Picture a British storyteller who spun playground tales into No. 1 bestselling lesbian romances—meet Clare Lydon! A proud Essex native and self-proclaimed 'triple gay,' Lydon has charmed readers worldwide with her witty, heartfelt sapphic fiction. From her London Romance series to her engaging podcasts, she’s a vibrant voice in lesbian literature, serving up love, laughter, and happy-ever-afters with a side of British cheek.
With a knack for crafting relatable characters who stumble, love, and laugh, Lydon’s books resonate with readers craving authentic queer stories. Her journey from music journalist to full-time author is a testament to her passion for storytelling and her commitment to representing modern lesbians in all their flawed, fabulous glory.
The Making of Clare Lydon
Born in Essex, Clare Lydon was that kid weaving stories in the playground, smacking a Swing Ball while dreaming up tales. Her love for books bloomed early, fueled by regular library visits where she’d devour eight books at a time. Before novels, Lydon rocked the music journalism scene, interviewing icons like Boy George and Bruno Mars. But a chance encounter with lesbian fiction in a New Zealand hostel sparked a revelation: she could write stories that mirrored her own life. After years as a journalist, she took the leap, publishing her debut novel, London Calling, in 2014, which soared to Amazon’s No. 1 lesbian fiction chart overnight.
Clare Lydon’s Unforgettable Stories
Lydon’s novels are a love letter to contemporary lesbian life, blending razor-sharp British wit with heartfelt romance. Her London Romance series, often dubbed 'The L Word, set in London,' captures the vibrant, messy lives of queer women in the 21st century. London Calling follows a woman navigating love and loss in the capital, drenched in tequila and Converse. Before You Say I Do, a global bestseller, spins a fauxmance between a bride-to-be and her professional bridesmaid, delivering swoon-worthy chemistry and family drama. Once Upon a Princess, co-written with Harper Bliss, is a modern fairy tale of a princess and a café owner finding love against the odds. Her All I Want series, like All I Want For Christmas, wraps festive romance in humor and heart.
Lydon’s style is unmistakably her own: flawed characters who say the wrong thing, drink too much, and stumble into love, all laced with droll humor and guaranteed happy endings. Her books tackle themes of identity, belonging, and second chances, resonating with readers who see themselves in her 3D heroines. Whether set in London’s bustling streets or a Cornish village, her stories feel like a warm hug from a friend who gets it.
Why Clare Lydon Matters
Clare Lydon has carved a vital space in lesbian fiction, offering authentic representation at a time when queer stories are gaining mainstream traction. Her books provide visibility for sapphic women, blending humor and heart to challenge stereotypes and celebrate love. Through podcasts like The Lesbian Book Club and Lesbians Who Write, she fosters community, amplifying other queer voices and demystifying the writer’s life. Her global bestseller status and translations into German, Portuguese, and Italian underscore her universal appeal, proving lesbian romance has a hungry audience.
Lydon’s impact extends beyond the page. She’s a beacon for aspiring authors, showing that perseverance and authenticity can break barriers. Her work reminds us that love stories—queer or otherwise—are about connection, not perfection, making her a cherished figure in sapphic literature.
- Born in Essex, now lives in London with her wife.
- Key works: London Calling, Before You Say I Do, Once Upon a Princess.
- Hosts The Lesbian Book Club and Lesbians Who Write podcasts.
- Fun fact: She’s a Spurs fan and a Curly Wurly devotee!
About Clare Lydon
Ready for a dose of British wit and sapphic romance? Snag Before You Say I Do and dive into Clare Lydon’s irresistible world of love and laughter!