Reclaiming Desire: Lila Herron on Plus-Size Dark Romance, BookTok Fame, and Breaking Purity Culture

Charlotte Stein on Fat-Positive Romance, Grumpy-Sunshine Heroes, and Writing Plus Size Heroines

If you've ever wanted a romance where the fat heroine doesn't just survive the story — she thrives in it — Charlotte Stein has been writing that book for nearly two decades. In this episode, host Keshia sits down with romance author Charlotte Stein to talk about her journey from childhood writer to one of the most distinctive voices in fat-positive romance. Charlotte shares how she got her start publishing erotic short fiction with Black Lace (after a bet with a friend), why she migrated from horror to love stories, and how the EPUB and indie publishing boom gave her the freedom to write fat heroines long before traditional publishing caught up. They dig into the craft and the culture: Charlotte's signature grumpy/sunshine dynamic, what it actually means to write fat-positive romance (not just putting a fat character in a story, but showing her navigate a world that wasn't built for her), and why she writes heroes who are emotionally soft without losing their edge. You'll also hear about: * When Grumpy Met Sunshine [https://charlottestein.net/books/when-grumpy-met-sunshine/] and Mabel's unflinching journey through celebrity hostility * My Big Fat Fake Marriage [https://charlottestein.net/books/my-big-fat-fake-marriage/] and what makes the fake dating trope still feel fresh * The Sanctuary for Supernatural series — How to Help a Hungry Werewolf [https://charlottestein.net/books/how-to-help-a-hungry-werewolf/] and Dealing with a Desperate Demon [https://charlottestein.net/books/dealing-with-a-desperate-demon/], and book #3 with vampires on the horizon * The upcoming While You Were Seething [https://charlottestein.net/books/while-you-were-seething/](coming April 14, 2026) Plus Charlotte's advice for writers trying to find their footing: find your people and keep going. Follow Charlotte Stein: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/charlotte.stein] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@chazstein] BlueSky [https://bsky.app/profile/charlottestein.bsky.social] Website [https://charlottestein.net/] Newsletter [https://charlottestein.us3.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c9a77005e3a48c7725085166e&id=61f085ca50]Connect with The Curvy Literary [https://www.instagram.com/curvyliterary] Remember, ALL bodies deserve love stories

Body-Positive Romance & Self-Love: Writing Plus-Size Black Heroines with Danielle Allen

What happens when plus-size Black women are centered as the main characters in love stories? On this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, Keshia sits down with romance author Danielle Allen to talk body-positive romance, self-love, and why representation in books matters. Danielle shares how her Curve series centers plus-size Black heroines, her journey writing Back to Life and Back to Reality, and how romance can help readers build confidence, set boundaries, and stop waiting to be chosen. Plus, a preview of Big Girl Blitz (coming April 14, 2026), a story about divorce, football, and finding love in all its forms If you love plus-size romance books, inclusive love stories, and conversations about self-worth and dating, this episode is for you. Follow Danielle: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/authordanielleallen/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@authordanielleallen] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/DanielleAllenAuthor/] Patreon [https://tr.ee/yWnyqdvtEn] Website [https://tr.ee/-qbf-FugAi] Follow The Curvy Literary Instagram: @curvyliterary [https://www.instagram.com/curvyliterary] Substack [https://thecurvyliterary.substack.com/] ----------------------------------------------------body-positive romance, plus-size romance, Black romance authors, Danielle Allen, Curve series, Big Girl Blitz, self-love, inclusive romance books, romance podcast

Reclaiming Desire: Lila Herron on Plus-Size Dark Romance, BookTok Fame, and Breaking Purity Culture

In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, Keshia sits down with romance author Lila Herron to talk about plus-size dark romance, BookTok virality, purity culture, and reclaiming desire. Lila shares how losing her marketing job unexpectedly led to posting scene snippets on BookTok — videos that went viral and ultimately launched her publishing career. That momentum led to a two-book deal with Atria and the upcoming trad release of Any Means Necessary on March 10, 2026. Raised in devout Mormon purity culture, Lila opens up about growing up with modesty expectations, shame around desire, and what it means to navigate sexuality as a plus-size woman. She shares how reading romance and writing explicit scenes helped her deconstruct guilt, build confidence, and create unapologetic heroines like Lexi. This conversation is about yearning, being seen, and giving yourself permission to want more. If you love body-positive romance, dark romance with boundaries, and behind-the-scenes publishing journeys, this episode is for you. Preorder Any Means Necessary [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Any-Means-Necessary/Lila-Herron/9781668218891] and follow Lila Herron for updates on Book Two: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/authorlilaherron/] Tik Tok [https://tiktok.com/@authorlilaherron] Check out Lila's website [https://www.authorlilaherron.com/]

Writing Plus-Size Romantasy: The Witch Queen, Indie Publishing & Powerful Older Heroines with Alexandria Arden

What does romantasy look like when the heroine is plus-size, over 30, powerful — and fully desired? In this episode, host Keshia interviews indie author Alexandria Arden about her romantasy debut, The Witch Queen. They discuss writing older heroines, plus-size representation in fantasy, deep political worldbuilding, and why Arden chose indie publishing over traditional routes. Alexandria shares: • Why she was tired of 20-year-old romantasy heroines• Creating Laurel — a confident, strong, plus-size queen• The “witch” label and the vilification of powerful women• How she plotted a massive fantasy using color-coded note cards• Representation gaps in romantasy and publishing’s marketing disparity• What’s coming in book two - The Shining Prince, out June 12, 2026 If you love body-positive romance, indie fantasy, and conversations about publishing transparency — this episode is for you. Remember, every body deserves a love story. 💛 Follow Alley on Instagram [https://instagram.com/alexnadriaardenauthor] Follow Alley on Tik Tok [https://tiktok.com/@alexnadriaardenauthor] Sign up for Alley's newsletter [https://www.alexandriaarden.com/newsletter] Check out Alley's website [https://www.alexandriaarden.com/] Listen to the Romantasy Readers podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/1aKryuDX9e41vewyQ4lDUF?si=8v54MfAeTGycH-_R5awBUA] Check out her bookstagram [https://linktr.ee/alleycatsandbooks]

Celebrating Curvy Heroines: Annie Charme on Plus-Size Romance, Representation & Creative Confidence

In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia sits down with romance author Annie Charme to talk all things plus-size romance, curvy heroines, and body-positive storytelling. Annie shares her journey from writing on Wattpad during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a published romance author, and how her background in graphic design helped shape her creative process. The conversation dives into why representation matters in romance novels, how Annie creates realistic and confident plus-size characters, and the balance between emotion, spice, and authenticity in her stories. They also discuss Annie’s writing process, reader engagement through social media and Patreon, and how community feedback influences her work. Plus, Annie gives listeners a peek at upcoming projects, including new novellas, audiobooks, and a highly anticipated throuple romance. This episode is a celebration of curvy love stories, self-confidence, and embracing all body types through romance — perfect for readers, writers, and anyone craving inclusive, joy-centered love stories. Follow Annie on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/anniecharmeauthor/] Follow Annie on TikTok [https://tiktok.com/@anniecharme_bookgirl] Follow Annie on Patreon [https://patreon.com/AnnieCharmeAuthor?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink] Check Out Annie's Website [http://www.anniecharme.com/] Sign up for Annie's Newsletter [https://sendfox.com/anniecharme]