Author Interview Questions – G. L. Rueda

About the Book

1. Unlikely Ideal is such a heartfelt MM contemporary romance, and Dillon and Karlos couldn’t be more different. What inspired you to bring their worlds together?

It was a mix of many things coming together at the same time. I watched a video on age-gap relationships in media and how their portrayal could influence the way society perceives them. They made a brief mention of same-sex relationships having less rep, but I know happy, healthy same-sex couples with marked age-gaps, and wondered why there shouldn’t be more wholesome stories with that aspect? Why is it usually used as something taboo or dangerous?

Then I thought about power imbalances and opposites attract, which are often meshed with age-gap stories. Do they have to be romanticized toxicity? Not really; these tropes can be used in many ways, and I’m a fan of wholesome stories.

I have a few original characters, inspired by characters I love, and head-canons I create when interacting with my favorite fandoms. Karlos and Dillon just fit perfectly into the themes I wanted to explore, so I took them, developed them fully, and everything clicked into place.

2. The age gap, workplace dynamics, and contrasting personalities add so much tension—what part of their relationship was the most fun (or challenging) to write?

The most fun was their banter when it came to their differences; from Dillon explaining that Feels so good isn’t played with a trumpet, to Karlos introducing Dillon to Deadpool, having them share their differences made the dialogue a lot of fun to write.

3. If you had to sum up Dillon and Karlos’s story in three words, what would they be?

Connection without judgment if you want a coherent phrase. If I had to pick three words to describe it, I’d go with: Comforting, honest, and equal.

Inspiration & Process
4. Where did the initial spark for Unlikely Ideal come from—character first, or the setup of “future boss meets personal assistant”?

The idea of “I want a healthy depiction of a same-sex relationship with a notable age gap and power imbalance” came first. Reading them as something “forbidden” is a lot of fun, but it’s what I’ve seen the most in the community. I wanted to add to the other side, the softer, sweeter one. A breather between heavier, spicier stuff to spend a few hours diving into something simple and positive.

5. You’ve woven in themes of family, self-discovery, and acceptance. Which of these felt most personal for you while writing?

Self-discovery, for sure. It took me the longest time to really know who I am, and I’m still discovering things I either ignored, didn’t know about, or doubted. No matter what age someone is, it’s always a surprise to open unexpected boxes of gifts you put away for any amount of time.

Dillon and Karlos became better people by learning more about themselves, which allowed them to be more open with each other. Relationships are complicated, all kinds, and it’s easier to navigate them once you’ve found your sense of self.

6. Do you plot out your romances carefully, or do you let the characters surprise you along the way?

I’m mainly a planner, with big moments laid out from the start and creating chapters that allow me to move the story along. Of course, the characters have a mind of their own, and I must adapt. Chapter 21, for example, was completely different during the first draft. The main conflict changed upon revision, and I think it worked out better that way.

Characters & Themes
7. Dillon and Karlos have such different views of the world. What do you hope readers take away from watching them navigate their differences?

That openness and tolerance are okay. Their differences are not irreconcilable; they’re aspects of their personality that make them a whole person. They fall for each other because of who they are as a person, and they can step over the lines separating their views to peek at what the other sees. Understanding someone else doesn’t mean changing yourself, and it never should. Compromises are necessary when in a relationship, and so are boundaries.

8. Which character surprised you the most as their story unfolded?

Both had their moments. Dillon ultimately wins only because of chapter 21, which I mentioned earlier. His “last stance,” so to speak, wasn’t as planned as Karlos’.

9. If Dillon and Karlos went on a date outside of the book—say, in your hometown—where would you take them?

I’m from Mexico City, and I think they’d have a lot of fun in the Museum of Natural History. Dillon would love learning about all the exhibits, and Karlos would find the showings, such as the fossils, “really fucking cool”.

Writing & Publishing Journey
10. What was the most rewarding part of publishing Unlikely Ideal?

Seeing it finally out in the world. A full story, a full book; my first book. I never felt more proud of anything; I had done something I had only dreamed of since I was a kid writing fanfiction before knowing what fanfiction was.

11. You mentioned that another book in the same series is coming out soon—can you give us a little tease?

If all goes well, it should be out by December. Looping Threads is another love story set in the same fictional city as Unlikely Ideal. It’s a sapphic Christmas romance between fashion designer Opal Miller and personal trainer Jelena Rivera. Four more standalones will be coming out over the next couple of years, all in Bellinvue, all same-sex stories, and all with wholesome relationships.

12. How has writing romance changed the way you look at love stories in real life?

Learning what makes a healthy relationship has made it easier for me to see the possible toxic interactions in real life and learn what is and isn’t acceptable in reality. Books are great for all types of fantasies, but I can’t lose sight of reality.

Fun & Quickfire
13. Dream casting time! Who would you pick to play Dillon and Karlos in a movie or TV adaptation?

That’s a hard one. Maybe Kofi Siriboe for Karlos, a little shorter than the guy I created, but he has similar characteristics in other ways. As for Dillon, probably Dane DeHaan would be a good choice; those eyes of his would still look amazing behind glasses.

Also, yes, I just noticed my picks have the same initials as the characters on their first name. I promise it wasn’t planned.

14. What’s your go-to writing snack or drink when you’re deep in a draft?

Popcorn and grape juice. Not at the same time.

15. What romance trope could you write over and over again without getting tired of it?

Probably slow burn. My romances won’t have the characters having sex until somewhere in the last handful of chapters. The rest of the story is about them building to that. Kissing, hugging, dates, sure. But that moment? They gotta work for it.

16. If Dillon had a theme song, what would it be? What about Karlos?

Dillon loves more classic stuff; I Made It Through The Rain by Barry Manilow is a good anthem for him. Karlos is more modern, and he’s more about everyone being up and happy, so I think he’d love to have Keep Ya Head Up by 2Pac playing around him.

17. Beach getaway or cozy cabin—where would these two thrive the most?

Both! It’d be one of those times where they go to the beach first and wind down after a few days at a cabin. Dillon would be happy with Karlos at the beach and try out most activities with him, and Karlos would return the favor with a quiet, cozy cabin afterwards, so their skin rests from the sun and the salt.