Welcome to a Stack of Sand & Steam!
I am your host, author Avery Bridge, and I'm so thrilled that you are here.
About Me
I’m based in the Southwest USA
I publish queer fiction, primarily speculative/historical romance with authentic characters. Representation matters!
I am currently writing a sapphic, steampunk, slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. A disabled horse trainer and a nonbinary techy are forced to coexist on a ranch outside a desert town riddled with corruption. Tori is the Sheriff’s daughter, Kai is fresh out of prison, and the only thing that could make them work together is a traumatized mustang mare who needs their help. Will they be able to overcome their prejudices and see each other as worthy of respect…or even love?
I started writing when I was a kid. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, but a couple of things stand out as my origin story: In elementary school, I re-wrote the plot of “Dead House” (Goosebumps #1) and turned it in for an assignment. Cut to 20 years later when I discover my love of writing fanfiction! In middle school, I wrote silly poetry and a short story about Billy the Kid as the hero and Pat Garrett as the villain. In high school I wrote emo poetry, joined the Literature Magazine staff and submitted short stories with unexpected twists and misdirections. And all along the way I would journal my innermost thoughts. I’ve always felt like my truest self when I’m writing.
I’ve been publishing my newsletter since January 2025
I wanted to start sharing my work publicly because now, more than ever, our voices need to be heard!
Personality & Flavor
Describe your writing vibe in three words: Cozy, Queer, Steam-y
What’s a “hot take” you have about writing or publishing: I am Pro Prologue
What are you currently obsessed with? Steampunk
If your Substack were a place, what would it be? A cool desert night just after the sun has set. The sky is a deep indigo dotted with brilliant stars. A light breeze carries the scent of sage and juniper. The sand is soft underfoot, still slightly damp from a recent rainstorm. In the distance, coyotes yip and howl.
Queerness & Identity
How does your queer identity shape your writing (if it does)? It informs every writing choice that I make. Queerness is embedded within every aspect of my life. Without it, I would not be me, and therefore would not be able to write what I write.
What does Pride mean to you personally? I have had to learn Pride after years of making myself small. The first time I felt Pride was when my spouse held my hand in public. Since then, small moments have built up until I feel Pride every day. Especially now that I am a parent, I model Pride for my child so they will always know that their family and their identity are things to cherish and never hide.
Have you ever struggled to express your identity in your work? Quite the opposite. My writing is where I feel best able to express my identity.
What do you wish more people understood about queer voices? Our perspectives have value for everyone! At a fundamental level, rejecting the binary, the patriarchy, and colonialism will benefit every single human on this planet.
Your Writing Life
What does your writing routine look like (if you have one)? I write in the quiet hour after kiddo goes to bed and before I crash.
What kind of stories or topics are you most drawn to? I’ve always felt most drawn to stories with either a fantastical or historical setting—bonus points if it has both!—with a strong romance current as the through-line.
What are you trying to explore or understand through your writing? I love exploring the human condition in all its variations.
Community & Connection
What kind of readers do you hope to reach?
Anyone who has ever been on the outside looking in, feeling like they aren’t allowed to be their full selves, wishing to see themselves reflected in the world somewhere to know they aren’t alone.
What does being part of a queer writing community mean to you?
This queer writing community has become a lifeline! I am constantly amazed by the incredible scope and variety of queer voices out there creating beautiful works.
How can people support you right now?
The Forward Look
What are you working on next?
As I finish co-writing a screenplay this month, I am already gearing up to dive back into Project Steam Ranch, my sapphic steampunk romance novel.
What’s a dream you have for your writing life?
I would love for my words to resonate with people who feel invisible, the way I felt most of my life. Stories can transcend barriers and highlight the humanity that we all share.
Where can people find you? www.averybridgeauthor.com
Add-Ons
Do you have special sections you want people to know about?
This substack has multiple sections:
Raven Reviews for discussions of steampunk and adjacent media
Research Rabbit Holes for deep-dives into history and technology
Spirit of Steampunk for shouting about my love of all things steampunk
Under the Cover where I share snippets of the book with paid subscribers
Links to all your socials:
@avery-bridge.bsky.social
Favorite pieces:
The Qstack Hero Project is a Pride Month celebration of the amazing and diverse queer writers and creators of Substack, sponsored by Mr. Troy Ford.
"A cool desert night just after the sun has set. The sky is a deep indigo dotted with brilliant stars. A light breeze carries the scent of sage and juniper. The sand is soft underfoot, still slightly damp from a recent rainstorm. In the distance, coyotes yip and howl." Can I move in to your Substack? 🩵