This Pride month, a Vermont author hopes her new book contributes to increasing LGBTQ+ visibility in literature."The last decade has been super, super exciting for queer literature of all genres," said Emily Hamilton of Burlington. "But I think there's definitely still a lot more work to do."Hamilton's debut novel, "The Stars Too Fondly" is in bookstores starting June 11. It is a science fiction and science fantasy story meant for adult audiences about a group of friends who go on an unexpected space adventure. In an interview with NBC5 News, the author said there is something in her book for a wide range of readers, including action scenes, romance, and some comedy, too. Hamilton, who said she grew up in a household where "Star Trek" and "Star Wars" were favorites, remembered she used to really wish there were more LGBTQ+ characters she could connect with in the books she was reading. That inspired her to write those kinds of characters in her novel, Hamilton explained. The writer said she hopes queer women and lesbian readers like her feel particularly represented."Homophobia and transphobia are not over. They have not gone anywhere," Hamilton said. "Queer people of all ages need to see themselves in stories, to imagine possibilities for themselves. I'm really excited by where science fiction is going, but there's always more to be done, for sure.""The Stars Too Fondly" was published by one of the biggest names in the book world, HarperCollins Publishers.A book launch celebration is scheduled for June 11, 2024, at the Phoenix Books location on Bank Street in downtown Burlington. The 7 p.m. celebration will feature a conversation with the author along with Katherine Arden, a New York Times bestselling fantasy writer who also lives in Vermont.According to the Phoenix Books website, tickets are $3 but come with a coupon for $3 off a copy of "The Stars Too Fondly" to be used at the book launch.The author's website contains information on other events coinciding with the release of "The Stars Too Fondly."