Get ready to learn more about the book A Missed Erection in this discussion with sapphic author Aunt Georgia Lee.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Aunt Georgia Lee about A Missed Erection, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Butch / Femme category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write A Missed Erection?
I wrote “A Missed Erection” as the fourth book in my “Real Lesbians of Atlanta” series because I wanted to continue portraying women of color, especially queer women of color, as supportive, loving friends from diverse backgrounds. This particular book explores the complexities of a marriage between two indie filmmakers, highlighting their journey through one partner’s recovery from breast cancer, while being surrounded by their adopted kids, elders, and friends who help them weather the storm.
On a personal level, this story holds deep significance for me. My partner and I have been together for over 20 years, and we’ve faced our own set of challenges, including breast cancer and the loss of loved ones. Through it all, we’ve remained committed to each other, no matter how difficult things have become. This book is an homage not only to my own “shero” but also to the strength and resilience of my characters, reflecting the power of love and support in overcoming life’s toughest moments.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
It’s always tough to pick a favorite because I love all my characters for different reasons, but if I had to choose, I’d say Carlton Morgan, the father of one of the main characters, stands out to me. Although the story has faced some minor critique for its patriarchal elements, Carlton represents the heart of found family—those who have your back no matter your gender, sexual orientation, or race. He embodies the strength of a “ride-or-die” crew, showing that family is made of people who will always stand by you.
As you read, you’ll discover that Carlton holds a surprising secret that reveals he’s more of a crusader than cavalier. I actually patterned him after one of my long-time favorite actors, Billy Dee Williams, which adds to his charm and complexity.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
The biggest challenge in writing this book was timing. I was facing health issues, including surgery and a recovery period, which made the process more difficult. However, I was determined to complete the manuscript, edit, promote, and publish it on time to meet Amazon’s deadline. What helped me push through these challenges was the unwavering support of my partner, W.L. Tracy, who stood by me at every step, and the comforting presence of my fur babies, Bear Lee and Rocky Lee, who filled my days with love and warmth.
What part of A Missed Erection was the most fun to write?
The most fun part of writing for me is definitely the blend of sexual tension and conflict between my characters, along with the sexy time. But what I truly enjoy the most is infusing comedy into my stories. As an empath and a Cancerian, I tend to be quite serious by nature. Still, I’ve always loved smiling and laughter—there’s already so much sadness in the world. I aim to create realistic love stories, but I like to balance the intensity with humor whenever possible. My partner always tells me I have great comedic timing, though no reviews have mentioned it yet (maybe she’s a bit biased). LOL! I do have fun reading the scenes with comedic moments to her, though and watching her crack up and pick her favorite characters because of how funny she thought they were.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Yes, there are two more books in this series. The next one, “Baby Got Bodee – The Red Dress Diary,” is scheduled for release in June 2025. I’m just as excited about Monica Kelly’s story as I have been about all these lovely ladies. Monica is a full-figured woman and successful lawyer who finds herself crushing on a smart and attractive colleague at her law firm, while also unexpectedly catching feelings for her teasing and very phyne neighbor, who disturbs her peace in more ways than one! This story is all about body positivity, a bit of an enemies-to-lovers vibe, self-love, and a romantic comedy filled with your favorite RLOA characters and her sister-friends.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
My latest favorite writing drink is Myth and Legend’s latte made with their Hot Shot dark roast, oat milk, lavender, and honey-cinnamon. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and inspiration. I love how the smooth, bold flavor keeps me focused while the hint of lavender adds a touch of calm creativity. It’s soooo good. I’ve even started using it as the drink of choice for some of my characters.
What are three words that describe your personality?
Empath: As much as I sometimes wish I could distance myself from the emotions I feel, being an empath is an intrinsic part of who I am. I deeply care about the world and everyone in it, and that connection comes through in my work. It’s impossible for me to write without infusing a sense of social consciousness, even in romantic and somewhat fairytale-like stories. I believe stories can be both entertaining and a vehicle for change, and my empathy drives me to reflect that balance.
Producer: My therapist coined this term for me—I’m always in creative mode! New stories, projects, and ideas flood my mind constantly. I love the excitement of starting something fresh, building it, and seeing it come to life. But once a project is finished, I’m already mentally moving on to the next idea, eager to produce something even more innovative.
Collaborative: This is one of my CliftonStrengths, and it’s something I truly value. I’m fascinated by people’s unique qualities and how different perspectives can combine to create something greater. Whether it’s a professional project or personal endeavor, I’m always looking for opportunities to collaborate and grow with others, building a strong network based on shared creativity and mutual respect.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
Yes, I have. As an empath, I often find myself deeply connected to the emotions in my scenes. One of the most challenging ones to write recently was the hate crime in my novel My Day One – Cheryl. It wasn’t something I wanted to write, but something I needed to. Our LGBTIQA+ community, especially our trans brothers and sisters, face harsh realities, and if we don’t address them, we risk becoming complicit in the silence.
To ensure the scene was handled with the sensitivity and respect it deserved, I consulted a close friend who is a transman. Certain words and phrases were painful for him to hear, but he understood why they needed to be said and why this story needed to be told. After finishing the scene, I tried reading it aloud to my partner, but I became so emotional I couldn’t finish—it was too overwhelming. She had to take over and read the rest.
In this book, I made sure to include a trigger warning, something I hadn’t always done with earlier works that dealt with trauma. Writing these scenes affects me deeply, just as I hope they resonate with my readers and reflect the intense impact they have on my characters.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
Yes, all the time! I fall in love with all of my main characters, and sometimes even the secondary ones. It’s always hard to say goodbye once the story is complete and published. But, like the producer I am, I move on to the next project and fall in love all over again! LOL!
What books did you grow up reading?
I grew up reading Harlequin Romance novels, and they’ve had a profound impact on shaping me as a writer. Those stories taught me the art of building tension and creating that irresistible spark when characters first meet, which is something I love incorporating into my own writing. I decided to take that classic romantic formula and bring more diversity to it, focusing on BIPOC characters, especially queer women of color, who are often underrepresented in romance. For me, it’s all about the journey—the flirtation, the buildup, and of course, the ‘icing on the cake’ moments that readers anticipate. Even when there’s drama pulling the characters apart, I always aim for a satisfying, happy ending, just like the stories I grew up with.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
My favorite reading spot is wherever I can truly lose myself in a story. Usually, it’s the family room or the bedroom, where the vibe is cozy and familiar. I like to have music on, something that sets the perfect mood for the book—almost like my personal soundtrack. And depending on the story, there’s something about being able to glance out the window, catching a sunny day or, at night, hearing the rain or nature sounds in the background. It makes the whole experience feel even more immersive. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between relaxation and escape.
