EXCLUSIVE: Taylor Darks on Black Girl Magic & Writing for the Next Generation

Author Spotlight: Taylor Darks

📖Latest Release: Be, Black Girl, Be

Children’s book author Taylor Darks sat down with us to talk about her storytelling journey, her love for Twilight (yes, girl!), and why she’s on a mission to make sure Black kids see themselves fully and joyfully in books.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Q1: If you could describe your writing style as a recipe, what ingredients would it include?

Taylor Darks: So I cook a lot. But thinking of my food as a recipe was kinda hard. I just know that my recipe couldn’t be on a plate where the food doesn’t touch. It would need to be a big Thanksgiving soul food plate. As a writer right now and the way I’m developing, I’m really channeling all parts of myself into that plate—my soul.

And sometimes it’s joyful and happy, and other times it’s moody and irritated. But when they mesh together, they make a whole person—me. That’s what I try to represent: all of me.

Q2: Growing up in Cincinnati and now living in D.C., do you find that regional culture influences your storytelling?

Taylor Darks: I think my regional difference definitely influences my settings. I’m in the works writing a few things, and the settings mirror Cincinnati (and other parts of the Midwest) much more than D.C. I think D.C. has a beautiful landscape, and it may be cool to explore that in my future writing.

Q3: What’s one book you’ve read recently that made you pause and think, 'Wow, I wish I had written that'?

Taylor Darks: I know this is not a book but a manga—One Piece. The ability to connect everything is just so amazing to me. Sure, I could do that for a shorter story, but something that has over 1,000 episodes? No way.

I’m caught up, by the way (other One Piece fans will know what that means). But I just finished my PhD, so I haven’t had much time for leisurely reading. I plan on picking that back up.

Q4: Having completed your doctorate, how has your academic journey shaped the way you approach storytelling now?

Taylor Darks: Hmmm this was a tough one. I think what I’ve learned is that Black people should be allowed to just be. Sure, we have a history of trauma, but also a history of joy, resilience, and love. And I think it all needs to be told. I try and focus on the joy, but I do have a few things in the works that use my doctoral brain. Stay tuned!

Q5: If young Taylor could read one of your books today, how do you think she’d react?

Taylor Darks: I think she would hate it, to be honest. I was quite the emotional child, and I hated looking at or reading things that reminded me of what I was struggling with. A young Taylor wouldn’t have picked up the book, but a healed/healing Taylor would have—and that’s who I am now.

CHARACTERS & THEMES

Q6: Your books center Black girls in empowering ways—if you could go back in time and insert a Black girl protagonist into any classic story, which one would it be and why?

Taylor Darks: TWILIGHT! Omg I’m a Twilight girly. I want to write my own vampire novel one day, and I’m going to do it! For all us Black girls out there who skip over the description of the character just to plug ourselves in. It’s healing to see that description say brown skin or curly hair—it’s so amazing to not have to reimagine the character but to see yourself the first time—intentionally.

Q7: What’s a common misconception people have about writing children’s books?

Taylor Darks: I think the most common misconception is that it’s easy. It is not, lol. It does take a certain skill to really convey complex ideas to young children. I definitely cut a lot of my deeper meaning when editing because it just didn’t translate well to a children’s story.

Q8: How do you decide which stories need to be told as picture books, novels, or even graphic novels?

Taylor Darks: I’d say it depends on how I see it in my head. Sometimes I want it to be a certain medium based on how I want the audience to take in the story. Do I want to show them or tell them? Do I want them to use their imagination or do I want to paint a picture, you know?

IMPACT & COMMUNITY

Q9: You’re part of a generation redefining Black storytelling. Who are some of your peers or rising voices in literature that you admire?

Taylor Darks: The biggest one I can think of is the author of the Sophie Washington series and They Built Me for Freedom! I think we have similar stories of starting from self-publishing, and it’s cool watching her journey and reflecting on mine! I’m really rooting for her and all that she does!

Q10: If you could see one of your books adapted for film or TV, which one would it be, and who would you cast as the main character?

Taylor Darks: The Fluffy Adventures of Fromo! (Not available on any platforms, currently being rewritten as a graphic novel.) It would be a cartoon, so I’m not sure. But I really would not want a well-known celebrity to voice the character—mainly because I hate recognizing the voices of characters. It ruins the immersion for me.

