Ready for those beach reads?
Fire up those summer reading lists. @entertainmentweekly has compiled a list of 27 titles you shouldn’t miss!
And thank you @themaureenlee, Maureen Lee Lenker and Entertainment Weekly for including Queen of Exiles on this amazing list.
Preorder Queen of Exiles today!!!
Link to article and more in bio.
While in #keywest I visited #indiebookstore @booksandbookskw and signed copies of #sistermotherwarrior Stop in Books and Books—wide selection, great staff, lots of book goodies.
Yes, that is an anchor from 1600s behind me. It’s huge. A cross section is thicker than my thigh.
And these snapped like twigs during a hurricane.
Secret research guys!!!
More to come!
#summer #tbr #HistoricalFiction #romance #BookLover #books
#queenofexile #islandqueen #research #skeewee #summerstyle #summerreads #beachreads #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileysign #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileyindiebookstore
I attended the Unbound Conference in Columbia, Missouri, this weekend for the Unbound Conference. A very receptive crowd came to hear Phong Nguyen (Bronze Drum), Jocelyn Cullity (The Envy of Paradise, moderator Trudy Lewis and me discussed war and power women.
Amazing time and a lovely crowd. Thanks for the selfie, Columbia!
On our panel, I spoke about Gran Toya and Marie Claire Bonheur, soft power and physical power, and the theme of never being too late to do the right thing--all taken from my 2nd Historical Fiction Sister Mother Warrior to a receptive crowd. Love giving this special book its flowers.
Thank you to all who listened and bought copies of SMW at Skylark Books. You worked those two large piles to a few copies left. @skylarkbookshop is an adorable bookshop with a very engaged staff.
The festival started with an art gallery presentation (MIZZOU VISUAL ART AND DESIGN SHOWCASE) and an excellent keynote conversation between poets Ross Gay and Patrick Rosal. These two men's 20+ year friendship, the back and forth of iron-sharpening-iron wit, and their shared vulnerabilities shined. All authors should be this lucky to have such friends in their lives.
I met Janet of @austenconnection and #NPR. Catch her amazing podcast and broadcasts.
Buki Papillon is an author to watch. I'm looking forward to reading her work, An Ordinary Wonder.
And it was cold in Missouri. Boots, leather coats, sweater dresses—all the clothing of winter was needed. I bought gloves on the street. That cold. Hope you get Spring soon.
#books #booktok #tbr #literary #historicalfiction #fashion #bookfestival #womenwarriors #sistermotherwarrior #womenempowerment #blackbooks #blackgirlmagic #history #fashion #vanessarileyauthor #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileypanel #vanessarileyindiebookstore #indiebookstore #writer #writerlife #booktour #authors #islandqueen #literaryfiction
What a world wind! I’m finally getting to post pictures from two #booksigning events this week.
@vahibooks Virginia Highlands Books is adorable with friendly staff and shelves and shelves of amazing books. We sold out of Murder in Westminster (I’m sure they can order you a copy 😘)
I did leave a few signed copies of Sister Mother Warrior too.
Yes, those are Cheryl’s Cookies. I do bring goodies for signings.
@talltalesbooks is fabulous. They set up a great outdoor display so I could greet the public. Another amazing #indiebookstore. Check out their banned books and staff picks!!!
Thank you readers, especially new to me readers for coming and supporting my career and indie bookstores!!!
#Fashion: @eshakti burgundy shirt dress and teal jumpsuit
#books #historical #mystery #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #historicalfiction #sisterhood #bookstagram #blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #bookstore #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessarileybooks #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #london #murderinwestminster #ladyworthing #murdermystery #mysteries #mysteryseries #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyindiebookstore #womandetective
My husband took this picture. I love it, for he caught me not posing but being still and thinking.
My mother wouldn’t exactly be happy with me showing the world a less than perfect shot:
*One with no filter or makeup.
*One that shows vulnerability and age.
*One that speaks my truth, that I’m still figuring things out.
But unguarded and with no filter are the freest we ever are. It’s the point of living.
