Cheris Hodges's Blog, page 15

Chatting with Sherelle Green. . .The Elite Event Series

Author Sherelle GreenSherelle Green  had a dream and turned it into a reality. Now, she is one of the dynamic voices in romance.
Her first novel, A Tempting Proposal  was released in 2013. Now, she back with the second book in her Elite Event series.

     Romance series are all the rage. How do you plan out each book in your series?
I always like to start with a concise idea of what my series will be about and the overall message I want to send to readers.  I love writing connecting stories, so I tend to write an outline that details the first or second book and then I let the rest fall into place. It still amazes me when I think I’m finished with an idea and it branches out into something else entirely. I love the way that writing opens doors and sometimes, my characters speak to me and demand that I write their story. I don’t limit myself in a series or story idea because I never know what great things may be lurking within my storyline.    Tell the readers about Red Velvet Kisses and the Elite Event series.  The Elite Event series is centralized around four female Chicago event planners who are each strong-willed, independent and fierce in their own unique way. I enjoyed writing A Tempting Proposal and If Only for Tonight, but Red Velvet Kisses was one of my favorite books to write in the series. Lexus Turner is sweet, shy, always follows the rules and at times, socially awkward…especially when it comes to sexy men like Micah Madden.
After her first marriage ended in a bitter divorce, Lex is finally living life on her own terms. But her self-confidence took a hard blow so she’s convinced that her ideal man would be someone simple, reserved and completely opposite of her ex. But in walks the bad boy security expert with a street edge who refuses to be ignored. So he concocts a plan that she can’t refuse, determined to prove to Lex that she can definitely handle everything a man like him has to offer.
I’ve been told by readers that if they could clone Micah, they would. And as you can imagine, a man like Micah doesn’t get rejected often so he’s working overtime to win Lex’s heart.
What are some series that you read? 
Wow, I read so many series that it’s hard to keep track sometimes. Contemporary Romance series will always holds a special place in my heart. Some of the series that I fell in love with that  were great influences before I began my writing journey were Francis Ray’s Grayson Family series, Brenda Jackson’s Westmoreland and Madaris series, AC Arthur’s Donovan’s series, Farrah Rochon’s  Sabers series, Maureen Smith’s Wolf Pack series, Niobia Bryant’s Strong Family series and so many more. Lately, I haven’t had a chance to read as much as I would like to, so my TBR pile is enormous!
    What would you say has changed about your writing from your first book to your latest?  When I wrote my first book, I let the words flow not really paying much attention to pacing, the element of surprise, or the use of repetitive words because I was so excited to finish my first manuscript. Every author has a voice and my voice has definitely become more cohesive and defined since writing A Tempting Proposal. Now, I focus more on the flow of my stories and plan out the exact time I want to release certain information to the readers or the characters. I also pay close attention to repetitive words or phrases and I take so many more notes while writing stories now because I like to make sure everything is tied in at the end. In comparison to my latest book, I’m also more daring and bold in my writing and I take chances with my work that I never did before.

  What's the best book you've read this year?
I have read so many amazing books this year, but I must say that Beverly Jenkins's Destiny’s Captive is one of the best. I was not much of a historical romance reader until I met Beverly Jenkins at a book event a couple years ago and enjoyed the meeting so much, I decided to look up all her books. After that, I found myself checking out other historical romance authors. I majored in English and I always loved my historical English classes, so I couldn’t believe it took me so long to get hooked on the genre.  

    How can the readers keep up with you online?
I love hearing from readers. Feel free to find me via any of the following methods:
Twitter: @sherellegreenFacebook: www.facebook.com/RomanceAuthorSherelleGreenWebsite: www.sherellegreen.comEmail: authorsherellegreen@gmail.com
    What's next on the horizon for you? 

I just turned in the fourth book in my Elite Events series entitled Beautiful Surrender that releases in May 2015. I’m currently working on the first book in my new series and a holiday novella that are both scheduled to release in the fall of 2015 from Harlequin. I’ve really been inspired by my travels, so I’m also working on my first women’s fiction novel that partially takes place in the Middle East and a variety of romance stories I’m eager to release!