LOOKING FORWARD

Q11: If your future self, say 20 years from now, could send you a message about your writing journey, what do you hope it would say?

Taylor Darks: I would simply send the Beyoncé song Bigger. If you haven’t heard it, look it up and you’ll get what I mean!

Key Takeaways from Taylor Dark’s Interview

👑 Authenticity in Writing – Their storytelling reflects the fullness of their identity, blending joy, struggles, and personal experiences.
👑 Representation Matters – They emphasize the importance of Black protagonists in literature, ensuring readers feel seen.
👑 Literary & Academic Influence – Inspired by One Piece and Twilight, their PhD reinforced the need to showcase Black joy, not just trauma.
👑 Challenges of Writing for Children – Simplifying deep themes for kids requires skill and intentionality.
👑 Future Aspirations – Dream of adapting their work for TV while staying true to authentic storytelling.

Connect with Taylor Dark

🌐 Website: taylordarks.com
📖 Instagram: @tdarks_author

Join the Conversation!

What does it mean to tell stories that truly reflect who we are?

In this interview, Taylor Darks shares their journey as a writer, the importance of representation, and how storytelling can be a powerful tool for joy, identity, and community. From childhood inspirations to future aspirations, this conversation dives deep into the heart of authentic storytelling.

Closing Thoughts

Stories have the power to shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Taylor Darks reminds us that representation matters—not just in struggle, but in joy, adventure, and everyday life. As they continue to create stories that uplift and inspire, we’re left with one important question: What stories do you wish you had growing up?

🔖 Loved this interview? Share it with fellow readers and book lovers!

Writing, Romance, and Real Talk with A.E. Valdez

Author Spotlight: A.E. Valdez

📖Latest Release: North King’s Unexpected Inevitability
📍 Where to Order: beacons.ai/aevaldezwriter
📸 Instagram: @a.e.valdezwrites

A.E. Valdez is a talented contemporary romance author known for her emotionally rich storytelling, multidimensional characters, and authentic portrayals of Black love. Her novels, including All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed and A Worthy Love, explore themes of self-discovery, healing, and deep, passionate love. With interconnected standalones like the Rise & Fall series and Three Kings Billionaire series, Valdez has built an immersive world that keeps readers coming back for more.

We had the pleasure of chatting with her about her writing journey, the inspiration behind her stories, and what’s next in her literary world.

Q1: The Genesis of Your Writing Journey

Your passion for writing was ignited through poetry, eventually leading you to pen novels centered on Black love. How has your background in poetry influenced your prose and storytelling in novels like All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed and A Worthy Love?

A.E. Valdez: I love a good quote—those lines in a book that resonate so deeply you have to stop and re-read them countless times. My love of poetry seeps into everything I do, whether it be dialogue, internal thoughts, or descriptions. It has taught me to be intentional with my words and how to evoke emotion with brevity, which translates into the way I craft my stories.

Q2: Crafting Interconnected Standalone Novels

Many of your books are interconnected standalones within their respective series. How do you approach creating stories that can be enjoyed independently yet offer a richer experience when read collectively, as seen in the Rise & Fall and Three Kings Billionaire series?

A.E. Valdez: Truth be told, I have a hard time letting characters go! Writing interconnected stories means both you and I get to see glimpses of characters we’ve already fallen in love with. I love when things intertwine, and readers can recognize connections between books—it makes the world feel more immersive.

Q3: Exploring Diverse Character Arcs

From Harlow Shaw’s journey in All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed to Marisa Banks in A Worthy Love, your protagonists undergo significant personal growth. How do you develop such multifaceted characters, and are any aspects drawn from personal experiences or observations?

A.E. Valdez: I believe the only reason I’ve been able to write these books is because I’ve been coming back home to myself. Therapy is an integral piece of many of my books, and through my own experiences in therapy, I’ve learned that growth isn’t always something we can see, like a flower blooming—it’s internal, gradual, and deeply personal. That’s how I approach character development. None of their journeys happen overnight; they require time and self-nurturing to evolve.

Q4: Thematic Evolution Across Series

The Rise & Fall series delves into personal discovery and relationships, while the Three Kings Billionaire series introduces elements of wealth and family dynamics. What inspired you to explore these different themes, and how do you ensure each series maintains its distinct identity?

