Story & Lesson Highlights with Vanessa Riley of Atlanta

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Vanessa Riley. Check out our conversation below.

Vanessa, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to stretch beyond the familiar, to explore storytelling in new genres. I’ve built my foundation in historical fiction, especially stories that center Black women and other voices too often left out of the official record. But now, I feel the pull to find new ways to tell these stories—ways that connect with younger and more diverse audiences.

There’s a hunger, especially among younger readers, for stories that feel alive. So I’m exploring how complex parts of history can be “made” to feel more relevant and thrilling. That might mean stepping into speculative fiction, crafting immersive mystery series, or even scripting stories for television or film.

The question that drives me is this: How can we invite readers into history in a way that excites them, that challenges, heals, and empowers them all at once?

One answer, for me, is Fire Sword and Sea (HarperCollins, Jan. 13, 2026)—a 1600s pirate saga inspired by real Black women pirates in the Caribbean. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever written, but I believe it’s powerful, unexpected, and reveals truths of a time that few have ever uncovered.

I’m no longer afraid of the unknown. I’m walking toward it, pen in hand, with purpose in my pocket.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Vanessa Riley: author, historian, and lover of sweeping stories that center brilliant women, particularly Black Women who navigate the history with boldness and courage. I write historical fiction, historical romance, and mystery, all with a focus on reclaiming stories too often left out of the record.

My novels, like Island Queen, Queen of Exiles, and the Lady Worthing Mysteries, explore the resilience, elegance, and power of Black and multiracial women across the African diaspora.

What makes my work unique is the blend of deep historical research with rich, emotional storytelling. I believe history isn’t stagnant—it’s alive, dramatic, and deeply relevant. My brand is about making those stories accessible and enjoyable through novels, essays, or other media.

Whether you’re a fan of romance, mystery, or historical epics, my mission remains the same: to give you a woman-led saga that uncovers hidden histories, celebrates the legacy, courage, and love.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents. My mother taught me to love language. She made sure each of her children was well-read, from James Baldwin to Shakespeare, from Jane Austen to Maya Angelou. She believed words could shape and change the world and insisted we understood their weight and beauty.
My father was a deeply logical man, proud of his Trinidadian heritage. He told me stories of the past, of powerful leaders, revolutionaries, and thinkers, especially those from the Caribbean. From him, I gained a reverence for history and a sense of responsibility to honor those who came before us.
Together, they gave me the tools and foundation that influence every story I write.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say, “Trust your instincts.” You do the work, you ask the hard questions, and you think things through. That discernment is a gift. Don’t let others make you have doubts. Have faith in how you see the world, even when it feels lonely to have your viewpoint. You’re going to be just fine, kid.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
That we don’t need to react to everything or take the bait. Some people are deliberately hurtful or willfully obtuse to provoke you, to pull you into writing endless Threads or think pieces that sap your energy and peace.

Not every moment requires a response. Sometimes the most powerful move is to protect your time, your joy, and your creativity. Silence is not surrender. Sometimes it’s strategy.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I’ll regret not traveling more. There’s so much of the world I still want to see—and not just for research, but for joy. I want to take my family with me, to build memories together in places we’ve only read about. To stand in the spaces where history happened and experience the unfamiliar will make the world feel smaller and richer.
That’s the kind of legacy I want: shared moments and memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vanessariley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessarileyauthor/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/VanessaRiley
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VanessaRileyAuthor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FictionSagaQueen
• Other: http://vanessariley.substack.com
  
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/write-of-passage-by-vanessa-riley/id1787748420

Image Credits
Photo Credit headshot: Celestial Studios
everything else: Gallium