Finding joy or peace in those less-than-perfect moments is what I try to write. It’s the secret sauce of the women or sisterhoods that I write.
This year I’m living ‘dream me’:
*A research tour in Europe
*Historical Fiction of Power Women: Sister Mother Warrior - Boss lady-Adbaraya Gran Toya and 1st Battlefield Nurse Marie-Claire Bonheur
*My first Mystery series: Murder in Westminster -Black aristocrat Lady Worthing, part-time sleuth, full-time trouble
*Getting to meet fans across the globe
Build your future. ‘Dream you’ is incredible.
Like and follow. Share with me your dream journey!
#books #historical #historicalfiction #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist
#blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #murderinwestminster #islandqueen #sistermotherwarrior #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #writersofinstagram #writerslife #authorsofinstagram #authorlife #authentic #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyindiebookstore
Book Event, Friend, and Foodie Post
Last night 44th and 3rd Bookseller hosted me for an intimate conversation on History and How to Use it to tell the stories of our ancestors.
History is engaging. Finding you—yourself, your people, your great grands, your relations of prior centuries—is the connection we need to understand the strength in our DNA.
If you are in Atlanta, stop by 44th and 3rd. It’s a beautiful bookstore with great selections and friendly folks. That’s Warren and Cheryl, the bookstore hosts.
Author pals came out for fun and history, of course. Check out their fabulous books:
Sharon Cooper (USA Bestselling author of Business Not As Usual, Atlanta’s Finest Series, Jenkins Construction Series)
Sharina Harris (Imperfectly Happy, In For A Penny)
Lauren H. Kelley(Suits in Pursuit Series)
We had a wonderful dinner at Amalfi Cucina Italiana in downtown Atlanta. That’s one of their gourmet pizza (Carne -San Marzano tomato sauce, spicy salami, meatballs, spicy sausage, bacon jam, mozzarella, basil, EVOO) and yummy Charcuterie Board. Delicious.
Check out 44th & 3rd Bookseller. I left a few signed copies.
Be safe, and make sure to dine with friends.
Like and Share. Support our indie bookstores.
And follow me for more bookish, foodie, loving-my-friends news.
#books #historical #historicalfiction #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #historicalmystery #mysteries
#blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #murderinwestminster #islandqueen #sistermotherwarrior #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #vanessarileyhere #food #vanessarileyindiebookstore
It was a pleasure attending the Author Talk about Women in Historical Fiction at the Oxford Exchange! I learned so much and can’t wait to start Island Queen❤️ Vanessa Riley was real and taught us so much about writing! Loved, loved, loved it! Go check her out! #reading #womenauthors #blackauthors #blackauthorsmatter #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileyindiebookstore #books #blackwomenread #blackwomenwriters
That Time I froze in Chicago….
Vanessa here. I am in this cool purple coat I picked up two weeks ago in Chicago. While visiting the weather changed overnight from 70 F to 50F with crazy wind! Burrrrrr.
That’s a good enough excuse for this cute coat from a new small business owner off Michigan Ave, near Roosevelt University.
Anyway, I have a week of events I’d like to share with you. I’m thrilled to say these are only up the way on Georgia streets. I am with my fellow sister-friend authors, Piper Huguley and Wanda Morris at the Atlanta History Center talking power women in power fiction.
On Wednesday, I am with Kennedy Ryan celebrating the release of her new book Before I Let Go. Promise we won’t sing too much, other than the praises for Yasmin and Josiah’s story. It will be another night to talk about women on a journey. We are at the 44th and 3rd Bookseller in Atlanta.
Come for the fun. Join us!!!
PS: in the background are some books on my TBR Pile that I’m enjoying by Vanessa Miller, Jacquelin Thomas, Attica Locke.
#books #historical #historicalmystery #mysteries #vanessarileyhere
#vanessariley #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #veterans #soldier #historicalfiction #vanessarileybooks #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyindiebookstore @atlantahistorycenter
Keep swiping to the end!!!
It’s October Book Tour Time.
