Romance in Colour
By Tati R. and Yaki E
Romance in ColourMar 27, 2023
Season 5. Episode 7: Wine and Words (ft. nikki.blaire)
This week, we talk wine and words with the one and only, Renaissance woman @nikki.blaire . We talk about her journey from lawyer working for the government to writing hot, steamy romance (and cooling it all down with a glass of wine!)
A little about nikki: nikki blaire, stylized in lowercase as a tribute to the late bell hooks, unapologetically shares love through words, music, Black art & culture. With a flair for all things lovely and intimate, she writes Black romance novels, hosts a radio show titled “QUEENSPACE👑,” which airs on Fridays from 4-7PM on TXTH Radio, & is a wine consultant. nikki blaire is based in Atlanta, Georgia, but is originally from Florida, and spent over a decade working in politics in the Washington, D.C. area before following her heart to become a full-time writer.
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Yakini on her Instagram @OurNycHome
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 5, Episode 6: The Bookish Space (ft. Book Influencer Shincy Shegu)
TW: We discuss assault and abuse.
In this season of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the folks that read books. One of which is book influencer and BookToker Shincy Shegu. Shincy is a med student, newlywed, and book lover who is living in London. In her own words, "I spend my days balancing the responsibilities of medical school and my ever growing TBR shelf. I grew up on a steady diet of Bollywood and Xena Warrior Princess so it comes as no surprise that my favorite genres are fantasy and romance. While I've lived in many cities across the world I have the heart of a Philly girl through and through. I am currently roaming along the English countryside living out all my bookish dreams."
We talk romance, diversity, and the top books to read before the end of the year.
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Yakini on her Instagram @OurNycHome
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 5, Episode 5: The Stubborn Kind (ft. Jessica Terry)
We interview author Jessica Terry, creator of nearly 25 indie books and several series about her upcoming release The Stubborn Kind. We also talk about her writing process, what inspired her to write romance and her job as a ghostwriter for some very popular folks.
About Jessica:
To Jessica, putting out a new book is twice as exciting as someone saying they brought her food. Writing was her first love (cliché alert) and she loves it as much now as she did when she was a child spending hours and hours holed up in her room creating. This Georgia peach has many interests, having majored in Sport Management at Georgia Southern and gotten certified in Neuromuscular Therapy from Rising Spirit Institute of Natural Health, but writing is always in the top spot. In addition to her novels, Jessica is also a copywriter and a ghostwriter and is working towards her degree in Communications. Jessica still lives in Georgia.
For more on Jessica, visit her website: JessicaTerry.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Yakini on her Instagram @OurNycHome
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 5, Episode 4: Hot for Teacher (ft. Monique Fisher)
This epsiode features returning guest Monique Fisher, who is a force in Indie Publishing. We talk her latest release, Hot For Teacher, the intro to her new rom-com universe.
Yakini and I also talk about Halloween Novellas, the drama that is BlueFace, and new TV recommendations.
Season 5: BONUS EPISODE (ft. Author Noreen Mughees)
BONUS EPISODE: What does it mean to be a brown, hijabi, Muslim-American writer of romance telling authentic stories? We talk this week with fellow 2023 debut author and friend of the podcast, author Noreen Mughees. On the heels of her debut novel, The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed. We talk inspiration, arranged marriages, love, and the publishing industry as a brown and Muslim writer.
For more on Noreen, visit her website.
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Yakini on her Instagram @OurNycHome
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 5, Episode 3: Living Legends (ft. Author Yahrah St. John)
Friday the 13th may be spooky but today we are having a conversation with author and Harlequin legend @yahrahstjohn We talk about her storied career, her newest Desire release (Her One Night Consequnece) and her upcoming Afterglow debut. For more on Yahrah and her books visit. www.YahrahSt.John.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Yakini on her Instagram @OurNycHome
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 5, Episode 2: Found Families and Secret Ties (ft. Kelly Cain)
Author Kelly Cain @kellycainauthor will be joining us on the podcast this week to talk about her #ownVoices romance books, which were inspired by her adoption and family experiences.. We talk about her first series, what she's learned in the years since her debut, and what this series has meant for adoptees as well.
In Hot Topics in Romance, Yaki and I talk about the Teyana/Iman break up, Keke still with her baby daddy, and rumors about Remy Ma and Papoose. We even touch on folks losing their minds about Traylor (T. Swift and Travis Kelce)
In Reading Romance, Tati talks about her obsession with token/coin reading apps like Galatea and Yonder, Celestine Martin's Kiss and Spell, and Make them Confess by Sherelle Green.
