Angela Scott Abdur-Rasheed is tackling the tough subject of starting over in her latest release. I recently spoke with her about Still a Lady.
Tell me about your latest book.
Still a Lady is my third book. It focuses on the fictitious account of Andrea Matthews, or Lady A as she was called. She’s a pastor’s wife stripped of the life she’d known and loved when her husband/pastor/boss/best friend unexpectedly files for divorce. The character is forced to start over from scratch only to realize that’s where she should have been all along.
What inspired you to write it?
I was inspired to write this book loosely based on my journey and the many stories I’ve heard of others who have navigated through divorce, making it to the other side of healing. Writing a story of healing was the ultimate purpose. I wanted it to be inspirational, affirming, drama-filled and funny. Thankfully, my own journey through divorce was not nearly drama-filled and rarely funny. Choosing a fiction format allowed for me to use my vivid imagination and take wild, creative liberties that would speak to a wider audience while keeping my main focus in mind.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I’ve always had a love for written word. For as long as I can remember, words have been my thing. Words have been all I’ve ever loved. When others were interested in athletics, music, arts, etc., I was in love with written and spoken word.
What’s the best part of being an author?
The best part of being an author is being able to bring characters to life totally immersing myself in their worlds through my words. The characters really become part of me. I take very seriously the telling of their “stories.”
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part of being an author is taking time to write. The second hardest part is feeling confident once a project is released wondering how people will receive my “baby.”
What books have you read lately and loved?
I have loved Crazy Faith by Pastor Michael Todd and Us Against the World by David and Tamela Mann.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
I’m looking forward to diving into Feeding the Soul by Tabitha Brown.
Who would you cast in a movie to play your main characters?
Wow! That’s a great question. I would cast Anika Noni Rose or Regina Hall as Andrea. I would cast Omar Epps, John David Washington or Winston Duke (with a southern accent) as Andrew.
What’s next for you?
Next up for me is hopefully writing part two of Still a Lady.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
While this book is fiction, the pain and long process of divorce is real. I want to make Still a Lady and myself available to book clubs and divorce support groups as a tool to spark healthy conversations that lead to transformation.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Still a Lady by Angela Scott Abdur-Rasheed.
To learn more about Angela Scott Abdur-Rasheed, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/angela.michele316
Website: www.sosaysangela.com (coming soon)
Email: [email protected]