The Curvy Literary I Plus-Size Romance

The Curvy Literary
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The Curvy Literary Podcast is part love letter, part advocacy for plus-size romance stories and the people they represent. Remember, ALL bodies deserve love stories

  1. Apr 7

    Charlotte Stein on Fat-Positive Romance, Grumpy-Sunshine Heroes, and Writing Plus Size Heroines

    If you've ever wanted a romance where the fat heroine doesn't just survive the story — she thrives in it — Charlotte Stein has been writing that book for nearly two decades. In this episode, host Keshia sits down with romance author Charlotte Stein to talk about her journey from childhood writer to one of the most distinctive voices in fat-positive romance. Charlotte shares how she got her start publishing erotic short fiction with Black Lace (after a bet with a friend), why she migrated from horror to love stories, and how the EPUB and indie publishing boom gave her the freedom to write fat heroines long before traditional publishing caught up. They dig into the craft and the culture: Charlotte's signature grumpy/sunshine dynamic, what it actually means to write fat-positive romance (not just putting a fat character in a story, but showing her navigate a world that wasn't built for her), and why she writes heroes who are emotionally soft without losing their edge. You'll also hear about: When Grumpy Met Sunshine and Mabel's unflinching journey through celebrity hostilityMy Big Fat Fake Marriage and what makes the fake dating trope still feel freshThe Sanctuary for Supernatural series — How to Help a Hungry Werewolf and Dealing with a Desperate Demon, and book #3 with vampires on the horizonThe upcoming While You Were Seething (coming April 14, 2026) Plus Charlotte's advice for writers trying to find their footing: find your people and keep going. Follow Charlotte Stein: Instagram TikTok BlueSky Website NewsletterConnect with The Curvy Literary Remember, ALL bodies deserve love stories

  2. Mar 20

    Body-Positive Romance & Self-Love: Writing Plus-Size Black Heroines with Danielle Allen

    What happens when plus-size Black women are centered as the main characters in love stories? On this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, Keshia sits down with romance author Danielle Allen to talk body-positive romance, self-love, and why representation in books matters. Danielle shares how her Curve series centers plus-size Black heroines, her journey writing Back to Life and Back to Reality, and how romance can help readers build confidence, set boundaries, and stop waiting to be chosen. Plus, a preview of Big Girl Blitz (coming April 14, 2026), a story about divorce, football, and finding love in all its forms If you love plus-size romance books, inclusive love stories, and conversations about self-worth and dating, this episode is for you. Follow Danielle: Instagram TikTok Facebook Patreon Website Follow The Curvy Literary Instagram: @curvyliterary Substack ----------------------------------------------------body-positive romance, plus-size romance, Black romance authors, Danielle Allen, Curve series, Big Girl Blitz, self-love, inclusive romance books, romance podcast

  3. Mar 3

    Reclaiming Desire: Lila Herron on Plus-Size Dark Romance, BookTok Fame, and Breaking Purity Culture

    In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, Keshia sits down with romance author Lila Herron to talk about plus-size dark romance, BookTok virality, purity culture, and reclaiming desire. Lila shares how losing her marketing job unexpectedly led to posting scene snippets on BookTok — videos that went viral and ultimately launched her publishing career. That momentum led to a two-book deal with Atria and the upcoming trad release of Any Means Necessary on March 10, 2026. Raised in devout Mormon purity culture, Lila opens up about growing up with modesty expectations, shame around desire, and what it means to navigate sexuality as a plus-size woman. She shares how reading romance and writing explicit scenes helped her deconstruct guilt, build confidence, and create unapologetic heroines like Lexi. This conversation is about yearning, being seen, and giving yourself permission to want more. If you love body-positive romance, dark romance with boundaries, and behind-the-scenes publishing journeys, this episode is for you. Preorder Any Means Necessary and follow Lila Herron for updates on Book Two: Instagram Tik Tok Check out Lila's website

  4. Feb 22

    Writing Plus-Size Romantasy: The Witch Queen, Indie Publishing & Powerful Older Heroines with Alexandria Arden

    What does romantasy look like when the heroine is plus-size, over 30, powerful — and fully desired? In this episode, host Keshia interviews indie author Alexandria Arden about her romantasy debut, The Witch Queen. They discuss writing older heroines, plus-size representation in fantasy, deep political worldbuilding, and why Arden chose indie publishing over traditional routes. Alexandria shares: • Why she was tired of 20-year-old romantasy heroines• Creating Laurel — a confident, strong, plus-size queen• The “witch” label and the vilification of powerful women• How she plotted a massive fantasy using color-coded note cards• Representation gaps in romantasy and publishing’s marketing disparity• What’s coming in book two - The Shining Prince, out June 12, 2026 If you love body-positive romance, indie fantasy, and conversations about publishing transparency — this episode is for you. Remember, every body deserves a love story. 💛 Follow Alley on Instagram Follow Alley on Tik Tok Sign up for Alley's newsletter Check out Alley's website Listen to the Romantasy Readers podcast Check out her bookstagram

