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Arriel Vinson
Author of "Under the Neon Lights"
Arriel Vinson, BAJ'17, author of "Under the Neon Lights"
Arriel Vinson, BAJ'17, recently published her debut novel, "Under the Neon Lights." The young adult book is a heartfelt exploration of identity, love, and the challenges of growing up in today's world. Drawing from her personal experiences as a teenager, Vinson brings emotional depth and clarity to the main character's story, capturing the nuances of Black girlhood with honesty and care.
"I spent most of my adolescence roller skating in Indianapolis, and in the process, I made a lot of friends," Vinson says.
"Years later, while brainstorming my thesis during graduate school, I realized there aren't many books that highlight the role roller skating plays in Black families. That, combined with an idea from my friend (and Media School alum, BAJ'16), Leah Johnson, set me on a journey to relive and reshape those memories."
Westside Roll, the fictional skating rink in Indianapolis, is more than just a backdrop for the book. Based on the real-life rink where Vinson and her family spent time together, it becomes a central symbol of connection and self-expression. What began as a setting for celebrations often became a space for community and creativity. Vinson describes the rink as 'carnivalesque,' referring to the way people circled the space together in a shared rhythm that felt larger than life.
Jaelyn, the novel's protagonist, is a multifaceted character. "At first, Jaelyn's image was that of a shy girl unaware of her voice or self-worth," Vinson explains.
"I had to carefully consider what shaped her, what hurt her, and what brought her joy outside of skating. That was essential, because I wanted to show her transformation, especially how she finds strength in what once hurt her."
"I want teens to see Jaelyn and realize they have agency – whether it's in relationships with family, friends, lovers, or in spaces where they might not feel welcome," she continues. "Teenagers are often told they have no power and must follow the rules laid out for them. But through Jaelyn, I want them to understand that change rarely comes from following the rules. They already have the power to stand up for what they deserve."
In the book, Jaelyn navigates several major life shifts: a strained friendship, the sudden return of her estranged father, and news of Westside Roll closing down, as luxury apartments and boutiques begin to replace the neighborhood's landmarks.
On being asked how she balanced the emotional weight of first love, complex friendships, family tension, and gentrification, Vinson says, "In everyday life, we juggle joy and hardship all the time. When I started writing, I only knew two things – Jaelyn would fall in love, and the rink would close. Everything else evolved as I thought more about what teens and adults experience. Her parents' divorce and the rink's closure leave her feeling unanchored. I'm sorry for putting her through so much; but that's how life works. We often have to endure all those feelings at once."
Vinson also credits The Media School with shaping her storytelling.
"When I was at the J-School (now The Media School), I was always drawn to stories that centered around race and class. In predominantly white institutions, it's easy for other voices to be overlooked. I wanted to spotlight those stories. While my training in narrative and feature writing helped me with structure, my focus on underrepresented communities definitely played a role in 'Under the Neon Lights.'"
Vinson didn't always envision herself as a novelist. Initially, she dreamt of becoming a New York Times reporter. But during a journalism internship in New York, she felt stifled by rigid editorial expectations. Around that time, a visit to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe opened a new path for her, one that allowed her creative instincts to flourish.
Her relationship with Johnson has also been a pivotal part of her journey. What began as a chance conversation at the National Association of Black Journalists grew into a lasting friendship rooted in mentorship. Johnson's own master's journey and publishing success helped Vinson imagine a similar future for herself.
Additionally, as a Reese's Book Club LitUp Fellow and a Tin House YA scholar, Vinson credits these programs with offering vital support. From workshops and feedback to having Johnson as her mentor and eventually meeting her agent, she describes them as transformative to her journey.
As a Black woman from the Midwest writing about joy, grief, and identity, Vinson feels a deep sense of responsibility.
"There are still so many stories to tell," she says. "While legends like Jacqueline Woodson and Toni Morrison came from the Midwest, I want to expand what we know of this region. In the book, the rink doesn't reopen, despite protests and community meetings. That's the reality for many Black neighborhoods. I didn't want to fabricate that. But I also wanted to convey that showing up for your community matters, and you don't need to be from a big city to make a difference."
So, what's next for Vinson?
"This is a two-book deal, so the sequel is in the works," she shares. "It follows two high school seniors. One has just lost her older brother, who was attending a historically Black college and died tragically. She's on the dance team, her love interest is in the band, and they're both preparing for a competition that could get them scholarships to HBCU. They want out of Indiana; they never want to look back. But in her grief, she's questioning whether the dream she shared with her brother is still the dream she wants to chase."
For her readers, Vinson shares one key takeaway.
"Never forget that you have a voice. It might not sound like someone else's, and that's okay. The way you show up for others might look different too."
"But in this world, we're all learning how to show up for people with less than us, for those facing injustice. Despite their age, I want young readers to think about what it means to stand up for others, even when there's nothing to gain."
"Under the Neon Lights" is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble among other retailers.
Written By Paromita Bhattacharyya
Photos By Reece Taylor Williams (author photo) and Arriel Vinson (courtesy photos)