The Vicarious Vicious Keyboard

Why do toxic posts go viral? Vanessa Riley explores social media addiction, vicarious living, and the danger of the “vicious keyboard.”

22 hrs ago • Vanessa Riley

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Shut Up and Write

Every time the world feels unstable, and an artist dares answer an interview question, we get the same memo: stay in your lane.

Mar 3 • Vanessa Riley

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February 2026

Fifteen Seconds and a Slur

For any writer or creator, the edit is your best tool or best weapon.

Feb 24 • Vanessa Riley

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P&P – Persecution and Paranoid

Have you ever felt like the walls were closing in — like doors were shutting and you couldn’t figure out why?

Feb 17 • Vanessa Riley

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Hands. Hands. Hands.

Hands.

Feb 10 • Vanessa Riley

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Block. Blockety Block.

As we head into February, Black History Month, remember that this month is short, intentional, and earned—created because Black contributions were…

Feb 3 • Vanessa Riley

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January 2026

Revenge, Regret, and a Lick

Revenge isn’t justice—it’s a dopamine hit with consequences.

Jan 27 • Vanessa Riley

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The Scars We Carry

On Betrayal and Trust

Jan 20 • Vanessa Riley

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Fire Sword and Sea on Fox 2, StudioSTL

In St. Louis for the Midwest part of the book tour.

Jan 16 • Vanessa Riley

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Fire Sword and the Crime of Womanhood

Listen now | A powerful release-week essay on Fire Sword and Sea, Caribbean women pirates, hidden empires, resistance, and a woman's right to choose.

Jan 13 • Vanessa Riley

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Between the Book and Me

Reading is elitism

Jan 6 • Vanessa Riley

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December 2025

From Hellscape to Angel Wings

2026, Come Get Me.

Dec 30, 2025 • Vanessa Riley

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