Come to the @decaturbookfestival on 10/1 for the Mystery Panel with Samantha and Jillian, moderated by Jill Evans. Pick up some secrets to #ladyworthing !!!
Come to @44thand3rdbookseller 10/8 for a special talk on Bringing The Past Alive Through Fiction. (Call for special autographed/ personalized copies of Sister Mother Warrior and Murder in Westminster)
Pop into @kindredstorieshtx to discuss Women, War, and Murder.
I’m teaching classes on Fiction at the @writersdigest Novel Conference in Pasadena.
I’m throwing a Murder Mystery Who-done-it at @christian_bookloversretreat in Charlotte.
I am in conversation with Beverly Jenkins and @theshaybaby at the RRAW Conference in Alexandria.
Please Like and Share. Come out to an event!!!
My bio has more info. And thank you for your support!!!
#books #historical #historicalfiction #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist
#blackbooktok #forgottenhistory #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #murderinwestminster #islandqueen #sistermotherwarrior #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #writersofinstagram #writerslife #authorsofinstagram #authorlife #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyindiebookstore
Medu bookstore is one of the most revered and prestigious bookstores in Georgia. I was honored to stop by say hello to Ms. Nia Damali and her crew. Make sure you stop by. There are signed copies of Island Queen and she should get Sister Mother Warrior soon.
#books #summerreads #haiti #haitian #hatianrevolution #historical #historicalfiction #tbr #tbrpile #tbrlist #womenempowerment #womensupportingwomen #womenleaders #blackbook #forgottenhistory #bookstore #blackwomen #blackhistory #vanessarileybooks #vanessariley #vanessarileyauthor #sistermotherwarrior
#Africa #warrior #dahomey #islandqueen #vanessarileyindiebookstore
Celebrated #caribbeanindependence #emancipationday today with the gracious folks (Warren et. All) at @44thand3rdbookseller !!!
It was great to talk #research and #history and #westindies with beautiful readers. Warren the patties were great. Good friend and fellow writer @sharinawrites showed. Thank you all who came and patronized this great #indiebookstore
#vanessariley #islandqueen #hats #vanessarileyindiebookstore #caribbean #readcaribbean #books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #montserrat #grenada #barbados #guyana #Trinidad #vanessarileysign #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #newreleases #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks #vanessarileyworkshop
A few sites of Los Angeles and Pasadena. I’m on the West Coast for the Writer’s Digest Conference.
My pals @wandamowrites and @sonali.dev are here teaching classes too.
I’m taught my 4-4-4 Process for creating Fearless Characters.
Mega fun!!! And I had to have a double @innout burger. That is a mainstay for Calli trips.
Books!!!
Lax Bookstores had copies of #sistermotherwarrior and #murderinwestminister.
@vromansbookstore has several signed copies of all my latest books including #adukeaspyanartistandalie and paperback copies #islandqueen .
Check them out!!!
#books #historical #historicalmystery #mysteries #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyindiebookstore
#vanessariley #womenempowerment #tbr #tbrpile #historicalfiction #romance #writer #writersofinstagram
Sunday, I visited with @pigcitybooks . The get together was sponsored by @pigcitybooks, @davidsonlocal @bullcityciderworks
We had an amazing discussion and I loved meeting the proud citizens and the newest judge of Lexington!!! #vanessarileyindiebookstore #vanessarileyhere
Final panel at @bookmarksnc the historical fiction panel moderated by @jacintavwhite asking questions about stories of the past matter with @stacydflood and @kaiawrites and me. Amazing conversation
#bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #bnbuzz #barnesandnoble #newreleases #BNBookClub #reesesbookclub #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks #vanessarileyindiebookstore
Can’t wait!!!
#Repost @rollingout with @make_repost
・・・
@vanessarileyauthor AUG.29
with @thesoulsremedy RSVP NOW #vanessarileyindiebookstore
Island Queen, a story of resilience and heart, is here! Four years of world building, six years of research and I present to you Dorothy Kirwan Thomas (#innerdorothy)!!!
