The author’s lifestyle is not all glitzy and glamorous! Sometimes, I’d like to wave a magic wand to get everything done. Yet there’s nothing quite as satisfying as sending readers and book clubs and bookstores packages to say I appreciate you.
Here’s to a good reading year. Remember, Queen of Exiles (Famous Lost Black Queen, that you need to know) has a Goodreads giveaway. Win a free book!!! Check the link in my bio.
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackhistory #bookclub
#vanessariley #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #london #haiti #italy #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #fashion #happymail #mail #authorlife #bookstore #indiebookstore
Last week, I had an amazing book club experience with @bookstackbookclub hosted by Sarah Martin.
Set at the fabulous Ben Hotel, Sarah and I talked about writing, my writing journey, and why stories matter.
Imagine beautiful book decor, impressive drinks and food themed for Murder in Westminster. It was epic. Any time you can catch an epic event or a Bookstash Book Club event do it!!!
I’ve included a few pictures. Love meeting members of the West Palm Beach community and the #redcross. Red Cross is doing wonders to help the local community.
Loved talking about Lady Worthing, Island Queen, and a little about Queen of Exiles.
Check my website, to schedule a zoom with your book club!
#book #writer #blackgirlmagic #blackgirltravel #tbr #historicalfiction #historicalmystery #mystery #vanessariley #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileybooks #livingmybestlife #livinginpurpose #sisterhood #islandqueen #bookclub #vanessarileysign
Goodsreads giveaway for Queen of Exiles.
Find the loss Black Queen!
Win 1 of 100 copies.
https://www.goodreads.com/giv.../show/363617-queen-of-exiles
Share and get the word out!
Link in bio
#book #bookrecommendations #tbrpile #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #vanessarileybooks #historical #historicalfiction #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackgirlmagic #blackexcellence
Oh, what a weekend! Birthday Weekend!!! Book Stash Bookclub hosted me in West Palm Beach this weekend for Lady Worthing. More to come about this event.
Back to birthday news!!!!
Today is my birthday #53, or as I lovingly say the 28th anniversary of becoming 25.
Would I trade her for 25-year-old me? The only thing I truly miss is eating everything with no regrets. And not buying Apple at $1 a share.
At 25, I was still trying to find out what I love and who I wanted to be.
At 53, this girl is doing what she loves: writing fiction, meeting readers, speaking of sisterhood, hope, and inspiration.
She is the queen she’s meant to be. I’m proud of her.
Pictures are from the Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach. The gold dog is Bruno.
Sailing dress photo shoot in Kingston.
Amazing island fun in Jamaica.
And a morning latte and celebration boots!
Writing by the faux fire in Amazing pink!
Like and Follow for more on books, travel, and history—themes of woman power.
#book #writer #blackgirlmagic #blackgirltravel #tbr #historicalfiction #historicalmystery #mystery #vanessariley #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileybooks #writing #livingmybestlife #authorlife #livinginpurpose #sisterhood #islandqueen #fashion #boots #birthdaygirl #skeewee
This is my confused face. I’m traveling again. I’m at the airport early because TSA even precheck and Clear are a gamble.
Heading to West Palm Beach for @bookstackbookclub at The Ben Hotel. We talk 1806 politics, female agency, power women, historical fiction and murder.
Should be an Amazing weekend for Lady Worthing and Murder in Westminster!!!
So I tried a BBP - A Bobby Flay Burger Palace.
Had the vegan burger and fries.
Fries are perfect and pickle mayo sauce/dip were amazing. But I don’t like pickles that much, so I wish there was another condiment.
The vegan burger made with BBQ wild mushrooms, chickpeas and quinoa was amazing. The bun was toasted perfectly, the pickle sauce (red chipotle sauce) with a bit of lettuce, tomato, patty, and bun is perfect. But the other bun is drowned in rich American cheese sauce.
If I liked American cheese this would probably be the best ever.
It was thick and rich, perfect melt.
But I don’t like American cheese like that. 🙁
The waitstaff is amazing. Atmosphere is great. This is upscale fast food. So I’m sated but confused.
Will try again. Traveling foodie woes.
#foodie #traveling #bookclub #airportfood #historicalmystery #ladyworthing #murderinwestminster #vanessarileyauthor #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileysign #book #tbr #westpalmbeach #blackgirlmagic #blackgirltravel
Southwest Florida Reading Festival has been a blast!!! Met readers!!! Saw old and new friends!!
Loved talking about my historical research, Lady Worthing, Sister Mother Warrior, Island Queen, and the upcoming Queen of Exiles!!!
The weather was phenomenal!!!
And I served up writer-nerd looks. More boots and heels!
