In this episode of Write of Passage, bestselling author Vanessa Riley explores the emotional cost of invisibility in publishing—and the deeper longing to belong. Drawing from her own journey and insights from literary voices like Silas House, Nic Stone, and Angie Thomas, she unpacks what it means to be denied space, support, and visibility—and why it’s time to stop asking for permission.Vanessa shares lessons from the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Conference, reflects on the realities of midlist publishing, and previews her upcoming historical fiction novel Fire Sword and Sea—a sweeping saga about lady pirates in the 1600s.This is an episode for anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated. Your seat is already built—claim it.
Featured Books:
– A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House
– Dear Martin by Nic Stone
– The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
– Fire Sword and Sea by Vanessa Riley (Preorder now!)
Show Notes & Preorder Info:
Visit VanessaRiley.com for full show notes, book links, and podcast archives.
Tags: belonging, voice, claiming space, resistance, survival, systemic racism, justice, youth activism, identity, allyship, community, resilience, self-worth, social change, truth-telling, empathy
Episode Notes & Extras
Find my full show notes, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and extras on Substack → vanessariley.substack.com
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