What happens when you realize the romance novels you love don’t feature characters who look like you? Keshia, the creator behind The Curvy Literary, joins the podcast to share how she reclaimed her reading life by centering plus-size heroines. She explains how she intentionally trained social media algorithms to serve her the representation she craved and why she launched a podcast to explore the human experience through long-form conversations.Keshia is the host of The Curvy Literary podcast and the voice behind the Bookstagram of the same name, where she spotlights plus-size romance and body-positive storytelling. Discovering romance novels with heroines who looked like her helped heal her relationship with her body and embrace self-love, and now she’s passionate about amplifying stories where every body deserves a happily-ever-after. When she’s not talking books, Keshia loves traveling, exploring coffee shops and local art, catching live music, getting lost in bookstores, and spending time outdoors.Key Takeaways:Keshia shares her transition from a science major focused on anatomy textbooks back to leisure reading sparked by the Bridgerton series.She details the specific steps she took to curate a bookish feed that prioritizes plus-size bodies over standard industry defaults.We explore the logistical side of Advanced Reader Copies (ARCs) and how to secure books from indie authors through newsletters and specialized marketing teams.Keshia offers a refreshing perspective on the ARC trap and why she now prioritizes mental health and boundaries over follower counts.Alesia and Keshia discuss how niche platforms like podcasts offer unique access to major publishers and publicists regardless of download numbers.We flip the script on the pressure to finish every book and discuss why it is okay to DNF (Do Not Finish) an ARCConnect with The Curvy LiteraryInstagramSubstackPodcastResources Mentioned:Amanda (Talk About Swoon): Instagram | Storygraph mARCh ChallengeBOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:Mary Warren Instagram | AmazonRunning list of books mentioned (Doc)Join the After Dark Substack CommunityConnect with Alesia:StorygraphInstagramThis podcast was produced by Galati Media.Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.