In Watching Romance, we talk Megan Goode's upcoming Lifetime movie, Taye Diggs taking a biopic turn, and the interactive Choose Love movie in Netflix.
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Follow Yakini on IG at Our NYC HOME on IG.
Season 5, Episode 1: Fandoms and FanFic (Ft. Ms. J)
Welcome back for another season of Romance in Colour! This week, we are back to our regularly scheduled format. We have a great interview with Ms. J, a fanfic afficianado who explains what fanfic is and the romance to fanfic pipeline.
We talk Hot Topics in Romance,including Steve Harvey and the divorce rumors. In Reading Romance, Tati gives us some Dark Romance picks. And in Watching Romance, we talk Kandi and Todd's The Pass on Peacock
For more info on Ms. J and her own FanFic:
And her own work:
"Snap Shot": Ms. J Presents Snap Shot : 2021 Edition https://a.co/d/0i6qP9Z
"Focus": Focus: Sequel to Ms. J Presents Snap Shot https://a.co/d/i4CgKrb
Follow us on Social Media:
Yakini: Instagram
Tati- Website (with links to all socials)
Romance in Colour: Instagram
Romance in Colour: Twitter/X
Romance in Colour: Facebook Group
Season 4, Episose 30: An Accidental Blockbuster (ft. Author Danielle Jackson)
SEASON 4 FINALE This season has been filled with so many highs and def no lows. But one thing was missing, our girl Yakini. Yakini joins us for the final pdocast of the season and talks about healing from injury and a budding new romance. We catch up on hot topics in romance, TV shows, and much more. We also talk about what’s next for season 5.
Our interview this week is with Danielle Jackson (IG @djacksonbooks) , author of The Accidental Pinup as well as the follow up Accidentally in love. Tati and Danielle talk about their plus size heroines, what makes Danielle tick, and why new authors should stay off of GoodReads. Follow here for more https://daniellejacksonbooks.com/ Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media IG @RomanceInColour Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here Follow Yakini Etheridge on social media at @OurNYCHome on IG
Season 4, Episode 29: Love, Shoes and Friendship (w/ Darby Baham)
Season 4 is almost over, but not before we interview another amazing author. This week we have Harlequin Special Edition sensation and author of The Friendship Chronicles series, Darby Baham (IG @darbybaham . This New Orleans girl is a lover of shoes and romance, and we talk about her love of romance, her inspirations for this series, and how female friends are invaluable. For more on The Friendship Chronicles and what's next for Darby, visit her website: www.DarbyBaham.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 28: Love on Ice (ft. Author Melanie Ting)
Ice Skates and Hot Players. If that is your thing, then Japanese-Canadian romance author and hockey enthusiast Melanie Ting is right up your alley. We talk with this self-published phenom about her love of hockey, the need for diversity in the sport and the genre, and why we AMerican girls need to start sweating these hockey players. For more on Melanie and her latest book, I Hate Nate, visit her website: www.MelanieTing.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 27: Bookish Baddies and Baes (ft. Book Influencer Raena Ashanti)
The question that I ask all my guests is "When did you first fall in love with romance novels?" And on today's episode, I have the pleasure of exploring the love of romance books with BookToker and Book Influencer Raena Ashanti aka Raena Grant. Hailing from Flint, MI, Raena is a lover of all things bookish, especially those written by Black authors. We talk all things bookish from tropes to favorite authors, and why indie romance is leading the way in terms of representation for Black romance. We also talk about her collective of "book baddies" and how they keep her jonesing for the next, hot book. For more on Raena and her bookish baes, visit her IG @RaenaAshanti or her TikTok @ChaletIntheCity
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Ep 26: The Black Romance Diaspora (a collab with Maëlla Kancel of Tim Tim? Bwa Fik!)
What does black romance look like in the vast Black diaspora? I was happy to speak with Maëlla Kancel, a romance writer and podcaster from the French-speaking Carribean island of Guadalupe. Now living in France, Maëlla and I had a chance to discuss a wide array of topics such as the wide reach of Black American culture, the nuances of non-English speaking Black existence, and how romance needs to expand its borders to include non-English and Carribean Black- centered stories. We also talked a little about my debut, but the heart of the discussion was how we perceive French identity as an American. Good stuff! For more about Maëlla Kancel and her podcast, visit her website: http://timtimbwafik.com/
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 25: A Voice Made for Stories (ft. Yinka Ladeinde)
We delve into the world of audiobook narration with voice actor and narrator, Yinka Ladeinde, who has documented her journey becoming an audiobook narrator We talk about what it takes to get into the industry, behinds the scenes preparation, and her favorite stories to narrate. For more on Yinka's work and her already impressive resume visit. www.YinkasVoice.com.
