"Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world." -- Marilyn Monroe
ABOUT ME
Darby Baham (she/her) is an author and storyteller on a mission to make women like herself feel seen and believe that love is possible for them, yes them. Darby began writing for The Washington Post in 2016, using all her doubts, hopes, and fears to connect with their 2.5million subscribers. She would eventually use these same experiences to inform her debut fiction series with the world’s largest romance publisher, Harlequin Books. Released in the U.S. and overseas, Darby’s romance series, The Friendship Chronicles, is a love letter to Black female friendships, offering an intimate look into the lives and loves of young Black women. Since January 2022, Harlequin has published four books in the series with Book 5 set to release in November 2024 and Book 6 in June 2025.
Darby's debut novel, The Shoe Diaries, was released on January 25, 2022. The book highlights the story of Reagan "Rae" Doucet--a young Black woman who has been tirelessly checking off her list of “should’s” and building a perfect life until she realizes she’s just like the hot pink stilettos that have gone unworn in her closet for years—beautiful to look at, but unfulfilled. When she takes on a “risk list,” she learns to trust herself again and finds love with an unexpected person. Since then, Harlequin has released three additional novels from Darby--Bloom Where You're Planted, London Calling, and most recently Her New York Minute, which released in January 2024.
With over 15 years’ experience as a professional editor and 8 years as a content strategist, Darby currently works as the Deputy Director of Strategic Communications with The Council of State Governments Justice Center in NYC. There, she leads strategic communications conversations across the organization, working to develop innovative ways to engage audiences, promote and support the CSG Justice Center’s mission, and elevate staff expertise. She previously managed editorial priorities for the organization and served as lead editor for some of its most complex projects, including in health policy, housing, mental health, substance use, and corrections/reentry. Darby's editing experience also includes her time as public affairs specialist and publications manager for the D.C. Department of Corrections, writer/editor with the D.C. Department of Transportation, and creator/editor of Modern Teen--a youth centered magazine at Martha’s Table Teen Program in Washington, D.C.
As a writer, she has contributed to Solo-ish, The Washington Post’s column on dating and relationships and Blavity.com, and she ran a personal blog about dating, politics, and shoes for seven years. She also freelanced for numerous magazines and websites, including Heart & Soul Magazine, Elan Extreme Magazine, Honey’s e-Magazine, and The D.C. Examiner website. Samples of her work can be found in the Featured Writing section on this website.
When Darby is not spending her time immersed in a great book or making sure the content she edits can reach broad audiences, chances are good that she's somewhere laughing loud and hard. It's her therapy away from therapy. But she also believes in the power of giving back. She's previously served as the executive secretary for the Tripod Foundation (a non-profit scholarship organization), as well as their social media manager and newsletter editor, and as the secretary for the DDOT Speak Academy Chapter of Toastmaster’s International, Inc. Prior to her move to New York City, she also volunteered with The Reading Connection, an organization dedicated to encouraging reading during early childhood, especially in disadvantaged communities.
Photo credit: Anna Carson DeWitt Photography