A.E. Valdez: Harlow set the tone for the Rise & Fall series, which led me to explore how her friends would navigate their own journeys. As for the Three Kings, it started with Snow—I only planned to write his story. But then I gave him two brothers, Winter and North, and I knew they had stories to tell as well.

For the record, I love writing about Black people with wealth. They don’t have to be billionaires, but their affairs are going to be in order so they can do what they want, when they want. There’s nothing like Black excellence and success.

Q5: Depicting Authentic Relationships

Your novels are praised for portraying authentic and relatable relationships. What is your process for writing romantic dynamics that resonate with readers, and how do you balance realism with the escapism often sought in romance literature?

A.E. Valdez: I always tell people that it’s not unrealistic to be loved deeply and loudly. Sure, you may not meet a billionaire on the side of a mountain or a well-off man at a coffee shop, but that doesn’t mean the love itself is unrealistic. Love like that exists, and everyone deserves to experience it.

Q6: Setting as a Character

In All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed, settings like Bali and Seattle play crucial roles in the narrative. How do you choose and depict settings to enhance the emotional landscape of your stories?

A.E. Valdez: Washington state is home to me, as was Texas, and I wanted Harlow to take a similar journey. A few years before writing her story, I started my own yoga journey and looked into retreats. I found an amazing one in Bali, though I never got to attend—but I lived it through Harlow. Settings in my books often reflect self-discovery and transformation.

Q7: Addressing Real-Life Challenges Through Fiction

Books like A Worthy Love tackle issues such as public humiliation and personal betrayal. How do you integrate real-life challenges into your narratives while maintaining sensitivity and providing hope?

A.E. Valdez: I research thoroughly and, when possible, speak with people who have had similar experiences. I also recognize that two people can go through the same situation and have completely different perspectives. Keeping that in mind allows me to write about hard topics while still offering hope.

Q8: Evolution of Writing Style and Voice

How do you feel your writing style has evolved over time?

A.E. Valdez: With each book, I learn something new—I’ll always be a student of writing. My storytelling has evolved because I’ve grown as a person. Life itself is my greatest influence.

Q9: Reader Engagement and Community Building

What has been your most memorable interaction with readers?

A.E. Valdez: The messages I receive from readers about how my books changed their lives mean the world to me. Their support gives me the motivation to keep going.

Q10: Future Directions and Upcoming Projects

What can readers expect from North King's Unexpected Inevitability?

A.E. Valdez: Without giving too much away, North King's Unexpected Inevitability gives us a new perspective on the King brothers’ world through North’s eyes.

Q11: Expanding Beyond Romance

Would you consider creating stories outside of the romance genre, or do you feel that romance is your primary lane and one you plan to stick with it? If you were to branch out, what genres or themes would you be interested in exploring?

A.E. Valdez: plan to stay within the romance genre. If I do branch out, the romance element would still be the main focus. I am a true hopeless romantic.

Key Takeaways from A.E. Valdes’ Interview

✅ Love and growth take time – Characters evolve realistically, reflecting real-life journeys of healing and self-discovery.
✅ Interconnected stories enhance the reading experience – Her standalones are linked, allowing readers to revisit favorite characters.
✅ Black success and love matter – She prioritizes writing about thriving Black characters who experience deep, fulfilling love.
✅ Romance is real and possible – Her stories blend escapism with reality, reminding readers that love like this exists.

More About A.E. Valdez

📚 Other Books by A.E. Valdez:

• All I’ve Wanted, All I’ve Needed

• Colliding With Fate

• Snow King Catches His Snowflake

• The Beginning of Forever

• Winter’s Eve: Then, Now & Always

• A Worthy Love

🌐 Website: www.aevaldez.com
📖 Instagram: @a.e.valdezwrites

Join the Conversation!

What part of North King’s Unexpected Inevitability resonated with you the most? Let’s discuss in the comments! 💬

Closing Thoughts

A.E. Valdes’ latest novel reminds us that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most inevitable destinations. If you love stories that explore fate, love, and personal growth, North King’s Unexpected Inevitability is a must-read.

🔖 Loved this interview? Share it with fellow readers and book lovers!

Finding Strength in Love: An Exclusive Interview with Kimberly Brown on Courage to Love Again

Introduction

Love, loss, and healing—these themes are deeply woven into Courage to Love Again, the latest novel by Kimberly Brown. In this exclusive interview, Brown shares the inspiration behind the book, her approach to creating authentic characters, and the powerful message she hopes readers take away.

