All good things must come to an end, and such is the case with author Elle Wright’s Pure Talent Series. I recently interviewed her about The Way You Love Me.
Tell me about your latest book.
The Way You Love Me is the third and final book in my Pure Talent Series. It’s a departure from the first two in a sense, because it takes place mostly in Michigan and California.
I first introduced Paige Mills in The Way You Hold Me. She is an A-list actress and “Black America’s Sweetheart”. She is also going through a very public divorce. Her ex-husband is a monster, and he’s caused her so much pain. She needs the support of her agent-slash-friend, Andrew, but he basically disappeared on her for his own reasons.
Andrew made his first appearance in The Way You Tempt Me as Xavier’s mentor and friend. I love him because he’s so calm and steady. But he messes up royally where Paige is concerned. It’s up to him to win her trust again.
The story is about them finding their way back to their friendship and eventually something more.
What inspired you to write it?
The first two books in my Pure Talent Series pretty much focused on a specific group of friends. I wanted to take the story away from that crew and introduce new characters into the world.
I’ve also had an obsession with beach houses or lake houses. I wanted Paige to have an escape, even during her darkest time. Much of the book takes place at a lake house in South Haven, Michigan or at her beach house in Malibu.
Everyone knows I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and this fits. BUT, I also wanted to show the reconciliation process for friends who’ve disappointed or hurt each other. Paige and Andrew have a lot to overcome, with each other and within themselves. I truly enjoyed writing their journey to forever.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
My mother always encouraged me to read, so I started at a very young age. There have been many books that have transformed me in many ways. But the very first book I fell in love with was Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.
What’s the best part of being an author?
I love so much about being an author. I enjoy the writing process. My characters are real people to me. I cry with them, I get angry at them, I fall in love with them, I laugh with them. Everything starts and ends with characterization.
Also, I have to say that I love my #TRIBE. I love meeting writing rock stars! And I love the readers. They definitely keep me on my toes.
What is the hardest part of being an author?
The best part about being an author is also the hardest part of being an author. The writing process. Sometimes it feels daunting, when you’re up against a deadline. It can be very stressful trying to come up with new and different ideas. It’s hard, but definitely worth it.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I wish I had more time to read. I don’t read when I’m writing, but the last book I read and loved was Tempest by Beverly Jenkins.
What book(s) are you excited to read next?
I’m so excited to dig in to the New Year Bae-Solutions anthology. It’s a multi-author series featuring eight romance authors (me included). I can’t wait to read the other seven stories.
What’s next for you?
Lord, I always have so much going on.
Aside from The Way You Love Me, I have several projects coming out in the next few months. The one I can tell you about now is Finding Cooper, which is part of the Once Upon a Funeral Series with my lit sisters, Angela Seal, Sherelle Green, and Sheryl Lister. We started the Once Upon a Series thing back in 2017 when we released Once Upon a Bridesmaid. They are awesome writers and good friends. Definitely check out their catalogues, if you haven’t already.
I’m working on a few new ideas to send to my agent. I also have a series in the works that I will self-publish over the next couple of years.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
This journey has been amazing!! I’m extremely thankful for it.
Thank you, Chandra, for the opportunity! You’ve always been so supportive, and I appreciate you!
And…stay tuned.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction Affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Way You Love Me.
To learn more about Elle Wright, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.ellewright.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellewrightauthor
Twitter: twitter.com/lwrightauthor
Instagram: Instagram.com/lwrightauthor
Elle Wright’s Cocktail Lounge (my private reader’s group): http://bit.ly/2N01Bax