Thanks @leelibrary for the invitation.
#books #historical #islandqueen #amediting #blackhistory #bookfestival #sistermotherwarrior #queenofexiles
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #blackgirlmagic #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #boots #writing #sistermotherwarrior #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #authors #authorlife #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity #fashion #skeewee
Travel Day!!! It’s another big month in Vanessa Riley World.
We are writing, editing, and meeting readers. This is joy!!! Strawberry Shortcake Joy (Recipe in Newsletter)!
Disclosure: except for deadlines and TSA Lines. Just made another one! More to come.
This weekend, I’m at the Southwest Florida Reading Festival. March 4 is the big day, filled with panels and signings.
Come out if you’re in Fort Myers. Kristan Higgins, Sarah Maclean, Alka Joshi, and more. I’ll talk about Queen Louise (Queen of Exiles) and Lady Worthing (Murder in Westminster), Dorothy Kirwan Thomas (Island Queen), and more power women. Happy Women’s History Month!!!
The weekend of March 10, I’m at the Book Stack Bookclub in West Palm Beach. We will have a blast at a unique Murder in Westminster themed weekend!!!!
Links are in my bio. Follow for more details. Sign up for my newsletter for sneak peeks! Subscribers saw the strawberry shortcake first.
#books #historical #islandqueen #amwriting #amediting #blackhistory #womenshistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #sistermotherwarrior #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #authors #authorlife #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity
#travel #blackgirltravel #blackgirlmagic #strawberryshortcake @leelibrary
I talk with my hands…
Can’t help it. I get caught up in storytelling about Dorothy Thomas or Gran Toya or Lady Worthing that my hands take on a mind of their own.
What a wonderful two days at Southern Voices, (the 30th Anniversary of the Festival) expertly orchestrated by Hoover library.
I had a blast. In addition to speaking about the passion of returning Hidden or Forgotten Black Women to the world in historical fiction and historical mystery, I spent time with fellow authors: Sarah Penner, Alka Joshi, Ashley Winstead, Ben Raines, Will Leitch, and Robin Peguero.
The behind-the-scenes: these writers are as beautiful and as edifying to be around as their wonderful stage presentations on stage.
Get their books. Lovely, needed reading!
Hoover Library’s staff treated us well, rolling out great hospitality. Readers were enthusiastic. Thank you again for the invite.
Put this Southern book festival on your radar. It sells out fast.
#books #historical #islandqueen #amwriting #amediting #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #sistermotherwarrior #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #authors #authorlife #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity #librarylove
#vanessarileyhere #vanessarileylibrary
Road Trip!! I’m at the Southern Voices Festival in Hoover Alabama at the Hoover Library, this weekend.
This is the 30th anniversary of the festival which celebrates writing, music, and art.
I’m here with keynote Elin Hilderbrand (@elinhilderbrand ), @thealkajoshi @sarah_penner_author and @pattichenry
The sisterhood of writing is strong and diverse.
Tomorrow I talk about the creative process for developing Lady Worthing and probably a few more heroes: Dorothy Kirwan Thomas (Island Queen) and Gran Toya (Sister Mother Warrior).
The festival is packed with fun and inspiring talks.
Elin was amazing. She offered passion and humor to the crowd. Will report back more but it’s inspiring.
#beachread #books #tbr #tbrpile #author #writes #authorsofinstagram #writer #writerscommunity #writerlife #ladyworthing #islandqueen #sistermotherwarrior #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen @hooverpubliclibrary
Alert!!! It’s come!!!
The best day of the year is ARC day—advanced reader copies come to your house!!!
Crowd goes wild. There was jumping. Maybe slightly more than with Island Queen, Sister Mother Warrior, and Murder in Westminster!!!
Put Queen of Exiles on your #TBR
Tell a friend or a librarian!!! Share!!!
Queen of Exiles—the rich history of Queen Louise Christophe, Queen of Haiti. She and King Henry reigned during the British Regency, 1811-1820.
Queen of Exiles coming July 2023!!!
#books #historical #queenofexiles #islandqueen #amwriting #amediting #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #motherdaughter #motherhood #authors #authorlife #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity #bookstagram #booktok #book #bookrecommendations
What a weekend! Between mom-ming, writing, event-ing, and a little gardening, it was packed.
I had the pleasure of being on an African American History book panel at the Book Worm Bookstore. We talked about a love of history and words and why representation matters. Each author, @dennysbryce, @kaiawrites, @wandamowrites and I bring a wealth of research, authenticity, and unique style to our stories. Read us all. Be prepared to be blown away.
I went with the famed Ellen (dearest daughter) to visit a college. And I squeezed in a bit of growing an Amaryllis and 7k words.
