Author Vanessa Riley on Fire, Sword & Sea: a Historical Fiction

In this episode of Black Women Amplified Podcast, Monica sits down with award-winning author Vanessa Riley for a conversation that moves beyond storytelling and into history, power, and truth.Vanessa Riley joins the show to talk about her latest novel, Fire, Sword & Sea, a sweeping historical fiction story inspired by the real-life pirate Jacquotte Delahaye. Set in the 17th-century Caribbean, the book brings a hidden woman back into the conversation and places her where she belongs.This is not the version of history most of us were taught.Together, Monica and Vanessa unpack the realities of piracy, the transatlantic slave trade, and how entire economies were built on power, currency, and human lives. They also explore what it means to tell stories about women who were not waiting to be saved, but were making decisions, taking risks, and choosing their own lives.Vanessa also shares her journey from mechanical engineer to bestselling author, and what it takes to commit to telling stories that shift how we understand the past.What We Talk About in This EpisodeThe real history of piracy in the Caribbean and what is often left outHow the transatlantic slave trade shaped global economiesThe truth behind the idea of “currency” and human livesWriting women in history as decision makers, not just victimsWhy representation in historical fiction mattersVanessa Riley’s transition from engineering to writingThe discipline and research behind writing historical novelsHow history mirrors what we are experiencing todayWhy ambition in women is often misunderstoodThe importance of restoring hidden figures to the historical recordKey TakeawaysHistory is often simplified, but the truth is layered and complexWomen in history were making strategic decisions even inside oppressive systemsYou do not have to be extraordinary to change your life; you have to be preparedStories shape how we see ourselves and what we believe is possibleThere are still untold stories that deserve to be brought forwardAbout Vanessa RileyVanessa Riley is an award-winning historical fiction author known for bringing overlooked stories of women into the cultural conversation. She holds a PhD from Stanford University and began her writing career while working as a mechanical engineer.She is the author of multiple bestselling novels, including Island Queen, Queen of Exiles, and Sister Mother Warrior. Her work has been recognized by major media outlets, including The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, and The New York Times.Her latest novel, Fire, Sword & Sea, continues her work of restoring overlooked women to history through deeply researched and immersive storytelling.Listen to the EpisodeListen to Season 8 Episode on your favorite platform:Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Audible