This is an online event that you can view from an internet connected device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

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Join us for an electrifying virtual event featuring Vanessa Riley, the award-winning author of historical fiction, romance, and mystery, as she celebrates her forthcoming novel, Fire Sword & Sea. Set in 17th-century Tortuga, this is the bold, swashbuckling tale of Jacquotte Delahaye, a mixed-race pirate who defies all expectations, disguising herself as a man to sail and fight for freedom alongside a fearless crew of Black female buccaneers.

A true historical detective, Vanessa Riley is celebrated for excavating the hidden narratives of Black women and women of color, bringing their powerful stories of love, sisterhood, and resilience to the forefront. A published author of over twenty-five novels, her critically acclaimed work spans captivating series and powerful standalone historical sagas.

Before dedicating herself to writing, Vanessa Riley earned a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Stanford and held STEM degrees from Penn State, bringing a research-oriented approach to her vivid, inclusive storytelling.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear from an author who is "watering the roots" of history and changing the landscape of historical fiction!