Isn’t the amaryllis beautiful!!!
It sounds busy. Heck, it was. But to spend a little time with my sister writers, meet great folks, and talking about my passion for writing are great privileges and pleasures.
Side note: @author_dlwhite is fabulous. She took this pic! Thank you for coming out to see us. ❤️❤️❤️
Then, of course, facing the music. My little girl is growing up and going to college. 😭😭
Y’all pray for a sister!
#books #historical #queenofexiles #islandqueen #amwriting #amediting #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #motherdaughter #motherhood #authors #authorlife #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity
Looking at my books for strong Black Fathers, I came up with my favorites paired with TV shows:
Daniel Thackery, Lord Ashbrook (An Earl, The Girl, and A Toddler) grew up on the streets and took in a child to raise as his daughter to keep her from the haunts (hoods) of London. He’s an attorney (barrister) like Uncle Phil, Phillip Banks of the Fresh Prince.
Adam Wilky, the Baron Wycliff (The Bewildered Bride), was impressed into service, mistaken as dead, and is back for revenge. He’s not letting hope be stolen anymore. Andre “Dre” Johnson of Black-ish would understand the struggle and the need to rock a clean beard.
Henry Christophe, King Henry I (Queen of Exiles), was a veteran of the American Revolution and one of the generals who won the Haitian Revolution. At the time of Queen of Exiles, he had three children, just like James Evans of Good Times, and he was working to provide a better future for his children and all the children of Haiti.
Neil Vaugh (Lady Worthing Mysteries: Murder in Drury Lane) is the fixer for the Prince Regent and Abigail Carrington Monroe, our Lady Worthing’s godfather. He gets things done and keeps Abbie protected. Papa Pope of Scandal would be impressed with his survival skills.
Name your book/TV dad pairings.
Like, Share, and Follow.
#books #historical #queenofexiles #islandqueen #ladyworthing #blackhistory #blackfathers #blackhistorymonth
#vanessariley #fatherhood #tbr #tbrpile #blackbook #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #igreads #igreels #papapope #scandal #goodtimes #freshprince #blackish #tvshow
Black History in Pink Boots
Vanessa, here with some Black History facts on shoes. Closet view!
👞Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented the shoe-lasting machine that increased shoemaking speed by 900%. Matzeliger’s patented invention could produce 150 to 700 pairs of shoes daily.
🥾Michael Jackson held a patent for moon-walking gravity-defying shoes.
#books #historical #queenofexiles #islandqueen #boots #pinkboots #blackhistory #fashion #shoes #shoeporn #shoesaddict
#vanessariley #womenempowerment #tbr #blackgirlmagic #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #michaeljackson #inventor #igstyle #igwriters #igfashion #reels #book #booktok
Yes! Pink Boots
Happy Black History Month. I’m at Post Road Library, a library event Cumming location in Forsythe County, today for a Romance Author talk. I prepared to speak about love, sisterhood, and history in my pink boots.
First, here are some Black History facts on shoes.
👞Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented the shoe-lasting machine that increased shoemaking speed by 900%. Matzeliger's patented invention could produce 150 to 700 pairs of shoes daily.
🥾Michael Jackson held a patent for moon-walking gravity-defying shoes.
I certainly felt like these boots could defy gravity. I had a blast talking with library patrons, sharing my story, thoughts on the publishing industry, the need to write and read diversely.
And I might’ve dropped hints about Queen of Exiles and Murder in Drury Lane!
Like, Share, Follow and Read Diversely!!!!
Come out and see me at one of my upcoming talks.
And Happy Black History Month!!!
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #amwriting #amediting #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #library #fashion #fashionhistory #boots #pinkboots
Busted! Emergency Oatmeal Cranberry cookie needed pronto!
I’m reviewing page proofs for Queen of Exiles, and I needed a fix.
To be fair, I did walk 2 miles. That equals one cookie, right?
I cut my cookie recipe in half (to be good) and made my cookies with #kerrygold butter, a bougie organic cage-free egg, and cran raisins.
Protip: Soak your raisins before baking. Makes for a burst of flavor in your cookies.
Cookie Foodie History for Black History Month
🍪 Lucretia Thomas Brown invented Joe Froggers Spice Cookies
🍪 Wallace “Wally” Amos Jr. became the first Black talent agent with the William Morris Agency and represented stars like Diana Ross & the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and Simon & Garfunkel. But we know him for his Famous Amos Chocolate Chip cookies.
🍪 Southern tea cakes cookies were created by enslaved African-Americans to reproduce the fluffy European tea cakes. They are light and sweet yeast-based cookies and often contain dried fruits like raisins.