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 24: Diversity, Inclusion, and Urban Fantasy (Ft. Kharma Kelley)
This week's episode is especially near and dear to Tati's heart. We talk to Kharma Kelley, author of nearly a dozen paranormal and urban fanatsy books as well as the founder of Inclusive Romance Project, a place of mentorship and a collective of writers dedicated to diversity within the romance genre and its subgenres. Without IRP and the mentorship, Tati certainly wouldn't be here as a writer. For more information on Kharma and IRP, visit her website here:
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4 Epi 23: The Game of Love (ft. Mia Heintzelman)
What do you get when you mix classic board games and a romantic comedy? You get magic, that's what! And Mia Heintzelman delivers with Monopolove. We discuss Mia's first traditonally published series, her inspirtation, and why board games are the perfect metephor for love. For more information on Monopolove, where to purchase, and what Mia is doing next in her Love and Board Games series, go to her website: www.miaheintzelman.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
THE BUILD UP SPECIAL EPISODE 2: (w/ author LaQuette)
This week we are celebrating the release of Tati Richardson's debut, The Build Up, with several guest hosts joining us to interview our podcast co-host. Our last guest host for release day, author LaQuette, award-winning romance author and former RWA president and friend to the podcast. You can find LaQuette everywhere on the internet under her name. All info is on her website.
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
THE BUILD UP SPECIAL EPISODE 1 (w/ author YM Nelson of Nerdy Romantics Podcast)
This week we are celebrating the release of Tati Richardson's debut, THe Build Up with several guest hosts joining us to interview our podcast co-host. Up First, author YM Nelson, host of The Nerdy Romantics Podcast. You can find YM on Instagram at YMNELSON and listen to THe Nerdy Romantics podcast. All info is on her website here.
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Season 4, Episode 22: Practical Black Girl Magic (ft. Celestine Martin)
Mix a little Practical Magic, Living Single and Charmed...and you get the amazing debut novel and writing of Celestine Martin. We talk growing up on the Jersey Shore and how it influenced the world of Freya Grove, creating magical moments, and her journey to publication. Find out more about Celestine on our instagram: www.instagram.com/CelestineMartinAuthor
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 21: The Magic in the Genre (ft. Mia Tsai)
If you want a book that is genre bending and gives you the same feels as the Oscar winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, this week's author is going to do just that. Mia Tsai's debut Bitter Medicine is a genre crossing , adult fantasy romance that is steeped in culture and magic. We talk about her process, her journey to her debut, and why it's ok to take risk and have belief in yourself. For more on Mia, please visit her website www.MiaTsai.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4. Episode 20: The Imposter In Us All (Ft. Terreece M. Clarke)
Exclusive: We have an extended interview with indie author Terreece M. Clarke, author of the romantic thriller Heartbeat. We talk about the imposter syndrome that all authors fight, her journey to publishing her debut, and why the indie author community is so important in the uplifting of Black women and voices. Follow Terreece and get all her social media handles, her book releases, and her newsletter, here: https://terreececlarke.com/
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 19: A Paranormal Shift (ft. Stella Williams)
Stella Williams is a sister armed with a vivid imagination and a degree in anthropology. That combination yields some of the finest paranormal series in the world. A contemporary and paranormal romance writer from Washington State, Stella talks to us about her love of romance, how she began writing and how her degree in anthropology helps her to create worlds unlike no other. For more about Stella, visit her website: www.StellaWilliamsAuthor.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 18: A Calling and a Purpose (ft. Mya Kay)
Romance can be a place of healing and a place of deep, spiritual connection. If you don't believe us, then listen to our interview this week with author Mya Kay. This indie author of Christian Romance talks about the purpose of her work, how romance can be healing, and her process of writing as a calling on her life. FOr more information on Mya, her social media accounts, and where you can get all of her books, please visit: https://writermya.com/
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 17: Making Moves so Wicked (ft. author AH Cunningham)
Today we have an interview with a friend of the podcast, author AH Cunningham. We talk about her new BDSM fueled series, Wicked Games and book 1, Plie, which is centered on a dance teacher and her student's father... and the wicked little games they play. We also talk about AH's meteoric rise as an indie author within two years, how TikTok has found her work, and how readers energize her. To learn more about AH and to pick up her books and audiobooks, visit her website: www.ahcunninghamauthor.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 16: Heat and Suspense... and blowing sh*t up! (ft author Christina Sol)
