Welcome to Story Deep Dive!
In this episode, Dana and Rachel dive into the plot of Indigo by Beverly Jenkins.
Whether you're a romance author, historical fiction fan, or genre storyteller, you’ll gain valuable insights on crafting emotionally resonant plotlines, using setting as a source of tension, and integrating community dynamics into your story structure.
You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube!
Estimate Timestamps
0:00 – Intro Banter & Life Updates
Rachel struggles to get back into her hosting groove while Dana recaps birthday shenanigans, recent workshops, and a month of great reads. Rachel also shares her Twitch gaming adventures with The Last of Us, sparking a funny exchange about horror games, nostalgia, and storytelling in video games.
17:55 – Plot Focus & The Power of Setting
Dana previews the major topics she wants to cover: setting as a plot driver, how historical context shapes character growth, and why Indigo remains a masterclass nearly 30 years after publication. She explains how Beverly Jenkins blends historical accuracy with romantic storytelling in powerful ways.
23:05 – Indigo Summary
Dana reads a concise summary of the novel, spotlighting its slow-burn romance, layered suspense, and deeply emotional stakes. She frames it as a story where love is both sanctuary and revolution.
26:30 – Storytelling as Education
Rachel praises Jenkins’ librarian background and how she uses romance to bring Black history to life. They compare this approach to other genre authors like Robert Peston, showing how expert knowledge can enrich fiction.
30:30 – Balancing Romance with Historical Weight
Dana addresses common reader hesitation around historical Black romance and breaks down how Jenkins uses emotional truth, sensuality, and setting to create a love story that’s both grounded and transcendent. She highlights Hester’s stained hands as a powerful symbol of internal conflict.
36:45 – A True Romantic Suspense
Dana explains why Indigo is a rare example of romantic suspense where both storylines are equally strong. Galen and Hester’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic grows through forced proximity, personal sacrifice, and shared mission.
43:20 – The Community Mystery & Whodunit Thread
They explore the central suspense: someone in the town betrayed Galen. Dana notes how Jenkins introduces the full cast early and keeps the tension simmering throughout the book. This creates layered stakes, rooted in personal and communal risk.
50:05 – Plot-Driven Character Change
The hosts discuss how plot and character are inseparable in Indigo. Galen’s emotional arc and Hester’s transformation are shaped by their circumstances. The love story unfolds because of the setting—not in spite of it.
56:40 – Writing Romance in Historical Settings
Rachel shares Jenkins’ author note about avoiding gratuitous pain in romantic stories. Dana gives actionable advice for writers tackling sensitive history in fiction: treat the material with reverence, choose settings with intention, and lead with empathy.
69:10 – Love that Inspires Action
They reflect on how Galen and Hester make each other better. Their love story is not just about finding peace, but also about continuing their abolitionist work. Romance here is a source of transformation and courage.
73:45 – Community as Catalyst
Rachel compares Indigo’s world to contemporary small-town romances like Knockemout, noting how Jenkins centers a cultural community rather than a geographic one. The conflict is both individual and communal, with high stakes and deep-rooted resistance.
84:20 – Final Craft Takeaways for Writers
Dana offers parting advice: squeeze all the juice from your setting, make conflict communal when it serves the story, and don't shy away from big themes if you’re willing to treat them with care. Rachel encourages writers to interrogate their ideas and stay intentional with every element on the page.
Book Selection
As a child Hester Wyatt escaped slavery, but now the dark skinned beauty is a dedicated member of Michigan's Underground railroad, offering other runaways a chance at the freedom she has learned to love. When one of her fellow conductors brings her an injured man to hide, Hester doesn't hesitate…even after she is told about the price on his head.
The man in question is the great conductor known as the "Black Daniel" a vital member of the North's Underground railroad network. But Hester finds him so rude and arrogant, she begins to question her vow to hide him.
When the injured and beaten Galen Vachon, aka, the Black Daniel awakens in Hester's cellar, he is unprepared for the feisty young conductor providing his care. As a member of one of the wealthiest free Black families in New Orleans, Galen has turned his back on the lavish living he is accustomed to in order to provide freedom to those enslaved in the South.
However, as he heals he cannot turn his back on Hester Wyatt. Her innocence fills him like a breath of fresh air and he is determined to make this gorgeous and intelligent woman his own…
Yet…there are traitors to be discovered, slave catchers to be evaded and Hester's heart to be won before she and Galen can find the freedom that only true love can bring.
Where to Find the Book
Indigo by Beverly Jenkins is available in several formats. It’s also widely available in libraries and online retailers. Details on the author’s website.
Next Episode:
In the next episode, Dana and Rachel will explore the unforgettable characters of Indigo, diving deep into how Beverly Jenkins builds layered emotional arcs, chemistry, and agency in her protagonists. Don’t miss it!
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