Vanessa Riley In-Person/Media Appearances

First Conference of Fall 🍁🍂

Smell the pumpkin. Wear the plaid. Renew yourself by investing in your writing life.

Here I am in blue plaid at the
Broadleaf Writers conference.

This year it was held in Decatur, GA, at the library.

Love Decatur, and I love writers trying to improve their craft. Broadleaf is a wonderful organization that helps writers at all stages of their careers.

I was on two panels.
Devil in the Details: Researching for Authenticity
With panelists: Beverly J. Armento (memoir), Jeff Clemmons (nonfiction), Vanessa Riley (fiction), and Moderator Benji Carr.

Taking it In Using Feedback to Strengthen Your Story, with the same panelists: Beverly J. Armento, Jeff Clemmons, Vanessa Riley, and Benji Carr.
We discussed editors, feedback, critique groups, Beta readers, and more.

Lots of agents were there looking for clients including @michellelindorice who flew in for the event.

All writers check out Broadleaf and other fall learning opportunities.

Please remember Red Bows for Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Links in bio.

#SickleCellAwareness #WarriorsUnite #TogetherStronger
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #rejection #womenempowerment #historicalfiction #writinginspiration #writercommunity #vanessarileybooks #writing #historicalmystery #mystery #womensfiction #sistermotherwarrior #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #historicalfiction #community #fashion ...

I tried something old and made a new…

I saw a newscaster rocking ringlet curls, and I wanted to try.

This is a hairstyle that I used to wear when I was younger, newly married, and had much thicker hair. (Wedding photo -Weren’t we just babes. Hubby was the photographer today.)

PS: How many significant others thought you cut your hair when you wear curls?

No cutting, but after failing with no heat tries, my stylist @altashairwellness did this. Love Alta.

So when it’s throwback Thursday, I’m debuting this new-old look and showcasing my new-previously released books.

Island Queen (GMA Buzz Pick)
Sister Mother Warrior (Georgia’s literary fiction of the year)
Queen of Exiles (The View Lit Pick by Sunny)

Remember red bows for Sickle Cell Awareness.

And Get ready for Mystery Season. Murder in Drury Lane is the next up in the Lady Worthing Series. The AJC featured me in Monday’s paper (link in bio) pictured at Bouchercon. And The Heat Seekers Magazine has a lovely column about me and Sister Mother Warrior. Do notice the fuller hair from yesteryear. 😭

Those are the jokes, the highlights, and my wish for everyone to try something new.

#SickleCellAwareness #WarriorsUnite #TogetherStronger
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #islandqueen #queenofexiles #historicalmystery #mystery #womensfiction #sistermotherwarrior #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #historicalfiction #community #hairstyles #curlyhair #blackhair ...

The paperback edition of Murder in Westminster came out today!!!

This series features Lady Worthing, an amateur detective, scandals, and murder.

Murder in Drury Lane comes out Oct. 23!

Remember red bows for Sickle Cell Awareness.
And Get ready for Mystery Season.
Murder in Drury Lane is the next up in the Lady Worthing Series.
And if you love a deal.

The Bittersweet Bride is on sale for .99 cents.
#SickleCellAwareness #WarriorsUnite #TogetherStronger
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #islandqueen #queenofexiles #historicalmystery #mystery #womensfiction #sistermotherwarrior #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #historicalfiction #community #fashion ...

Before.... After!

Today marks nine months at goal weight and a year and a half of my new mission to becoming a healthier and happier writer.

I dropped 50 lbs and toned. Nothing shows the difference more than the @goodmorningamerica orange shirt... Now #shirtdress

This morning before heading out, I took promo picks. Hey, I have a book coming out! I wore my orange shirt, the shirt I wore when #islandqueen was chosen as a @gmabookclub buzz pick.

This morning @goodmorningamerica and @gmabookclub published their summer #reading #recommendations curated by @zibbyowens. #QueenofExiles made the cut. Make it your next summer read.

Hey, everything feels good.

From Good Morning America Book Club:
July brings an abundance of summer novels and memoirs. Don’t know where to start?

These recommendations by @zibbyowens have you covered! ➡️

Start with Queen of Exiles!!!

Preorder Queen of Exiles Today:
https://bit.ly/VRDeal

#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #weightlossjourney #blackgirlmagic #health #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyauthor #beforeandafter #healthylifestyle ...

Let's Talk About Blood 🩸

Vanessa here, trying to raise attention for
Sickle Cell Anemia. September is Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month.

Sickle Cell is an ancient disease that has affected the Riley family and dear friends. Like Tay-Sachs, Sickle Cell is a recessive genetic disorder that anyone can contract but primarily targets Black people worldwide.