Island Queen is available in Print, E, and audio.
Audio is performed by Adjoa Andoh (Lady Danbury #Bridgerton)
Art by @tonyaengel1 - Amazing!!!
Signed copies & Events: https://linktr.ee/VanessaRiley
Order a copy: https://bit.ly/islandq All links are in my bio.
@popsugar calls #IslandQueen "the must-read historical novel of the summer."
Buy a Copy! Tell a friend!!!
#biography #colonialism
#innerdorothy
#vanessariley #islandqueen #hats #myinnerdorothy #caribbean #readcaribbean #books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #montserrat #grenada #barbados #guyana #historicalfictionwriter #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #womenempowerment #blackgirlmagic #womensupportingwomen #vanessarileyindiebookstore #vanessarileybn #vanessarileyhere
Back home from my DC trip, and just taking a moment to reflect.
Every minute was memorable and fun, from hitting the @librarycongress and spending time in the map room to conversations and signings at @sankofadc @loyaltybooks @mahoganybooks @politicsprose and @eastcitybookshop
My partner in many of these visits was the delightful @dennysbryce and I wish to send out my special thanks to the cohort— Dear hubby and road dog hung in there. Agent @seyitsme brought me coffee!!! Love doing life with you all.
August will be another busy month. I’m flying out tomorrow to Kansas City to #RomanceGenreCon @mcplmo
And then back for the @blackwritersweekend @aambcawards
Link: https://www.mymcpl.org/events/featured/romance-genrecon?fs=e&s=cl
#writerlife #writersofinstagram #writing #books #bookstore #indiebookstore #vanessarileyhere #vanessarileyindiebookstore #vanessarileysign #vanessarileyauthor #vanessariley
On my way to the @bookmarksnc Festival and I stopped at Super Indie #Bookstore @parkrowbooks in Charlotte and met the folks and signed books.
Thanks @williammorrowbooks for preparing my stops.
And I love seeing friends on the shelves.
#vanessariley
#writerscommunity #islandqueen #historicalromance #books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #historicalfictionwriter #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #bnbuzz #barnesandnoble #newreleases #BNBookClub #reesesbookclub #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks #vanessarileyindiebookstore
Love the display by @fountainbookstore
#bookstoreromanceday
💞Saturday!!! 💞We can't wait for our virtual panel discussion with these authors! (Helen's books are on backorder and coming to us, but not in yet) Get your tickets at the link in the comments to attend, or come by the store in person to take part in our watch party while you enjoy the other #BRD21 fun we have planned! #bookstoreromanceday21 #bookstagram #shopindie #vanessarileyindiebookstore
My last stop on this bookstore road trip was @mjudsonbooks in #greenvillesc
This lovely bookstore was a former courthouse.
This multi-story bookstore was adorable. Saw friends books and enjoyed the #brown sugar latte!!!
books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #historicalfictionwriter #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #newreleases #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks
Thank you @williammorrowbooks for arranging this trip. Thank Susan and staff for hosting us!!!
books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #historicalfictionwriter #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #newreleases #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks #vanessarileyindiebookstore #vanessarileyhere
Another stop on the way to @bookmarksnc festival, #Davidson for @mainstreetbooksdavidson
Great staff, exciting selections and again Tarkington shots of friends.
Thanks @harpercollins and @williammorrowbooks for helping me route this drive.
#books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #historicalfictionwriter #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #bnbuzz #barnesandnoble #newreleases #BNBookClub #reesesbookclub #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks #indiebookstore #vanessariley #vanessarileyindiebookstore
Had a fabulous time at @hubcitybookshop in #spartanburgsc
The lovely shop was a former #masonictemple
Quaint, homey, and I was able to join the author’s corner where visiting author’s sign the wall!!!
books #bookstagram #tbrpile #tbrstack #historicalfictionwriter #historicalfiction #historical #islandqueenhf #newreleases #noshelfcontrol #mustreads #booksbooksbooks #vanessarileyindiebookstore #vanessarileyhere