Nourished, I think I can do 50 more pages. I hope you're having a great Weekend, the first weekend of Black History Month. Do something to honor history.
Baking for you is a good thing.
The recipe for My Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies will be in my next newsletter. (Link in bio.)
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #amwriting #amediting #blackhistory #foodie
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #cookie #oatmealraisin #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #oatmealcookies
#baking
Bang!!! Book Tour, People, & more!!!
Updated: Catch Sister Mother Warrior. It was on sale.
Getting excited to see people, beautiful readers, as I hit the road. I can't wait to talk about forgotten women in history through the lens of love, power, and war.
I will be visiting Cumming, GA, Powder Springs, GA, Hoover AL, Fort Myers, FA and West Palm, Beach.
I might be leaving spoilers for this summer’s historical fiction, Queen of Exiles, about a forgotten queen, the regal Queen Marie Louise Covidavid Christophe who reigned over the kingdom of Haiti with her husband, King Henry, from 1811 to 1820, the same time as the British Regency.
Will spill on Lady Worthing too!
Check my bio for event links and more.
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #amwriting #amediting #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #islandqueen #ladyworthing #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor @shopthebookworm #bookclubs #indiebookstore #library @bookstackbookclub
Reveal!!!! I have been waiting to show you this cover!!!
Murder in Drury Lane, #2 in the Lady Worthing Series.
In Abigail’s fashionable world of
1806, No Good Dead Goes Unpunished. What if doing the right thing causes millions to suffer? Can you live with your choice?
For Lady Worthing, with the help of her cousin, her crew, and maybe a curmudgeon neighbor, one shifting into a charmer, she’ll find a way to catch the culprit and keep her city from coming apart.
Coming Oct23. Preorder link to @BNBuzz 25% off in bio. The sale ends tomorrow!!
And, of course, Queen of Exiles can also be preordered at the Barnes & Noble Press and get 25% off.
Use code PREORDER25
With a Vanessa Riley book expect strong but vulnerable heroines, sisterhoods, found family, and loads of history.
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #islandqueen #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #vanessarileyauthor #regency #mystery #bookshelf #fashion #mysterybooks #blackgirlmagic #blackwomen
For 2023, I’m not compromising…
on my feet. Those puppies need tender loving care and designer Italian Shoes.
I said, what I said.
#vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #creative #feet #shoes #italianshoes #customshoes #customfitting #fashion #fashionstyle #writingcommunity #authorlife
Discovery: Avocados in Chicken Salad —no mayo! Who knew?
Probably a lot of you. Please offer more foodie tips.
I’m taking a quick break from writing, because I’m hungry. In my quest to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, I dabble in the kitchen. Today’s discovery Avocado Chicken Salad.
Pro Tip: Replace the mayo in your favorite chicken salad recipe with a whole avocado mashed with the juice of a whole lemon.
Nerdy History: Avocado is a fruit, originates from Central Mexico, and have been eaten for over 10,000 years. It doesn’t cause droughts.
Back to Good Eats: Creamy, Flavor Days.
I toasted sourdough bread and slathered it with a heap of yum.
The full recipe will be in my newsletter coming Friday.
Subscribe (link in bio or hop to my website) for book news, writing fun, research, behind-the-scenes, foodie stuff, sisterly support, and probably a dash of foolery.
I’ll talk about books later. What are you having for lunch?
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere
#vanessariley #sisterhood #islandqueen #womenempowerment #foodporn #foodie #avocado #chickensalad #recipe
Love stopping by an indie bookstore.
One of my favorites is The Bookworm in Powder Springs, GA.
Sweet staff headed by Ms. Julia.
Lots of titles for tots to adults.
And a very diverse cross-section of titles. Some signed editions, too.
Support a small business this weekend!!! And all the time.
#indiebookstore #book #bookstagram #bookshelf #bookstore #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileyhere #dukeladybaby #sistermotherwarrior
When you wear a Black Fedora, magic happens. Your inner MJ comes out to play. Today is National Penguin day, and I’m celebrating in Black and White with Michael Jackson.
Did you know penguins mate for life? I’m spotlighting two books about women who had to go on when forever ended—one an immigrant heiress to London, the other a queen in exile.
Don’t miss A Duke, The Lady, and A Baby mass-market edition coming January 24th.
The other, Queen of Exiles coming in July.
Links in Bio. Add them to your reading list.
Based on Caribbean and British history, go back in time to Regency-Georgian politics, love, and power. Lots of sisterhoods too.
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #islandqueen #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #fashionstyle #vanessarileyauthor #regency #regencyromance #bookshelf #fashion #michealjackson #igreads #reels