What do you get when you mix heat, suspense, intrigue, and a dash of Die Hard-level action? You get a romance from Christina Sol. This Southern Filipina transplant, now living in the Pacific Northwest, talks to us about her writing, her nearly 10 year journey to publication, and how reading and learing the craft of romance makes for a better writer. Learn more about her Spotted Dog Bar series and her upcoming work on her website: www.ChristinaSol.com
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 15: Sisters and Series (ft. author Shameka Erby and Jalessa Jackson aka JalessaReads)
What does it take to build a successful romance series? Author Shameka Erby tells us all about it. Hailing from Philly, Shameka puts her love and compassion, a product of her nonprofit experience, into building a series of books with lush characters, family dynamics, and juicy plots that you will no doubt devour. FOllow Shamkea on Social Media Here
In our What is BookTok Reading, segment we have book Atlanta book influencer Jaleesa Jackson aka JaleesaReads on TikTok. We talk about the Black indie space and what makes Black indie romance so special. She gives us a host of her recommendations for the hottest Black indie romances that are burning up the TikTok kindles. Follow more on Jaleesa here.
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4. Episode 14: A Lovely Lunar Love (ft. Lisa Lin)
The Lunar New Year brings out all the drama. And debut author Lisa Lin captures all the madness and a dash of second-chance romance in her novel The Year of Cecily. We talk about family, immigrant expectations, and how love is always there even in the tought moments. Check out Lisa and all her books on her website here: Lisa Lin Books
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4, Episode 13: Patrons and Friends (ft. RM Virtues and MrsRonyB)
Welcome to 2023!
To kick off the new year we have a very special podcast with friend to the pocast, the one and only RM Virtues. We talk about their Christmas themed MMF Novella (Claiming Mrs. Claus) and how much Patreon is usefull for both indie and traditionally published authors. For more on where to get RM's books, social media, or support their Patreon, visit their website: www.RMVirtues.com
In our What is BookTok reading, we have the lovely Mrs.RonyB aka Ronyelle, wife/mom/grandma who is giving us her Audibook pics and TBR (or should we say TBL) goodies to take you into the new year with new reading goals. Check her out on TikTok here
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up, here
Season 4 BONUS EPISODE: Our Big Christmas Movie Wrap Up!
Join Tati and one of her best friends, Adana, as they talk holiday movies across all the networks and streaming platforms. The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly!
Follow Romance in Colour on Social Media
IG@RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati Richardson on social media and pick up her debut, The Build Up at www.TatiannaRichardson.com
Season 4, Episode 12: Fat, Brown and Queer (ft. author Anna P and Booktoker Addy aka EducatedCloud11)
Happy Holidays! Tis the season to be your authentic self. We had an early morning (her time!) interview with the lovely indie author Anna P. We talk about what her Desi culture, colorism and what it is like being an indie queer South Asian writer. To learn more about Anna P and all her books, go here.
In our What is BookTok reading segement, we get a plethora of recommendations from Booktoker and social media maven Addy aka EducatedCloud11. She gives you a ton of series to get you all started and hooked this holiday season.
Romance in Colour will return in January 2023 with all new episodes.
Follow us on social media:
IG: @ROmanceinCOlour
Twitter; @RomanceNColour
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati on all social media at @RichardWritesOn or on her website . Her debut novel, The Build Up (Carina, March 2023) is up for pre-order from all major retailers.
Season 4 Episode 11: From Comic Geek to Romance Chic (ft. Author Monique Fisher and NaesDaze)
In our What is Booktok Reading segmenet, we have Janae (@NaesDaze on TikTok) who is giving uslher fresh perspective on romance and fantasy picks from a diverse group of authors. You can follow Janae on TikTok here.
Follow us on social media:
IG: @RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook Groups: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
You can find Tati Richardson at her website: www.TatiannaRichardson.com
Season 4, Episode 10: Race and Disability in Fantasy (ft. author Annait LJ and Reni Esan)
We had an amazing interview with debut ya/new adult fantasy author Annait LJ. We talk about her innovative book, Silent Sounds, which examines race and disability in an afro futuristic/dystopian lens. We talk about her love of writing, her mission with her fantasy work, and what the future of the series will bring. To learn more about Anniat LJ, click here.