Chatting with Sheryl Lister . . .A new author to watch

Sheryl Lister is a new romance author who is a California girl.  It makes sense that her writing is like champagne, crisp, fresh and sparkling.
Her debut novel, Just To Be With You was rated four stars by RT Book Reviews. Sheryl has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. After putting writing on the back burner for several years, she became serious about her craft in 2009. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-sized desserts.And her next book, All of Me drops in January! She joins me today to talk about it!
Romance author Sheryl Lister 

Love the cover for All of Me! How did you develop this story line? 
Karen is the best friend of the heroine in my first book ( Just To Be With You , released in August)  and I knew, with her outgoing personality, she needed to have her own story. My hero, who is a widower, came from watching someone very close to me go through the pain of losing a love and, eventually moving forward to find love again.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not writing? 
Definitely reading!! I'm a reader first. I also love date nights with my husband.
What do you have to have before you start writing? 
When I'm gearing up for a writing session, I need two bottles of water, peppermint tea (iced or hot) and my jazz/R&B music.
What's the best book you've read this year?
I haven't read too many books this year due to my writing schedule, but Destiny's Captive by Beverly Jenkins tops the list. A must-read! (Beverly Jenkins's Destiny's Captive is a USA Today bestseller! Sheryl knows how to pick and write books! —CH)
How can the readers keep up with you online?
Find me at any one of these places. I'd love to chat: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheryllisterauthorTwitter: @1slynneEmail: sheryllister@gmail.com
 What's next on the horizon for you? 

I just completed my third book, titled It's Only You, am working on a novella for Harlequin Arabesque's 2015 Holiday Anthology, and finishing a romantic suspense and single title manuscript.

Looking for a hero? How about three from #IPE

Nikkea Shareè, Iris Bolling, Loretta R. Walls are Infinite Porte Enterprises.



Are you holding out for a hero? The ladies of Infinite Porte Enterprises have three for you. 
In the anthology, Heroes, Iris Bolling, Loretta R. Walls and Nikkea Sharee usher in a new trio in the literary world. 
It's like Three the Diva way! The ladies of IPE talked to me about their venture! 
How did you three come up with the idea to join forces for this anthology? 
IPE:  Well, I believe we were still working on the Heart TV Series when we realized we hadn't done a book event that year. Also, we wanted to put something together to merge the Delaware, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area authors for better exposure. We all agreed that our local areas were not getting enough exposure in the educational arena and had a desire to change that. To provide exposure to authors and assist with the educational issues in our area' we realized we need financing. Instead of asking people to donate, we decided to use our talents to earn the funds needed to have literary events in the area. The proceeds from the events will go into scholarships and other school system needs. 

 Tell the readers about each story in the anthology.
  IPE:  Iris Bolling's story "Love Under Fire" kicks off the first of three stories.


Someone is setting houses on fire. Shai Rollins is the number one suspect. She lost her family in a fire and the man responsible is still walking the streets. Fire Chief, Richard Hasting has to investigate a series of fires. Shai, the woman at the forefront of the investigation walked out of his life years ago. Now, he has to save her from herself and from an arsonist...again.

Next, is Nikkea Sharee's "Hostile" to merge the reader into another realm:

A frantic phone call to 911 by a scared little girl...A mother at odds with her emotions...A hostage negotiator trying to make sense of it all...
When the unthinkable turns a peaceful home into a hostile environment, anything can happen!

Last but not least, Loretta R. Walls rounds out the medley with "Perfect Respect" for the soldier in all of us:

Major Miriyanda Williams was accustomed to earning respect in her field of expertise. When her latest assignment called for a mission in the desert a blast from the past upped the ante -- times two. Can she survive the heat of two men wanting her love on foreign soil? Will there ever be perfect respect?


 What was the process like to put the anthology together? 
IPE:  We sat down and decided, WHO, WHAT and WHEN we wanted to write about. This made the theme easy to agree on. We are typically romance writers and to us everyone needs a hero, so we decided to go with a hero theme. Writing comes easy for all three of us. The only challenge was penning a riveting short story. We hope it's pleasing to the reading audience.
 Did you ladies write together? IPE:  No, however, we did consult during the writing process and read each other's work upon completion for clarity and flow.Then we sent it to several BETA readers for feedback. It was very encouraging. 


What was the best thing about this collaboration for you three? IPE:  For readers who are not familiar with our work, this anthology is a great introduction, for others it will provide a familiar platform. We’re giving you three for one. In addition, all proceeds raised from the e-book sales will go toward future events to assist the educational arena, from school supplies to scholarships. We want to give back in a real way and hopefully, it will inspire those around us to do the same. In then end, its a great feeling to have a project with friends who support, admire and love each others as sisters. We fuss, cry, and laugh together, just as sisters do, but in the end the key word is TOGETHER.

