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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This episode explores the rich themes of love, trauma, and personal growth depicted in Christian Cashelle's book 'Loving You Blind.' With discussions on character development, the writing process, and the publishing journey, listeners gain insight into how real-life experiences shape fictional narratives.

• Christian introduces herself and discusses her accomplishments
• Trigger warnings regarding adult language and emotional topics
• The importance of Google Alerts for authors and engagement
• Nicole's character journey and the lessons from her relationships
• The impact of music on character development
• Insights into Dynamic Image Publications and its mission
• Christian shares her writing process and handling heavy emotional themes
• Preview of her upcoming literary project, ‘What Keeps Us Up at Night’

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The episode features an engaging conversation with New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley, highlighting her transition from indie author to bestseller, her insight into the evolving landscape of publishing, and her success in the Mafia romance genre. Katie shares personal anecdotes about her writing journey, upcoming projects, and the emotional connections that drive her stories.

• Katie's experience navigating the current publishing landscape
• Discussion of her breakthrough book "The Proposition"
• The inspiration behind her Mafia romance series
• Personal account of balancing teaching and writing
• Insights into her creative process and character development
• A preview of her upcoming releases and events
• Shared laughter and reflections on personal experiences

Make sure to check out Katie Ashley's work and follow her on social media for updates and more engaging conversations about the world of romance literature!

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This episode delves into the captivating world of writing within the mafia romance genre, featuring author Darma Day, who shares her inspiring journey of character development and storytelling. Throughout the discussion, we explore various tropes, the creative process behind writing, and the vibrant community supporting indie authors.

• Exploration of inspirations behind writing and character creation
• Discussion on the accidental pregnancy trope and its significance
• Insight into the transitional journey from paranormal to mafia romance
• Importance of feedback and editing within the writing community
• Conversations about the darker themes in literature and their impact
• Dharma's visions for future projects and character stories

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The episode illuminates the challenges and triumphs of writing diverse characters in romance fiction. With insights from authors SK Presley and Ashley, the discussion touches on representation, emotional journeys of characters, and how personal experiences shape narratives.

• Exploration of the inspiration behind creating Frank and Lola as relatable characters
• Importance of diverse representation in literature
• Insights into the emotional realities of authors facing reader feedback
• The art of crafting cliffhangers that leave an impact
• Future plans for character development in upcoming books

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This episode features an engaging conversation with debut author B. Bewtie, who explores her unique experiences in the creative process and the emotional connections within her storytelling. Bee shares her journey of writing her debut novel, which touches upon themes of identity, resilience, and community support.

• Introduction of B. Bewtie and her debut novel
• Exploration of LGBTQIA representation in characters
• Discussion on character inspiration from real life
• The impact of trauma and mental health on writing
• The journey of editing and publishing her book
• Importance of community in indie publishing
• Future plans and potential sequels for her stories

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