Reprinted with permission from Stonewall News Northwest www.stonewallnews.net
Nestled in the heart of West Seattle, Brent Archer has built a life and a career as dynamic and vibrant as the region he calls home. Brent’s inspiring journey from engineering student to acclaimed author of Gay contemporary romance exemplifies the transformative power of pursuing passions and embracing reinvention.
Originally from Spokane, Washington, Brent’s story continues in Seattle, where he initially pursued a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Washington. However, it didn’t take long for him to realize that his true interests lay elsewhere. This epiphany led him to switch his focus to international studies with a minor in history, an academic path that would later influence his storytelling.
After graduation, Brent’s life took on a multifaceted rhythm, balancing accounting jobs with a budding career in musical theater and dance. By the age of 30, he earned a certificate in accounting and became the financial controller of a nonprofit arts organization. Despite professional success, the creative spark of writing never faded.
It wasn’t until 2012 that Brent decided to share his writing with the world. A visit to his cousin, Delilah Devlin, an accomplished author, proved to be a pivotal moment. Inspired by Delilah and her sister, Elle James, another successful writer, Brent took a leap of faith and submitted his first story, Dear Bryan. It was quickly accepted for publication, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life. With unwavering support from his husband and family, Brent embraced his calling as an author, crafting heartfelt stories that have resonated with readers worldwide.
Travel has played a significant role in Brent’s creative process. From Seattle’s cozy coffee shops to the distant landscapes of Iceland, New Zealand, and France, his adventures have infused his stories with rich settings and authentic characters. Having visited most of the United States, Canada, and several countries abroad, Brent’s goal is to explore every continent and US state. These experiences not only inspire his work but also deepen the emotional landscapes of his novels. When not writing or traveling, Brent often works at a local wine shop, playfully calling it “research” for his next project.
As an author in the LGBTQ+ romance genre, Brent has faced challenges but remains dedicated to authentic storytelling. His books, such as Blaze of Cortez and Throuple Honey, along with a story in the recently published Own Voices anthology Romance Is a Drag, resonate with readers for their heartfelt narratives, vibrant characters, and universal themes of love and acceptance. Whether creating standalone novels or building upon his series, Brent’s remarkable body of work is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions and embracing the unpredictable journey of life.
Over lunch, I had the pleasure of getting to know Brent better, a man whose books I’ve long admired. As we talked, I discovered not only his sharp insights but also his genuine compassion, qualities that have since turned him from an admired author to a valued friend. Here are the highlights of our conversation.
Frank Gaimari: What inspired you to transition from accounting to writing romance novels?
Brent Archer: Writing started at an early age for me. I entered a young writers’ contest in fourth grade in Spokane. I still have the little, blue-covered “book” I called Space Specialties. In eighth grade, I attended the Young Writers’ Conference and read a chapter from a time travel adventure I had started. We were allotted time to read, but when mine was up, the group asked if I could continue reading to finish the chapter for them.
Throughout high school, I wrote poetry and what is now known as fan fiction for Doctor Who, including two complete screenplays. Nothing was ever submitted for publication, but I loved writing them. At the University of Washington, my lecture notes often had artwork or poems written in the margins. Once I embraced theater and dance, my writing took a long hiatus.
Fast forward 15 years. I have two first cousins who are successful romance writers: sisters Delilah Devlin and Elle James. When our grandmother moved from Spokane to Arkansas after my grandfather died, I would write letters to her. Delilah pulled me aside one day when I was visiting and said, “We know you can write,” referring to the letters I sent to Grandma at least once a week. She showed me a “Calls for Submission” board online and told me to pick one and write a short story.
I wrote Dear Bryan and submitted it to an anthology. It was accepted, and I was hooked, so I kept writing. Despite my following three or four stories not being accepted, I pursued a writing career while maintaining my day job in accounting. When I told Elle that Dear Bryan had been accepted, she said, “Welcome to the dark side!”
FG: How do your travels influence the settings and characters in your books?
BA: Travel is an immense love and passion in my life. My eyes were opened to the world when I took my first trip overseas in 1992 with the dance ensemble. The travel bug bit me hard.
In my writing, I strive to make my characters well-rounded and curious about the world, whether they are that way from the start or evolve through the experiences they encounter. My first series of books was an adventure romance that began in Seattle but evolved into a treasure hunt throughout Europe. Memories of Coromandel, in my Rain City Tales series, is primarily set in Auckland, New Zealand. It mirrored, in many ways, the trip I took to New Zealand in 2009.
This summer and autumn, I’ll be in Europe and plan to write a story set in the UK while I’m there. Dear Bryan, my first romance short story was also set primarily in England.
FG: Can you share the story behind your first published work, Dear Bryan?
