Feb. 24, 2021
I was privileged to invite Author Catherine Adel West for an interview to discuss her latest book Saving Ruby King. Enjoy!
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SavingRuby King is about two friends and the lengths one of them will go through when
a murder upends their tight knit church community. I originally wrote this as a
way to dissect my relationship between my father and I and how the black church
played a role, for better or worse within it.
Who is your target audience, and why do you think
this book will appeal to them?
I don't have a target audience as I believe the themes and issues can
touch people from all cultures and backgrounds. We all seek a means of
redemption for the sometimes bad things that happen to us during our lives.
What message do you wish to pass across to your
readers with this book?
I want the beauty of black female friendships to shine through first and
foremost. I want people to recognize that forgiveness for themselves and the
ability to bestow it on others is a perpetual possibility.
What was the hardest thing about writing your
latest book?
Learning how to pace my book, make it a true page turner was something I
had to truly learn how to do. I think I had to learn to kill my darlings if in
the end they didn't serve my story.
As a writer, is there anything you've learned
about yourself while writing this book?
I've learned I'm pretty good and crafting dialogue and it was something
I used to dread doing.
For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or
traditional paper/hard back books, and why?
I prefer hardcover/paperback books though my cocktail table is currently
straining under the weight of my TBR pile.
What is your niche genre, and if you were to write
in a different genre, what would it be?
I don't have a niche genre. I just tend to tell stories that are true to
me and my experience in some part. I'm open to write in other genres and
actually am part of a YA anthology (EVERY BODY SHINES, 2021).
What books and authors have most influenced you?
Great Expectations (Charles Dickens); Kindred (Octavia Butler); A Little
Life (Hanya Yanagihara)
Is there anything you'd like readers to know about
you?
I love to travel and have a HUGE sweet tooth!
Do you have any more books in the works?
The prequel to Saving Ruby King will be published in 2022. Becoming Sara
King follows Ruby's grandmother as she navigates her new life in Memphis,
Tennessee and finds a new community and unexpected love.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal
with bad or good ones?
I've learned to stop reading my reviews. The bad ones, I mean people are
entitled to their opinions and I can't change them. I'm just happy way more
often than not. People love the book and I focus on the fact I was able to
accomplish something so creatively frustrating and fulfilling as writing a book
and the fact I plan to keep doing it, means I have to learn to embrace the good
and the bad that comes with making your dreams come true.
Your favorite quote/saying to live by:
One of my favorite quotes is by James Baldwin. "I can't believe
what you say when I see what you do."
Last book read:
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
One book that changed your life:
Kindred by Octavia Butler
Any advice to new/aspiring authors:
Write the story you want! Don't write for the market or write what's
popular because that constantly changes. Be true to your talents and the book
you see in your head.
How can readers get in touch with or follow you?
Twitter: @cawest329
Instagram: @cawest329
Website: https://www.catherineadelwest.com/
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Catherine Adel West was born and raised in Chicago, IL where
she currently resides. She graduated with both her Bachelors and Masters of
Science in Journalism from the University of Illinois - Urbana. Her work is
published in Black Fox Literary Magazine, Five2One, Better than
Starbucks, Doors Ajar, 805 Lit + Art, The Helix Magazine, Lunch Ticket
and Gay Magazine. In between writing and traveling, Catherine works as an
editor.
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