Chatting with LaSheera Lee: When the reader becomes the writer The Pleasure Is Mine

Literary maven and author LaSheera Lee
LaSheera Lee is a published author, y'all!  And it's about time. Mrs. LaSheera Lee, who writes as LA Gray, is one of my favorite people in the world and when she talks about books it is always with such passion and deepness. It was only a matter of time before she made the jump into the writing side of the literary field.

I'm happy that she took the time to talk to me about her first novella.

Tell the readers about contribution to the Anthology, The Pleasure's Mine.     First, thank you for the opportunity to appear on your blog. I am a contributor on the anthology The Pleasure's Mine .Fed up with her boyfriend's antics, social worker, Felecia Lancaster, embarks on a world of pleasure that will change the course of her life, when she encounters rich philanthropist Hanson Armstrong. Hanson's strong arm tactics and pleasurable tongue, throws Felecia completely off guard and leaves her in a heated struggle between what she knows is right and her carnal desires. Will she be able to pull herself from pleasure's smoking grip or will Felecia find herself crashing head first to a deadly end?    
You’re an avid reader, did that play a role in your decision to write?    As a book club president and radio show host, I am immersed in books. However. prior to my blogging etc. I would write short stories. I used to share a few of them with my college roommates. The writing bug has always been in my genes. However, it took the assistance of Mz. Robinson to activate it.
 What’s it been like being a published author?
   I find it exciting and scary. It is quite different being on the other side of the review fence. It is extremely hard to predict readers view of your work. However, I am willing to work and grow in the area of writing.
 What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? 
Well, I have received numerous writing tips. All of the advice I have received was helpful. However, there is one tip that stands out in my mind. I was told to write the story that appeals to you. Readers will know if your story is being forced. Therefore, stay true to who you are as a writer.
 What’s next on the horizon for you?I am always doing something. I plan on releasing a full length book next spring. I'm addition, my daughter will be rehearsing a mystery series. 
Once again, thank you for this opportunity!  
Follow Read You Later on Facebook. And catch LaSheera's Blog Talk Radio Show, Reading You Later. 

Facebook Page-Turners a place for readers

Raine Bradley is a genius. She created a space for readers on Facebook where authors and readers come together and discuss books. It's like a grown up Reading Rainbow! But it's called FB Page Turners.

No one is trying to sell their book.
No street team members post links to books. It's like a big room for avid readers and everyone talks about reading.


1. How did you come up with the idea for FB Page Turners? 
 It was a Friday night and I was at a friend's home for dinner and I was teasing my husband for not being a reader.  I then said, I'm going to start see who on FB would join an online bookclub...within 24 hours I had 200 members and by Monday there were 500...I like to say that it was not only a good idea but a God-idea!  BTW, my husband is a member, even though the last book he read cover to cover was Charlotte's Web in 3rd grade. LOL  2. What are five of your favorite books? To Kill a MockingbirdPerfect PeaceFifth BornDarkest ChildThe teeny-tiny woman (a kid's book) - my first-born was a preemie and I was given this book because my Aunt called her teeny-tiny. All of my daughters have been preemies and teeny tiny women!  3. Your group is all about reading, why do you think people need a place online to simply discuss books? 
There are sites to discuss hair, politics, children- why not books?!?  Reading, it is said, is becoming a lost art, so I am determined to save it, 2700 members at a time! 
4. What's been the most rewarding thing about creating this place for readers on Facebook? 
The most rewarding thing is meeting ALL these readers!  Men, women, white, black...I love it!  I love the discourse that is held between members and I've learned that avid readers are BRUTALLY honest!!  5. How can readers join your group? 
First, let me give them the disclaimer..."It's addictive!"  You've been warned.  Send a request to join and I will make sure you are added.

Watching my mama become a real football fan. . .too funny!

My mother, Doris, is too funny.
For years,  we've been a football family. I remember a Christmas on year where my sister and I got football sweatshirts. I wanted a Dallas Cowboys shirt —of course — because that was my Daddy's team. My sister, God bless her, got a Pittsburgh Steelers shirt. She is now a Washington fan. . .but I digress.