In our "What is BookTok Reading" segment, Booktoker and influencer Reni Esan gives us her booktok recommendations and why Booktok is so powerful and influential as a space for black creators. Follow Reni on TikTok here.
Follow us on social media:
IG: @RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomancNColour
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceInCOlour
Follow Tati Richardson on all social media (Tiktok/IG/Facebook/and Twitter) at @RichardWrites on or visit www.TatiannaRichardson.com
Season 4, Ep 9: A Girl, A Debut and a Dream (ft. Amber Samuel and Calla Claire)
In our #WritinginColour segment, we interview debut author Amber Samuel whose novel, The Many Dates of Indigo, is getting a lot of buzz. We talk about how she took her talents from Wattpad to traditional publishing and how she discovered her voice. Follow Amber's debut author journey and all her writing HERE.
In our What is BookTok Reading segment, author and indigenous activist Calla Claire gives us some amazing book recs that center diversity and inclusion. For more on Calla and her books, follow her HERE.
Follow us on Social Media:
IG: @RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceInColour
Season 4, Episode 8: Invest in Yourself (ft. author Toni Wilkerson and Pop Guru Simply Simone)
This week join us for two amazing interviews. Up first, a great #WritinginColour interview with Indie author Toni Wilkerson. @_toniwrites
We talk her road to indie publishing, lessons learned along the way, and why her native DC is an important character in her novels. Get all her social media and purchase her two debut duology here.
In our “What is Booktok Reading” segment, we talk to Pop Guru sensation/TikTok influencer Simone Umba (TikTok: SimplySimone) about what's poppin' in pop culture and what's on her book radar.
Follow us on Social Media:
IG: @ROmanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNCOlour
Facebook Group: Romance In Colour
Season 4. Episode 7: Perfect Love for Imperfect People (ft. Author JL Seegers and Podcaster Bree Hill)
In our #WritinginColour interview series, we had the pleasure of speaking with the BookTok sensation and phenom, JL Seegers, whose first two books and novella (Restore Me, Again and Revive Me) are all viral sensations. We talk about her writing process, how Booktok has been vital to her development as a writer, and how reading is mentorship. You can get all of JL's books and social media here.
In "What BookTok is Reading", we have longtime supporter of the podcast and friend, Bree Hill of The Categorically Romance podcast, who is plugged into BookTok and gives us some of her favorite reads of the season. An Air Force vet and contributor to Frolic Media, Bree has her finger on the pulse of romance so her book rec are always on point! Follow Bree's podcast (available here) and all her social media (here).
Follow us on Social Media:
IG: @ROmanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNCOlour
Facebook Group: Romance In Colour
Season 4. Episode 6: Our Lives Are Stories (ft. Therapist Emely Rumble and Author Tierra Cox)
Here are some bibliotherapy resources:
bookriot.com/pioneering-black-american-librarians/
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1916/09/literary-clinic/609754/
www.poetrytherapy.org
www.ala.org/tools/atoz/bibliotherapy
wordsthatheal.com.au/about/fqa-about-bibliotherapy/
www.carnegielibrary.org/books-media/
bibliotherapy.ehs.cmich.edu
www.ala.org/tools/resource-lists-helping-children-times-trouble
www.ericdigests.org/2002-2/time.htm
ifbpt.org
In our "What is BookTok Reading", we talk to booktoker and author Tierra Cox about what she's reading and writing. Learn more about her latest release and her back catalog here.
Follow us on Social Media:
IG: @RomanceinColour
Twitter@RomanceNColour
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Season 4. Episode 5: Maybe This Christmas (ft. author Ieshia Wiedlin and Mayte Lisbeth)
It may be spooky season but here at Romance in Colour, 'tis the season for romance! We talk with author Ieshia Wiedlin about her newest holiday release, Maybe This Christmas, the holiday-themed follow up to her debut. We also talk about her debut author journey and lessons learned. You can find out more about Ieshia and her upcoming projects as well as all her social media here.
We had a blast talking books with booktoker and social-media influencer Mayte Lisbeth. A Bronx native, Mayte gives us her recommendations and talks the importance of Black BookTok in carving out a space for black readers and authors. You can find Mayte's TikTok here.
