Nina Varela was born in New Orleans, raised in the woods of North Carolina, and now resides in Los Angeles with her tiny, ill-behaved dog. She crafts narratives that revolve around queer kids, magic, and the enchantment found within the lives of queer youth.

Her upbringing in Durham, North Carolina amidst the woodlands profoundly influenced her writing, instilling a love for storytelling from a young age. Today, Varela is based in Los Angeles and is known for penning stories that are rich in queer characters and magical elements. Her presence extends to social media, including Twitter and Instagram, where she engages with her readership. Despite her Hispanic name, Varela clarifies that she is not Latina but of Spain Spanish descent, and she respectfully requests not to be listed among diverse authors or authors of color.

Varela's literary debut came with the Crier's War duology, a young adult sci-fi/fantasy series infused with a lesbian romance. The books explore themes of revolution, power dynamics, and forbidden love, set against the backdrop of a society where Automae rule over humans. Her next venture is the Juniper Harvey duology, a middle-grade contemporary fantasy that delves into self-discovery, friendship, and overcoming adversities in a magical realm.

Her work has been recognized for its depth in character development, particularly in representing the LGBTQ+ community, and her books are celebrated for their heartfelt romance and thrilling fantasy elements.