Life & Work with Ro Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ro Smith.  

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Being a lesbian woman of color, it has always been imperative to be seen within the pages of books. Reading stories that I could resonate with was something I craved. I remember being a teen, going to bookstores and searching through countless books, hoping to find one that stood out. It never happened. Then one day, I came across Fiona Zedde’s book ‘Bliss,’ and I knew then that it was possible for young women of color who identified as LGBTQIA to be main characters between the pages of books. At this time, I had no idea that 15 years later, I’d be the author of four books, to include my most popular Little Book Of Quickies Series. Today, there are more black lesbian authors out there creating beautiful stories, but still, the pool is scarce. I aspire to join them and grow that number by writing stories that break heteronormative roles and debunk stigmas around s*x and alternative lifestyles. My latest book, ‘A Taste For Three,’ does just that. It touches on polyamory and gives a realistic representation of the beauties and challenges of three women in love. Along with representation, this story also touches on the effects of mental health, toxic Christianity, and healthy conflict resolution. I aspire to write stories that people of all orientations can read and enjoy, but most importantly, I aspire to write stories people will remember. That’s my dream. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Reading and writing have always been my outlet. It took me until the age of 33 to finally self-publish my first book, Little Book Of Quickies: Unfulfilled Desires. 2020 was a very difficult time for me after my grandmother passed away, and writing was my way of escaping reality. After self-publishing my first book, I was hit with tons of love from readers worldwide. I had a goal to sell 100 copies, and exceeding that number was an amazing feeling. However, because my Little Book Of Quickies series spoke on s*x and intimacy between women, I was met with a lot of pushback from podcasts, journalist, and other book reviewers due to the negative stigma society have placed on openly and comfortably speaking on s*x and intimacy between two women. As a self-published author, it can be quite challenging getting your name and brand out there to the masses, but even more so when you’re black and lesbian. I learned that for every rejection I receive from podcasts, journalists, and book reviewers, 10 ladies are reaching out to me stating how my books have opened their minds and how they are in love with my writing. Emails and comments like these are some of the many reasons I keep writing. As they say, I’m needed for the culture, haha. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a writer of both fiction and tasteful erotica that resonates with the reader. When it comes to erotica, I write erotica that focuses on the emotion behind the s*xual act. I represent all lesbians who have ever wanted to read books they can identify with. I write with the intent to pull you into my world of s*x, love, and intimacy as I dismantle the stigma of what it means to write erotica. I present to readers an authentic experience. Knowing that the story, plot, and characters were written by a lesbian of color has been my main selling factor. Women from all walks of life, regardless of ethnicity and orientation, have enjoyed my books solely based off of their need for diversity. Men alike have also enjoyed my books. I am the face of a highly underrepresented market, and knowing that so many people are actively searching for the type of books I am putting out makes me proud. 

What’s next?
As of now, I plan to keep writing. I do have a special project in store, but that will remain a surprise! 

Pricing:

• 9.99
• 10.99
• 11.99
• 12.99

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iamrosmith.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrosmith_/