These three organizations are leading the charge for treatments and cures:

The American Sickle Cell Anemia Association:
https://ascaa.org/

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America:
https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—Sickle Cell program:
https://www.stjude.org/treatment/disease/sickle-cell-disease.html

Links in Bio!

If you donate or have a personal journey with Sickle Cell, let me know. I will choose someone from my socials or my newsletter list to receive this set of books (historical fiction, women’s fiction, and romance), each about brave women and men fighting for something bigger than themselves.

Celebrate the warriors who fight this battle every day. Share this post. Together, we can make a difference. 🌟💪 Remember Red Bows for September!

#SickleCellAwareness #WarriorsUnite #TogetherStronger
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #islandqueen #queenofexiles #sistermotherwarrior #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #historicalfiction #dukeladybaby #community ...

For the folks that wear glasses…

Have you ever lost the main ones and had to use the backups?
Ever have all the backups be a little too Jazzy for prime time?
Yes, that’s me.
Which would you choose: Green, white, or Red?

Pictures Vanessa on the porch holding the paperback version of Murder in Westminster and an ARC of Murder in Drury Lane.

Remember Red Bows: Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month. Check out the links in my bio to learn more about the three organizations doing research, developing treatments, and delivering hope.

American Sickle Cell Anemia Association says 1 out of 365 African American babies are born with the disease, and 1 in 12 have the trait. That’s way too high.

#SickleCellAwareness #WarriorsUnite #TogetherStronger
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #islandqueen #queenofexiles #historicalmystery #mystery #womensfiction #ladyworthing #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #historicalfiction #community #fashion #eyeglasses ...

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 ...

Double shout out: the red bow and the gold circle.
Sister Mother Warrior, the book that won me Georgia’s literary fiction author of the year, was just reviewed in the Southern Literary Review magazine:

“Vanessa Riley offers a stunning picture of Haiti's history and founding through the eyes of several key women in her novel, Sister Mother Warrior.”

The link is included in my bio. Love that gold circle.

And it is still Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month. We wear red bows to remember those who are still suffering, as well as the many scientists and doctors who are trying to find better treatments and a long-awaited cure.

Sickle Cell is an ancient disease that has affected the Riley family and dear friends. Like Tay-Sachs, Sickle Cell is a recessive genetic disorder that anyone can contract but primarily targets Black people worldwide.

These three organizations are leading the charge for treatments and cures:

The American Sickle Cell Anemia Association:
https://ascaa.org/

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America:
https://www.sicklecelldisease.org/

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—Sickle Cell program:
https://www.stjude.org/treatment/disease/sickle-cell-disease.html

Links in Bio!

If you donate or have a personal journey with Sickle Cell, let me know. I will choose someone from my socials or my newsletter list to receive this set of books (historical fiction, women’s fiction, and romance), each about brave women and men fighting for something bigger than themselves.

Celebrate the warriors who fight this battle every day. Share this post. Together, we can make a difference. 🌟💪 Remember Red Bows for September!

#SickleCellAwareness #WarriorsUnite #TogetherStronger
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #islandqueen #queenofexiles #sistermotherwarrior #vanessarileyauthor #historicalfiction #community #southernlitreview #southernliteraryreview ...

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 ...

Wait! Do I have to leave?

Well, all good things do come to an end, and so does my Jamaican writing retreat.

I’m uploading a few images of the sites and tastes of Kingston and neighboring areas like Port Royal as I say goodbye to a bit of paradise.

The cannons and structures remaining at Port Royal planted stories in my head.

Devon House is a must where the first Black Jamaican millionaire built his house in Millionaire Square. Yes, a diverse square of money in 1800s Jamaica!

Made it to the National Gallery. They have such fine Jamaican and colonial art. The display of sculptures of Lignum Vitae, the national flower of Jamaica is also known as Ironwood in Britain, is very impressive. Lignum Vitae plays heavily pun intended in An Earl, The Girl, and a Toddler, my Jamaican heiress with Amnesia story.

Back to the food:

I loved fresh ackee the fruit is shown in a picture opening. Red snapper is so delicious here.

The best chocolate Ice Cream and Rum Raisin can be had there at I scream Devon House.

And if you have a talented chef, like chef Bryan, he can turn it into beautiful treats. Heck, he whipped up desserts from scratch. I will dream of rich cherry rum cake— his lobster, steaks, jerk sauce, and butterflied pork roast.

My writing friends and family got down words (finished Murder in Drury Lane), read books, and enjoyed the pool. Will have to do this again!!!!

