<p>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.</p><p>Vanessa Riley joins the show to talk about her latest novel, Fire, Sword &amp; 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.</p><p>This is not the version of history most of us were taught.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p><strong>What We Talk About in This Episode</strong></p><ul><li>The real history of piracy in the Caribbean and what is often left out</li><li>How the transatlantic slave trade shaped global economies</li><li>The truth behind the idea of “currency” and human lives</li><li>Writing women in history as decision makers, not just victims</li><li>Why representation in historical fiction matters</li><li>Vanessa Riley’s transition from engineering to writing</li><li>The discipline and research behind writing historical novels</li><li>How history mirrors what we are experiencing today</li><li>Why ambition in women is often misunderstood</li><li>The importance of restoring hidden figures to the historical record</li></ul><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>History is often simplified, but the truth is layered and complex</li><li>Women in history were making strategic decisions even inside oppressive systems</li><li>You do not have to be extraordinary to change your life; you have to be prepared</li><li>Stories shape how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible</li><li>There are still untold stories that deserve to be brought forward</li></ul><p><strong>About Vanessa Riley</strong></p><p>Vanessa 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.</p><p>She is the author of multiple bestselling novels, including <em>Island Queen</em>, <em>Queen of Exiles</em>, and <em>Sister Mother Warrior</em>. Her work has been recognized by major media outlets, including The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, and The New York Times.</p><p>Her latest novel, <em>Fire, Sword &amp; Sea</em>, continues her work of restoring overlooked women to history through deeply researched and immersive storytelling.</p><p><strong>Listen to the Episode</strong></p><p>Listen to Season 8 Episode on your favorite platform:</p><p>Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music Audible</p>