Author Kay Shanee has been writing for a while, but you’ve never seen her quite like this. I recently spoke with her about her first traditionally published book, This Time Around.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest book, This Time Around, is my first traditionally published book. It’s a second-chance romance but not in the traditional sense because they were never in a relationship. Tessa and Cypress are in their late thirties and early forties. Both are searching for change in their lives, and when their paths cross, they were everything they didn’t know they needed. Secrets are revealed, and the love they are developing is tested. You’ll have to read it to find out how they weather the storm.
Why did you decide to write it?
After being offered the opportunity to publish traditionally, I had to come up with a storyline that would appeal to the masses, but I had to make sure I stayed true to my pen. As I developed the concept, the story took on a life of its own. I fell in love with the main characters and their supporting cast, and I hope my readers do as well.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I want to remind my readers that Black love exists between Black men and women, sisters and brothers, parents and children, and lovers and friends. The media pushes out a bad narrative about the relationship between us, and sometimes, I think even we forget the love that we share.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
I want readers to learn that it’s never too late to start something new. I was 43 when I published my first book. Sometimes, as we grow older, we are afraid to pursue new interests. I was afraid, but I decided to do it anyway. I hope I inspire my readers to do the same.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
In real life, I am a teacher. If someone had asked me this question seven years ago, I don’t know what my answer would have been. However, today, I’d choose full-time writer because I’ve developed a love and passion for writing that I knew I had.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I’ve always loved reading, so I would say I had to be about…11 years old.
What’s something readers would be surprised to know about you?
This is a bit long-winded, but I was grounded for most of my childhood and spent a lot of time in my room. The only thing I could do was read and listen to music, so I did a lot of both. When I was about 12, my aunt bought me a word processor, and I started writing a book. It was called The Spot, and it was about a group of high school friends who hung out at a burger joint called The Spot. However, I never finished writing the book and forgot all about it when I became heavily involved in sports. I said that to say I wasn’t someone who’d always dreamt of being a writer. It wasn’t until my daughter went away to college and I began teaching part-time that I began toying with the idea again. People would always say I should write me and my husband’s love story, so that was what I did. Fortunately, people enjoyed my writing, and here we are.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I recently read three books by Tracy Gray that I thoroughly enjoyed. Cross’d Up, By Chance, and Better Mann. The books are sports (basketball) romances and are all connected. I would definitely recommend.
What books are you excited to read?
I’m excited to read Kimberly Brown’s first traditionally published book, Courage to Love Again. It releases on April 23, 2024.
What’s next for you?
I’d love to write full-time, so that’s my current goal.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’d like to thank Black Fiction Addiction for this opportunity to share a few things about myself. Shout out to the best publisher out there, B. Love, and all of my pen sisters at B. Love Publications.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of This Time Around by Kay Shanee.
To learn more about author Kay Shanee, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
@authorkayshanee on all social media platforms (Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram)
Website: www.AuthorKayShanee.com