The Honeys is like if you took the cult-classic Heathers and drowned it in the bright, disorienting vibes of Midsommar. What can you tell us about your upcoming book, The Honeys ? My missions as an author is to center queer characters in stories that only they can tell, and to create a new mythology that finds power in queerness. Really though, I’m a storyteller with an interest in subverting the traditionally defeatist mythology around queerness, which has sort of given me this campy, villainous aura in publishing, which I enjoy. About me: so, you know how in every fantasy there’s the like, wicked and vain sorceress character who is always cackling and scheming to steal the youth of the princess? That’s me except I’m not that concerned with youth, and really just more into the cackling part. If Mars can’t find it soon, it will eat him alive.įirst of all, welcome to We Need Diverse Books! Could you tell us a little about yourself? Something is hunting him in broad daylight, toying with his mind.

Mars’s memories begin to falter, bleached beneath the relentless summer sun. They are beautiful and terrifying-and Mars is certain they’re connected to Caroline’s death.īut the longer he stays at Aspen, the more the sweet mountain breezes give way to hints of decay. Mars seeks out his sister’s old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. Folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities camouflage old-fashioned gender roles and a toxic preparatory rigor. What Mars finds is a bucolic fairytale not meant for him. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on attending in her place. This includes attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister poured so much of her time. Mars’s genderfluidity means he’s often excluded from the traditions-and expectations-of his politically connected family.

But when Caroline dies under horrific circumstances, Mars is propelled to learn all he can about his once-inseparable sister who’d grown tragically distant. Mars has always been the lesser twin, the shadow to his sister Caroline’s radiance.

Today we’re pleased to welcome Ryan La Sala to the WNDB blog to discuss The Honeys, out August 2, 2022!

Ryan la sala reverie