Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.

Sabitha: We love science fiction, we love queer stories—what better than the two together in one book? T.Q. Sims, could you tell us about your novel? 

T.Q.: Godspeed, Lovers (The Lovers Trilogy book 1) is about two psychics falling in love while fighting sentient storms and resisting an evil corporation that wants control. Typical gay romance stuff. 

Go deeper, and it’s about the chaos in our minds, the pain of trauma, and the love necessary to grow from a painful past.

There are also spaceships.

Sabitha: That sounds amazing as a premise. What’s the plot? 

T.Q.: Casey Isaac thinks love isn’t for him. Not since extraordinary events left him with supernatural powers and a great deal of trauma. But when Oscar Kenzari looks at him, he can’t help but change his mind.

As Divinators, Casey and Oscar have used their psychic powers to defend humanity from sentient, extradimensional storms for one hundred years.

MaalenKun, prince of the maelstrom, conqueror of countless realities, plans to turn the tables by infecting Casey’s mind.

But MaalenKun is not the only threat.

As Casey works to defeat threats around and within himself, he must open to love for his chosen family, for Oscar, and for himself to unlock a transformative power that could banish MaalenKun. And Oscar must make a difficult choice that could cost him the future he dreams of.

Sabitha: What inspired you to write this book?

T.Q.: I wanted to write a story about queer superheroes that weren’t incidentally queer. Some of the power that these characters draw from comes directly from their queer experiences. I wanted gay romance, found family, queer resilience and rage… but also superpowers. I wrote the story I wanted to read: fun, meaningful, exciting, and very queer.

Sabitha: Do you have a secret for writing clear characters?

T.Q.: While writing, I like to fan-cast certain characters. Thinking of an actor’s range or specific skill can help me see the character, hear their voice. From there, I know what they might do or say when they are fighting sentient storms or using their superpowers to get spicy. When I saw a reader’s fan-cast of the main character on Instagram, I squealed out loud. We both saw Jonathan Bailey as our lovable loner Casey Isaac. Jonathan Bailey is so sexy, and he could certainly pull off Casey’s arc of post-traumatic growth through opening to Oscar’s love. Speaking of Casey’s love interest, Oscar Kenzari—well, he’s named after two dreamy actors: Oscar Isaac and Marwan Kenzari. Who better to play a sexy, beardy space daddy with a super-powered sensual touch?

Sabitha: Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?

T.Q.: It’s my wish for readers to see themselves represented in the characters, to embrace their stories, and to not get attached. There are a few character deaths. For me, when there is a large cast, the threat feels more real when I know all the characters might not make it. While there are deaths in the story, those same moments are of great heroism. And, for what it’s worth, this story is inspired by X-Men, and those characters die and come back, so who knows? (wink, wink)

Sabitha: What’s your next writing project?

T.Q.: I’m currently at work on The Lovers Trilogy book 2.

Sabitha: Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?

T.Q.: You can order a signed copy from TheLoversUniverse.com. Or purchase softback or digital versions through most major online booksellers. My Instagram is t.q.sims.