BA: During my time at the University of Washington, I dated someone named Bryan for just under a year. When he traveled to England for the spring and summer quarters, we stayed in touch by exchanging postcards and letters. That correspondence later became the inspiration for Dear Bryan. Shortly before writing the story, I revisited those letters and thought it would be a compelling creative choice to incorporate postcards at the start of most major scenes. The editor appreciated this approach, and the story was accepted.
FG: What challenges have you faced as an author in the LGBTQ+ romance genre?
BA: Finding my audience has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced. LGBTQ+ authors face the added burden of being a “sensitive issue” when it comes to advertising, so all the workshops touting foolproof marketing ideas and methods don’t necessarily translate for us. I also find that many readers are more likely to purchase LGBTQ+ romances if the author’s name is female.
Though I’m happy for anyone to read my work, I gear my writing to Gay men. We’ve had a difficult time finding books that realistically portray our lives in works of fiction, and, consequently, my stories aren’t necessarily heteronormative. I endeavor to write about my boys as realistically as possible. This doesn’t always translate for readers who are used to a specific romance formula. My goal is to reach Gay men and show that our stories of our authentic selves are just as deserving of a happily ever after as those characters in formula-driven romances.
FG: How do you balance your day job at the wine shop with your writing career?
BA: I started writing while working as a financial controller for a nonprofit arts organization. Despite working 40-60 hours a week, I managed to carve out time to write, either during my lunch breaks or immediately after work. I’d take the bus back to my neighborhood, stop at my local pub on the way home, and write for an hour with a glass of wine.
After changing jobs, I continued dedicating my lunch breaks to writing. I’d walk several blocks from my office to my favorite lunch spot, order pretty much the same thing every day, and write, usually managing to get between 500 and 700 words per session.
During the pandemic, I was laid off. Instead of working, I spent the time I’d usually be at my computer writing, establishing sprinting groups with other authors over Zoom. I also took on another job: caring for my elderly parents.
Now, I juggle writing with family caregiving, but I’ve managed to keep up my Zoom writing sprints. I write for at least an hour, five days a week.
FG: Which of your characters do you relate to the most, and why?
BA: Clark Adamson shares many characteristics and thought processes with me. He’s an accountant, works for a nonprofit, [and] is a do-gooder, loyal, and attuned to how others feel. Clark is introduced in Past Secrets Present Danger, has his own love story in The Wedding Weekend, appears in Mitch’s Men, and plays an integral role in encouraging his cousin to come out and take a chance on a relationship in Blaze of Cortez.
I love his story arc and the way he helps others while maintaining his sense of humor. He’s also a bit mischievous, and if you ask anyone I’ve done theater shows with about my backstage antics, they’ll tell you I have a playful streak of my own!
FG: What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to self-publish?
BA: I switched to self-publishing after my first series and a few novellas weren’t selling, and I was having challenges with royalties. It’s difficult, don’t get me wrong, but there’s a lot more freedom and control. I’m able to choose my titles, my covers, and retain control over artistic choices and marketing. There are numerous options for all aspects of book production. Don’t be afraid to try everything and see what works for you. Most importantly, spend each day writing if possible. You can’t edit a blank page.
FG: Do you have any upcoming book releases? If so, could you share some details about them?
BA: I released two novels last year, Throuple Honey and Blaze of Cortez. My next release will be in the fall as part of a Queer anthology edited by author Shane Morton. Earlier this year, I had a story featured in Romance Is a Drag: A Queer Anthology #1, and the upcoming release will be the third volume in his Own Voices anthology series.
The new story will be a holiday tale titled Boston Italian Christmas, featuring a nurse and a veteran. It will also be tied into the story from the first volume. Although I’m not yet certain of the exact release date, it is expected to be available during the 2025 holiday season.
I’m also hoping to release the second story in my Black Rock Cult series this winter or spring. Titled Hiding Hayden, it follows a small-town police officer who protects and hides a newspaper reporter from a local cult.
FG: If you could cowrite a book with any author, living or dead, who would it be and why?
BA: Madeleine L’Engle, if the story is romance or literature. Clive Cussler, if it’s an action-packed adventure. Both authors were inspirations for me growing up, especially during my teen years.
I still return to L’Engle’s books during difficult times in my life. Her stories provided me with hope and healing during some of my lowest moments. On the other hand, Cussler’s books captured my imagination and inspired me to pursue a career in oceanography at university.
Unfortunately, I get seasick, and the science weed-out classes ended that dream. Instead, I earned a degree in international studies! Still, I feel a deep connection to the sea, and I’ll always love a good adventure novel.
Brent Archer’s life and career are a testament to creativity, resilience, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams. From his roots in the Pacific Northwest to his adventures across the globe, Brent’s stories reflect the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Whether you’re a fan of romance, drama, or compelling storytelling, Archer’s works are a must-read. Explore his books on Amazon or visit his website https://brentarcher.net/publications/ to learn more.
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