Keira N James, bestselling indie thriller author, joins us to discuss her journey from a small town in Georgia to becoming a powerful voice in the thriller genre with 15 books under her belt.

• Drawing inspiration from real-life experiences to create what she calls "exaggerated realities"
• Transition from urban fiction to thriller writing after finding her voice in the "dark side of fiction"
• Finding success with bestsellers like "The Grave Mistake" and the spicy short story collection "Embodied"
• Challenging stereotypes about Black women and creating morally ambiguous characters readers can't help but root for
• Using writing as therapy to process personal experiences, especially in her military thriller "Love and War"
• Being part of "Black Women Who Write Thrillers" collective creating space for diverse voices in the genre
• Upcoming release of psychological novella "Orchid" on October 3rd
• Participating in the Black Book Bash in Jacksonville, Florida with her pen sisters

Follow Keira N James on Facebook at Keira N James and on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @TheKeiraNJames.

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Louisiana author LaKeisha Burkett shares her journey from avid reader to published writer, revealing how personal experiences and her grandmother's stories shape her emotionally charged novels.

• Writing journey began with husband's support, who bought her first book cover
• Draws story inspiration from real-life experiences and family stories
• "Dear Diary" inspired by grandmother's stories, written in just one month
• Creates realistic endings that don't always resolve happily
• Book "Everybody Ain't Your Friend" based on a real toxic friendship
• Balances motherhood, working from home, and writing at her own pace
• Upcoming book "Let You Down" explores difficult choices when dreams clash with family obligations
• Writes part-time but aspires to potentially become a full-time author
• Husband is also writing a book series

Find LaKeisha Burkett on Instagram at there_go_keisha, on TikTok as Arthur LaKeisha Burkett, and on Facebook as LaKeisha Burton.

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In this episode, we explore the creative journey of Selena Brooks as she discusses her latest projects, including "Southern Sizzle" and the upcoming "Southern Scramble." Her insights provide a unique look into character development and the spice of Southern drama.

• Introduction and trigger warnings
• Background of author Selena Brooks
• Overview of "Southern Sizzle" and its impact
• Insight into "Southern Scramble" and character relationships
• Discussion of drama and romance intertwined in storytelling
• Exploration of reader expectations and tropes used
• Engagement with marketing strategies and influencers
• Selena's thoughts on balancing personal experiences in writing
• Future projects and where to follow Selena Brooks

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