What makes me different
A voice shaped by real experience
I write with a clear sense of identity and emotional truth. You get stories that feel grounded, not copied from whatever happens to be fashionable.
Books that cross genre lines
You're not boxed into one kind of reading here. I move from mystery to horror to younger fiction without losing the human thread that holds each story together.
An author you can actually follow
I stay visible through my website and social channels. That makes it easier for you to keep up with new titles, events and the thinking behind the books.
My titles
Stories that feel honest, human and memorable
Finding fiction that reflects real lives can feel harder than it should, especially when you want LGBTQ stories that ring true instead of simply ticking a box. Since 2010, I have built my work around characters, emotions, and situations that feel lived in.
My writing grew from a need to tell honest stories without papering over the awkward moments, the darker corners, or the humour that makes people real. That means you can pick up a book from me and expect something personal, independent, and written with genuine care for the people on the page.
Alongside my books, I share updates, reflections, and insights into my writing journey through my blog. If you would like to discover the stories I currently have available, you can explore my Current Titles Available and find the next book to take you on a new journey.
Pride in ageing has given me hope
For much of my life, I lived in fear and kept my true self hidden. Growing up, I believed being gay was something to hide, so I spent many years feeling alone and missing the chance to build real relationships. Those experiences left lasting emotional scars. Today, I look back with sadness, but I also look forward with pride. Seeing how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come gives me hope. Pride has created a space where people can live openly and support one another without fear.
One of the most inspiring parts of this progress is the Pride in Ageing programme, which celebrates and supports LGBTQ+ people over 50. It reminds me that it is never too late to find belonging. I am proud to say I am a gay man, and I no longer feel ashamed of who I am. My journey has taught me that everyone deserves love, acceptance, and the freedom to live as their true self. Through sharing my story, including on Goodreads, I hope to encourage others to embrace who they are and know that acceptance, hope, and belonging are always possible.
The journey from Julian Black to Andrew Brookman
I have travelled a long way from fear to freedom. As a child, I was quiet, shy, and afraid to show my true self. Growing up in a difficult family made those feelings even stronger. I struggled to accept that I was gay and feared how others would judge me. Therapy helped me realise I was not alone, but I still found it challenging to live openly. To cope, I created the pen name Julian Black. Julian was brave, confident, and free to say the things I could not.
Through this identity, I found the courage to write honestly about my life. Now, with the release of I Was Screaming Inside But Nobody Could Hear Me; Now the World Listens, I am ready to leave Julian behind. I now write under my name and proudly share my story. My journey shows that accepting myself has brought hope, healing, and freedom.