  5. Feb 2

    Celebrating Curvy Heroines: Annie Charme on Plus-Size Romance, Representation & Creative Confidence

    In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia sits down with romance author Annie Charme to talk all things plus-size romance, curvy heroines, and body-positive storytelling. Annie shares her journey from writing on Wattpad during the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a published romance author, and how her background in graphic design helped shape her creative process. The conversation dives into why representation matters in romance novels, how Annie creates realistic and confident plus-size characters, and the balance between emotion, spice, and authenticity in her stories. They also discuss Annie’s writing process, reader engagement through social media and Patreon, and how community feedback influences her work. Plus, Annie gives listeners a peek at upcoming projects, including new novellas, audiobooks, and a highly anticipated throuple romance. This episode is a celebration of curvy love stories, self-confidence, and embracing all body types through romance — perfect for readers, writers, and anyone craving inclusive, joy-centered love stories. Follow Annie on Instagram Follow Annie on TikTok Follow Annie on Patreon Check Out Annie's Website Sign up for Annie's Newsletter

  6. Jan 19

    Diet Culture, Wellness Obsession & Fiction as Cultural Critique with Olivia Muenter

    Content warning: This episode includes discussion of diet culture, weight loss, and brief mentions of eating disorders. In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia is joined by author Olivia Muenter for a nuanced conversation about diet culture, wellness obsession, and the limits of mainstream body positivity. Olivia shares her journey from content creation to writing fiction that explores cultural obsessions that promise self-improvement but not without some level of shame. Together, they discuss Olivia’s novels Such a Bad Influence and Little One, along with their buddy read of Big Girl by Mecca Jamila Sullivan, exploring how fiction can examine societal pressures on women’s bodies, health, control, and self-worth. Follow Olivia on Instagram Check out Olivia's Website & Newsletter Preorder Little One Read Such a Bad Influence ✨ All bodies deserve love stories

  7. Jan 8

    Cravings, Queer Love & Fat Liberation: Author Juliet James on Writing Desire, Identity & Self-Acceptance

    In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia sits down with author Juliet James for a deeply honest conversation about writing, identity, and reclaiming desire on your own terms. Juliet opens up about growing up in a highly dysfunctional family, navigating life with ADHD, and how storytelling became both an escape and a form of survival. As a fat, bisexual, queer woman, she shares how her lived experiences shaped her debut novel Cravings — a “mostly-fiction memoir” told through diary entries that trace love, longing, self-discovery, and fat liberation through the eyes of its protagonist, Tessa. Together, Keshia and Juliet explore: Writing plus-size romance without fetishization Queer love, bisexual erasure, and authentic representation Body positivity vs. fat liberation in fiction Using narrative as a form of healing and self-acceptance The power (and risk) of writing from personal truth Setting boundaries when sharing your story publicly Juliet also talks about her upcoming projects, including a new romance series set in a fictional Colorado town, experimenting across writing mediums, and her advice for writers who want to tell deeply personal stories without losing themselves in the process. This episode is a love letter to messy growth, chosen truth, and the radical act of seeing fat, queer bodies as worthy of desire, softness, and fully realized love stories. Follow Juliet on Instagram Check Out Juliet's Webpage Read Juliet's Debut Novel - Cravings All bodies deserve love stories.

  8. Jan 4

    Writing Plus-Size Romance with Heart: Denise Williams on Body Positivity, Academia & The Redo List

    In this episode of The Curvy Literary Podcast, host Keshia sits down with USA Today bestselling romance author Denise Williams to talk about writing love stories that center plus-size protagonists, emotional growth, and meaningful representation. Denise shares her journey from academia to romance writing, and how her background in research and teaching shapes the depth, vulnerability, and emotional arcs of her characters. They discuss her acclaimed debut How to Fail at Flirting, the body-positive themes in The Fastest Way to Fall, and her upcoming novel The Redo List, releasing January 27, 2026. This conversation explores why body positivity in romance novels matters, how readers respond to seeing themselves reflected on the page, and what it means to write stories about starting over—both romantically and professionally. Denise also reflects on reader messages, the power of inclusive storytelling, and why romance continues to be a vital space for joy, healing, and self-acceptance. A must-listen for fans of inclusive romance, plus-size love stories, and heartfelt conversations about creativity, courage, and finding your way. Where you can find Denise & get her books: Instagram Tik Tok Facebook Check Out Her Website Sign Up for Denise's Newsletter Buy Her Books The Redo List Book Tour Stops Order Signed Copies of The Redo List from Dogeared Books - Denise's local indie bookstore

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The Curvy Literary Podcast is part love letter, part advocacy for plus-size romance stories and the people they represent. Remember, ALL bodies deserve love stories

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