What does it take to direct a play, write television sitcom specs, and transition into creating vibrant Black rom-com universes? Today, I am sitting down with Los Angeles-based romance author Monique Fisher to discuss her artistic journey, her theater and playwriting roots, and why she is never precious about scrapping full manuscripts when the story isn’t hitting the mark. We get into the craft lessons of sitcom writing, why the most memorable meet-cutes embrace the cringe, and how she deliberately subverts classic romance tropes—from soft doms to female-led power dynamics in male-dominated spaces. Plus, Monique breaks down her Decadence series, the Richardson Sibling trilogy, and her epic, 15-year love story Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire! Monique Fisher is a Los Angeles-based author of contemporary Black romance and romantic comedy. With a background in theater directing, playwriting, graphic novels, and television writing, she brings sharp comic timing, vibrant community dynamics, and authentic Black love to the page. She is the author of Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire, the Richardson Sibling trilogy, and the Decadence series. In this episode, we're discussing: Transferable skills from theater directing and playwriting to independent author project management.Learning to be unattached to words and tossing entire manuscripts to protect the story.The sitcom writing boot camp rules for comedic pacing and embracing embarrassing meet-cutes.The importance of candid beta readers and sensitivity readers when crafting complex casts.Subverting power dynamics, BDSM roles, and gender expectations in Make Room for Heather.A complete breakdown of the Richardson Sibling trilogy (Hot for Teacher, Spend My Life with You, An Appeal for Your Love). CONNECT WITH MONIQUE FISHER: Website Instagram TikTok BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire by Monique Fisher (Amazon | Bookshop) She a Baddie by Monique Fisher (Amazon | Bookshop) Make Room for Heather by Monique Fisher (Amazon | Bookshop) Hot for Teacher by Monique Fisher (Amazon | Bookshop) Spend My Life with You by Monique Fisher (Amazon) An Appeal for Your Love by Monique Fisher (Amazon) Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming by Monique Fisher (Amazon | Bookshop) Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (Amazon | Bookshop) Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan (Amazon | Bookshop) Eric Jerome Dickey (Amazon | Bookshop) Bebe Moore Campbell (Amazon | Bookshop) Beverly Jenkins (Amazon | Bookshop) Brenda Jackson (Amazon | Bookshop) Frances Ray (Amazon | Bookshop) Zane (Amazon | Bookshop) Meka James (Amazon | Bookshop) Running list of books mentioned (Doc) Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes. Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or borrow a book through these links, I may earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.
