In this episode, Vanessa Riley dives beneath the glitter of Hollywood’s pirate myths to uncover the real stories—of women, of survival, of truth—and connects that search for authenticity to the modern struggles of publishing, timing, and creative perseverance. It’s a call to “do the math,” embrace truth over nostalgia, and keep telling the stories that matter, even when the system isn’t built for you.  Keywords: pirates, publishing, truth vs myth, Vanessa Riley, historical fiction, women pirates, creative resilience, writing journey, representation, Black authors, fact versus fiction, storytelling, perseverance, Fire Sword and Sea, do the math, Write of Passage, author encouragement, marginalized voices, book industry, creative truth, authors

NetGalley helps publishers and authors promote digital review copies to book advocates and industry professionals. Publishers make digital review copies and audiobooks available for the NetGalley…

NetGalley helps publishers and authors promote digital review copies to book advocates and industry professionals. Publishers make digital review copies and audiobooks available for the NetGalley…

NetGalley helps publishers and authors promote digital review copies to book advocates and industry professionals. Publishers make digital review copies and audiobooks available for the NetGalley…

Our hearts are with Nia, a beloved friend, author and advocate who has pou… Lindsey Hart needs your support for Support Nia and Her Children After Tragic Loss

In this reflective episode, Vanessa shares the story of three photographs that sat unhung for nine years—a simple act that became a powerful metaphor for grief, healing, and reclaiming purpose. Through personal loss, creative pauses, and the courage to begin again, she reminds us that it’s never too late to return to our dreams, forgive ourselves for detours, and finish what we started. Hang the picture. Write the book. Pick up your sword and go.  Keywords: grief, healing, writing, procrastination, forgiveness, creativity, resilience, motivation, inspiration, new beginnings, purpose, restoration, productivity, self-compassion, writer’s block, creative journey, Vanessa Riley, Write of Passage, renewal, courage

In this heartfelt reflection, Vanessa Riley explores the power of a simple hug, from Misty Copeland’s final bow embraced by Debbie Allen to moments of connection at the 21st Cavalcade in Chicago, reminding us that in times of anxiety, stress, and uncertainty, human connection, encouragement, and kindness can heal and inspire. Comma-delimited keywords: hugs, human connection, Misty Copeland, Debbie Allen, legacy, kindness, encouragement, Cavalcade Chicago, author community, emotional well-being, holiday season, compassion, warmth, inspiration, resilience, mentorship, celebration, historical fiction, writing journey, soul-cleansing

Robot vs. Robot: When ChatGPT Helps Me Fight Its Cousins is a humorous and insightful look at the growing invasion of AI-powered spam bots in the literary world. Author Vanessa Riley recounts the barrage of fake outreach emails posing as book clubs, reviewers, and marketing specialists, and shows how she enlisted ChatGPT to analyze and expose these digital imposters. Through witty anecdotes and practical advice, she explores the new realities of being an author in an AI-driven, highly networked publishing environment, while reminding writers to protect their inboxes and engage authentically with real readers. Keywords: AI spam, author marketing, ChatGPT, literary bots, email scams, book promotion, publishing tips, digital threats, author advice, robot vs robot, AI imposters, social media pressure, book clubs, spam detection, writing industry

In this reflective episode, Vanessa Riley shares her experience speaking at the Jane Austen Society of North America’s 250th anniversary celebration. From standing before 700 devoted Janeites to exploring how Austen’s world intersects with race, history, and adaptation, Vanessa invites listeners to see her Jane—a writer deeply aware of her times. This talk is both a love letter to storytelling and a call for inclusion: reminding us that every adaptation, every organization, and every community must make space for all who love the craft. Keywords / TagsJane Austen, JASNA, Regency, Diversity in Literature, Vanessa Riley, Adaptation, Writing Craft, Historical Fiction, Representation, Sense and Sensibility, Regency Era, Inclusion, Women Writers, Literary History, Period Drama, Storytelling, Authors of Color, Film Consulting, Heritage, Janeites, Hallmark Movies

