Author Spotlight: Amy Shearn (she/her), ANIMAL INSTINCT

Meet author Amy Shearn! Amy stopped by to talk about her new novel Animal Instinct and beautifully shares why queer representation is so important today. Come for the thoughtful answers, stay to learn why the book is like turkey and cranberry sauce ice cream.

Animal Instinct is available now.

• Where are you from?

  I grew up in a suburb of Chicago called Highland Park. Midwest represent! (I say that having lived in Brooklyn for the past 20 years, but still.)

• How would you describe Animal Instinct in 2-3 sentences?

  Rachel is an app developer who has gotten divorced right before the pandemic begins. She is dating on the apps for the first time in her life, and while this helps her to rediscover her desires (and have a lot of fun), she finds herself wishing she could just create her perfect person from scratch. But when she starts training an AI bot to be this perfect person, she begins to realize that maybe love isn’t something you can actually control.

• What 3 words would you use to describe your book?

  Honest, horny, and hopeful

  

• Why do you believe queer representation in media is so important, particularly in today’s political climate?

  It’s weird to remember this, since I live in such a diverse, queer, and generally accepting bubble, but there are people out there who might not have encountered queer people in their everyday lives. Dimensional, sympathetic characters who happen to be queer can be useful counterprogramming to the demonized images presented by certain extremely stupid corners of the media. Seeing ourselves on the page is validating, and seeing people unlike us on the page is enlightening. Also queer people are hot and fun? Like, hello?

  
  In my book, Rachel is a flawed character whose decisions are not always perfect. In a time when the queer people granted mainstream visibility and acceptance are often those who are able to project images of flawless family lives, clearly defined labels, and traditionally attractive bodies, it was important to me to create a chaotically bisexual character who is allowed to be, you know, a bit of a mess.

• What book(s) are you most looking forward to reading this year?