Tell us a little about yourself
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Luna Tibling is a 27-year-old openly transgender and non-binary author of fiction and poetry who lives in the UK.
She specializes in semi-autobiographical LGBT+ works, presenting the community positively and accurately, and has been writing stories, poems, and plays since childhood. Her current literary series, ‘Beyond the Binary,’ tells the story of Skylar, a non-binary poet who struggles with depression and the difficulty of finding acceptance. The series features a polyamorous relationship, same-sex couples, and characters’ journeys before and after coming out of the closet.
When not writing, Luna enjoys acting and singing and is a member of two amateur dramatic groups. It thrilled her to see her works published. In her late teens, she went through a gradual realization about her identity and slowly built up the courage to come out to her close friends and family, and eventually the world.
Why Do you write?
It is mainly because it brings me a great sense of achievement to create something, especially on a subject close to my heart. It can also be an enormous emotional relief.
What genre do you write, and why did you pick this genre?
I’ve tried my hand at many genres throughout the years, but I’m now focusing on LGBT+ literary fiction. This will include the rest of the ‘Beyond the Binary’ series and possibly some separate books, too. I believe it’s crucial to contribute to diverse representation in the media and ensure that models of minority groups are positive, accurate, and sensitive. I want to show that people in the LGBT+ community are everyday people with everyday problems and experiences and don’t have to be the butt of a joke or a token character.
Tell us about your book.
This is the second full-length novel in the ‘Beyond the Binary’ series, which follows non-binary poet Skylar and their partners, Hugo and Dale. The series focuses heavily on how the three lovers support each other through life, especially Skylar’s struggles with depression and looking for acceptance. In this installment, Skylar reaches out to their younger cousin Kit, who has been noticeably distant since Skylar came out and tried to repair their relationship. We also revisit Skylar’s friend Ariana, who was rejected by her parents in the previous book for being trans, and see how she’s been coping.
How much time do you dedicate to your author career?
Until recently, most of my waking life! I left my job seven months ago to look after my mental health and launch my writing career. I’m now looking for a part-time job but still saving plenty of time for editing ‘How I Found Kit’ so the final version is ready in time!
How long on average does it take you to write your books?
At the moment, it seems I can get the first draft in about two months.
What is the best money you have ever spent on your author career?
Too early to tell, as I haven’t been able to start earning a substantial amount yet. The investment I’m hoping will be most worth it is my enrollment in the Self-Publishing Hero course, which has taught me a lot and helped me get my work out there.
What is the most challenging part of being an author?
Keeping motivation up when things aren’t going well.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other authors?
Write what you love and feel needs to be said, even if you don’t think anyone will want to read it. You’ll have an audience out there somewhere, and you just need to find it.
What is your favorite book?
I can’t choose a single absolute favorite, but I admire Jodi Picoult for her thorough and frank writing style. My favorite of her books so far is ‘Sing You Home,’ which follows a woman who is left by her husband and falls in love with another woman.
Follow Luna:
https://www.facebook.com/lunatibling.author/
https://www.instagram.com/luna.tibling/