So, who's my mama's team, you ask?

The Miami Dolphins.

No. She is not a fan of the Dolphins because they're the only team to ever have a perfect season.
Nope, she doesn't care how great Dan Marino was.

She likes their colors.

Yes, she picked her team based on colors. And for years as my sister, my brother and my Daddy trash talked each other. She always shrugged off a Dolphins loss.
She'd get her little digs in when Dallas or Washington loss, though. But want can you say to the woman who has the chicken salad and the red velvet cake? NOT. A. WORD.

So, as I do every Sunday when the 'Boys are playing, winning or losing, I called my Daddy to lament Weeden's interception. We had out little chat.
Then I asked him to put my mama back on the phone. I was not expecting the conversation that followed!

Mama: So, how are you doing?
Me: I'm fine.
Mama: What game are you watching?
Me: *After picking my jaw up* Dallas and Arizona.
Mama: *In her excited voice* I'm watching my Dolphins and they are winning big time! They have 30 and the other team has zero.
Me: Really? Who are they playing?
Mama: Umm, OD, SD, who is that?
*Snickering* Me: The San Diego Chargers?
Mama: Yeah, yeah, that's them. They haven't scored a point! *Still in her excited lady voice*
Me: Well, enjoy your game. My team isn't doing that well.
Mama: I know.
Me: Bye, mama.

I think I laughed for ten minutes. I love my mama!

Chatting with Lisa Watson: Love By Design and the Match Broker series

Author Lisa Watson
Lisa Watson is an author to watch. Better yet, an author to read voraciously. 
Her latest Kimani romance, Love By Design, is a part of the Match Broker series. Watson joins me today to talk about writing her series and some of her favorite books. After all, the best writers are readers as well. 

      











         Romance series are all the rage. How do you plan out each book in your series         I’m always mindful of the fact that sometimes the secondary characters in your book will stand up and say, “Hey!  We want our stories told, too!”  So I’ve taken to setting up my books so that they can stand alone, but also continue the theme of the series from one book to the next.  I love reading romance series and seeing favorite characters again and again, so that helps me when I’m planning mine.



            Tell the readers about Love By Design and the Match Broker series.    The Match Broker series started with the premise of a blind date that was set up by my character Adrian Anderson’s mother, Norma Jean Anderson…with disastrous results.  She wants nothing more than her only child…and his friends…to know the ‘Forever kind of love’ that she’s had with her husband.  So she goes overboard sometimes, but always leads from a place of love.  In Love ByDesign , her nephew, Logan Montague had the beginnings of that kind of love with his childhood best friend, Dakota Carson, but life, family obligations and fear got in the way.  He moved away, and their relationship was never the same.  Now he’s realized that he can’t live another day without declaring his true feelings for Dakota, and trying a second time to be the man she needs.  But for Dakota…the devastation of his desertion, and some of her own life disappointments make it hard for her to welcome Logan back with open arms into her life…and her heart.

                 What are some series that you read?          I grew up on Historical romances.  Though I write Contemporary, multicultural romance…I tend to gravitate back to Historical when reading for pleasure.  I LOVE the Jaded Gentleman series by Renee Bernard.  I lost some serious sleep, and as soon as I was finished one, I started the next.  My family didn’t see me for a week! 

    What would you say has changed about your writing from your first book to    your latest?         I’ve learned so much since my first novel.  I’d say that thanks to wonderful editors, and advice from my agent and author friends, my writing is stronger, I don’t head hop, and that I’m more mindful of cliffhangers that keep readers engaged and turning those pages!               What's the best book you've read this year?       To be honest, I’ve been helping my husband study for his PMP certification for the last few months, so between that, and working on deadlines…I haven’t read much for pleasure…except my guilty pleasure of Sleepy Hollow (TV series) fan fiction.  I’m seriously hooked on it, and it’s the last thing I do before going to sleep each night.  It’s my decompression mechanism.  Thanks to my job as host of Reader’s Entertainment Radio Show, I now have a heck of a Wish list of books that I’d love to read.  Past guests like Niecey Roy, Michelle Lindo-Rice, Colleen Coble, Beverly Jenkins and Mingmei Yip had stories that were intriguing, and after reading an excerpt, ones that I can’t wait to read.  After I finish my latest novel, I’m going to take a break from writing, and hopefully catch up on some reading over the holidays.
        How can the readers keep up with you online?     Readers can find me on Facebook (NCLisaWatson), Twitter (LisaYWatson), www.lisawatson.com, Goodreads, Pinterest and Google +.
      What's next on the horizon for you?
       Right now I’m working on a Christmas novella, A Fiancé for Christmas.   Afterwards, I’m finishing up two of my IR romances that I’ll be shopping  around, working on a few new romance series’ that I’ll be self-publishing.  As  long as my fans keep reading, I’ll be writing!

