I am always curious about how authors take their real-world expertise and use it to craft stories that make us feel seen. This week, I chat with Charish Reid, an author who navigated the world of academia as an adjunct instructor before making her mark in both contemporary and paranormal romance. We discuss her book Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up, the importance of showing rather than telling chronic illness, and why we are both strictly "no" on Ouija boards. Charish also shares how she uses her background in literature to subvert old-school tropes and center Diverse joy.Charish Reid is a fan of sexy books and disaster films. When she’s not grading papers or prepping lessons for college freshmen, she enjoys writing romances that celebrate quirky Black women who deserve HEAs. Charish currently lives in Sweden, with her husband, working on her next book. In this episode, we're discussing:The Adjunct Reality: Charish discusses how her experience in academia provided the "write what you know" foundation for Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up, highlighting the labor and struggle of non-tenure track instructors.Invisible Illness on the Page: A deep look at the representation of hypothyroidism. Charish explains the importance of showing the day-to-day management of chronic illness and how it impacts a character's life and relationships.Flipping the Script on Maturity: Why Charish prioritizes "returning students" and characters over the age of 30. We discuss how fully developed brains and life experience change the stakes in romance.The Thrill of the Haunting: Charish breaks down her transition into paranormal horror and why the psychology of artificial fear makes for such a visceral reading experience.Rhetoric in Romance: How teaching students to skewer old-school literary standards helped Charish find her own voice as a diverse creator.If you want to see a masterful blend of workplace tension and authentic vulnerability, start with Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up. CONNECT WITH Charish Reid:WebsiteInstagramBOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:Mickey Chambers Shakes It Up (Amazon | Bookshop)The Beck Sister Hauntings (Amazon)Speak of the Devil (Amazon) Jewel Me Once (Amazon | Bookshop)Running list of books mentioned (Doc)Support the showJoin the After Dark Substack CommunityConnect with Alesia:StorygraphInstagramThis podcast was produced by Galati Media.Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.