Black Fiction Addiction

Author Vanessa Riley Reigns Supreme in Historical Fiction

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Author Vanessa Riley is back with the true story of a black woman’s will to survive. I recently spoke to her about Queen of Exiles.

Tell me about your latest release.
Queen of Exiles tells the true story of a woman we should all know. History has obscured Queen Marie-Louise Coidavid, Christophe. She is gem, a rare jewel who lived so much history. She was a soldier‘s wife, a general’s wife. Then as her husband ascends, she becomes the wife of the president, and then finally a queen ruling alongside her husband, King Henry. It sounds like a storybook rise, but it’s filled with tensions and ambitions and the heart of a mother. When the kingdom falls, Queen Louise has to go into exile with her two daughters. She’s gotta figure out how to survive. She needs to reign in exile because the whole world is watching, waiting for her and her daughters to fail. In Queen of Exiles, Louise triumphs, but you see it all—good, bad, ugly—in Queen of Exiles.

Why did you decide to write it?
I’m looking for power women, women who have done interesting, different things that destroy the narrative of black women being less than.

What was your most memorable experience writing this book?
The discoveries of how well Queen Louise was received on the European royal stage. That actually shocked me. Yet it’s very gratifying to see her seated intentionally with kings and princes of Europe, as an equal.

Which character in the book would you like to have as a best friend and why?
The queen sister Cecile would be a great friend. She’s also another strong, brave woman.

What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
Readers who loved the Bridgerton TV series where you see diversity on a grand and opulent scale will love Queen of Exiles, because this story is based on the true history of this remarkable woman.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love to cook, and I love to read.

What’s the most difficult part of being an author?
Sadly, it’s a lot of the promotional aspects of social media. Sometimes you feel like you have to be always on. Unfortunately, we’re not always on.

Who are some of your favorite authors, and what are some of their books you love?
Some of my favorite authors… That is a really hard question because there are too many to name. But have an auto buy—Beverly Jenkins, Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray, Jodi Picoult, Fiona Davis, Chanel Cleeton, Pat Simmons, Rhonda McKnight, Denny S. Bryce, and so many more…

What’s next for you?
I am currently working on my Nex-Tech store or fiction. It’ll be out in 25, but I have a brand-new mystery releasing this fall, Murder in Drury Lane. This is the second book in the Lady Worthing Mystery Series.

Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Queen of Exiles.

To learn more about award-winning author Vanessa Riley, visit her website or connect with her on social media.