Chatting with Deatri King-Bey: Precious Jewels series

It's release day for author Deatri King-Bey and the start of a new series!
Cue the happy dance.  Deatri is taking us inside the Precious Jewels security agency starting with Amber. Here's why you should be excited; when it comes to story telling, Deatri is one of the best!


Tell the readers about your new Precious Jewels series. 

The Precious Jewels are a four sister security force to be reckoned with. Introduced in my Write Brothers series, these women kick butt now and take names later. Each sister is used to being in control of her life, so giving in to the uncontrollable things that go along with falling in love won’t be easy for them. Amber is the taskmaster of the group. Everything must be done according to plan. There is right and wrong, no gray. Not until Malachi comes along and blurs all the lines. Ruby is the fixer. If something is wrong or out of place, she figures out how to fix it. Pearl is the thrill seeker. She hasn’t met a mountain she hasn’t wanted to climb or a perfectly good plane she hasn’t wanted to jump out of. Jade… Baby Jade just wants to be left alone to her shop, but keeps getting pulled in to assignments.
How did you come up with the idea for this romantic suspense series? 
In the majority of romantic suspense books, it’s the female who needs to be rescued. Well, I’m not into damsels in distress. So I wrote the Write Brothers series in a way they needed to call upon the ladies for assistance.
I love strong heroines and after reading chapter one, I have to know . . .where did the inspiration for Amber come from? 
I grew up in the 70s on blacksploitation films. If I were to re-watch them now, I’d probably be offended, but as a kid, the women in those movies were heroes to me. Much bigger than life. Amber is a cross between my memories of those women and my mom updated for a contemporary audience.  
How many Precious Jewels can we expect? 
Next up is Ruby in Ms. Fix It. Those of you who remember Cody from my title Third Time’s A Charm, will be happy. Then Pearl becomes – Teachers Pet. And last but not least is Jade. I have her story, but not a title for it yet.
Give us the links so that we can buy this exciting novel!
Kindle Or Print: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Hero+deatri
NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hero-deatri-king-bey/1120661719?ean=2940150581043

Thank you so much for allowing me to introduce the Precious Jewels.Deatri King-Bey

Chatting with Farrah Rochon: Maplesville's next chapter I Dare You *UPDATE*

My fan girl moment with Farrah Rochon
in New OrleansFarrah Rochon is, hands down, one of my favorite authors. Not only can she write her face off, she is a die hard football fan. One day some one needs to research the link between romance writers and football. But I digress.
Oh and she really did write "Who Dat" in one of my autographed copies of a book of hers! Got to love it!

Next month, Farrah is taking us back to Maplesville with the provocative I Dare You. The novella will be released on Nov. 10, but you can preorder it from Amazon today.


Author visit alert! Farrah is making her first trip to North Carolina! 

Fall Into Romance 2014
November 7 & 8, 2014
Durham County Library, Southwest Regional, 3605 Shannon Rd.Join other romance fans for a celebration of the romance genre hosted by Southwest Regional Library. The event kicks off on Friday, November 7th with a party at Six Plates in Durham and continue on Saturday, November 8th at the Southwest Regional Library with a full day of speakers, swag, and a book signing.
For more details, view the complete schedule.

 1. Tell readers about the latest in the Moments in Maplesville series:


I Dare You! is the fourth book in my Moments in Maplesville novella series. I originally planned for three stories, but within just a few hours of the first book’s release, readers were asking about a story for Stefanie, the widowed Army nurse twin sister of Stefan Sutherland, the hero in the first book, A Perfect Holiday Fling . I Dare You! is Stefanie’s story.
The novella opens on the island of Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos where a small number of family and friends have gathered for the wedding of Stefan and Callie, the couple from A Perfect Holiday Fling . Stefanie, who has been in a bit of a rut relationship-wise, takes on a dare from her best friend to have a one-night-stand while on vacation. She doesn’t realize that the hot guy she picks up at a bar on the exclusive resort’s beach is her brother’s boss and ex-Navy pilot buddy, Dustin Patrick. Once they return to Maplesville, the two embark on a series of fun, sexy dares where Stefanie rediscovers the fun-loving girl she used to be.


