Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill: The Podcast

Lee Wind
Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill: The Podcast

Welcome to QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL: THE PODCAST with author and host Lee Wind. Join me each Thursday in June as I share my award-winning novel, Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill, chapter by chapter, in its entirety, to empower Queer teens and their allies with the real-world information that would have changed my life – because stories – especially our Queer stories and history – should be available for all.

  1. JUL 4

    Episode 37 - Crowdfunding for Authors (even if you're traditionally published)

    I'm in the middle of my second crowdfunding campaign, and I've learned some things that I hope can help other authors. My first crowdfunding campaign was in 2018 for "Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill," a book that I author published, meaning when the campaign was successful I hired a team of people to help me put out the best quality YA novel possible. It was my debut, it worked, and the book went on to win some awards, had thousands of readers who loved it, got on a couple of banned and challenged lists, and overall launched my author career. My second YA novel, A DIFFERENT KIND OF BRAVE was traditionally published (in paperback and as an ebook) in March of 2024, by Duet Books/Interlude Press, an imprint of Chicago Review Press. And I pitched the publisher on the idea of crowdfunding to raise enough funds to donate 350 (or more) paperback copies of the novel to LGBTQIA2+ teens while offering backers a special collector's edition hardcover of the novel. They said yes, so I launched my second crowdfunding campaign on June 20, 2024 and it will end 30 days later on July 20, 2024 at 6:50am Pacific: bit.ly/BRAVEkickstarter I recorded this podcast episode half-way through the campaign (on July 4, 2024) to share 12 tips for authors about crowdfunding. I hope you'll find it both helpful and empowering! Links: The amazing designer of the cover of A DIFFERENT KIND OF BRAVE and the cool character cards (don't trade them!) is CB Messer The Publishers Weekly article about this Kickstarter Campaign: YA Author Lee Wind Launches Kickstarter to Donate Books to LGBTQ+ Teens My Social Media Countdowns from day 16 of the campaign: Bluesky Instagram Facebook TikTok The awesome nonprofit empowering LGBTQIA2+ and Allied Teens I partnered with is Brave Trails Link to the Kickstarter project: ⁠https://bit.ly/BRAVEkickstarter⁠ More about A DIFFERENT KIND OF BRAVE: Nicolas “Nico” Hall is sixteen when he escapes from Dr. H’s religious gay reprogramming institute in California. On his own, he assumes one identity after another to avoid recapture as he flees south to Peru and then to Mexico. Seven days older than Nico, Samuel “Sam” Jonas Solomon is a privileged Upper West Side only child who idolizes James Bond. When his heart is broken, he vows that, like Bond, he’s never going to trust in love again. Then he meets Nico, and his heart won’t listen to any logic. Nico’s survived by living only for himself—until his love for Sam has him risking his freedom for others. And as much as Sam wants to be like 007, he discovers that James Bond is a terrible role model. Together, Nico and Sam set out to free the other teens trapped in Dr. H’s Institute, plunging readers into perils, drama, and a long-shot chance at love. To succeed, they’ll both have to be A Different Kind of Brave. More about Lee Wind: my author website sign up for my newsletter

    33 min

  2. 06/29/2023

    Bonus Episode 36: A Sneak Peek at the Introduction to THE GENDER BINARY IS A BIG LIE

    THE GENDER BINARY IS A BIG LIE: Infinite Identities Around the World publishes in April 2024 from Zest Books/Lerner Publishing Company. This is a sneak peek at the book’s introduction. Content Advisory: THE GENDER BINARY IS A BIG LIE is intended for listeners (and readers) ages 11 and up. Additional Links: Download the evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another man: the Lincoln Chapter of NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY at https://www.leewind.org/ If you’re in crisis and need to talk with someone, reach out to the great folks at the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ You can also call them at 1-866-488-7386 or text them at 678-678 Sources for this chapter: The We’wha chapter in NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY mentioned in this introduction has more information about We’wha, the A:shiwi people, and gender diversity in Native Nations in Turtle Island – in the past and today. That chapter starts with this powerful quote: “The medicine wheel represents men on one side and women on the other, but there’s a space in between that is for the Two Spirits. We join the men and women and complete the circle. That is our place in life. That is the creator’s purpose for us.” —Native American elder, speaking at the Montana Two Spirit Society’s annual gathering in 2015 The published book THE GENDER BINARY IS A BIG LIE will have extensive endnotes, with sources for everything cited. If there’s a specific citation you’re curious about, just reach out to me at leewind@roadrunner.com and I’ll gladly share where I found it. Credits: This Introduction from THE GENDER BINARY IS A BIG LIE was written and narrated by me, Lee Wind, with Primary Source material performed by: Jim Cartwright as Aristotle Lori Snyder as Bissu High Priest Pooang Matoa Joe Mollica as Francisco Palou and Erik Vincent as the voice of Earnshaw’s Infants’ Department magazine Text excerpts from The Gender Binary is a Big Lie (c) 2024, used with permission of Zest Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. I write and produce this podcast, our theme music is by Doug Pettibone, and our creative consultant is Matthew Winner. One final thought: Now that you know a few Queer secrets from history that could change the world, don’t keep them (or this podast) a secret. We appreciate you listening!

