Our goal is to showcase an array of LGBTQ+ content and extremely talented authors in the community. We are happy to introduce you to several authors who are standing behind their amazing works with strong LGBTQ+ themes. We are extremely honored to have them join our Fiesta for an interview.

Here is our ninth lovely author!

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✮ Author ✮ NodaOrtiz

✮ Genre ✮ Romance/ Contemporary NA Fiction

Tags: #boyxboy #crush #depression #fallinginlove #friendstolovers #gayfiction #gaylove #gaylovestory #gayromance #lgbtq #lgbtqromance #lifechanging #loveislove #movingforward #newadult #realistic #realisticfiction #romance #romancereads2019 #seelf-acceptance #selfdiscovery #taygetsthegay #therapy #wattpride #weneeddiversebooks

Nineteen-year-old Noah Riley wakes up disoriented, soaked to the bone and alone on the shores of Rockaway beach, Brooklyn, NY.

After a night of wallowing in self-loathing, a Jägermeister, and drunken, dumb choices, he has no clue who pulled him out of the water except for a Polaroid and this unfamiliar, black hoodie he is now wearing.

Searching for answers as his life unravels and past secrets ravage his sanity, he finds a love that challenges his self-identity and drives him to find meaning in his life.

Now, at the turn of the tide, he'd better learn how to make friends with his worth fear: living.

Think second chances, new beginnings, and gay romance.

What inspired you to write "Unless"?

What inspired me to write in general should be the way to explain it. I've always been a big bookworm, my grandfather—this perky, loving individual—saw value in gifting me my first book when I was barely able to hold it steady on my lap. I still remember it had this sort of vinyl record you placed inside a small machine and then you adjusted an improvised paper diaphragm and needle, making the record swirl with your thumb, You'd get noises and voices; it was hilarious! I loved it, thanking Gramps, bless him for giving me what would later provide a safe shelter from all that threatened my socially awkward persona. Unless came unexpectedly, as all my works come. I was driving to the grocery store and Noah ( my main character) started talking to me. So, I listened. I write realistic fiction stories, many wonder what the freak that is, I guess I just witness life and the way we live it and write my version of it. I like tackling important issues such as grief ( I've known it first hand a lot), social anxiety (which I suffer from), self-worth and diversity, I am a fierce advocate of it. I reckon Goethe said it better when he stated:

"Few people have the imagination for reality." Well, I want to showcase it and maybe make a tiny difference in the world, making readers believe they have a place in it, that we all matter and should live our lives thinking we are enough.

Unless is a vessel of all these thoughts of mine.

How long did you spend researching before beginning to write the story?

Most of it, I devoted myself to learning about painting, since Noah decided to tell me he was one Finding a nice Institute for him to attend to and the rest flew on its own wind. Most of his mind is actually mine so it was fairly easy to write his thoughts and experiences.

How did you discover Wattpad? What are some of your favorite experiences on the platform?

I came across it thanks to a Literature student of mine. They told me I should finally come out of my shell and share my stories, so I did. I am thoroughly grateful to them and to my readers —many of whom I consider my family—always loving, always supportive. I'd be lost without them!

If you could have a cup of coffee with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

I'd bring my Abuela back and tell her I've dedicated my last Novella to her. I lost her to Alzheimer so I'd really love that last conversation with her. Telling her she was loved and we'll be fine. Also, Ben Platt, a sweet, talented being who inspires my works with his tunes. And Freddie Mercury, I'd just squeeze him tight and tell him the world wouldn't be the same without their music. 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Reading! I'm always a reader first. Binging series with my boyfriend. Gaming with my daughter. Massive Zelda fans here!

What do you identify as? 

I identify as a cisgender, pansexual woman. I love being a woman and believe in romantic or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity.

Can you tell us what you're currently working on or what's in store for the readers?

I'm expanding my latest Novella into a full-length Novel about intergenerational mental illness and how important it is to remove the stigma. I'm also crafting a new one ^u^

What is the best writing advice you have received?

Just write and push through. Enjoy the process and the journey.

What advice can you give to writers out there?

Read your eyes out, enjoy the ride, and write from the heart. Practice does make perfect. Listen to your stories and let the characters guide the way. Be humble and accept constructive criticism—even if it hurts ^u^

"We never really get there, we are constantly learning" do you agree?

Yes, there's no limit to learning. I believe we must always be open to new challenges but at the same time be grateful to our mentors and kind to ourselves in the process. I learn from everyone, I admire every writer because they have the courage to share their words and feelings with us all.