The Importance of Queer Fantasies—an Interview with Charlotte Hanover

The Bothered Blog by Charlotte Hanover

February 2026

Charlotte Hanover is the author of Snow Piled Up to the Clouds, in which the main character explores their gender identity with a stranger. The story poses the question: what happens when you give in to your most secret fantasy? Below, Charlotte explains why fantasies like this matter—and why they can be a beacon of light to young queer people.

Charlotte donated her proceeds from this story to the Trevor Project, an organization providing 24/7 crisis support to the LGBTQ+ community.

An author interview with Charlotte Hanover

What draws you to smut and erotica as a genre? 

All genre stories boil down to “something unexpected happens,” and smut is the most intimate of unexpected things. Think of that hoary old opener: “I never thought it would happen to me.” The job of an erotica writer is to imagine that scenario, the thing you never thought would happen. A threesome, an affair, a deep and queasy kink. 

It lends itself to psychology. What if it did happen? Could you let yourself go with it? A naked person opens the door to your pizza delivery; an attractive stranger beckons you to the airplane bathroom. How would it feel to say yes?

What drew you to the particular setting - and setup - of Snow Piled Up to the Clouds?

“Isolated cabin with a stranger” is another venerable porn trope, particularly among queer people. Hidden away from the eyes of society, we imagine ourselves free to explore fantasies we’re afraid to even acknowledge in real life, much less act on. I wanted to explore what it would take—who it would take—to feel safe in that secret place. A (somewhat) realistic approach to an unrealistic scenario.

When smut is boring, it’s because it lacks interiority. The professor bends you over a desk and you simply bend. No shameful thrill, no warring urges. But that’s the exciting part for me! Not the mechanics of the act, but how it feels to succumb to the fantasy. The thing you never thought would happen to you.

Why are stories like this important?

These fantasies are particularly urgent for young queer people, for whom real-life fulfilling sex can seem impossibly far away. We’re donating the earnings from this story to The Trevor Project. Smut can help folks identify and embrace who they are—but a support system helps even more, and The Trevor Project supplies that for people who don’t have it at home. I’m grateful for what they do, and I’m grateful to Bothered for giving me the space to tell this story. For all of you out there with fantasies you think will never happen to you: I hope someday they do. Until then, I hope you find good stories.

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About the author

Charlotte Hanover is a writer of smut and literary fiction. She lives in New England with her family and an ancient dog. Her passions include blankets and tea. Proceeds from her story, Snow Piled Up to the Clouds, have been donated to The Trevor Project.