Picture a queer storyteller who baked her way into our hearts with a groundbreaking rom-com—meet Susie Dumond! Hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, this vibrant author burst onto the literary scene with her debut novel, Queerly Beloved, a love letter to queer resilience and romance in the heart of Tulsa. With a knack for blending humor, heart, and social commentary, Dumond is redefining the modern rom-com for a new generation.
The Making of Susie Dumond
Born and raised in Little Rock, Susie Dumond’s journey to authorship was anything but conventional. She earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational studies from The University of Tulsa in 2012, falling in love with the city’s quirky charm. Later, she pursued a master’s in public policy and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at George Washington University. Her academic background shaped her sharp perspective on queer identity and advocacy, which shines through in her writing. Before becoming a novelist, Dumond honed her literary voice as a senior contributor at Book Riot, where her horoscopes and book recommendations captivated readers.
Susie Dumond’s Unforgettable Stories
Dumond’s debut, Queerly Beloved (2022), is a heartwarming rom-com set in mid-2010s Tulsa. It follows Amy, a semi-closeted queer baker, as she navigates love, loss, and a new gig as a bridesmaid-for-hire. The novel’s blend of humor and poignant commentary on queer life in a conservative state earned it a Lambda Literary Award finalist spot. Her sophomore novel, Looking for a Sign (2024), takes readers to New Orleans, where a queer woman embarks on a zodiac-inspired dating adventure. Dumond’s upcoming Bed and Breakup promises more witty romance. Her style—light yet layered—tackles themes of self-discovery, chosen family, and queer joy, all wrapped in a rom-com package that’s as sweet as her signature cupcakes.
What sets Dumond apart is her ability to weave socio-political threads into feel-good narratives. Her stories don’t shy away from the challenges of queer life in red states, yet they always end with hope and happiness, a radical act in itself. Readers love her vivid settings, from Tulsa’s quirky landmarks to New Orleans’ vibrant streets, and her knack for crafting relatable, flawed, yet lovable characters.
Why Susie Dumond Matters
Susie Dumond’s impact on queer romance literature is undeniable. By centering queer stories in unexpected places like Oklahoma and Louisiana, she challenges the coastal bias of mainstream LGBTQ narratives. Her work resonates with readers who rarely see their lives reflected in romance novels, offering representation that’s both authentic and uplifting. As a Book Riot contributor and bookseller at Loyalty Bookstores, Dumond also amplifies diverse voices, making her a vital figure in the literary community. Her stories remind us that love, in all its forms, is a powerful force for change.
- Born: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Key Works: Queerly Beloved (2022), Looking for a Sign (2024), Bed and Breakup (forthcoming)
- Notable Achievement: Lambda Literary Award finalist for Queerly Beloved
- Fun Fact: She’s an avid baker who shares her cupcake recipes!
Snag Queerly Beloved or Looking for a Sign and dive into Susie Dumond’s heartwarming world of queer romance!