Author Vanessa Miller is giving us a glimpse into history for her latest novel. I recently spoke with her about The Light on Halsey Street.
Tell me about your latest book.
The Light on Halsey Street is a coming-of-age story about becoming better as we grow up, rather than bitter due to the circumstances of life. It’s also my first Bed-Stuy Brooklyn novel. The synopsis is below…
Two girls’ lives are irrevocably intertwined the summer of 1985 in the streets of Brooklyn, New York, and neither will ever be the same in this coming-of-age story that spans decades.
In the summer of 1985, Lisa Whitaker is a church kid headed to college on a scholarship while her best friend, Dana, is floundering in the wake of her mother’s latest eviction. Though Lisa tries to help, their paths diverge. Fifteen years later, Lisa has a beautiful family and is stepping into her dream job as the director for a social services organization. Everything is going right—until her future is snatched away by identity theft. Her life begins to unravel, and Lisa wants nothing more than to see the woman responsible pay for her crimes.
When she was a teenager, Dana Jones always felt alone in this world. Her mother was addicted to drugs, her boyfriend was entering a life of crime, and it seemed Dana, too, was heading down the wrong path. The only bright light was her friendship with Lisa. Now, in the new millennium, Dana finally gives herself permission to dream—to believe she is stepping into better days. But when the betrayal of their friendship comes to light, it will take a lifetime to forgive the destruction that youthful summer in Bed-Stuy set in motion.
In this latest story from beloved author Vanessa Miller, two girls from the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, find that their paths have been woven together by the love of community and a friendship that is tested by time, betrayal, and unforgiveness.
Why did you decide to write it?
My husband grew up in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn during the 80s. He was always telling me stories about the neighborhood. As I listened to him, I realized that New York was unlike most other cities and that I had to write a story about this magical place. I then came up with a story about two girls coming of age in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood that my husband once knew.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
Although I love both Dana and Lisa’s characters. I would have to say that Dana stole my heart because she had the ultimate comeback story. Dana went through some horrible things, but she didn’t give up…kept clawing her way up.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
The hardest part about writing The Light on Halsey Street was part 1. The first part of the book begins in the 80s. Even though I grew up in the 80s, I still had to research every single thing just like I was writing a historical. Sadly, I realized that the 80s are now historical because so many things that we had in the 80s, we don’t use anymore.
What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
It’s funny, my granddaughter just turned 16. I look at her sometimes and smile because I remember when I thought I knew it all and was unstoppable. Life has a way of teaching you a few things. So, I would tell my 16-year-old self to not worry so much and trust God’s process. I’d also tell her to save some of that money. Lol.
If your book was turned into a movie, what actors would you pick as the characters?
Paula Patton for Dana Lewis and Sharon Leal (actress from Why Did I Get Married) for Lisa Whitaker.
Tell me about a book that changed your life and why.
I’ll give you two: This Present Darkness by Frank Peritti and Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.
This Present Darkness was the first novel I read after giving my life to the Lord. I was searching, wondering what my ministry would be because I thought I had to give up all thoughts of writing now that I was a Christian. But when I read this book, I realized that fiction could minister to people. I doubt if I would have written about spiritual warfare if I had not read this book.
Then I read Redeeming Love while I was writing my first novel, and I was crying as I read the last page and closed the book. My tears [were] because I saw so clearly the love of God in that book. I remember getting on my knees and praying for a double portion of the anointing Francine Rivers has. At that time, I hadn’t heard of any black Christian fiction writers. That has since changed, and I am thankful for that.
What’s next for you?
In five months, the book that I believe will be a breakout novel for me will be out into the world. The title is The American Queen. It is the true story of the only queen to ever rule a kingdom on American soil, and she was a black woman right after emancipation. Release date: January 30, 2024.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I just would like to thank everyone who bothers to pick up a novel written by me. I truly appreciate it and pray that their heart is touched by the knowledge of God’s love.
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To learn more about Vanessa Miller, visit her website or connect with her on social media.