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Season 4. Episode 4: The Sweet Life (ft. Tori Alvarez)
This week's #WRITINGINCOLOUR series author interview features writer Tori Alvarez. We talk about her love of Sweet Valley High as her gateway to romance, being a Latina and representation, and how her own life inspired a very personal novel. You can find out more about Tori and all her social media on her website: https://www.torialvarez.com/about
Follow us on Social Media:
IG @RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook.www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceInColour
Season 4, Episode 3: Unsung Heroines (ft. Author/Publisher Aunt Georgia Lee and Author Daisy Kane)
Our #WritingInColour series rolls on with an interview with a pioneering publisher and queer author of Lesbian fiction, Aunt Georgia Lee. We talk about her publishing journey and the representation needed for BIPOC lesbian and queer writers. Learn more about her books and Onyx Lee Publishing here.
In our "What BookTok is Reading" segment, author and podcaster Daisy Kane gives her book recommendations. Follow her and all her social media here.
Follow us on Social Media:
IG @RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Season 4, Ep 2: Romantic Inspiration (ft. Jacqueline Stewart and Author/BookToker Lillie S.)
Our #WritinginColour author interview series rolls on with an inspirational and insightful interview with indie author, Jacqueline Stewart. A mother, military spouse, motivational speaker, and life coach, Jacqueline crafts stories of romance with heart, soul and encouragement, all with a romantic slant. For more about Jackie and her books, visit her LinkTree
In our What is BookTok Reading segment, Author/BookToker Lillie S gives us a ton of recommendations and books .Lilie. S is a proud West Indian psychology graduate and performing artist living in NYC, who fell in love with romantic literature in her childhood. Since then, she has been a lover and champion for love in all circumstances: platonic, familial, romantic, and spiritual. Especially the best of them all - pet & agape love!
Books recommended:
Aaron's Patience by Tiffany Patterson
Hook Shot by Kennedy Ryan
Colliding with Fate by A.E. Valdez
Get Lillie's debut On Time and learn more about Maddox & Yvana, as well as Lillie's social media here
Follow us on Social Media:
IG: @RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
FB: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Pre-Order Tati's debut, The Build Up (Carina Press, March 2023) here!
Season 4. Ep 1: Back Again Like We Never Left (ft. Meisha Gladney, GL Tomas, and Kenya Goree Bell)
Hey ya'll! Welcome back to another season of Romance in Colour. We jammed our first episode this season fill of amazing authors. So enjoy:
Debut Author Interview w/ Meisha Gladney:is the author of the new adult contemporary romance, Play Another Love Song and a YouTuber who loves to document her self-publishing journey. FOllow her on her social media: https://www.meishagladney.com/
What's Booktok Reading with...GL Tomas: USA Today bestselling twin writing duo and lover of all things blerdy, fearless and fun. When they’re not spending their time crafting swoon-worthy heroes, they’re battling alien forces in other worlds but occasionally take days off in search of mom and pop spots that make amazing pasteles and tostones fried to perfection. They host salsa lessons and book boyfriend auditions in their secret headquarters in Connecticut. Find their social media: https://gltomaswrites.com/
BONUS: Special Interview w/ Kenya Goree-Bell: is an author and fearless Autism advocate. Writing as Karis Bell, she is also the author of The Harem Diaries Series. She is a lifelong bibliophile and loves to talk about books. Her purpose in writing is to show the diversity of experience through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. The Mogul Series is her contemporary debut featuring a diverse group of characters who find their Happy Ever Afters while learning for about themselves. We can find Kenya most Wednesday nights hosting an array of fabulous authors on TheKGB~ The K's Grown & Sexy Book Club, where authors come and talk about craft and their love of books! Find all her social media links and books: https://kenyagoreebell.com/
Folllow Romance in Colour on Social Media:
IG: @RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomancenColour
FB Group: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Follow Tati on all social media (Tiktok, Twitter, IG, etc) at @RichardWritesOn
Season 3, Episode 33: Season 3 Finale
The year has flown by! Yaki and Tati reminisce on the Season 3 highlights! It's been a fun ride... In Hot Topics in Romance, we mourn the relationship of Lori and Michael B. Jordan (not really... LOL), Caresha and Diddy get flirty, and Chloe Bailey talks about dating preferences. In Watching Romance, we talk P Valley (Starz) and the new Issa Rae show, Rap Shit (HBO Max). In Reading Romance, we talk about our season 3 guests' books, book recs over the season, and the upcoming Summer 22 Reading List.... and Tati's debut "The Build Up" coming soon in 2023 (Carina Press, 23).
