In this episode of the Dre & Smiley podcast, join us for a fascinating conversation with Vanessa Riley, an award-winning author with a background as diverse as her storytelling. Vanessa, a Southern, Irish, Trini girl with a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, has seamlessly blended her love for history and lattes, resulting in over twenty published titles.Discover how Vanessa's historical novels, including the acclaimed "Island Queen" and the upcoming "Queen of Exiles," shine a spotlight on the hidden histories of Black women and women of color. Emphasizing strong sisterhoods and dazzling multicultural communities, her works have earned accolades from major publications such as the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Publisher Weekly, and the New York Times.Learn about Vanessa's journey from research roles at NASA, GM, Hewlett Packard, and startups to her current position as a prominent figure in the literary world. As the 2023 Georgia Author of the Year Awards Literary Fiction Winner for "Sister Mother Warrior," Vanessa discusses the intersection of her engineering background with her passion for historical fiction.Join Dre and Smiley as they explore Vanessa's memberships in writing organizations, her love for baking, and her unique writing process on her Southern porch with a healthy dose of caffeine. Don't miss this engaging episode as we uncover the layers of Vanessa Riley's multifaceted career and creative pursuits.

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