Standout Authors Unbound amplifies the voices of underrepresented writers and indie authors to disrupt an industry that rewards conformity over authenticity.
What if the story you’re scared to write is the one your readers are waiting for?
Andréa Jones writes queer romance under the pen name Olivia Carter. She is the author of Soft Launch, an emotionally rich, medium-angst, high-heat love story.
Andréa didn’t grow up thinking she’d become an author. She simply couldn’t find the stories she wanted to read. Stories with queer joy. Stories with representation that felt real. Stories where diverse characters were front and center, not an afterthought.
Then life handed her a newborn. Inspiration struck when she couldn’t use her hands. So she found a workaround. She started dictating scenes into Google Docs while caring for her baby. And that unexpected pivot opened a door she didn’t know was there.
In this conversation, Andrea talks about discovering her voice in the middle of chaos, choosing a pen name with intention, and learning to create stories that reflect the world she actually lives in.
Highlights
Embracing technology unlocks hidden talent
Andrea discovered her writing ability by using dictation when she couldn’t put her baby down, showing how modern tools can break through traditional barriers.
“I literally started dictating in a Google doc... And so that’s how I realized like, there’s a story here... I don’t think I would have ever called myself a writer had I not relied on modern technology.”
Queer stories matter deeply
Andrea’s work centers on creating authentic representation in romance, filling gaps she noticed as a reader.
“I gravitate towards queer stories. I couldn’t find the stories I wanted to read.”
Marketing expertise transforms book promotion
With her professional background in marketing, Andrea brings industry knowledge to an old fashioned publishing industry, which helps her book stand out.
“I’m just doing the basic marketing stuff I would do for any sort of launch campaign. But it’s just been so fascinating to like apply it to another industry that is honestly a little bit antiquated.”
Balancing creation and promotion requires intention
Even for a marketing professional, finding the balance between writing and promotion presents challenges.
“It’s a lot to manage... I’m still finding it hard to balance. Like, is this writing time or is this marketing time?”
Representation changes reader response
Including diverse characters on book covers can attract readers looking for stories that reflect their experiences.
“I think that part of this was because the book has a black man on the cover, I do feel like there’s a certain segment of people who are choosing it over the other books in the category.”
Success can be unexpected
Andrea was surprised by her book’s reception despite minimal promotion, challenging her expectations about audience engagement.
“I was not expecting the response... I had that like, well, I’m going to put this out there. Nobody’s going to read it. And then, no, people are reading it. Wow.”
Community support fuels creativity
Finding your people in the author community can transform writing from a solitary act to a sustainable passion.
“It’s amazing when what you can do when you find your people and if you’re dedicated to it, you can make a living. I mean, it’s hard, but you know, some people do it.”
Closing Reflection
Andrea’s journey is a reminder that creativity doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It grows in the cracks of everyday life. It shows up when we’re exhausted, unsure, or convinced our ideas don’t matter. And when we choose to write the stories that feel true to us, we give readers a place to feel seen.
If Andrea’s story resonates with you, you’re in the right place.
Standout Authors Unbound is for writers who care about representation. If that’s you, or someone you know, reach out. Let’s make sure your story finds the readers who need it.
