Featured Authors
New York native, Joan Vassar is an avid reader and storyteller. Joan graduated from the High School of Graphic Communication Arts in NYC which heightened her interest in journalism. She has always had the in-depth ability to astutely relate, interpret and bring words to life. Joan works as a software analyst by day, but her true passion is storytelling. She enjoys writing narratives that bring to life the African American experience both past and present. Joan is the author of Introduction to Love and Self, Unfortunately Francine, The Black Series and Loving Africa. "I love to hear from my readers. When a man tells me that my character made him feel a heightened sense of pride, or a woman shares with me that she enjoyed the romance rarely seen between African Americans in literature, I know I've done my characters justice.” Joan currently resides in Georgia and is happily weaving great tales. You can find Joan Vassar on her social media platforms: Facebook: The Fort and Beyond - https://www.facebook.com/groups/723000751709094, Twitter - https://twitter.com/TheFortandBeyo2, Instagram- thefortand.
Shaka Senghor is a globally recognized resilience expert, bestselling author, and transformative thought leader whose journey from incarceration to inspiration has empowered executives, entrepreneurs, elite athletes, and audiences around the world. Born in Detroit amid economic hardship, Shaka overcame immense adversity—including 19 years in prison—to become a leading authority on resilience, grit, and personal transformation. Since his release in 2010, Shaka has guided individuals and organizations to break free from their hidden emotional and psychological prisons, turning resilience from theory into actionable practice. As President and Creative Director of Shaka Senghor, Inc., and former Vice President of Corporate Communications at Navan (TripActions), he has advised and inspired leaders at global organizations including Apple, Google, Meta, Airbnb, Clio, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and Slauson & Co. Shaka’s acclaimed memoir, Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison, became a New York Times bestseller, followed by Letters to the Sons of Society, a two-time Porchlight bestseller. His forthcoming book, How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life's Hidden Prisons, offers powerful insights into achieving true freedom and personal success. His inspiring TED Talk has reached over 1.8 million viewers, further cementing his reputation as a dynamic communicator. A sought-after speaker at universities, conferences, and summits worldwide, Shaka has received numerous honors, including Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul 100, Ebony Magazine’s Power 100, and the NAACP’s Great Expectations Award. His message resonates deeply with those committed to overcoming obstacles, unlocking potential, and achieving extraordinary results
Masterpiece is a full-time, bestselling author of over 46 titles. She resides in Lancaster California and started up her writing career in 2020. Masterpiece enjoys writing about Urban Romance, Dark Romance, and touching on important topics such as mental health awareness and self-love. She fell in love with reading in the sixth grade. Her first urban read was “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sister Soulja. She started writing poetry and later on short stories. Finally, she took a leap of faith and wrote her first series “If Not Me Then Who”. Masterpiece continues to excel in her craft touching lots of readers with her spell binding story lines. She enjoys writing and identifies it as being her passion, pride and joy.
elle kayson is an Amazon best-selling author of works of Urban and African American Women's Fiction and Romance. elle was an early and avid reader of romance. She scribbled passionate love scenes in countless notebooks and journals before trying her hand at novel writing. elle's work is deeply influenced by the rich culture of her native Louisiana. The result has been stories that are a little sweet, a little dark, and always engaging.
TATI RICHARDSON (she/her) is the author of The Build Up, named one of Amazon's Best Books of 2023 and a BookList Top Romances of 2023 and the 2025 Kirkus starred Losing Sight. She’s also co-founder of the Romance in Colour Podcast, and an Apple Books Writer to Watch. Under the name TM Richardson she writes steamy indie-published works such as the USA Today Bestseller The Oath. A native of Atlanta, Tati lives in the suburbs with her husband and daughter. She collects red lipstick, Wonder Woman memorabilia, and unique eyewear.
Octavia Grant found her passion for Creative Writing in 2002, her Junior year at Georgetown High School (Georgetown, SC). She began writing professionally in 2016, two years later she decided to take the reins of her literary career and became an Independent Author. As an Independent Author, Octavia has penned over 30 novels. She’s spoken on the Thrilling Tales Author Panel at ESSENCE Fest, she’s been interviewed by Narrator iiKane, interviewed by Literary Reviewer and Movie Commentator Tamara Walker of Tam Telling Tales, featured in magazines WYB Lifestyle, VoyageJacksonville, Canvas Rebel, Bold Journey and named in 160 Black Women In Horror. Octavia's psychological thriller novella, Dear Vicky, was the winner of the Black Girls Who Write It’s Lit Award for Best Black Mystery/Suspense, Audio In Black North Star Award Winner, and AAMBC Award Winner for Mystery/Thriller Book of the Year.
My journey of finding my creative voice started in 2015 with little to no guidance. I’ve stopped, started, given up, and started all over again. 2024 was a dedication to myself to push through and see things through. Once I was able to block out the outside noise and tap into my true creative side, something beautiful emerged, which has led to a massive following and multiple best-sellers
Romance author, Monica Walters, is best known as the queen of country hood love stories. As an Amazon best-selling author, Monica has always had a passion for creating different worlds with words. Starting with poetry, writing has always been a constant in Monica's life. The interest began in her teenage years, being in love for the first time. Her love for writing has only progressed and intensified. Song lyrics and poetry led to short stories, then one day in her down time, a short story became a full-length novel, which was self-published in 2014. The first country hood love story, 8 Seconds to Love, led to a string of novels highlighting country living, from rodeos to ranches, but with the characters maintaining the urban dialect that readers love from her. Monica has several awards under her belt, cementing her place in the romance genre, one of those being the 2023 AAMBC Romance Author of the Year. She was also awarded Best Series from Girlfriends Unfiltered in 2023 for The Berotte Family Series, earning her respect from her peers as a prominent series writer. Monica was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, but she now resides in Nome, Texas where most of her country stories take place. Besides being a wife and mother, attaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities.
Renesha—known to readers simply as Ladii Nesha—is a proud Detroit native, devoted mother, and passionate storyteller. A lifelong book lover. She fell in love with reading through the works of Wahida Clark, Kwan and Nikki Turner—authors who showed her the power of words to bring characters to life and transport readers to another world. Determined to create that same magic for others, Nesha began writing her own stories years ago. During the 2019 pandemic, she finally took the leap to complete her first novel. After hours of research, a writing class, and endless dedication, she released her debut book, Envy Me, in 2020. Since then, Ladii Nesha has published seventeen books, including her first collaboration, each one offering readers a unique mix of lessons, laughter, and unforgettable drama. She cherishes every review, TikTok, and social media post from fans who connect with her stories—moments that remind her why she writes. For Ladii Nesha, writing is just the beginning. With dreams of seeing her novels adapted into a TV series or film—and maybe even earning that coveted New York Times Bestseller title—she continues to craft stories filled with love, laughter, and a double dose of drama.