If you enjoy books about long-lost twins reunited and facing the challenges that come with the reunion, then check out "A Tale of Two Princes" by Eric Geron.
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
The Parent Trap and The Princess Diaries were huge inspirations behind A Tale of Two Princes, specifically in terms of the reunion of long-lost twins and a character learning they are heir to the throne. Canada also had a big influence on the book — it was especially fun imagining what the country would look like if the Dinnissen Royal Family were helping to run it. A Tale of Two Princes draws from real-world events too, like Meghan Markle and Harry’s move from the UK.
What does "Reading with Pride" mean to you?
To me, “Reading with Pride” means reading stories about characters with queer identities. These stories are not just for queer people to read, but for anyone to read, like any other book.
Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?
As hard as some people try to deny it, the world is comprised of a diverse body of people. Representation matters because it reflects the real world. Why should a story omit entire communities merely to stick to the status quo, or for fear of readers not wanting to read it because it’s “not relatable”? I spent my childhood consuming stories with only straight characters, and I still found those stories relatable and enjoyable. (And, pssst! Watching them didn’t turn me straight!) Even the smallest way to include a marginalized character can have a huge impact on a reader who feels like an outsider. Even the smallest way to include a marginalized character in a story can save a life. That is the power of representation in books.
Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.
My book tells the story of a closeted Crown Prince and an out-and-proud cowboy who discover that they are long-lost twins who were separated at birth — and their worlds turn upside down. They face many of life’s challenges together — including dealing with hate and homophobia. Growing up, I was bullied a lot for my queer identity. During those days, I was a voracious bookworm, mostly reading alone during lunch in the school library, where food wasn’t allowed. Books transported me to fairy tale lands where anything was possible — well, everything except for the existence of queer characters. Back then, I could have never imagined a world in which a book with queer main characters existed — and that I would one day write one! Having a book like that would have meant everything to me then. Now, I feel like I’ve given a gift to that lonely teenage Eric — and to others out there like him — to make them feel seen, accepted, and valued.
What can fans expect from your book?
Fans can expect to smile and laugh … and possibly shed a tear or two. Overall, the book is lighthearted and fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s royal intrigue and drama, as well as characters on journeys of self-love. It’s campy, joyful, and heartfelt — and many readers have told me that they finished reading with the biggest and most content smiles on their faces.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
Where are my Little Mermaid fans? This spring, I’m coming out with The Little Mermaid: Guide to Merfolk, a book I wrote tying into the new Little Mermaid movie starring the brilliant Halle Bailey. The book, taken from Prince Eric’s royal library, delves into the rich lore of the merfolk’s undersea world. Then later this fall, my humorous debut graphic novel comes out — Fry Guys: Invasion of the UFO-nion Rings, about three French fries who must protect their town from an invasion of evil alien onion rings. I may also have some top secret projects in the works too.