#books #historical #historicalmystery #mysteries #vanessarileyhere
#vanessariley #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #portroyal #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #jamaica #jamaicanfood #nationalgalleryofjamaica #devonhouse #writing #writingretreat #writersofinstagram #foodie ...

Those lips are dramatic even in the UK translation!! LOLOLOL!

Can you believe we are less than three months out from Queen of Exiles?

Oh, my. I have so much to share--the research, the travel, the history, the hero, and the love.

And @millsandboonuk is releasing a UK VERSION. Isn’t she lovely! I love them both.

If you are in St. Louis this weekend, come to the Unbound Conference @unboundbookfestival —book panels and author signings, and a book crawl--lots of fun.

@shereadsdotcom has put Queen of Exile on their summer reading list, and so has one of my favs, @bookofcinz

Inspired by Queen Marie-Louise Coidavid, who escaped a coup in Haiti and established herself in Italy during the Regency era, comes Marie-Louise Christophe.  This immersive historical fiction novel follows Louise’s resilient journey from royalty to exile and back to the thrown as she brilliantly establishes herself as an equal to the kings of Europe.

Put Queen of Exiles on your reading list! Links in bio.

#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #amwriting #amediting #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #london #haiti #italy #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor ...

Can we say San Diego humidity is different than Atlanta’s?

Starting day two of Bouchercon, but here’s a quick recap of my first National Mystery Conference experience.

Don’t mind the yacht—research.

But here’s a recap of the first day. 
Crowds. Over 1000 attendees. Everyone seems nice and excited about being here and the mystery / thriller genre.

I saw people I knew from Romancelandia or Historical Novel Society scene, but I did feel a little awkward, like a new kid on the block — but that is exhilarating. How often do we get to be in new spaces?

Highlights:
Deana Raybourn won a Barry Award.
Wanda Morris was a Social Justice and Thiller Mystery Panel.

I finally joined Sisters in Crime @sincnational . If you know, you know. And hung out with CWOC.

If you are here, stop by, especially the Kensington Saturday suite. Warwicks @warwicksbooks is here carrying my books.

#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #ladyworthing #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #murderinwestminster #murderindrurylane #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #mysterybooks #mysterythriller #mystery ...

What’s in the box?
Had to take off my glasses for this.
It’s a box from a publisher. What’s inside?
Hard covers of July’s Queen of Exiles?
Paperbacks of Murder in Westminster? (Sept 2023)
Arcs (Advanced reader copies) of  Lady Worthing’s Murder in Drury Lane? (Oct 2023)

Nope. It’s paperbacks of Sister Mother Warrior!!!

Two women join together to defeat their oppressors and help a nation become free. Based on the true lives of Adbaraya Toya and Marie-Clair Bonheur.

Sister Mother Warrior is a Summer Pick or Starred Review for the following:
Library Journal, Audiofile, Essence, AJC, USAToday, Bookbub, Betches, Buzzfeed, Chicago Review of Books, SheReads, Amazon Best Books, Reader’s Digest, and HNS.

Check out links in my bio for two incredible Medium Essays on Sister Mother Warrior on telling Black women-centered historicals and ‘everyone is Black’.

Bookclub guide will be on my website Monday. #bookclub #bookclubreads

#books #historical #tbr #summerbooks #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #london #haiti #historicalfiction #skeewee #blackgirlmagic #authorsofinstagram #authorlife #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyauthor #Murderinwestminster ...

After 27 years, you’d think he’d be okay with me driving. Nope, not in a car, train, or boat.

Happy Anniversary to my love, the reason I love writing about military men. Frank is my hero.

It’s not easy living with an author. I’m sure Frank might be a little concerned with my internet searches on tortures or the time the books on poisons came. But you stuck with me. And you’re alive. 😂

We have 27 years of laughs, surprises, a little drama, and some memorable cries, but you are my guy! I’m here for the 27+

Here are a few picks of how we started and where we are now.

PS: his humor and the way Frank is with the kids are the models for King Henry in Queen of Exiles and Earl, Daniel in The Girl, and a Toddler, and Thomas in Island Queen.

#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #blackgirlmagic #earlgirltoddler #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #happyanniversary #marriage #marriagegoals ...

@sunny objects! Your honors, please put Queen of Exiles on your summer reading list!

Thank you, Sunny Hostin, for supporting writers with your fabulous platform!

So honored and grateful to be a Sunny Lit pick which includes these fantastic books:

And Break the Pretty Kings (#TBR)
Summer on Sag Harbor ❤️❤️
& Queen of Exiles

Wow. What a morning!! Have you read these books?

#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor ...

