Samantha Allen Books In Order

Publication Order of SamanthaAllen Standalone Novels

Publication Order of SamanthaAllen Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of The Real Thing Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is an American writer known for her work in journalism and books. She has written for well-known outlets like The Daily Beast and now edits culture stories at Them. In 2019, she released Real Queer America, a nonfiction book sharing LGBT experiences in conservative parts of the U.S. Her background in reporting helps her craft stories that feel genuine and engaging.

Allen has a talent for creating characters that grab readers’ attention. Her protagonists feel real, with personalities and struggles that pull people into the story. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, she keeps the narrative moving in ways that entertain. The way she builds her stories makes them hard to put down.

Readers enjoy her ability to mix humor with deeper themes. She knows how to balance serious topics with lighthearted moments, making her work fun yet meaningful. Her storytelling keeps things fresh, avoiding predictable paths. This skill makes her writing stand out in both journalism and books.

She connects with readers everywhere by telling stories that feel authentic. She writes in a way that’s honest and personal, making her work relatable no matter where someone lives. Whether covering serious topics or adding humor, she keeps things engaging without losing depth. Her voice stays consistent, letting readers feel like they’re hearing from a real person, not just a writer.

Her stories entertain because they mix wit, heart, and sharp observations. She doesn’t force jokes or drama—everything flows naturally from the characters and situations. This makes her writing enjoyable for a wide audience, from casual readers to those looking for deeper themes. People keep coming back because her work never feels fake or overdone.

Even when tackling tough subjects, Allen keeps things lively and approachable. She knows how to hold attention without sacrificing truth or meaning. Her ability to stay true to herself while entertaining readers is what makes her writing stand out. That balance keeps people hooked, no matter what kind of story she’s telling.

Samantha Allen’s career is still growing, with plenty more stories left to tell. Her sharp writing and unique voice suggest she’ll keep creating work that resonates. Whether through books, articles, or new projects, readers can expect more engaging narratives ahead. The best of her storytelling is likely yet to come.

Early and Personal Life

Samantha Leigh Allen grew up in New Jersey after being born in California, raised in a conservative Mormon household. Her early years included serving as a Mormon missionary before she later chose a different path. She left the church in 2008, transferred to Rutgers University, and eventually embraced her identity as a transgender woman in 2012.

Her academic journey was impressive, earning a Ph.D. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Emory University. Along the way, she received prestigious fellowships, including the George W. Woodruff Fellowship and the John Money Fellowship for Scholars of Sexology. Her work was also recognized with awards like Emory’s Unsung Heroine Award and Transgender Advocate of the Year.

These experiences shaped her perspective, fueling her writing with depth and authenticity. Her background in academia and activism informs her storytelling, blending sharp insight with engaging narratives. Readers can see how her life’s journey influences the way she crafts compelling, thought-provoking work.

Writing Career

Samantha Allen has built a dynamic writing career, contributing to major publications like Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and CNN, with a focus on LGBTQ stories. She worked as a senior reporter for The Daily Beast and later became Senior Culture Editor at Them, while also freelancing for outlets like Logo TV’s NewNowNext. Beyond journalism, she co-hosts the WNBA podcast Double W and writes the travel newsletter Get Lost, showcasing her versatility.

In 2019, Allen published Real Queer America, an award-winning nonfiction book highlighting LGBTQ communities in conservative states. She expanded into fiction with Patricia Wants to Cuddle (2022), a horror-comedy novel, followed by Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet (2024), a ghostwriter-themed dark comedy. With more projects likely ahead, her career continues to evolve across genres, blending sharp storytelling with humor and insight.

Real Queer America

Samantha Allen’s nonfiction book Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States was published on March 5, 2019, by Little, Brown and Company. The work explores LGBTQ experiences in conservative regions. It won the Judy Turner Prize for Community Service.

Samantha Allen, once a Mormon missionary, is now a GLAAD-winning journalist married to a woman, still passionate about Red State America and its queer communities. In Real Queer America, she road-trips from Utah to the Deep South, spotlighting LGBTQ life with her motto: “Something gay every day.” She meets trailblazers like Texas’ first openly transgender mayor and an Indiana queer nightclub manager, showcasing resilience in unexpected places. The book captures hope and connection, celebrating chosen families reshaping America’s heartland.

Readers found Real Queer America uplifting and eye-opening as Allen celebrates LGBTQ resilience in unexpected places. Her engaging storytelling and heartfelt journey make it a rewarding read.

Patricia Wants to Cuddle

Samantha Allen’s horror comedy romance Patricia Wants to Cuddle was published on June 28, 2022, by Zando. The novel blends humor and horror in a unique genre mashup.

Four contestants on a dating reality show arrive at a Pacific Northwest island, expecting drama but encountering Patricia – a mysterious local watching from the woods. As cameras capture their manufactured romance, Patricia emerges as an unexpected threat with her own desires. The story escalates when cast and crew confront this enigmatic figure during a terrifying nighttime encounter.

Blending horror and satire, the novel critiques reality TV while exploring queer love and self-discovery through unconventional relationships.

Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet

Samantha Allen’s paranormal romance Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet was published on December 3, 2024, by Zando. The novel marks Allen’s latest foray into genre-blending fiction.

Adam Gallagher, an ex-Mormon ghostwriter, lands his biggest job yet—penning the memoir of closeted Hollywood star Roland Rogers. There’s just one complication: Roland is already dead, communicating through smart devices. As they race to finish before Roland’s body is discovered, their creative visions clash while unexpected connections form.

This paranormal rom-com blends humor and heart as two men find more than they expected through their unconventional collaboration.