A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love: Alice Murphy on Plus-Size Heroines & Spotlight Romance

Content warning: brief discussion of eating disorders and weight loss at 31:55–41:55. Take care of yourself; feel free to skip this section.-----------------------------------------------------------------What happens when you write a historical romance novel about a plus-size showgirl and then 3 months later Taylor Swift announces her new album, The Life of a Showgirl? Author Alice Murphy might have an idea...In this episode, host Keshia talks with Alice Murphy about her debut A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love—a dual-timeline story weaving vaudeville glamour with a modern-day historian. Their conversation explores:Why plus-size heroines and body positivity are essential in romance novelsThe importance of representation in literature and diversity in romanceUsing archival storytelling to preserve women’s stories in historyAlice’s personal journey through eating disorders, recovery, and body imageHow her writing advocates for disability representation and inclusivityThe state of historical romance and her upcoming projects in film & fictionThis powerful discussion blends romance, literature, advocacy, and self-acceptance—reminding us that every body deserves to be at the center of a love story. And, we talk about the Taylor Swift of it all and how Alice, inadvertently, found herself at the center of the conversation around TS's album announcement.Follow Alice on IGCheck Out Alice's WebsiteAlice's Book Recommendations: A Duke for the Wallflower's Revenge by Casey DuboseAt the Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia ParkerLet It Shine by Alyssa ColeAlice's Movie Recommendations:Ball of FireNinotchkaKeywords: historical romance, plus-size heroine, body positivity, disability advocacy, representation in literature, archival storytelling, women’s stories, diversity in romance, eating disorders, recovery, body image, romance novels, inclusive romance, Curvy Literary Podcast, Taylor Swift Life of a Showgirl