Picture a storyteller who spun tales of love, glamour, and second chances with a fashionista’s flair—meet Tia Williams! A Northern Virginia native, this University of Virginia grad traded glossy magazine pages for bestselling novels, captivating readers with her witty, heartfelt stories. From beauty editor to literary star, Williams’s journey is as vibrant as the characters she creates.
With hits like The Accidental Diva and Seven Days in June, she’s carved a niche in contemporary romance, blending real-life grit with swoon-worthy moments. Her work, often set against bustling urban backdrops, resonates with anyone who’s ever chased dreams or love against the odds. Ready to dive into her world?
The Making of Tia Williams
Born and raised in a suburban Virginia community, Tia Williams was a pop culture junkie from a young age, devouring romance novels and waiting eagerly for her monthly Mademoiselle. Inspired by books like The Westing Game, she penned her first story at seven, planting the seeds for her future as a novelist. After earning her BA in English Literature from the University of Virginia in 1997, she moved to Brooklyn, where she’s lived ever since, soaking up the city’s creative energy.
Williams kicked off her career in New York’s publishing world as an editorial assistant at Doubleday before pivoting to magazines. As a beauty editor for titles like Elle, Glamour, and Essence, she honed her sharp, stylish voice. In 2004, she trailblazed the digital space with her award-winning beauty blog, Shake Your Beauty, cementing her status as a trendsetter. But her heart was in storytelling, and soon, she turned to novels, ready to share her vision with the world.
Tia Williams’s Unforgettable Stories
Williams’s debut, The Accidental Diva (2004), burst onto the scene during a wave of Black chick lit, following beauty editor Billie Burke as she navigates corporate life and a steamy romance with a Brooklyn artist. Praised for its “sexy prose” by Publishers Weekly, it set the tone for Williams’s signature blend of humor, heart, and cultural insight. Her young adult novels, It Chicks and Sixteen Candles, brought her vibrant voice to teen readers, showcasing her versatility.
In 2016, The Perfect Find won the African-American Literary Award for Best Fiction, telling the story of a fashion editor falling for her rival’s son. Adapted into a 2023 Netflix film starring Gabrielle Union, it solidified Williams’s knack for crafting relatable, modern love stories. Her 2021 novel, Seven Days in June, a Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestseller, is her crowning achievement. This tale of two writers reconnecting after a teenage fling explores trauma, creativity, and second chances with emotional depth and sizzling chemistry. Her latest, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde (2024), weaves romance and fantasy in Harlem, earning accolades as a top romance of the year.
Williams’s style is a cocktail of sharp wit, vivid settings, and authentic characters who grapple with life’s messiness. Her stories often center Black women, celebrating their strength and complexity while tackling themes like love, ambition, and healing. Whether it’s a Manhattan office or a Brooklyn summer, her settings pulse with life, drawing readers into her world.
Why Tia Williams Matters
Tia Williams has redefined contemporary romance by infusing it with cultural nuance and emotional honesty. Her novels resonate with readers who see themselves in her flawed, fabulous heroines, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. As a Black author, she’s expanded the literary landscape, proving that stories about Black love and ambition deserve a spotlight. Her work, lauded by outlets like The Washington Post and Oprah Daily, bridges mainstream and marginalized voices, making her a vital figure in modern literature.
Beyond her books, Williams’s journey—from beauty editor to digital pioneer to bestselling author—inspires aspiring writers. Her ability to pivot careers while staying true to her creative roots is a testament to her resilience and talent. With a TV adaptation of Seven Days in June in the works, her influence is only growing.
- Born: Northern Virginia
- Key Works: The Accidental Diva, The Perfect Find, Seven Days in June, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde
- Awards: African-American Literary Award for Best Fiction (2016)
- Fun Fact: She co-wrote Iman’s makeup memoir, The Beauty of Color.
Snag Seven Days in June and dive into Tia Williams’s steamy, soulful world of romance—you won’t put it down!