For Sharina Harris, relationships aren’t necessarily black and white. I recently spoke with her about her latest release, Judge’s Girls.
Tell me about your latest book.
Judge’s Girls is a story of two women and a young girl who grieve very differently over the death of the family’s patriarch, Judge Joseph Donaldson. Maya, his adult daughter, doesn’t get along with her late father’s wife Jeanie, who is 15 years younger than her father and is a white woman. Maya is a workaholic, focused on making partner at her law firm and determined to keep her relationship with one of the firm’s partners a secret. Jeanie, the judge’s wife, spirals and relies on alcohol to numb her pain. Ryder, Jeanie’s daughter and typically a steady straight-A student deals with his death by rebelling and hanging with the wrong crowd. To make matters worse, Judge Joe wills his palatial lake home to his daughter Maya but with the stipulation that Jeanie lives there for as long as she lives. With the three women under one roof, they are forced to address their fragile relationships with each other as well as wounds of the past.
Why did you decide to write it?
I was inspired to write this story based on my multicultural stepfamily, though I do get along very well with my stepmother!
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I hope they pick up several themes throughout the book. The first, I believe there is a misconception for people who marry someone from another race and culture believe this gives them a “pass” of not being a racist or perhaps having preconceived notions about someone from a different background. Secondly, I also wanted to show the impact of generational scars and trauma.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
A musical artist: singer, songwriter and musician. I just love the feeling music evokes…the rhythm, the energy, the way it makes you and others feel.
What’s the best part of being an author?
I love creating and world-building. Right now, I’m working on a paranormal and a fantasy novel so I’m having a lot of fun.
What’s the worst part of being an author?
The most challenging part is ensuring all the timelines and rules you’ve made are consistent.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on multiple projects including a paranormal romance, YA fantasy and a romantic comedy. Yes, I’m all over the place but I love it. 🙂
Do you have anything you would like to add?
If you’re a fan of Insecure or Waiting to Exhale, check out my other women’s fiction novel (Im)Perfectly Happy about four friends who form an accountability group to follow their dreams while balancing love, kids and their careers.
To learn more about Sharina Harris, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.SharinaHarris.Com
Twitter: @SharinaWrites
Instagram: SharinaWrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSharinaHarris
Use Black Fiction Addiction’s affiliate link to purchase your copy of Judge’s Girls.