Frederick Smith on Black Queer M/M Romance, Higher Ed, and Authentic Representation

Today on the podcast, we have a very special treat: our first man on the show, and someone who writes deeply authentic, Black queer M/M romance! I am sitting down with author and higher education administrator Frederick Smith to discuss his seven-novel journey, writing queer love stories set across California, and navigating a full-time university career alongside a prolific writing schedule. We dive into the importance of own voices in the M/M romance space, paying homage to trailblazers like E. Lynn Harris, the three non-negotiable rules for an ethical second-chance romance, and why authors and readers alike must show up in spaces where Black and queer voices need greater visibility. Plus, Frederick shares the real-life inspiration behind One and Done and teases his upcoming 2027 mismatched age-gap romance! Originally from Detroit, Frederick Smith is the author of seven romance novels set in L.A. and San Francisco that feature Black LGBTQIA+ characters. His 2024 novel, One and Done, is described as a Black, Queer, Higher Ed, Bay Area romance. It was published on Bold Strokes Books. His forthcoming novel, Love Is A Contact Sport, is a Black, Queer, Second Chance, College Reunion, MM romance out June 2026 on Bold Strokes Books. A higher education professional by day, Frederick does Student Affairs and Diversity & Inclusion work at San Francisco State University.  In this episode, we're discussing: Balancing a full-time university administration role in student life and DEI with writing full-time M/M romance. How a UCLA extension writing class launched a two-book deal with Kensington and a 20-year publishing career. Honoring the legacy of E. Lynn Harris and the vital importance of own voices storytelling in gay romance. The three essential elements needed to make a second-chance romance work without toxicity. The hilarious, real-life university accreditation meeting that inspired the workplace romance One and Done. Practical ways emerging authors can build community locally through independent bookstores and public libraries. CONNECT WITH FREDERICK SMITH: Website Instagram BOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED: Love is a Contact Sport by Frederick Smith (Amazon | Bookshop) One and Done by Frederick Smith (Amazon | Bookshop) Play it Forward by Frederick Smith (Amazon | Bookshop) Right Side of the Wrong Bed by Frederick Smith (Amazon) E. Lynn Harris (Amazon | Bookshop) Terry McMillan (Amazon | Bookshop) Eric Jerome Dickey (Amazon | Bookshop) Beverly Jenkins (Amazon | Bookshop) Kennedy Ryan (Amazon | Bookshop) Rebekah Weatherspoon (Amazon | Bookshop) Adib Khorram (Amazon | Bookshop) On Thin Ice by S Rena (Amazon) Monique Fisher (Amazon) Karmen Lee (Amazon) Meka James (Amazon | Bookshop) Julian Winters (Amazon | Bookshop) Rashid Darden  (Amazon | Bookshop) Join the We Read Smut Lounge. Want early access to next week's episode, entry into our private Discord server, two monthly virtual silent book clubs, and a free monthly e-book? Head over to our Substack and join the paid community to access goodies and get early access to episodes.  Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you make a purchase or borrow a book through these links, I may earn a small commission at zero extra cost to you. Connect with Alesia: Storygraph Instagram Running list of books mentioned (Doc) This podcast was produced by Galati Media. Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.