With a story that highlights the journey of self-love and rediscovery, this book is a testament to resilience. Let’s dive into Kimberly Brown’s thoughts on her writing process, personal connections to the story, and what’s next for her career.

Author Spotlight: Kimberly Brown

📖 Book: Courage to Love Again
📍 Where to Order: authorKimberlybrown.com
📸 Instagram: @author_Kimberly_Brown

The Story Behind Courage to Love Again

Q: What inspired the central storyline?

Kimberly Brown: I love a good story that closely imitates real life. Pasha’s story isn’t based on my personal experiences, but it reflects a very real situation many people go through. I wanted a female protagonist who hits rock bottom, where there’s no direction to go but up. She had to learn to trust and rely on herself, almost like a rebirth. Sometimes, that’s exactly what we need—to release everything tying us to people and places that don’t serve us anymore.

Q: How did you choose the title, and what does it represent?

The title was inspired by a poem in a Tyler Perry movie—it embodies Pasha’s spirit. She wasn’t looking for love, yet it found her in an unexpected way. Even though vulnerability was frightening, she sensed that Callum was different—he was the love she deserved.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from Pasha’s story?

I want readers to understand that love starts within yourself. Also, it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay there. Grief can be mentally crippling—I know this personally, having lost my parents and grandmother. Depression can make us isolate, but we have to be mindful of the people around us and who we allow into our space when we’re vulnerable.

Q: Your characters feel deeply authentic. How do you approach character development?

When I create characters with a lot of trauma, I completely immerse myself in their emotions. If I can feel what they’re feeling while writing, I know I’ve connected with them. Their reactions are how I would respond if I were in their shoes.

Q: Courage to Love Again isn’t just about romantic love—it also explores self-love and family. Why was that balance important?

I’m big on family, and I like to reflect that in my books. Yes, I write about complicated family dynamics, but the good mothers, grandmothers, and children in my stories are based on my real-life relationships. Self-love is also something I’ve struggled with, so Pasha’s journey is a reminder—to myself and to women everywhere—that we can’t love others properly if we don’t love ourselves first.

The Writing Process

Q: What was the hardest scene to write?

The funeral for Pasha’s son. It reminded me of burying my mother, and I had to channel all of my emotions into that scene. It was painful, but it was necessary for the depth of the story.

Q: Did you have a specific reader in mind while writing this book?

I wrote this for anyone who has suffered significant loss and doesn’t know how to move forward. Losing someone can feel like losing a part of yourself, and I want readers to know that life is still worth living, even when it feels impossible.

Q: Was there a moment in the book that felt particularly cathartic for you?

Pasha finally standing up to Raymond gave me a sense of relief. That was her turning point—realizing her worth wasn’t tied to anyone else.

Kimberly Brown’s Author Journey

Q: You often write about love, resilience, and growth. What draws you to these themes?

Black love is beautiful. And honestly, Black women are some of the most disrespected people on the planet. I love creating stories where Black women experience love that isn’t rooted in struggle. If one man won’t treat her right, another will—freely and without conditions. That’s a core theme in most of my books.

Q: If you could ask your readers one question after finishing Courage to Love Again, what would it be?

Did any part of this story make you look at yourself and say, “I deserve to love me better”?

Q: What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?

I’m currently working on book two of a new family series and some standalones. My next traditional book releases in 2026—and trust me, it’s an emotional ride! I also have two surprise group projects coming soon. Stay tuned!

Key Takeaways from Kimberly Brown’s Interview

✅ Self-love is the foundation for all love.
✅ Healing takes time, and it’s okay to not be okay—but growth means not staying in that space.
✅ Authentic storytelling requires emotional depth—real characters come from real emotions.
✅ Grief and loss don’t define you—your resilience does.
✅ Black women deserve love without conditions or struggle.

Order Courage to Love Again

📖 Available now at: authorKimberlybrown.com
📸 Follow Kimberly Brown on IG: @author_Kimberly_Brown

Join the Conversation!

What part of Courage to Love Again resonated with you the most? Let’s discuss in the comments! 💬

Closing Thoughts

Kimberly Brown’s words remind us that love, healing, and resilience are journeys—not destinations. Whether you’re navigating loss, self-discovery, or unexpected love, Courage to Love Again is a story that will stay with you long after the last page.

🔖 Loved this interview? Share it with fellow readers and book lovers!