Author Trice Hickman is back with the highly anticipated follow-up to her book, The Other Side. I recently spoke with her about Blindsided.
Tell me about your latest book.
Before I begin, I’d like to take a moment to say thank you for featuring me here on Black Fiction Addiction! Opportunities like this help authors spread the word about our books, which is vitally important for the success of our work.
Now, about my latest book…Blindsided is the sequel to my previous novel, The Other Side. It continues the journey of Bernadette, Tess, and Arizona. They are smart, strong-willed, and fiercely independent women whose bond is cemented by their shared birthdays—ten decades apart—and their loving sisterhood that uplifts them in times when they need it most. I’m excited about this book, not only because I believe it’s a great story, but because it’s my 10th novel…I can hardly believe it!
What inspired you to write it?
I was inspired to write Blindsided because I wanted to know what was going to happen to the three phenomenal women whom I had created in the book’s predecessor, The Other Side. Both stories are about women at a crossroads in their lives, the pivotal decisions they make, the risks they take, and how their strong sisterhood bond helps each of them deal with unexpected revelations and face hard truths. These women remind me of myself when I was at a crossroads in my life a few years ago, and I guess that’s one of the reasons why I felt so comfortable writing their stories.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
That’s a really great question! I’ve loved words ever since I was old enough to talk. Words hold a certain magic. You can heal, love, and change hearts and minds with the words you speak and write. Every writer who completes a book will forever have a written legacy to hand down from generation to generation. It’s an amazing gift.
What’s the best part of being an author?
The best part of being an author (for me) is hands-down, is the creative journey that I take each time I write a book. I’m able to create interesting, complex characters who experience life’s ups and downs and who hopefully learn something along the way. It’s a very rewarding feeling and a blessing.
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part of being an author (for me) is the sleep deprivation and tremendous discipline that it takes to complete a book. You have to be able to block out the world and write for hours and hours—for months—because that’s what it takes to finish a book. If you live with someone or have a family, it’s important that they are supportive, especially on those days when you’re in your writing cave, glued to your computer and cannot be interrupted.
What books have you read lately and loved?
The Woman God Created You to Be by Kimberla Lawson Roby (I love ALL her work, and especially this one!), Atomic Habits by James Clear (I gained a lot from this one), and The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (A classic that is rooted in wisdom). I mostly read fiction books, but my last few have been non-fiction, which has been intentional. But now that the cool weather is setting in, I’m ready to curl up with a juicy fiction title and get swept away in the drama.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
I just received my copy of Feeding the Soul by Tabitha Brown, and I can’t wait to dive into it. I’m also looking for a good holiday themed fiction book that I can enjoy in the coming months.
Who would you cast in a movie to play your main characters?
A movie based on Blindsided would be a dream come true. (Let’s speak it into existence!) I’d love to cast Academy Award winner Regina King as Bernadette, timeless beauty Gabrielle Union as Tess, and model/actress Precious Lee as Arizona.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently finishing up the proposal for my next book, updating my blog, Fabulous Southern Belle, and I plan to tackle a few DIY projects for the upcoming holidays. I hope to round out the year with family and friends, giving thanks for all God’s goodness and grace.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’d like to once again say, thank you, for this awesome opportunity to connect with Black Fiction Addiction readers, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to read this interview. I finished Blindsided last year, during the height of the pandemic, and just like the characters in the book, I was literally blindsided by how my world changed so quickly. I no longer take simple things for granted, like being able to freely socialize without fear of contracting a disease that has the potential to end your life. These uncertain times have taught me a lot, and it is my prayer that as a society, we will all be kinder to each other, less judgmental, and more loving.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction link to purchase your copy of Blindsided.
To learn more about author Trice Hickman, visit her website or connect with her on social media.