FOllow us on Social Media:
Tati(Twitter, IG, Facebook, and TikTok): @RIchardWritesOn
Yaki (Twitter, IG and TikTok): @OurNYCHome
Podcast IG: @RomanceinCOlour
Podcast Twitter: @RomanceNColour
FacebookGroup: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceInColour
See you all September 2023!
Season 3. Episode 32: Romance in Colour's Pride Month Panel
Four amazing Black, Queer authors join us for a conversation about the intersectionality of race and sexual identity in romance. Joining us on the panel are:
- Jamaican-born Fiona Zedde currently lives and writes in Madrid, Spain. She is the author of several novellas and novels of LesBiQueer love and desire, including the Lambda Literary Award finalists, Bliss and Every Dark Desire. Her novel, Dangerous Pleasures, was winner of an About.com Readers’ Choice Award for Best Lesbian Novel or Memoir. Her novel, Stud Like Her, is available now. Find out more at FionaZedde.com.
- Chaz L. Cruz is a writer/poet/creative from Los Angeles, Ca with Texan-Louisianan roots. In 2019 Chaz had his author debut with the co-authored novel, In Case You Forgot. Chaz is also the co-author of Busy Ain’t The Half Of It! In addition to being a novelist, he is an actor and a lead writer of Handsome the series. He is a graduate of Cal State LA and the University of San Francisco. Chaz's creative work is informed by his interest in truth telling and sharing the complexities of everyday life. Chaz is Sagittarius with big creative dreams. He hopes his words and art will inspire people to live whole, loud, and free. Chaz can be reached at ChazLCruz.com or social media @ChzCruz
- Originally from Detroit, Frederick Smith is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Loyola University Chicago, and Loyola Marymount University. He lives in San Francisco. He is author of five novels centering the lives of Black and Latinx queer characters, including Busy Ain't The Half Of It and In Case You Forgot (both co-authored with Chaz Lamar Cruz), and solo-novels Play It Forward, Right Side of the Wrong Bed, and Down For Whatever. He can be reached at FrederickLSmith.com or Instagram/Twitter at @FSmith827.
- Aaron Foley is the founding director of the Black Media Initiative at the Center for Community Media at the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Previously, he was a John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University, chief storyteller for the City of Detroit, and editor of BLAC Detroit Magazine. He is also an author and veteran freelance journalist, having contributed to This American Life, The Atlantic, Columbia Journalism Review and more. For more go to aaronkfoley.com
Follow us on Social Media:
Twitter @RomanceinColour
IG: @RomanceNColour
Facebook:www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceInColour
Season 3, Episode 31: Stuck with You (A #WritinginColour interview ft. Fortune Whelan)
To close out #aapiheritagemonth, we will be talking to one of our most fave people in the world, author Fortune Whelan ( @fortunewhelan ). We are going to talk to her about the latest and upcoming releases in the Dorseys of Conception Bay series and what it means to represent her Filipino-Canadian heritage in romance.
About Fortune: Fortune’s stories are “charming, silly and emotionally fraught” with “fast-paced plot[s] that keep pages flying”. When she’s not at her standing desk fending off feline invaders, you can find her on her yoga mat, or shelving books at the local library.. Follow her and get updates at www.FortuneWhelan.com
In Hot Topics in Romance, Yaki fills us in on the Bobby Brown reality series, Devon Frankling joining Married at First Sight, and Shaunie O'Neal small but lavish Anguilla wedding.
In Watching Romance, Tati talks P-valley (June 3 on Starz), The Courtship Finale, Kingdom Business (BET+), RHODubai (June1- Bravo), and Love on the Spectrum (Netflix). Yaki talks Keeping up with the Joneses w/ Vivica Fox (Lifetime).
In Listening to Romance, we shout out Korrie Noelle over at Korrie's Korner and the launch of her new podcast dedicated to historicals, TV and of course, everything Outlander. Listen here:
Follow us on Social Media:
IG https://www.instagram.com/romanceincolour/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RomancenColour
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Season 3, Episode 30: Sex and Mental Health
To conclude #MentalHealthAwareness month, we talk about the benefits (and detriments) of sex for your mental health. Dr. Yaki gets real and breaks it down! For more information on sexual health and sexual addiction, please visit: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/sex-addiction
In Hot Topics in Romance. We talk Keisha Cole acting a fool over F*** boy Antonio Brown, DMX not putting a ring on it before death, and the TikTok trends of #BlackMenFrolicking and #HoochieDaddySeason (We def enjoyed those! LOL)
In Watching Romance, Tati breaks down the anticipation for the This is Us Finale, The Courtship Finale and Wrap Up Podcast w/ Meg of Plot Trysts, and the return of P-Valley (June 3) on Starz. We also give you a preview of what's to come as we wrap up the podcast for Season 3.
