Ready to dive into the captivating world of Black Sapphic Romance, where authentic representation takes center stage? In this episode of We Read Smut, Alesia sits down with author Arii, also known as Aricka Alexander, to explore her unique author journey and her commitment to crafting inclusive queer love stories. From writing about Black characters from a young age to creating an alternate reality where WNBA players receive equal pay, Arii shares the inspiration behind her beloved books and her dedication to showcasing diverse experiences. 

Arii (Aricka Alexander) is a Louisiana native who loves to write stories about Black sapphics in love.

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Arii's writing journey, which started when she was 15 and was motivated by the lack of Black representation in books set in her hometown.
• Her intentional creation of an alternate reality where WNBA players are highly paid and can be drafted at 18, challenging real-world inequities.
• Why she exclusively focuses on writing Black sapphic and queer romance to address the underrepresentation of these stories.
• Her preference for emotionally mature characters who communicate, leading her to avoid the miscommunication and third-act breakup tropes.
• How she weaves in diverse character experiences, including pansexual and non-binary characters, and addresses issues like internalized lesbophobia within supportive narratives.

Ready to embrace more diverse love stories? Arii's books are available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited, or you can find signed copies on her website. 

CONNECT WITH ARII:

Website

Instagram

BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:

Sunflower (Amazon)

Azaleas (Amazon)

Down South Bayou (Amazon)

Deeply Loved Bayou (Amazon)

Always There Bayou (Amazon)

Sweet Like Honey (Amazon)

Amaranthine (Amazon)

Gorgeous Jade Heart (Amazon)

Let Me Free You by Alexandria House (Amazon)

Intrigued by Danger (Amazon)

Where There’s Smoke (Amazon)

Running list of books mentioned (Doc)

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Connect with Alesia:
Storygraph

This podcast was produced by Galati Media.
Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.