“…moments of winning humor, and the sincerity of the diverse cast is endearing. ”

— Kirkus Reviews

“[Somewhere in Nowhere] is impressively original, deftly crafted, fully engaging, and a fun read from start to finish.”

— Midwest Book Review

Steven Gellman | Author

Steven Gellman is an award-winning songwriter turned author. Inspired by his early love for Judy Blume’s groundbreaking stories, Steven has found his passion for writing coming-of-age fiction that centers LGBTQ+voices and the real-life challenges of navigating adolescence in an ever-changing world.  

Steven has long championed authentic queer storytelling — first through song, now through fiction. Billboard Magazine once praised him as one of the ‘out-queer tunesmiths [...] making waves along the coffeehouse circuit.’ His debut album Photobook was nominated for Debut Album of the Year by the Gay/Lesbian American Music Awards (GLAMA). His latest release, All You Need, was a finalist for four Wammie Awards and earned a silver from the Mid-Atlantic Song Contest for “Twenty-Nine.” 

When he’s not writing, Steven can be found sipping a cup of Dark Rose tea and plotting new adventures for his book club, Tea & Peril. Now in its tenth year, the club has hosted a growing number of New York Times bestselling authors including Travis Baldree, Sarah Beth Durst, Emily X.R. Pan, Eleanor Brown, and William Kent Krueger. 

His debut novel Somewhere in Nowhere is published by NineStar Press (April 14, 2026). Steven lives in Maryland’s Piedmont region with his husband and a houseful of rescued companion animals.  

Book Talk

    Aug 5, 2026

    [Review] Audio Book Reviewer.com

     

    The Alien Within, The Heart Beyond

    Simon Bugg's senior year is turned upside down when his family moves, forcing him to leave behind his friends and start over at a new school. As he adjusts to an overworked mom, the…

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    Jun 18, 2026

    [Review] The Reporter

    “The novels in this review focus on three different time periods: World War II, the early 1950s and contemporary times. However, they all have something in common: these young adults are looking for ways to live a meaningful life.” -…

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    Jun 10, 2026

    [Review] Richard Reads

    Read on Instagram

    Written by: Steven Gellman 
    Genre: YA LGBTQ+ 
    Format: 🎧 
    4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟 


    Synopsis 
    Coming out is hard, especially when you have two gay moms. At least it is for Simon Bugg. It’s Simon’s senior year and his world…

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    Apr 28, 2026

    [Interview] OUTSFL

    Out South Florida interviewed Steven about his debut novel. Read on to discover the first LGBTQ+ book 19-year old Steven bought and so much more. 

    Apr 10, 2026

    [Interview] Bookstr

    In this Bookstr interview, Steven Gellman opens up about the pandemic pivot that launched his writing career, the personal experience with anxiety woven into Somewhere in Nowhere, and what he hopes queer teens will find in Simon Bugg's…

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    So, what's up with Simon Bugg?

    Coming out is hard, especially when you have two gay moms. At least it is for Simon Bugg. He doesn’t want the world to think that having gay parents has turned him gay. And he certainly doesn’t want anyone to know about the alien in his stomach that’s trying to kill him. 

    It’s Simon’s senior year and his world just turned upside down. When his mom scores a dream job, Simon lands at a new school away from the only friends he has ever known. Now, his mom is overworked and chronically stressed, and his deadbeat dad is back on the scene. Navigating a new school and new friends is a challenge for a neurotic overthinker, and Simon finds himself turning to his rescue cat and a local barista for support. But when Simon meets the handsome PJ in drama class, he gets talked into a date that he derails in spectacular fashion. 

    With a little help from his friends—new and old—Simon finds his way back to PJ. But how can he have a real relationship with the boy of his dreams when he’s convinced he’s going to die? No one knows about the nightly alien attacks at 11:22. Why then, and why do they keep getting worse? Simon must face a dark secret inside before he loses his chance with the boy he loves. 
    Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman — debut YA novel cover, published by NineStar Press

    Available Wherever Books Are Sold

    Hardcover, paperback, ebook, & audiobook

    Buy now through Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and other places books are sold.  

    Special Edition Hardcover with Sprayed Edges available here. 

    Signed & personalized copies are available through Curious Iguana, Steven's local indie bookstore. Shipping available.

    Get the Book

    What Readers Are Saying…

    Signings & Appearances

    [MD] Queen Takes Book Local Author Fair

    [MD] Queen Takes Book Local Author Fair

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    Cushwa & Rad Pies Taproom, 6695 Dobbin Rd, STE G , Columbia, MD

    Come to Queen Takes Books' Boozy Local Author Fair and meet an amazing group of local authors! This is an opportunity to learn about incredible new books directly from the authors themselves. That means you can get them signed, personalized, and ask any questions you may have! All while enjoying great food and drinks from Cushwa & Rad Pies Taproom.

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    [WV] Love in Appalachia Author Fair

    [WV] Love in Appalachia Author Fair

     —  —

    Four Seasons Books, 114 W German St, Shepherdstown, WV

    Meet 9 local authors who write characters you will fall in love with, create fantastic worlds you will want to live in, and/or pay homage to the beauty of our Appalachian heritage and the landscape of the region.

    Authors will have tables set up throughout Four Seasons Books from 1-4 pm and will be happy to sign books, take photos, and talk to you about their stories. All books will be available for purchase either from the author directly or through the store, so come out and find your next favorite read (and maybe a new auto-buy author).

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    Author reviews for Somewhere in Nowhere by Steven Gellman. Advance Praise.

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