TJ Alexander, a Lambda Literary Award finalist and USA Today bestselling author, writes about queer love. Originally from Florida, they received a Master's degree in writing and publishing from Emerson College in Boston and currently reside in New York City with their wife, cats, and various houseplants. Alexander identifies as trans nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns.
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In a recent interview, Alexander reflected on their well-being since the Presidential Election, expressing mixed feelings about the current political and environmental climate. They noted that despite the overwhelming challenges, it's important not to channel all energy into work. For Alexander, taking care of their community outside of their art is essential, as placing all pressure on their writing isn't fair.
Alexander's fifth novel, A GENTLEMAN’S GENTLEMAN, released on March 11, has received a generally positive reception. Although they avoid reading reviews, they appreciate the feedback from readers who found the book to be emotional and refreshing.
This novel marks Alexander's debut in historical fiction, diverging from their usual contemporary style. They chose the Regency era as a setting to infuse queerness into a genre that often overlooks LGBTQ+ narratives. They expressed frustration with historical romances that exclude such perspectives and felt a need to reimagine that world as inclusive.
Humor plays a significant role in Alexander's storytelling. They believe that incorporating humor alongside heavier themes of grief, identity, and isolation provides a more realistic and relatable narrative experience. They emphasized that life is filled with both joy and sorrow, a duality that should be reflected in literature.
A standout aspect of A GENTLEMAN’S GENTLEMAN is its representation of trans relationships. Alexander acknowledged their previous work, Chef’s Choice, as one of the few T4T adult romances in traditional publishing and expressed the importance of showcasing authentic relationships like their own.
Looking ahead, Alexander is excited for the sequel, A LADY FOR ALL SEASONS, set to release next year. The story will follow Verbena Montrose as she navigates the London season and explores themes of love and identity amid a complex romantic plot.
In addition to their writing, Alexander encourages support for various causes. They highlighted organizations like the Transgender Law Center, G.L.I.T.S. Inc., and the Jerusalem Educational Bookshop Emergency Appeal, urging individuals to engage with local efforts that can significantly impact their communities.