Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston is a bestselling author celebrated for their heartwarming and witty contemporary romance novels that explore themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, McQuiston developed an early love for storytelling, drawing inspiration from their Southern roots and a lifelong fascination with quirky, endearing characters. They attended Louisiana State University, where they studied journalism, before pursuing a career in writing.

McQuiston burst onto the literary scene in 2019 with their debut novel, "Red, White & Royal Blue," a romantic comedy about the fictional relationship between the First Son of the United States and a British prince. The book quickly became a sensation, earning spots on bestseller lists and winning accolades such as the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance.

Their second novel, "One Last Stop," followed a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and love with a mysterious subway passenger trapped out of time. The book -- a New York Times' 100 Notable Book as well as a Bookpage: Top Ten Romance Novel of 2021 --- further showcased McQuiston’s talent for creating diverse, richly developed characters and imaginative narratives. In 2023, they released "I Kissed Shara Wheeler," their first foray into young adult fiction, a queer coming-of-age story set in a conservative high school in Alabama. "The Pairing," a queer romance, is McQuiston's latest offering.

McQuiston, who is openly bisexual and queer, is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in media. Additionally, McQuiston is open about having ADHD and how it affects their writing. They reside in New York City, where they continue to write stories that inspire joy and connection.