    24 min

  3. 06/29/2023

    Bonus Episode 35: The Lincoln chapter from NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY?

    The world-premiere audio of the Lincoln chapter, with all the evidence of Abraham Lincoln loving another man, from Lee Wind’s award-winning nonfiction book NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY? Hidden Lives and Secret Loves. Content Advisory: NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY is intended for listeners (and readers) ages 11 and up. Additional Links: Download the evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another man: the Lincoln Chapter of NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY at https://www.leewind.org/ If you’re in crisis and need to talk with someone, reach out to the great folks at the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ You can also call them at 1-866-488-7386 or text them at 678-678 Sources for this chapter: Lots! Please download the free PDF of this Lincoln chapter, with all the endnotes, at https://www.leewind.org/ Credits: This Lincoln Chapter from NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY? was written and narrated by me, Lee Wind, with Primary Source material performed by: Bill Osman as President Abraham Lincoln, Billy Minshall as General William T. Sherman, Kliff Svatos as Joshua Fry Speed, Joe Mollica as President James Buchanan, and Katie Burns as the Reverend Cindi Love. Text excerpts from No Way, They Were Gay? (c) 2021 used with permission of Zest Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. You can contact Lee at leewind@roadrunner.com The podcast theme music is by Doug Pettibone. Our creative consultant is Matthew Winner.

    21 min

  4. 06/29/2023

    Bonus Episode 34: Author Interview

    Lesléa Newman interviews Lee Wind about the YA novel Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill. Content Advisory: QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL is intended for listeners (and readers) ages 13 and up. The main character experiences moments of bullying and homophobia – as well as support and pride – on a journey that’s life-changing and empowering. Additional Links: Download the evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another man: the Lincoln Chapter of NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY at https://www.leewind.org/ If you’re in crisis and need to talk with someone, reach out to the great folks at the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ You can also call them at 1-866-488-7386 or text them at 678-678 Credits: This episode of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL: THE PODCAST was written, produced, and edited by Lee Wind. Lee is the author of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL and NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY?, among other titles for kids and teens. You can contact Lee at leewind@roadrunner.com The podcast theme music is by Doug Pettibone. Our creative consultant is Matthew Winner.

    27 min

  5. 06/29/2023

    Chapter 33 and the Epilogue

    The parade and its aftermath… Content Advisory: QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL is intended for listeners (and readers) ages 13 and up. The main character experiences moments of bullying and homophobia – as well as support and pride – on a journey that’s life-changing and empowering. Additional Links: Download the evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another man: the Lincoln Chapter of NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY at https://www.leewind.org/ If you’re in crisis and need to talk with someone, reach out to the great folks at the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ You can also call them at 1-866-488-7386 or text them at 678-678 Sources for this chapter: The “Two Brothers” Civil War song that Martin wrote new lyrics for is credited to Irving Gordon. A version with the original lyrics is included in Smithsonian Folkways’ Songs of the Civil War album here: http://www.folkways.si.edu/songs-of-the-civil-war/american-folk-historical-song/music/album/smithsonian. Credits: This episode of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL: THE PODCAST was written, produced, and edited by Lee Wind. Lee is the author of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL and NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY?, among other titles for kids and teens. You can contact Lee at leewind@roadrunner.com The QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL audiobook, including the chapter heard in this episode, was narrated by Michael Crouch. The podcast theme music is by Doug Pettibone. Our creative consultant is Matthew Winner.

