An Interview with T.A. Riddle
T.A. Riddle (he/him) is a Philadelphia-based author, candle maker, and breathwork facilitator whose work centers Black queer joy, chosen family, and transformation. With a background in law, business, and DEI, he blends literary storytelling with healing practices to create inclusive, evocative spaces. His debut novel, Dancing Like Nobody’s Watching: Contra Dance, celebrates resilience, love, and the power of community – on and off the dance floor.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
I actually began writing this book in 1999 at a time of great personal challenge. A lot happened in between that time and now, but the story at its core was inspired by love and loss. I wanted to honor the resilience and love within our communities, especially during times often marked by tremendous loss. Writing this book was my way of celebrating the beauty, complexity, and hope that’s always existed, even when it’s been overlooked.
Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
The title, Dancing Like Nobody’s Watching: Contra Dance, didn’t come easy – it was a journey in itself. I wanted something that captured both the spirit of liberation and the deep-rooted resilience at the heart of the story. Dancing Like Nobody’s Watching speaks to the freedom my characters seek, especially in spaces where Black queer joy isn’t always celebrated. Contra Dance nods to both the literal dance floor and the ways we move against the grain of expectation. It took months, and a lot of soul-searching to land on a title that felt true to the book’s heartbeat. But once it clicked, I knew it was the only one that fit.
If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?
My novel does in fact have its own soundtrack. Some of the songs included are: Lead Me Into Love (Anita Baker), With You (Tony Terry), So You Say (Manhattan Transfer), and Something Real (Phoebe Snow).
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I am a licensed attorney, but I have also worked in legal education as an administrator and adjunct professor. Prior to becoming a lawyer, I worked as a healthcare administrator.
Where is your favorite place to write?
I enjoy writing at home in my sunroom. There are lots of windows and natural light, so I add soft music, sans lyrics, to deepen the process.
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
Trust the power of your voice – especially when it shakes. Your story matters, and there’s a community waiting for the kind of joy, vulnerability, and truth only you can offer. Don’t shrink to fit expectations; write boldly, honor your lived experience, and remember: the right readers will find you when you write from the heart.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
I hope readers carry a sense of Black queer joy and chosen family with them – a reminder that even in the midst of struggle, love, authenticity, and community can transform grief into celebration. If my book helps someone feel seen, less alone, or inspired to live more fully, then I’ve done my job.
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