Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monique Goode. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Monique , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As an author, content creator, and advocate for Black queer love, my mission is rooted in creating space for stories that reflect the beauty, complexity, and resilience of Black queer identities. My journey to this mission is deeply personal, shaped by my experiences as a queer Black woman seeking representation in the stories I consumed. Growing up, I rarely saw characters who looked, loved, and lived like me. Writing became my way of filling that gap—a tool to craft the narratives I yearned to read but couldn’t find.

The heart of my mission lies in celebrating Black queer love in its many forms, always with the belief that love always wins. This mission matters to me because representation is more than visibility; it’s validation. It’s about creating worlds where queer Black people see themselves thriving, loving, and finding joy, even amidst challenges.

Through my work, I aim to uplift Black authors, amplify Black stories, and connect with readers through the power of community. Whether I’m hosting my 100+ member book club, creating content sharing books by black authors, or crafting fiction under my pen name Monique Goode, my goal remains the same: to nurture a literary space where Black voices are celebrated, and where stories of queer love are not just told, but cherished.

Monique , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Monique Goode. I’m an author and bookish content creator dedicated to amplifying Black stories in a literary world where we are often underrepresented. My passion lies in writing unapologetic Black queer love stories—stories that grip you from the first page and don’t let go. My books are filled with passion, drama, and emotional depth, where my characters navigate desire, healing, and the complexities of love. If you’re into heart-pounding romances with a touch of spice and unexpected twists, you’ll love what I have in store.

I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember. My first published work was in elementary school, a class project that ignited my love for storytelling. In middle school, I filled spiral notebooks with urban romances, and by high school, I was deep into fanfiction about my favorite boy bands. As an adult, I ventured into fashion blogging and self-help books, but ultimately, my heart led me back to fiction. Now, I write the kind of Black romances I always wanted to see—bold, vulnerable, and undeniably real. Writing these stories is my way of honoring my experiences, my identity, and the love we all deserve.

My debut novel, “The Cure of Us”, will be released this Spring as the first book in my Blood Money series. This sapphic urban paranormal romance follows Sage and Portia as they fall in love amid a deadly disease outbreak, a powerful family mafia business, and their struggles for redemption. As they fight to protect their love, they must decide whether to follow their hearts or stay loyal to their families. I am committed to creating stories that celebrate Black queer love in all its forms, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ relationships are not just included but centered.

Growing up, I rarely saw books featuring Black love, let alone queer Black characters. But, with the rise of Black BookTok, I discovered a community that reignited my passion for storytelling and representation. “The Cure of Us” is an homage to my inner child and a love letter to the Black queer community—a reminder that we are seen, we are celebrated, and love always wins. I am most proud of bringing this story to life straight from my imagination, and I can’t wait for readers to experience Sage and Portia’s journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to tell stories that make people feel seen. As a Black queer author, I write the love stories I always longed to see growing up—ones where we are the main characters, where our love is celebrated, and where we get happy endings. Knowing that my words can resonate with someone, that they can find pieces of themselves in my characters, is the greatest reward.

There’s also something magical about creating entire worlds from my imagination and bringing them to life on the page. Seeing readers connect with my stories, fall in love with my characters, and get lost in the emotions is an indescribable feeling. Whether it’s through heart-racing romance, drama, or moments of deep healing, my goal is always to give readers an experience they won’t forget.

Ultimately, storytelling is my way of leaving a mark—a legacy of Black queer love, passion, and resilience that will exist for generations to come.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media happened organically through my love for books and storytelling. I’ve been a Bookish Content Creator for almost three years now, and it has been one of the biggest blessings in my journey as an author.

I honestly stumbled into content creation while exploring books on TikTok. One night, I came across a video discussing a Black fantasy novel, and I was immediately intrigued—I had never seen stories like this growing up. The idea of reading a book about a magical Black girl felt groundbreaking, like a piece of representation I never knew I was missing. That moment reignited my love for reading, and I began sharing my reading experiences, book reviews, and shining light on Black authors on TikTok. Then, one day, I posted a book review that went viral, and I quickly realized how many Black readers were also searching for books that reflected them. Seeing the need for a space where we could come together, celebrate Black literature, and have meaningful discussions, I created Goode Reads Book Club, a community dedicated to reading Black books and fostering deeper conversations around them.

Consistency and authenticity played a huge role in growing my platform. I showed up regularly, shared my honest thoughts, and created content that felt true to me. Engaging with my audience on a deeper level helped transform my followers into a real community, where connections felt personal rather than just transactional. By remaining intentional about interacting with my audience, responding to comments, and creating entertaining yet insightful videos, I was able to build lasting relationships with fellow book lovers. My book club further strengthened this bond by giving us a space to have more intimate discussions, making my community feel like a circle of book besties rather than just numbers on a screen. Every last one of them are my girls ’til this day!

For those looking to build a social media presence, my biggest advice is to show up authentically as yourself. Your voice is your power, and people connect with realness more than anything. Express yourself creatively, stay consistent even when growth feels slow, and don’t let the numbers discourage you. The key is to focus on the joy of creating rather than chasing virality. The more fun you have with your content, the more it will resonate with others. Most importantly, quiet the noise, keep going, and trust that your tribe will find you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moniquegoode.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bymoniquegoode
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goodealchemy
• Other: Newsletter: https://moniquegoode.substack.com

Image Credits

Tacora Creates Photography