A FORMER Bridgwater and Taunton College has secured publication of her first novel. 

Molly O’Dowd has published her fantasy novel The In-Between, with Arkbound Publishing, highlighting the intricacies of LGBTQ+ romances.

The author studied A Levels in Biology, Psychology, and Religious Studies at  Bridgwater and Taunton College, as well as an Extended Project Qualification.

Molly now lives in Bristol as a Psychology graduate of Swansea University, and is pursuing her dreams of becoming an author.

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Fascinated by the complexities of interpersonal relationships, she seeks to highlight the intricacies of LGBTQ+ romances in the fantasy worlds she builds.

The In-Between is set in an original fantasy universe, where university student Tenaya discovers forbidden magic and Aletheia, a being from another realm.

It follows their entwined journey of self-discovery, rebellion, and romance, and will be available in print and digital formats.

The author sites her main sources of inspiration as the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi, Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan, and The Dark Elements by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Primarily, Molly is keen to address the sizeable gap in the fantasy genre for LGBTQ+ representation, bringing her ‘romantasy’ creations to the masses.

Molly said: "Bridgwater and Taunton College was always very supportive of my studies, indulging my requests for extra work and encouraging me to pursue my interests in creative writing, even outside of my studies.

"I have since graduated from Swansea University, have worked in SEND schools, and as an intermediary in court.

"I’m very excited to have my book, The In-Between, published by Arkbound, which brings more LGBTQ+ representation to the fantasy genre!"