves rom-coms and has always wished for better representation, so he’s writing the stories he wishes existed. The queer men in his stories are flawed and messy. Helping them find their HEA is Matt’s passion.
Little insights from an author to the world.
In celebration of our very first Author Spotlight and in honor of Pride meet our first LGBTQ+ author M.A. Wardell.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and what type of books you write?
A: “Hi, I’m Matt! I write gay romantic comedies and contemporary romance—think heart, heat, and a lot of emotional fumbling before the kissing starts. I try to include diverse characters you might often find in romance. My characters tend to be lovable disasters who find their way to love (eventually).”
Q: What inspired you to become a writer? Honestly?
A: “I just wanted to write the stories I never got to read growing up—ones where queer people got the romance, the laughs, and the happy endings… not just trauma and longing and dying in act three. I wanted to see all types of queer men in romance, not only the typical hunks we all love—no shade to hunks!”
Q: What made you start a romance novel with middle-aged men?
A: “Because love doesn’t expire at thirty! Middle-aged men come with baggage, bad knees, and usually some pretty juicy emotional depth. I love exploring what it means to fall in love when you’re a little more seasoned—and a little less filtered. There’s not an expiration date on finding your HEA. Everyone deserves a love story!”
Q: How do you balance writing with other parts of your life?
A: “Carefully. It’s a mix of calendars, caffeine, and forgiving myself for not being a robot. Most days, my goal is to write a chapter. Does it always happen? No. Some days I’m researching, which could mean falling down a Google rabbit hole, or watching videos on YouTube or documentaries on Netflix. It’s all part of the process.”
Q: How do you approach writing LGBTQ characters and relationships?
A: “With honesty, humor, and a lot of heart. I try to capture the real stuff—messy hookups, awkward firsts, chosen family, and that specific queer talent for turning trauma into a punchline. My goal is to write characters who feel real, flawed, and lovable.”
Q: Which of your books or characters are you most proud of and why?
A: “Oh gosh, that’s a tough one—they’re all like my children, and I love them equally (on most days). But if I had to choose, I’d say Sheldon from Mistletoe and Mishigas. He’s unapologetically himself—bells, glitter, and all—and I adore that about him. I want to see more queer men in romance who don’t feel pressured to fit into society’s narrow definition of masculinity.”
Q: Are there any queer authors who inspired you?
A: Definitely. Annabeth Alpert for her amazing representation. AJ Truman for his boundless humor. And Armistead Maupin for the sheer brilliance of queer community and chaos. Their work made me feel less alone—and made me want to write.
Q: Why do you think LGBTQ representation in fiction is important?
A: “Because everyone deserves to see themselves as the main character—flawed, funny, sexy, and worthy of love. Plus, queer people contain multitudes, and fiction is finally catching up. As my dedication in Mistletoe stated, ‘To anyone who’s never seen themselves reflected in a love story—that goes for everyone in the queer community.”
Q: What do you hope readers take away from your stories?
A: That it’s okay to be a little messy on your way to a happy ending. I hope readers laugh, maybe cry, and feel a little more seen by the time they close the book.
Q: What advice would you give to a young queer writer just starting?
A: Write the weird, wonderful story that’s living rent-free in your head. Don’t try to sound like anyone else. If you think it’s not marketable, write it anyway. You’re not too much. You’re just enough. Be bold, be gay, and don’t be afraid to crank up the spice.
