Smut Lovers: The Conference wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support staff we have had from the very beginning. From the readers who were desperate to learn more about this crazy idea, to the very first authors who signed up, each and everyone of them contributed to this amazing undertaking. There are a few key people who have been with us from the beginning and always wiling to take on whatever we ask of them. Keep reading to learn more about Smut Lovers key staff members.
Nikki Rome
Owner & Director
USA Today Best Selling Romance Author Nikki Rome has been a romance junky since a young age.
Nikki writes contemporary romance with a touch of danger and kink. Her love of realistic characters who face real problems provides a story that touches the hearts of many. As a writer, reader and lover of words, it only made sense that she publish her stories.
Now she owns Smut Lovers: The Community. A group of individuals that come together to talk about their love of all things smut. Find her hosting Smut Lovers: The Podcast or running Smut Lovers: The Conference.
Ashley Michele
Assistant Director
Ashley Michele is your neighborhood queer little witch. She likes snark, stuffies and dark, fantastical things. She also enjoys writing about mixed latina plus sized babies such as herself getting to live out their best lives with queer and kinky loving.
She has a BA from Florida State University that she still hasn’t opened. When she’s not doing library things or sending hour long voice notes to someone she loves she can usually be found in her hammock between the trees of her swamp or laying out, listening to an audio while she paints and catches some sun.
Shannon Elliot
Director of Volunteer Programs
Shannon Elliot resides in Houston, TX with her fur baby and writes romance whenever she’s not at the dog park or curled up with a good book. Evidenced by her background in theatre, she is drawn to story-telling and the creative process. Shannon believes that diverse and inclusive stories shouldn’t be the exception, they should be the rule. Happily ever after is for everyone and she aims to write romances that reflect her readers.
Ruthie Bowles
Diversity and Inclusion Consultant
Ruthie is a US Army Veteran and former translator from Southern California who now calls Central Maryland her home. If she’s not in her sound booth, you can find her hiking in the trails near her house, playing with her kids, or (of course), reading a book. While book reading is her top hobby, she also gardens, homesteads, and belly dances. Ruthie’s Black and Latine heritage has made her very devoted to bringing books written by authors from marginalized communities to life through audio.