In Reading Romance, Tati shouts out the enemies to lovers with plus size rep, The Accidental Pin-Up by Danielle Jackson. Synopsis: Rival photographers are forced to collaborate on a body-positive lingerie campaign, but they might have to readjust their focus when sparks fly.
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: @RomanceInColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ROmanceInColour
Season 3, Episode 29: Strong Men Go To Therapy
What do you do when the men in your life clearly need help? We talk about encouraging the men and male-identified people in your life to go to therapy. Dr. Yakini gives us helpful tools to start the conversation.
For more information : SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
In Hot Topics in Romance, we talk Michael Blackson and three-somes, Nick Cannon reuniting with Jessica White, Yung Miami having beef over Diddy, and a response from Jessie Williams on his leaked nudes.
In Watching Romance, we talk the new season of Bridgeton, the new Downton Abbey Movie, The Perfect Pairing (Netflix- May 19), The Hustle w/ Queen Latifah and Adam Sandler, and Love and Marriage DC.
In Reading Romance, we talk the cute airport themed novella by Denise Williams, The Love Connection.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
IG: @ROMANCEINCOLOUR
TWITTER: @ROMANCENCOLOUR
FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/ROMANCEINCOLOUR
Season 3, Episode 28: Self Love, Care and Mental Health
We are back! It is May, and it is Mental Health Awareness Month! Yaki, our resident licenced psychologist, talks about self-care and how to prioritize (and protect) your mental health. Because in the words of RuPaul: If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?
NOTE: If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away or dial 911 in an emergency. You also can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.
In Hot Topics in Romance, we talk about Shaunie O'neal's wedding, LBGT advocate and Bridgeton star Gold Rousheval, Giselle Bryant dating rumors, Kevin Samuel's death, and, uh, Tony Nominee Jesse Williams' "nude" scene leaking on social media. (Listen, we don't condone leaking nudes, but Jesse has NOTHING to be ashamed of! Hello!)
In Watching Romance, we talk Bling Empire (Netflix 5/13), the return of RHOA (Bravo) and Real Housewives of Lagos, Blood Sisters (Netflix 5/10), This is Us (NBC), and Revenge Best Served Chilled (Lifetime 5/14)
In Reading Romance, we highlight Kilby Blades's BWWM Italian set romance "It Takes a Villa" and in line with our theme, in Listening to Romance, we hype up the calming tunes of Kehlani's new album, Blue Water Road.
Follow us on Social Media:
IG: @RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Season 3, Episode 27: Don't Get Got.... Catfishing and Digital Dating Over 40
Follow us on social media;
IG: @ RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomanceNColour
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Season 3, Episode 26: A Post-Spring Break Potpourri
Just a little this and that episode featuring a variety of hot topics and randomness from Russell and Future to RiRi and A$AP. In Watching Romance, we talk the bevy of Lifetime movies that we enjoyed over break including Wrath (Michelle Williams), and the Fallen Angels Murder Club (Toni Braxton). In Reading Romance, Tati talks the last book in Farrah Rochon's trilogy The Hookup Plan and Ayesha Harunna Attah's Zainab Takes New York. In Listening to Romance, we throw it back with some Tracy Chapman and a new discovery, Ballad (song: Selfish).
Follow us on Social Media:
IG @RomanceinColour
Twitter: RomanceNColour
FB: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour
Season 3, Episode 25: Boogie Down Bridgerton (Season 2 Recap)
In Hot Topics in Romance, we talk Anthony Anderson's divorce, Tyler Perry being Madea in Bed, and Raymond Santana of the Exonerated 5's divorce from Flava of Love star, Deelishis (aka London).
In Watching Romance, we shout out the reunion of ER's Eric LaSalle and Gloria Reuben over on Hallmark, Fallen Angels Murder Club (Lifetime), as well as remind folks to mark their calendars for the next installment of the Victoria Christopher Murray Seven Deadly Sins series on Lifetime.
In Listening to Romance, we shout out Aaron of Aaron's Reading Room and his joining the Categorically Romance Podcast.
Follow us on Social Media:
IG:@RomanceinColour
Twitter: @RomancenColour
FB: www.facebook.com/groups/RomanceinColour