Podcast Summary: "Navessa Allen on Writing Spicy Romance"
Podcast Information
- Title: Bad On Paper
- Hosts: Becca Freeman & Olivia Muenter
- Episode: Navessa Allen on Writing Spicy Romance
- Release Date: July 16, 2025
- Description: Join Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter every Wednesday for a dose of books and banter, along with interviews with women who inspire us.
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Bad On Paper, hosts Becca Freeman and Olivia Muenter sit down with New York Times bestselling author Navessa Allen. Navessa discusses her hit book Lights Out, which has captivated readers and secured a place on the bestseller list for an impressive 35 weeks. The conversation delves into Navessa’s unique approach to writing spicy and dark romance, her unconventional publishing journey, and the challenges of handling online negativity as an author.
Navessa's Publishing Journey
Navessa Allen shares her diverse background, highlighting how her varied experiences have influenced her writing career. From military service to bartending in the Caribbean and building flight simulators for the Navy, Navessa has always maintained her passion for writing despite her unconventional career path.
Navessa Allen [14:30]: “I've always been a writer... I never stopped. I was always writing stories.”
Navessa began her foray into publishing in 2014, focusing on historical romance. Dissatisfied with the prevailing heteronormative themes, she sought to create more inclusive and spicy narratives. Her initial work involved self-publishing chapters on Goodreads, which helped her build a dedicated reader base.
However, by 2022-2023, Navessa faced a low point, contemplating quitting due to a lack of success and doubts about her career path. This changed dramatically when a TikTok video she posted went viral, garnering over 100,000 views and tens of thousands of comments urging her to write her novel. This surge in interest led to the self-publication of Lights Out in March 2024, which quickly soared in popularity, selling tens of thousands of copies within two months.
Navessa Allen [16:00]: “I posted a video saying exactly that... it went viral for me at the time.”
Seeking professional representation, Navessa reached out to her online network for an agent and soon signed with Jill Mar from SDLA. With her new agency, she partnered with Xando, propelling Lights Out onto the New York Times bestseller list by November 2024, a rare feat given its release in August.
Navessa Allen [32:45]: “Lights out has been on the New York Times bestseller list for 35 weeks.”
Defining Dark Romance
The discussion shifts to the dark romance genre, with Navessa providing a clear definition:
Navessa Allen [21:07]: “Dark romance borders on the taboo... It’s stuff that make most people uncomfortable.”
According to Navessa, dark romance often features explicit spice and disturbing themes such as stalking, past traumas, and elements traditionally reserved for horror or thriller genres. These aspects introduce a level of taboo and discomfort that differentiates dark romance from more conventional romance narratives.
Writing Spice in Dark Romance
Navessa elaborates on her strategic approach to integrating spicy scenes into her novels. She likens the use of spice to costume design in movies, serving as a subtle yet integral element that reflects character development and relationship dynamics.
Navessa Allen [23:59]: “Spice is another way to show character arcs... it’s critical.”
In Lights Out, spicy scenes are meticulously crafted to demonstrate the gradual buildup of trust and control between the characters. Navessa emphasizes that spice is not gratuitous but essential for advancing the narrative and deepening the emotional connection between protagonists.
Navessa Allen [22:10]: “I write the whole scene all the way through... it's very integral to the story.”
Navessa’s process involves writing entire scenes first, followed by rigorous editing to ensure they are both technically sound and emotionally engaging. This method allows her to maintain the intensity of the scenes while avoiding repetition and ensuring variety in her language.
Navigating Online Negativity
With her rise to fame, Navessa has also encountered significant online negativity and harassment, leading her to adopt protective measures for her mental health.
Navessa Allen [37:28]: “Social media is not good for my mental health, full stop.”
Navessa discusses strategies such as delegating social media interactions to her husband, using password-protected devices, and having a personal assistant monitor her comments. These steps help her shield herself from harmful feedback while allowing her to maintain a presence online without exposing herself to undue stress.
Navessa Allen [35:17]: “I write the stories that I wanna write... I don’t write for anybody but myself.”
Despite facing criticism and negative comments, Navessa remains steadfast in her commitment to writing the stories she believes are missing in the market. She emphasizes that educational attempts to explain the merits of dark romance often fall on deaf ears, leading her to limit her online interactions and focus on her well-being.
Upcoming Works and Future Projects
Navessa provides insights into her upcoming projects, including her latest book Caught Up, which continues the Lights Out universe but can also stand alone. She hints at a third book, promising it will be even spicier and exploring new dynamics within the universe.
Navessa Allen [46:38]: “Book three is done... it's not as spicy as book three... but it ups the ante in other ways.”
In addition to continuing her current series, Navessa expresses interest in exploring new genres such as romantasy, aiming to diversify her storytelling while maintaining her unique voice and thematic focus.
Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Before concluding, Navessa recommends fellow authors and books for listeners interested in high spice and dark romance, including Carrie Lake, Colette Rhodes, Lee Rivers, and Tessa Bailey. She also shares her preferred platforms for updates, noting her presence on Instagram and Booktok, and highlights her Patreon for exclusive content.
Navessa Allen [52:33]: “Problematic Summer by Ali Hazelwood. So everyone loves it.”
Navessa’s passion for writing and her dedication to creating meaningful and engaging stories shine throughout the conversation, offering valuable insights for both aspiring writers and passionate readers.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Navessa Allen [14:30]: “I've always been a writer... I never stopped. I was always writing stories.”
- Navessa Allen [21:07]: “Dark romance borders on the taboo... It’s stuff that make most people uncomfortable.”
- Navessa Allen [22:10]: “I write the whole scene all the way through... it's very integral to the story.”
- Navessa Allen [23:59]: “Spice is another way to show character arcs... it’s critical.”
- Navessa Allen [35:17]: “I write the stories that I wanna write... I don’t write for anybody but myself.”
- Navessa Allen [37:28]: “Social media is not good for my mental health, full stop.”
- Navessa Allen [46:38]: “Book three is done... it's not as spicy as book three... but it ups the ante in other ways.”
- Navessa Allen [52:33]: “Problematic Summer by Ali Hazelwood. So everyone loves it.”
Conclusion
This episode of Bad On Paper offers a deep dive into Navessa Allen’s approach to writing spicy and dark romance, her resilience in the publishing industry, and her methods for maintaining mental health amidst fame. Navessa’s insights into character development, genre definition, and the importance of consent provide valuable lessons for writers and a better understanding for readers. Her journey from contemplating quitting to becoming a bestselling author serves as an inspiring testament to passion and perseverance in the literary world.
Follow Navessa Allen:
- Instagram: @NavessaAllen
- Booktok: @NavessaAllen
- Patreon: Navessa Allen on Patreon
Join the Conversation:
- Book Club: Reading Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid this month
- Social Media: Follow the hosts on Instagram @BatonPaperPodcast and join their community on Facebook and Geneva group.
This summary captures the essence of Navessa Allen's interview, highlighting her career path, defining dark romance, her writing process, and the impact of her success on her personal life, all while incorporating notable quotes with corresponding timestamps for reference.