{"id":6307,"date":"2026-04-14T13:10:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T13:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/14\/write-of-passage-you-me-and-pausing-the-routine\/"},"modified":"2026-04-14T13:10:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T13:10:00","slug":"write-of-passage-you-me-and-pausing-the-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/14\/write-of-passage-you-me-and-pausing-the-routine\/","title":{"rendered":"Write of Passage: You, Me, and Pausing the Routine"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-6307-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/api.substack.com\/feed\/podcast\/194154805\/607d16184fc3d68cf42f169b00e4731a.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/api.substack.com\/feed\/podcast\/194154805\/607d16184fc3d68cf42f169b00e4731a.mp3\">https:\/\/api.substack.com\/feed\/podcast\/194154805\/607d16184fc3d68cf42f169b00e4731a.mp3<\/a><\/audio>\n<p>Listen\u2026 when a workaholic like me leaves the house for something that isn\u2019t work\u2014you should probably pay attention.<\/p><div id=\"vanes-2394990956\" class=\"vanes-content vanes-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 2px;margin-right: 2px;margin-bottom: 2px;margin-left: 2px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/fireswordandsea.htm\" aria-label=\"Fire Sword &amp; Sea\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?fit=1706%2C2560&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Fire Sword &amp; Sea\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?w=1706&ssl=1 1706w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=683%2C1024&ssl=1 683w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C1536&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?resize=1365%2C2048&ssl=1 1365w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/FireSwordSea_HC-scaled.jpg?w=1280&ssl=1 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" width=\"569\" height=\"853\"   \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Because this week, I broke my routine\u2026 and ended up in Tuscany.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For this week\u2019s rite of passage essay, I decided to do something a little different\u2014I actually did something fun.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Now, I know I\u2019m a workaholic. I freely admit that. If I\u2019m not writing a book, I\u2019m reading one, or thinking about the next book I\u2019m going to write or read. But sometimes, you have to step outside of that box\u2014and I did just that. I went to see a movie.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Yes, me. Outside the house. In a theater. Not waiting for it to stream.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>That alone is a huge deal.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t get me wrong\u2014I love my streaming platforms. I enjoy sitting comfortably at home (or in my office), pausing for snack breaks, rewinding scenes, all of that. But this time, I made the effort to go out.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>I was in Detroit after a wonderful event at the Detroit Public Library speaking about <\/strong><strong><em>Fire Sword and Sea<\/em><\/strong><strong>. To give myself some downtime, I treated myself to some incredible fried chicken at The Fixin\u2019s Soul Kitchen and then headed over to Emagine Theatres.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>And that\u2019s where I saw <\/strong><strong><em>You, me, and Tuscany<\/em><\/strong><strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>It was adorable.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you\u2019re looking for a movie the whole family can enjoy\u2014something that will genuinely make you laugh out loud\u2014this is it. It reminded me of classic romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally and While You Were Sleeping. Just warm, charming, and full of heart.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>First, the scenery. Absolutely stunning. It took me right back to Florence and made me want to book another trip immediately.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Second, the comedy. This is a true romcom, with impeccable timing. Reg\u00e9-Jean Page and Halle Bailey were genuinely funny and had real chemistry. I know some people questioned that\u2014but it works. Watching them fall in love was sweet, playful, and engaging.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The film hits all the romcom beats: the antics, the meet-cute, the charming side characters, even the tourists wandering through vineyards offering hilarious commentary. And yes, there\u2019s the wisecracking best friend with solid advice. I would\u2019ve loved a bit more of her, but as a writer, I understand the realities of cutting for time.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Everything you expect when you hear \u201cTuscany\u201d\u2014the food, the views, the romance\u2014is there. It\u2019s aspirational. It\u2019s soft-life energy. It\u2019s a vacation on screen.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Now, I know some people take issue with seeing two Black leads in a romantic comedy. To that, I say: get a hold of yourself. There are still countless films that don\u2019t center that experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Others have criticized the screenplay for not being written by a Black writer. But once you understand how difficult it is to get anything financed and produced in Hollywood, you learn to appreciate what <\/strong><strong><em>does<\/em><\/strong><strong> get made\u2014especially when it honors the culture with care. And this film does: silk sleep bonnets, braids, edges, reverence to mama and family, lush wardrobes, cars, and, vineyards.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>It\u2019s lovely, heartfelt, and absolutely rewatchable. I hope it becomes a classic.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>As for critics like Variety saying it was \u201cmissing spice\u201d\u2014let\u2019s be clear. Reg\u00e9-Jean Page starring in Bridgerton is one thing. This is not that.