I’m Charlie Croxton, a gay romance, fantasy, and sci‑fi author who writes the kinds of stories I always needed growing up. As a gay man, so much of my inspiration comes from the real experiences of my friends and the wider LGBT community, the joy, the heartbreak, the resilience, and the quiet moments of connection that shape who we are. Those threads find their way into every world I build, whether it’s filled with magic, starships, or something stranger. Fantasy and science fiction have been my escape and my comfort for as long as I can remember, so it feels natural, necessary, even, to centre gay characters in the adventures I create. I want queer readers to see themselves in epic stories, not just as side characters but as heroes whose love and courage matter. I live in England, where I spend my days dreaming up new universes, drinking far too much tea, and writing books that celebrate queer lives in all their complexity.