One of the most difficult aspects of book writing to manage is figuring out if there would be interest in your future book. For many authors, even long-term authors, sometimes book writing may feel like you’re throwing spaghetti at the wall. There are so many creative ideas and it’s hard to know what’s going to stick.

For authors of color, this uncertainty can paralyze many would be authors from working on their books. In this episode I thought I would share 10 televisions that validate your future book ideas and what to pay attention to in pop-culture when crafting your next creative project.

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Show Notes

• Before I share the 10 shows I wanted to share how I try to read the tea leaves before working on my next books.

• Here are a few of the things that I look at before working on a new book.
  • Mood-What is the overall mood and atmosphere that we’re in? For the past 11 months we’ve been fighting a pandemic and a whole bunch of crazy ass shit. Tropes that I’ve seen come up:
    • Escaping from our lives.
    • Dystopian vibes
    • A retreat to a romantic past
    • Billionaires
  • What am I actually reading-I’m reading a lot of slightly darker content. I’m not sure what to make of that. But, I personally am.
  • What’s happening in pop culture? 
  • What’s on T.V.? What am I watching, what’s everyone else watching? 

8 T.V. Shows that Validate Your Future Book Idea

If you’re a POC author or an author looking to write POC characters in your content, you’ll often hear that there isn’t interest in content like this. It’s simply not true. 

Bridgerton

I watched it in a week and had a deliciously good time. I will never look at a spoon without thinking of Simon licking one. Ahem. Bridgerton is set in Victorian England amongst the high ton. I’m going to assume you still haven’t had a chance to watch it. Shonda Rhimes brings to life this deliciously fun story with gorgeous fashion, handsome men, and all of the escapism that comes with that period of time. It’s also the 5th most viewed show in Netflix history with over 63 million households watching it. If you’re thinking of writing a book featuring POC characters in this time period-there’s interest. 

Lovecraft Country

I’m absolutely obsessed with everything about this show and plan on rewatching it in another couple of weeks. What I love about this series is the time frame that it takes place and the fact that weaves stories related to history and the paranormal. If you haven’t had a chance to watch this series and you’re into those two types of genres-get on it! 

Star Trek Discovery

I’m very proud to admit that I’m a lifelong Trekkie. I’ve watched every series and prefer Star Trek to Star Wars. That said, Star Trek Discovery has really captured my imagination as an imagined future in space. While Star Trek is not specifically a romance driven show, it is a relationship driven show. I’ve watched with interest as more television shows and movies that take place in space are having lead characters who happen to be POC.

Sylvia’s Love

This dreamy, beautifully done work explores the lovers reconnect trope. It has been quiet awhile since I’ve seen such a beautifully done movie featuring nuanced and real characters taking place in the late 50’s. 

Luther

I have an unreasonable crush on Idris Elba. The star of the show Luther. Idris stars in the title role as Luther who is an anti-hero. Basically, if you’re thinking about writing a dark romance featuring a Black lead character-watch this show. But, it is a British show so I’m warning you that there’s no HEA for this title character and his love interests are batsh$t crazy.

The Lovebirds

I still haven’t had a chance to watch this movie. It’s on my list. But, every time I watch Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a couple who get caught up in a murder because they’re in the wrong place at the wrong time I laugh my freaking ass off. If you’re needing RomCom inspiration this movie is for you. 

Crazy Rich Asians

There is no way this list would be complete without Crazy Rich Asians. Looking for more RomCom inspiration? Look no further. What I love about this movie besides everything is the class conversation that is brought up. We don’t often see this in US films depicting Asian characters and I’m here for it. 

Malcom and Marie

This is a new movie that will be released in February. I got chills watching the trailer and I can’t wait. This very much looks like a nod to movies such as Before Sunrise where there’s a lot of dialogue and tension between the characters. This type of movie isn’t done enough in my view and I’ve bookmarked Netflix so that I can watch it as soon as it’s released.

The Bachelor/Bachelorette Show

This show isn’t on my list but I did want to address it. There is definitely a trope out there where a princess or princess has a number of suitors and they have to fight it out to the end to find “the One.” But, this franchise has been so reluctant to include POC as main leads. Also, they were very afraid when they did have those leads. I do think this upcoming season will play out really well because The Bachelor Matt James is FINE and looks a lot like Simon from Bridgerton. Also, his mom looks like Celine Dion. 

Some Final Thoughts

When looking at these shows I would like for you to take some additional steps.

• Look at the show’s presence on social media. Is there a fandom associated with the show? Or, are there #hashtags? Bridgerton currently has a hashtag on TikTok that I’m seeing everywhere.

• How is the show or movie distributed? During a pandemic that will look different. Are there books, movies, tv series?

• What’s the trope within the story? If it’s super random, give it a pass. But, if it’s a trope that you’ve seen often-go for it!

• Is this a trend? There’s nothing wrong with trends. But, be aware if you’re writing a book to trend because trends can die off. 

Do you have other shows you would add to my list?