My first large conference since 2019 is in the books. The 23rd Bouchercon conference in San Diego was a blast. With over 1000 attendees, this meet up of mystery folk – – readers, writers, both, etc. – – was terrific.

Got to Introduce Lady Worthing, the time she lives, and the rewards and challenges of being an 1806 Amateur Sleuth in London, on  my panels:

Historical heroines: solving crime in a different time, with Kelly, Stanley, Frances McNamara, Richard Kirstie, Susanna Caulkins, and I dug into the heart of capturing a female protagonist in a time where women’s options were limited and must use soft power to investigate.

The past is a foreign country: writing historical fiction outside the continental US, with Anjili, Babbar, Kelly Oliver, Nina Wachsman, Ovidia Yu, Scott Kikkawa, and I addressed the opportunity to address culture and politics in settings that might be unfamiliar to readers.

Meeting friends, new and old:

I cheered on Anthony Award Winners, Wanda M. Morris (@wandamowrites ) and Kellye Garrett (@kellyekell )who won for their books Like A Sister and Any Where You Run.

It was fun mingling with Mystery Thriller Royalty: Hanging with Mystery-Thiller Writer Royalty:

S.A. Cosby, Kate Carlisle, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and more!!!

Great to see Robin Bradford (living her best book life) and my Cally uncles!!!!

Getting to meet mystery readers was priceless! The Kensington signing was a fun mad house!!

Many thanks to Christopher Huang (he always knew what was going on) and CWOC for prepping me for the conference.

Lastly, I blinged out my badge with old RWA pins and new RFW (Regency Fiction Writers) pins and brought my fashion to the joint from colorful jumpsuits to blinged sneakers.

Looking forward to Bouchercon 24, next year!

#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #ladyworthing #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #murderinwestminster #murderindrurylane #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #mysterybooks #mysterythriller #mystery #bouchercon ...

Taking a break from #book talk to celebrate! This is my heart. Ellen Louise is a gift given to us 18.5 years ago. She has strength, brains, and beauty.

This year was a challenging one for her, but she preserved and graduated today with a 3.7 GPA, an Advanced Academics Pathway Honor, and a Gold Star Legacy Honor.

She will rest, get a good night’s sleep, then take the world by storm. I and Daddy Frank are so proud of this young woman.

Congratulations Ellen. We love you.

And thank you to all who came, offered encouragement, and have helped raise and celebrate this young lady!

#graduation #momlife #photooftheday #motherdaughter #highschoolgraduation #vanessarileyauthor #vanessarileyhere ...

Love deleted scenes?

I wrote one from a prince’s perspective of one enchanted evening with a Chance encounter with a Queen. The short story ran last weekend in the UK’s Daily Express Saturday Magazine and Sunday People.

I’ve attached screenshots.
And it’s still September—red bows for Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month.

Check my bio or feed to support organizations looking for a cure and better treatments.

#SickleCellAwareness #WarriorsUnite #TogetherStronger
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #writing #islandqueen #queenofexiles #sistermotherwarrior #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor #historicalfiction #community #sundaypeopleuk ...

🔍📚 GIVEAWAY ALERT: Murder in Westminster -Book 1📚🔍

Calling all mystery lovers and historical fiction fans! 🕵️‍♀️🎭 Exciting news: Rush to the Goodreads and take your chance at 100 copies giveaway of "Murder in Westminster "! 📖✨

🔎 Dive into the heart of Regency London's intrigue with Lady Worthing. The secrets are deep. The stakes are high for this gripping murder mystery.

Set against the backdrop of the captivating Drury Lane theatre, get ready for drama, suspense, and unexpected twists.

📚 Don't miss your chance to get your hands on a copy before it's even released! To enter:

Click the link in my bio to access the Goodreads giveaway page.
Tap the "Enter Giveaway" button.
Keep those fingers crossed, and stay tuned for the announcement of 100 lucky winners.
🎁 Plus, every winner will receive an exclusive bookplate signed by me, Vanessa Riley, to make this copy even more special.

🗓️ Hurry, the giveaway ends soon, so make sure to enter today for your chance to uncover the mysteries of "Murder in Drury Lane." Happy reading, detectives! 🕵️‍♂️🔦

PS: Murder in Drury Lane is up on @netgalley too

#MurderInDruryLane #BookGiveaway #MysteryNovel #HistoricalFiction
#books #historical #vanessarileyhere #murderinwestminster #ladyworthibg #queenofexiles #islandqueen #blackhistory
#vanessariley #sisterhood #blackgirlmagic #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #vanessarileybooks #writing #queenlouise #bookstagram #vanessarileyauthor ...