As a Black fantasy author, my mission has always been to center Black characters in rich, imaginative worlds. From dragons to goddesses, I write fantasy books where Blackness isn’t a backdrop — it’s the source of the power, love, struggle, and magic that drives the story.
But what really brings those stories to life is the people who read them.
That’s why I take pictures of my readers. Not just for content. Not for marketing. For joy.
For representation.
For a shared moment between a fantasy author and a reader who found themselves reflected in a book — not as a sidekick or a stereotype, but as the hero.
Why Representation in Fantasy Books Matters
In the world of speculative fiction, Black readers have long been asked to imagine themselves into stories where they weren’t meant to exist. As a Black indie fantasy writer, I refuse that ask. Instead, I create books, journals, and coloring books where they belong from page one.
Books like Of Fear and Faith, Harriet’s Escape, and Dragon Lore and Love aren’t just fantasy titles. They’re invitations into worlds where:
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Black goddesses rule
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Supernatural heroines fight for justice
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Love, magic, and freedom are intertwined
So when a reader holds one of my books and smiles, I ask to take a photo — to celebrate that moment and share it with the world.
These Photos Are Memories — and Messages
Yes, I ask permission first. Always. And yes, the responses vary — some surprised, others delighted. But every time, I’m honored. Because for many, it’s the first time someone’s said:
“You belong here. Let’s show the world.”
Sometimes, readers cosplay. Sometimes, they come as they are. From comic cons to book expos, they light up in front of my booth — and not just Black readers. While my books unapologetically center Blackness, they resonate far and wide.
Readers of all races and identities connect with stories that are rooted in truth and told with heart.
Fantasy in Black — Not Just a Series, a Movement
The Fantasy in Black coloring book series is just one piece of a larger mission:
To give adult readers something beautiful, bold, and Black to engage with. It’s about joy. Healing. Creativity. And community.
These books are for grown colorers, not children — which is why I’m intentional about who appears in my photos.
I never photograph minors, even when a parent buys a book like Harriet’s Escape for them. It’s about safety. It’s also about consent. Adults choose to be in these images — and that choice carries power.
Diverse Readers, Shared Stories
I’m proud that the majority of my readers are Black — that means I’m reaching the people I write for. But I’m equally moved when readers outside my community find meaning in my books. Too often, non-Black fantasy fans assume stories with Black leads aren’t “for them.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Authentic, inclusive fantasy is for everyone — but it starts by centering voices that have too long been ignored.
Building the N. D. Jones Universe — One Reader at a Time
These aren’t just readers. They’re part of the N. D. Jones universe — a shared space where Black speculative fiction thrives. Where fantasy and freedom meet. Where memory, magic, and identity live on the page and in the frame.
So no, these aren’t “just” photos.
They’re portraits of a movement.
Snapshots of representation.
Glimpses of real joy in Black fantasy.
And I’ll keep taking them — one story, one reader, one beautiful moment at a time.
Final Thoughts: Where Fantasy Meets Identity
As a Black indie fantasy author, every photo I take is a reminder of why I write — to create space for powerful, complex, and joyful Black characters in fantasy. But it’s also a reminder that diverse fantasy books don’t just belong on our shelves — they belong in readers’ hands, hearts, and everyday moments.
These snapshots are proof that Black fantasy stories matter. They connect. They inspire. And they deserve to be seen.
If you’re looking for fantasy books by Black authors, this is your invitation to explore worlds where magic and identity collide — and everyone is welcome.
More readers, more magic.
