***Content Warning: brief discussion of eating disorders and mention of sexual assault

In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, Keshia sits down with romance author Cara Dion to talk about writing love stories that center plus-size protagonists, complex emotions, and characters navigating real-life challenges like chronic illness and body insecurity. Cara shares her unexpected path from opera singing and teaching to writing romance during the pandemic, and how her background in English literature and music shapes her work.

We dive into the heart of her Esther Bay and Love Song series, the importance of representation, and the ways romance can make readers feel seen, understood, and less alone. Cara also gives a peek into her upcoming projects, including her Christmas novella Holly Jolly Heresy and a new boy band–themed series, and offers thoughtful advice for aspiring writers.

A warm, insightful conversation celebrating authentic storytelling, emotional vulnerability, and love that embraces every part of who we are.

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Preorder Holly Jolly Heresy

In this uplifting episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia sits down with romance author Nicole Devonne for an inspiring conversation about writing love stories that center joy, confidence, and body positivity. Nicole shares her journey from writing poetry to creating heartfelt plus-size romances, including her beloved Cypress Lake series and the highly anticipated upcoming book Second Swing.

Together, Keshia and Nicole explore what it means to craft joy-centered narratives in a genre that too often overlooks diverse bodies and experiences. They talk about the importance of seeing plus-size heroines who get their happy endings, the radical nature of writing love stories rooted in self-acceptance, and how romance can be both healing and revolutionary.

Nicole also opens up about balancing creativity and motherhood, the impact of reader feedback, and how small moments of happiness shape her writing life. This episode is a celebration of storytelling, community, and the everyday joy that fuels both readers and writers alike.

Perfect for fans of inclusive romance, body-positive storytelling, and heartwarming conversations that remind us why love—in all its forms—matters.

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In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia chats with Stephanie Harrell, a beloved plus-size romance author, about reclaiming the fairytale and celebrating body-positive love stories. Stephanie shares her journey from young writer to published author, her inspiration behind the Curvy Ever After and Wicked series, and how she creates confident, relatable heroines who redefine happily-ever-after.

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Get Stephanie's Newest Release - No Rings Attached (book #1 of the Kingsleys of Ruby River series)

In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia chats with romance author Rachel, the creative force behind multiple pen names — including Bonnie Woods and Bryony Rosehurst. Known for her plus-size romance novels and emotionally rich, character-driven storytelling, Rachel shares her journey from writing fanfiction to earning a creative writing degree and publishing across several romance genres.

The conversation explores representation in publishing, the challenges and triumphs of being a neurodivergent, plus-size author, and how Rachel’s background in photography and painting inspires her vivid, visual approach to writing. She also talks about her work in ghostwriting, co-hosting the “To Sword and Sapphics” podcast, and the deep importance of community and authenticity in the romance writing world.

Rachel gives a sneak peek into her upcoming releases — Fireworks, the second book in her steamy Spicy Scottish series, and Escaping the Spotlight. Together, she and Keshia discuss why diverse voices in romance fiction are essential and how staying true to your creative voice is the ultimate act of self-trust.

💗 Perfect for fans of body-positive romance, inclusive storytelling, and behind-the-scenes author interviews, this episode celebrates creativity, visibility, and the evolving landscape of modern romance.

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Listen in to the Swords and Sapphics Podcast

Keywords: plus-size romance author, Bonnie Woods, Bryony Rosehurst, body-positive romance books, diverse romance novels, romance podcast, author interview, representation in publishing, plus-size writers, inclusive romance, neurodivergent authors, romance writing journey.

In this heartfelt episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia sits down with indie romance author Daisy Wren to explore how storytelling becomes a path toward healing and self-acceptance. Daisy opens up about growing up in the Mormon church, her courageous decision to leave for her mental health and safety, and how those experiences now shape her writing and worldview.

Together, they dive into themes of body positivity, religious trauma, and the power of found family in romance. Daisy shares the inspiration behind her Broken Shelf series—four cousins finding freedom and love after leaving the church—and teases her upcoming projects, including a Valentine’s Day-themed love story and a rugby romance set in Utah.

Throughout the conversation, Keshia and Daisy celebrate the transformative power of inclusive love stories that center joy, hope, and the radical act of loving yourself fully.

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Content warning: brief discussion of eating disorders and weight loss at 31:55–41:55. Take care of yourself; feel free to skip this section.-----------------------------------------------------------------

What happens when you write a historical romance novel about a plus-size showgirl and then 3 months later Taylor Swift announces her new album, The Life of a Showgirl? Author Alice Murphy might have an idea...

