Riss M. Neilson: Romance & Art | The Harvard Crimson

Riss M. Neilson, author of the newly released novel “The Bridge Back to You,” approaches romance writing as a means of exploring difficult themes alongside love, family, and culture. In a recent profile with The Harvard Crimson, Neilson discussed her shift from literary fiction to romance and her preference for weaving social issues into her characters’ lives.

Neilson’s fourth novel, published March 31, 2026, centers on characters navigating personal challenges, including chronic illness, while also exploring themes of food, family, and culture. Her previous work has also engaged with “heavy themes of racism and abuse,” according to the profile.

Initially, Neilson began writing seriously with literary fiction. She observed that in this genre, social issues like racism often became the central plot point. While she acknowledges the value of literary fiction and hasn’t ruled out returning to it, she now finds more fulfillment in integrating these issues into her characters’ lives in a more organic way.

“This way is exploring. Like, I’m having fun,”

Neilson said in an interview with The Crimson.

Neilson explained that she is drawn to writing about people and their natural engagement with social issues simply by virtue of being human. This approach allows her to explore complex topics within the context of relatable, character-driven narratives.

From Literary Fiction to Romance

The author’s transition from literary fiction reflects a desire to find a more enjoyable and nuanced way to address important social themes. She found that focusing solely on social issues as the plot itself, as often happened in her earlier work, could feel less natural and less engaging.

By embedding these issues within the lives and relationships of her characters, Neilson aims to create stories that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. This method allows her to explore the complexities of human experience while also offering readers a compelling and immersive narrative.

“The Bridge Back to You” and Neilson’s Body of Work

“The Bridge Back to You” continues Neilson’s exploration of challenging themes, building upon the foundation laid in her previous novels, including Deep in Providence and I’m Not Supposed to be in the Dark. Her forthcoming novel is titled A Love Like the Sun.

According to her website, Neilson’s work has received praise from Carley Fortune, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Meet Me at the Lake, who described her writing as dazzling, tender, and romantic.

Neilson is based in Providence, Rhode Island, and actively participates in the city’s art and culture scene. She is also active on social media and engages with her readers through book tours and events.

Readers interested in learning more about Riss M. Neilson and her work can visit her official website at rissmneilson.com.