This episode of Write of Passage dives into the intersection of creativity, AI, and the enduring power of human imagination. Vanessa Riley reflects on her experience at the James River Writers Conference, where she witnessed writers hungry to share their stories and discussed the rise of AI in publishing. While AI promises speed and efficiency, Vanessa shares her frustrations with generic, poorly crafted marketing emails that flood her inbox, proving that technology cannot replace authentic voice or the human touch in storytelling.Vanessa explores the misconception that AI will replace writers, highlighting that the rare spark of imagination—the unique ideas, emotions, and perspectives that only humans can create—cannot be replicated by algorithms. She shares insights from her panel discussions, emphasizing that AI is a tool, not a replacement, and encourages authors to focus on their craft rather than fear technological change.Finally, Vanessa celebrates the vibrant, curious, and determined spirit of writers she met at the conference and introduces her Kickstarter project, The Story Craft Writer’s Journal, designed to help authors organize research, track beats, and craft compelling stories. This episode is a rallying call for writers to embrace their unique voices, continue creating magic on the page, and resist being fooled by AI-generated shortcuts. Keywords: AI in writing, creativity, human imagination, writers conference, James River Writers, storytelling, author advice, writing craft, writing journal, writing inspiration, Vanessa Riley, write of passage, author panel, marketing emails, AI ethics, writing tools, writer empowerment

Vanessa Riley Novels to Empower Women and Teach Proud Black History and Culture.

At the Women’s Fiction Writers Association West Retreat in Albuquerque, Vanessa Riley shared insights on the Hero and Heroine’s Journey, character arcs, and modern storytelling trends. She emphasizes the importance of writing retreats for finding rhythm, overcoming creative blocks, and experiencing the support of a community of writers. Reflecting on her own journey as an author of twenty-nine books, she discusses how retreats offer both inspiration and practical guidance for sustaining the craft. Riley celebrates the communal exchange of knowledge, the joy of teaching, and the transformative power of writing together in a nurturing environment. Keywords: Vanessa Riley, writing, writers retreat, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, Hero’s Journey, Heroine’s Journey, character arcs, storytelling, writing craft, creativity, community, inspiration, Albuquerque, mentorship, overcoming writer’s block, author journey, teaching writing, narrative rhythm, publishing, craft workshops, author platform More on Substack: https://vanessariley.substack.com/p/hanging-with-writers

What if the rapture were tomorrow—would you be ready? In this episode, I look at the long history of failed end-times predictions, from the “Great Disappointment” to blood moons and Y2K, and why living faithfully matters more than chasing sensational prophecies. We’ll talk about how God calls us to ordinary, steady faith, the joy of using our gifts with purpose, and the books that can shape how we think about the end times—whether it’s Michael Horton’s Ordinary, the imaginative worlds of Left Behind, or Pat Simmons’ powerful Intercessors series. Plus, I’m spotlighting All Things Inspiration Giftique, with titles available on their website and Bookshop.org. Keywords: rapture hoaxes,end times,faithful living,Great Disappointment,Harold Camping,Michael Horton,Ordinary,Left Behind,Pat Simmons,The Intercessors,Christian faith,spiritual practices,Vanessa Riley,Write of Passage,All Things Inspiration Giftique

In Wantonly Treacherous, Vanessa Riley reflects on faith, racial violence, and the fragility of democracy. From 9/11 to historical massacres and modern gun violence, this essay explores the consequences of hate, the importance of truth, and the need for empathy in a divided world. This week’s book recommendations are:https://www.mahoganybooks.com/9781632864130?searchid=0&search_query=White+Rage%3A+The+Unspoken+Truth+of+Our+Racial+Divide by Carol Anderson – Explains how systemic white backlash perpetuates racial violence,https://www.mahoganybooks.com/9781626980051?searchid=0&search_query=The+Cross+and+the+Lynching+Tree by James H. Cone discusses the two most emotionally charged symbols relevant to Black communities, the Christian cross and the murderous lynching tree and their interconnection to the souls of Black folk.https://www.mahoganybooks.com/9781645030393?searchid=0&search_query=Stamped+from+the+Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi – Traces the history of racist ideas in America, showing the ideological roots of wanton treachery.https://www.mahoganybooks.com/9780679601517?searchid=0&search_query=The+Fire+Next+Time by James Baldwin – Highlights the consequences of ignoring racial injustice and moral responsibility.https://www.mahoganybooks.com/9781400344123?searchid=0&search_query=The+Filling+Station by Vanessa Miller is a historical fiction rooted in the truth of the Tulsa Massacre, and it explores themes of racial violence, the resilience of Black communities, and the complexities of faith and justice in the face of systemic oppression. Keywords: Wantonly Treacherous, 9/11 reflections, racial violence, white rage, Black history, Psalms 25, gun violence, democracy fragility, empathy, truth, civil unrest, historical massacres, social justice, faith, podcast essay

Amazon.com: Fire Sword and Sea: A Novel eBook : Riley, Vanessa: Kindle Store

Enter to win one of 25 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Sep 04-Sep 25, 2025. Enter for a chance to win an early copy of FIRE SWORD AND SEA by V...

Enter to win one of 25 free copies available. Giveaway dates from Sep 04-Sep 25, 2025. Enter for a chance to win an early copy of FIRE SWORD AND SEA by V...