    17 min

  6. 06/29/2023

    Chapter 32

    A staged trial of Lincoln with hundreds of Civil War reenactment soldiers is where Wyatt, Von Lawson, and Jonathon have their final showdown. Content Advisory: QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL is intended for listeners (and readers) ages 13 and up. The main character experiences moments of bullying and homophobia – as well as support and pride – on a journey that’s life-changing and empowering. Additional Links: Download the evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another man: the Lincoln Chapter of NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY at https://www.leewind.org/ If you’re in crisis and need to talk with someone, reach out to the great folks at the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ You can also call them at 1-866-488-7386 or text them at 678-678 Sources for this chapter: None. Credits: This episode of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL: THE PODCAST was written, produced, and edited by Lee Wind. Lee is the author of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL and NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY?, among other titles for kids and teens. You can contact Lee at leewind@roadrunner.com The QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL audiobook, including the chapter heard in this episode, was narrated by Michael Crouch. The podcast theme music is by Doug Pettibone. Our creative consultant is Matthew Winner.

    30 min

  7. 06/29/2023

    Chapter 31

    Sabotage the morning of the parade. Content Advisory: QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL is intended for listeners (and readers) ages 13 and up. The main character experiences moments of bullying and homophobia – as well as support and pride – on a journey that’s life-changing and empowering. Additional Links: Download the evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another man: the Lincoln Chapter of NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY at https://www.leewind.org/ If you’re in crisis and need to talk with someone, reach out to the great folks at the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ You can also call them at 1-866-488-7386 or text them at 678-678 Sources for this chapter: Wyatt’s blog post included the paragraph from Abe’s February 25, 1842 letter to Joshua where Abe spoke of their dreams of Elysium. That’s from pages 48-49 of Joshua Fry Speed: Lincoln’s Most Intimate Friend. The same letter is also online here: http://www.classicreader.com/book/3237/45/ ; on pages 143-144 of Abraham Lincoln: His Speeches and Writings; and the Elysium section of the letter is included on page 176 of Herdon’s Life of Lincoln. Credits: This episode of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL: THE PODCAST was written, produced, and edited by Lee Wind. Lee is the author of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL and NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY?, among other titles for kids and teens. You can contact Lee at leewind@roadrunner.com The QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL audiobook, including the chapter heard in this episode, was narrated by Michael Crouch. The podcast theme music is by Doug Pettibone. Our creative consultant is Matthew Winner.

    8 min

  8. 06/29/2023

    Chapter 30

    Wyatt is stunned when Martin is suddenly gone. And doubly so when Mackenzie’s secret is revealed. Content Advisory: QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL is intended for listeners (and readers) ages 13 and up. The main character experiences moments of bullying and homophobia – as well as support and pride – on a journey that’s life-changing and empowering. Additional Links: Download the evidence that Abraham Lincoln was in love with another man: the Lincoln Chapter of NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY at https://www.leewind.org/ If you’re in crisis and need to talk with someone, reach out to the great folks at the Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ You can also call them at 1-866-488-7386 or text them at 678-678 Sources for this chapter: When Wyatt discovers that his soldier was actually a Confederate, it's inspired by a real photo from the Photographic History of the Civil War: Fort Sumter to Gettysburg, Edited by William C. David and Bell I. Wiley, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Jan 1994. The photo and caption are on page 47 as cited, and a version of the photo including Wyatt’s soldier is on the cover. Credits: This episode of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL: THE PODCAST was written, produced, and edited by Lee Wind. Lee is the author of QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL and NO WAY, THEY WERE GAY?, among other titles for kids and teens. You can contact Lee at leewind@roadrunner.com The QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL audiobook, including the chapter heard in this episode, was narrated by Michael Crouch. The podcast theme music is by Doug Pettibone. Our creative consultant is Matthew Winner.

    23 min
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About

Welcome to QUEER AS A FIVE-DOLLAR BILL: THE PODCAST with author and host Lee Wind. Join me each Thursday in June as I share my award-winning novel, Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill, chapter by chapter, in its entirety, to empower Queer teens and their allies with the real-world information that would have changed my life – because stories – especially our Queer stories and history – should be available for all.

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