Why Writing MM Romance Matters to Me (and Why Representation is So Important)
- M. Anderson
- Feb 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 26

If you’ve followed my writing journey, you know that queer romance—especially MM romance—holds a special place in my heart. But I don’t think I’ve ever fully shared why I write these stories or what they mean to me on a deeper level.
Today, I want to talk about the power of LGBTQ+ representation in romance novels, how writing Home in Nevada changed my perspective, and why these stories are so much more than just entertainment.
MM Romance Helped Me Find Myself
Like many readers, I grew up loving books, but I wasn’t seeing stories that reflected me. I didn’t have words for it back then, but when I finally discovered MM romance? It was like finding home.
Suddenly, love stories weren’t just about the same traditional narratives—I was reading about characters navigating identity, love, and relationships in ways that felt deeply personal. For the first time, I saw pieces of myself in fiction.
But that experience came with complications. The first time my family discovered the media I was consuming, it didn’t go over well. I heard things that made me question if the stories I loved were something to be ashamed of. So I stopped. Not reading, but writing. I convinced myself that MM romance wasn’t my place.
Why I Started Writing MM Romance
Fast forward to a few years later—I was still obsessed with reading LGBTQ+ romance (seriously, I devoured books like candy), but I wasn’t writing. Until one day, I had an idea for a story.
I started writing Home in Nevada and, on a whim, posted a few chapters on Wattpad. It wasn’t polished, it wasn’t perfect, but it was mine.
And then? I panicked.
Was I just writing smut?
Would people judge me for writing MM romance?
Was this something I should be ashamed of?
For a while, I froze. I let doubt win. But then something happened—I started getting messages. Readers reached out, telling me how much they loved the story. How it made them happy. How they felt seen.
And that changed everything.
Why MM Romance Matters (To Me & The Readers Who Love It)
Writing queer romance isn’t just about love stories—it’s about representation, visibility, and creating spaces where all kinds of love are celebrated.
Here’s why I believe MM romance is so important:
1. It Gives Queer Readers a Place to See Themselves
For years, LGBTQ+ relationships were barely represented in mainstream romance, and when they were, they often ended in tragedy. But love stories don’t have to be tragic to be meaningful.
Books like Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston and Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall have proven that queer love stories can be fun, swoon-worthy, and joyful. These stories show LGBTQ+ readers that they, too, deserve romance, happy endings, and main-character energy.
2. It Breaks Down Stereotypes & Assumptions
MM romance isn’t just about romance—it’s about diverse experiences. Not all queer relationships look the same, and these stories explore everything from coming out to navigating relationships as adults, discovering love later in life, or dealing with complicated family dynamics.
3. It Helps Normalize Queer Love in Mainstream Fiction
When I started writing Home in Nevada, I wanted to create a story that felt real. A love story that wasn’t about trauma—but about connection, healing, and second chances.
The more queer love stories we put into the world, the more they become a natural, expected, and celebrated part of the romance genre.
If You Love MM Romance, Here Are Some Books You Might Enjoy
If you’re a fan of Home in Nevada (or just love MM romance in general), here are some books that I highly recommend:
📚 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston – A prince and a first son fall in love? Yes, please.
📚 Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall – A hilarious fake-dating romance with all the banter.
📚 The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun – Reality TV meets queer romance in the best way possible.
📚 Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy – A heartfelt sports romance that will give you all the feels.
📚 Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales – A queer Grease retelling that’s both adorable and emotional.
(And of course, if you haven’t read Home in Nevada yet, what are you waiting for?! Grab your copy here! 😉)
Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Keep Writing These Stories
I write MM romance because these stories matter. Because they deserve to be told. Because love, in all its forms, is worth celebrating.
But mostly, I write them because they make me happy. And if my books can bring even one person joy, help them feel seen, or give them a little escape... Seriously? That’s everything.
So, to everyone who’s supported my books, recommended them, or sent me a message saying they made you smile—thank you. You make this journey worth it.
💙 Tell me in the comments: What’s your favorite MM romance book? Or what do you love most about the genre?
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