How I got to Gay Furry Romance

First off, thanks to @inadequatecat.bsky.com for the idea for this! Always nice to meet another cat that enjoys gay furry romance!

I have been a furry author for years now. My first published project, Phantom Janitor, has been on the market for about seven years now (as of December 15, 2024,) and even though the project itself isn’t gay furry fiction, I still consider that the start to my gay furry romance journey.

I’ve talked about my debut novel many times on this website, and why wouldn’t I? It’s a big part of my writing journey and a part of my growth as a writer. However, the story was written at a time where I was deep in the closet. Not like in denial or anything. I was just in the closet and (with my religious upbringing) felt like I needed to leave certain things out. I was young. I was stupid.

I’d always had like queer undertones for a lot of the story. Even if it was just in my imagination or as part of a conversation with a friend. I always intended for certain things to be gayer.

My first romance was a bit shaky, for sure, and definitely not outright queer fiction. But that’s okay. I have gone through a lot when it comes to being proud of myself when it comes to this book, and I am currently working on a rewrite!

The two stories that came directly after Phantom Janitor (Nightmare at Elmwood College and Horror/Sacrifice) were not really romance related, though my two main characters of Nightmare were ex-boyfriends in the initial story. It was close, but not exactly “Romancey.” I have had at least one or two people tell me that Avery and Hank are perfect together, and I am inclined to agree. BUT only a little bit.

My first venture into Gay Furry Romance, like all-in on every single category, is a bit complicated. Chronologically, by release, it’s officially “Justice is Brewing” which you should totally read, if you haven’t yet. However! My first completed queer furry romance story was actually a piece titled “The Spirit of Christmas.” The reason I don’t know which came first is because I started them at around the same time.

“The Spirit of Christmas” is a story is a romantic Christmas lesbian romance between an estranged couple who haven’t seen each other in a year. It was my first time writing a lesbian couple, and one that was already together/seperated at the story’s beginning. It explores a lot of different feelings and emotions in regard to Lila and Vivian’s relationship. Fair warning! I have made several people cry with this one. (It should be out soon, courtesy of Armoured Fox Press.) I can’t wait for people to read it.

Then, of course, there is “Justice is Brewing.” My first superhero story, with the main characters loosely (VERY LOOSELY) based on mine and my partner’s fursonas. It was a long process to finally finish this story, but I did a good job I believe! I also had a lot of help as far as possible story direction and plot (Hi Rob MacWolf, Packwolf Lupestripe, and Sol Harries! Thank you, guys, so much for the input! Y’all are lifesavers!) The Morning After blurb was also a fun little bonus and I thought it was really cute.

I have one last story that I’d say is in the realm of romance, but it is also an 18+ story and it is not out yet. I wrote this story to be considered for an anthology with a theme of the outdoors. The story adheres to that and features one of my favorite Main Characters! I’ll share more about the story titled “A Private Moment” when I know it’s almost released!

Writing queer specific relationships in the stories I make wasn’t always something I did. I grew up in an environment that tried to convince me that a character’s sexuality wasn’t very important to the story, and that by pointing it out, it was like shoving it down throats.

I never bought that though. Even back when I was religious in my late teens, I was eager to try my hands at writing queer characters, even though I didn’t really start to experience queer influences till late high school.

I also can admit, I didn’t always know what I was doing. Being in a relationship myself, and making queer friends online (and in person) definitely helped improve my writing. As did media.

I am much more confident now, both as a writer and in my experience as a queer person, to where I can write queer relationships confidently for people to enjoy.

I also have really enjoyed queer relationships that aren’t like the cut and dry gay couples. Some are just friends, acquaintances, friends with benefits, or other things.

I’ve got a blossoming polycule that features an asexual baseball-bat weilding delivery rabbit, a transfemme gas station employee named after a fruit (I call her Cherry,) and a bisexual werewolf trucker girlfriend!

I’m really excited to get more stories done and released. I have so many ships of characters I absolutely love! 😀

This post is a bit scrambled, but honestly, I am okay with it. Nothing wrong with scrambled thoughts. I enjoy reflecting on my queer work.