2. How did you come up with Maplesville?
The town of Maplesville originally showed up in my Bayou Dreams series with Harlequin Kimani Romance. In that series, the little mom & pop shops in fictional Gauthier, Louisiana start to feel the heat when the neighboring town of Maplesville undergoes a growth spurt because of a new outlet mall. I created the Moments in Maplesville series because Maplesville was getting a bum rap. I wanted to show another side of it so that readers could see that it, too, has interesting characters that are not all hell-bent on causing headaches for the people in Gauthier. 
3. Are there differences in the series that you publish independently and the series that you publish with a mainstream publisher? 
I get to push the envelope a bit more with my independently published books, so the language is a little saltier and the characters more down-to-earth. They are not all filled with millionaires and billionaires, but with relatable characters that readers don’t necessarily get to see in today’s romances. For example, in Just A Little Taste , the third Moments in Maplesville book, the hero, Trey Watson, is a divorced father who lives in a converted Bluebird school bus. He’s sexy as hell, and that converted bus is one of the coolest settings I’ve ever written, but as a hero he would never fly in my traditionally published books. The same goes for Jada Dangerfield in A Little Bit Naughty , who sells sex toys as a way to make money while she looks for a permanent job.
4. What’s next on the horizon for you?
I’m looking forward to my Fall/Winter writing schedule because I have a bunch of fun stories on my plate. I’m currently working on the sixth book in my Bayou Dreams series, Stay With Me Forever (Aug. 2015). Readers of both the Bayou Dreams and Moments in Maplesville series will be happy to see some familiar faces in that book. I’m also planning to return to one of my previous series, but I’m not saying which one just yet.
5. What’s been your favorite book that you’ve read this year?
I hate to be so unoriginal, but it has to be Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I usually dislike the much-hyped books, and couldn’t get through her 2008 book, Dark Places , so I started Gone Girl with the expectation of being completely disappointed. Instead, I was blown away. I thought it was brilliantly written and deserves every bit of the hype and praise it has received. 

Follow Farrah on Twitter: @FarrahRochon Like her author page on Facebook: facebook.com/farrahrochonauthor
PS: There is a sneak peek at I Dare You on Farrah's author page. 

Dear White People: I really wanted to love this movie

As I left the movie theatre today following a showing of Dear White People, I was thankful for two things —my decision to attend Johnson C. Smith University and Spike Lee's School Daze.

I wanted to LOVE this movie. I wanted to have the same experience that I had when I saw School Daze.  I didn't.

This movie was trying to do a little too much and ended up being a confused over bloated tale of black kids on a white college campus. It's not as if they didn't have choices. They could've gone to other schools. A movie that I thought was going to be about busting stereotypes was just very stereotypical.

Angry light skinned girl, who has to prove she's down for the cause.
Self hating brown skin girl.
Gay black man who doesn't fit in anywhere.
Weed smoking black students.
White kids who do what they want with no consequences.
A reality show.
Black guy dating a white girl to get a head.
Black parent telling his black son he has to be better than the white kids to get ahead.
An ending that was so predictable that it hurt.

*Yawn.
The YouTube videos are much better than the movie.

The unexpected election of activist Samantha White as head of a traditionally black residence hall sets up a college campus culture war that challenges conventional notions of what it means to be black. While Sam leverages her notoriety as host of the provocative and polarizing radio show "Dear White People" to try to prevent the college from diversifying Armstrong Parker House, outgoing head-of-house Troy Fairbanks, son of the university's dean, defies his father's lofty expectations by applying to join the staff of Pastiche, the college's influential humor magazine. Lionel Higgins, an Afro-sporting sci-fi geek, is recruited by the otherwise all-white student newspaper to go undercover and write about black culture-a subject he knows little about-while the aggressively assimilated Coco Conners tries to use the controversy on campus to carve out a career in reality TV. But no one at Winchester University is prepared for Pastiche's outrageous, ill-conceived annual Halloween party, with its "unleash your inner Negro" theme throwing oil on an already smoldering fire of resentment and misunderstanding. When the party descends into riotous mayhem, everyone must choose a side.