One of my favorite parts of running a podcast is the opportunity to have conversations with incredible people. In this episode, I speak with author Seyna Rytes. She and I discuss representation in romance, networking in author run spaces, and the business of romance writing.

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Show Notes

• Seyna began her journey into romance when she was young, reading her mom’s Harlequin Romances

• Romance has always been a comfort to her.

• Moving to the US encouraged her to try out self-publishing.

• France was wonderful but at times made her feel discouraged when it came to trying out her own writing and sharing her creativity.

• Her 1st self-published book didn’t do so well.

• Cole in Her Stockings was a holiday release that did really well.

• Initially she worked with a small publishing company but that collaboration didn’t go well and Seyna decided to self-publish instead

• We discuss who she writes for and why Black women are typically the female main characters in her works.

• We joke about the Arab Sheik experience in romance novels when we were younger.

• I ask Seyna what her biggest fear was when writing her first book.

• She shares what surprised her after publishing.

• Seyna talks about networking with romance communities and how it helped her with her book writing process.

• Advice for would be authors.

• I ask about her favorite romance genres.

• The business of romance writing, let’s talk.

• Why marketing is an exercise in being deliberate.

• We discuss dark themes, reverse harem, and the fact that women of color are underrepresented in that space.

• I ask what she’s doing to grow her writing business
  • Paying attention to the vibe in Romancelandia
  • Networking with her Seyna Sirens

• Currently, Seyna is working on creating more of a “signature” to her writing

• I tell her to raise her book prices LOL!

• Kindle Unlimited vs. other platforms

Seyna Rytes

• Seyna Rytes Author page

• Seyna’s Sirens Fan group