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>And if you were expecting that level of \u201cspice\u201d from someone who also starred in The Little Mermaid\u2026 did you get it there? Did you expect it here?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Exactly.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>This is a romantic comedy. Think again about films like You\u2019ve Got Mail\u2014there\u2019s very little \u201cspice.\u201d What you get instead is witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and those unforgettable, adorable meet-cutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>That\u2019s the point.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>If you want something with more action\u2014go read one of my books.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>More steam, go read some of my friends\u2019 books.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Trust me\u2014we\u2019ve got plenty of spice or action or laugh out loud humor <\/strong>\ud83d\ude09. So step out of your routine\u2014you, me, Tuscany let\u2019s go.<\/p>\n<p>This week\u2019s book list includes:<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>One for Artemis: <\/em><\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/1521\/9780593640227\"><strong><em>The Kiss Countdown<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong> by Etta Easton<\/strong> \u2013 A down-on-her-luck event planner enters a fake relationship with a charming astronaut for practical reasons, only to discover their chemistry might be worth risking everything for real love.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/1521\/9781368053389\"><strong><em>By the Book by Jasmine Guillory <\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u2013 A frustrated young publishing assistant travels to coax a reclusive author into finishing his manuscript, but as they connect, both must confront their personal and professional uncertainties\u2014and the unexpected spark growing between them.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>For those stuck on hockey here\u2019s: <\/em><\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/1521\/9780764245206&amp;\"><strong><em>Hearts on the Fly<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong> by Toni Shiloh<\/strong> \u2013 After a career-ending injury forces a hockey player to rethink his future, an unlikely friendship blooms with his ex\u2019s sister.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/20190\/9781420154870\"><strong><em>A Deal at Dawn<\/em><\/strong><\/a> coming June 31, 2026 &#8211; The Duke of Torrance and Lady Hampton have to find new spouses, and definitely not each other, not again.<\/p>\n<p>Not a romcom but the 4th book in the Lady Worthing Mystery Series releases Sept 1, 2026 -it has humor, happenstance, some shocks, and murder.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consider purchasing these books plus <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/a\/20190\/9780063271043\"><strong>Fire Sword and Sea<\/strong><\/a><strong> from The <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/thebookwormonline.com\/\"><strong>Book Worm Bookstore<\/strong><\/a><strong> or from one of my partners in the fight<\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/fireswordandsea.htm\"><strong>, bookstores<\/strong><\/a><strong> large and small, who are in the trenches with me.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>You can find my notes on Substack or on my website, <\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vanessariley.com\/\"><strong>VanessaRiley.com<\/strong><\/a><strong>, under the podcast link in the About tab.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Enjoying these essays? Go ahead and like this episode, share, and subscribe to <\/strong><strong><em>Write of Passage<\/em><\/strong><strong> so you never miss a moment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Thank you for being here. Thank you to everyone who came out to Conyers or Detroit!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>I want you to come again. This is Vanessa Riley.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is a public episode. If you&#8217;d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/vanessariley.substack.com\/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=CTA_2\">vanessariley.substack.com\/subscribe<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"vanes-2185887673\" class=\"vanes-after-content vanes-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 3px;margin-right: 3px;margin-bottom: 3px;margin-left: 3px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?fit=1080%2C1350&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Listen to the Write of Passage Weekly Podcast\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?w=1080&ssl=1 1080w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?resize=240%2C300&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?resize=819%2C1024&ssl=1 819w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/SubstackAd.png?resize=768%2C960&ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" width=\"540\" height=\"675\"   \/><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Listen\u2026 when a workaholic like me leaves the house for something that isn\u2019t work\u2014you should probably pay attention. Because this week, I broke my routine\u2026 and ended up in Tuscany. For this week\u2019s rite of passage essay, I decided to do something a little different\u2014I actually did something fun. Now, I know I\u2019m a workaholic. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6308,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81,793,9,620,756,694],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal-stories","category-politics","category-recommended-reading","category-syndication","category-technology","category-tv-and-film"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5f0914ad2e6c5e6918c24f42e8b8b2c2.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6307"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6307\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vanessariley.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}