In this episode, host Keshia talks with Alice Murphy about her debut A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love—a dual-timeline story weaving vaudeville glamour with a modern-day historian. Their conversation explores:

• Why plus-size heroines and body positivity are essential in romance novels
• The importance of representation in literature and diversity in romance
• Using archival storytelling to preserve women’s stories in history
• Alice’s personal journey through eating disorders, recovery, and body image
• How her writing advocates for disability representation and inclusivity
• The state of historical romance and her upcoming projects in film & fiction

This powerful discussion blends romance, literature, advocacy, and self-acceptance—reminding us that every body deserves to be at the center of a love story. And, we talk about the Taylor Swift of it all and how Alice, inadvertently, found herself at the center of the conversation around TS's album announcement.

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Alice's Book Recommendations:

A Duke for the Wallflower's Revenge by Casey Dubose

At the Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker

Let It Shine by Alyssa Cole

Alice's Movie Recommendations:

Ball of Fire

Ninotchka

Keywords: historical romance, plus-size heroine, body positivity, disability advocacy, representation in literature, archival storytelling, women’s stories, diversity in romance, eating disorders, recovery, body image, romance novels, inclusive romance, Curvy Literary Podcast, Taylor Swift Life of a Showgirl

In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia chats with plus-size romance author Kiira Anastasia about body-positive love stories, writing in a second language, and her new hockey romance The Unexpected Lineup featuring a surprise pregnancy trope. Hear Kira’s journey into indie publishing, her take on sports romance, and advice for aspiring romance authors seeking diverse representation and authentic plus-size protagonists.

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Keywords: plus-size romance, plus-size romance author, body-positive romance, diverse romance novels, sports romance, hockey romance, surprise pregnancy trope, indie romance publishing, romance writing tips, representation in romance

In this powerful episode of The Curvy Literary, Keshia sits down with bestselling author Olivia Dade, a trailblazer in fat-positive romance, to talk about her groundbreaking work centering plus-size characters in love stories that are full of joy, nuance, and complexity.

Olivia opens up about her journey into writing—from early inspirations to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in inclusive romance. She shares how her Spoiler Alert series challenged harmful tropes and why it’s so important to create fat characters who are fully dimensional, deeply loved, and never reduced to a body image arc.

They also dive into Olivia’s latest creative adventures, including her upcoming Zomm Romcom (a zombie romance!) and a new second-chance romance, as well as the exciting news of her first-ever book tour. Along the way, Olivia reflects on how she balances mental health with the demands of writing, how the romance industry has evolved (and where it still needs to grow), and what she hopes fat readers will take away from her work.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Olivia for the first time, this episode is full of insight, inspiration, and the kind of honest, affirming conversation we all need more of.

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Preorder ZomRomCom with Exclusive Dust Jacket Designed by Leni Kauffman and Val Halvorson

Preorder Second Chance Romance

Keywords: Olivia Dade, plus-size romance, fat-positive fiction, inclusive romance, Spoiler Alert series, fat heroines in books, body diversity in literature, second chance romance, zombie romcom, romance author interview, The Curvy Literary podcast

In this episode of The Curvy Literary, host Keshia sits down with author Settle Myer to discuss her powerful journey from journalism to writing bold, body-positive romance novels. Settle opens up about publishing her first sci-fi romance during the 2020 pandemic and how embracing characters that reflect her own age and size transformed her storytelling.

From paranormal creatures and mafia antiheroes to midlife love and plus-size heroines, Settle shares how she’s breaking genre norms across fantasy, mafia, and monster romance. She dives into the behind-the-scenes experience of creating an inclusive cover shoot for her book Beyond the Bright Lights, the struggles of sourcing plus-size stock images, and her mission to center fat characters in narratives full of love, desire, and agency.

You’ll also hear about Settle’s upcoming projects, future book signings, and her take on why fated mates and diverse representation matter more than ever in romance. Plus, enjoy a fun rapid-fire round where we get even more personal with this refreshingly honest and passionate storyteller.

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Scents Stories - Settle Myer's Smells Like a Monster Candles

Keywords: Plus-size romance, body-positive fiction, midlife heroines, mafia romance, monster romance, fated mates, diverse romance authors, inclusive book covers, Settle Myer interview

In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia interviews romance author Ruby Dare, known for writing diverse, body-positive love stories featuring plus-size protagonists, queer romance, and intersectional representation. Ruby shares her inspiring journey into the world of romance novels, driven by a passion to create inclusive stories that reflect real readers.

Together, they explore Ruby’s bestselling romance series—They Are Eternal, Hollywood Romance, and The FAS Warlock—spanning genres from contemporary romance to paranormal fantasy. Ruby discusses her writing process, how she crafts compelling characters, and the importance of authentic storytelling in romance fiction.

Whether you're a fan of fat-positive books, LGBTQ+ love stories, or you're an aspiring romance author yourself, this episode is filled with thoughtful insights and writing advice. Don’t miss the rapid-fire Q&A and Ruby’s empowering message for writers to stay true to their voice.

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Keywords: plus-size romance books, body-positive romance, queer romance novels, diverse romance authors, writing advice for romance authors, Ruby Dare interview, inclusive romance fiction, Curvy Literary Podcast