I recently spoke with author Jenny Erlingsson about her debut novel, Her Part to Play.
Tell me about your latest book.
Her Part to Play is about Adanne, a woman living in the fictional town of Hope Springs, Alabama doing her best to save the community center her parents established. She takes a job as an assistant makeup artist when a movie films in her town. But she does not expect to end up as the main makeup artist for John, the actor who unintentionally got her fired from Hollywood in the first place. Sparks definitely fly between them because she is not a fan, but as the story unfolds, so does their relationship.
What inspired you to write it?
The inspiration to write this novel came after I watched behind the scenes footage of The Chosen. I was fascinated by all the segments that gave viewers a glimpse of life on set, and I wondered what kind of friendships develop between actors and the crew. Actors spend so many hours in hair and make-up. It was fun to explore what could happen between two people in this forced proximity scenario who were ready to experience something new in their lives.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I think I’ve been in love with words since I was a toddler. I went from scribbling on scraps of paper to reading sometimes multiple books a day during the summer (I miss the Pizza Hut reading program of my childhood). Even when I had certain questions about physiology, my parents would point me to medical books to read, lol!
What’s the best part of being an author?
The best part is hearing from readers how much a scene or passage meant to them. I recently had one of my launch team members send me a message about how she cried when she got to a certain part of the book. We don’t normally say how much we love that someone cried, but it is encouraging to know when readers are immersed in the content.
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part about being an author for me is pushing through to write the next one. Even though I know how many rounds of editing a book goes through, and I love to write, it can be hard to shake off the doubts that creep with the first draft.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I am still working through my TBR pile but I loved Up from Dust, Of Love & Treason and an ARC copy of Truth Be Told by Patricia Raybon. I have really enjoyed her Annalee Spain mysteries.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
I am excited to continue reading Dysfunction Junction and then want to read A Run for Love.
Who would you cast in a movie to play your main characters?
That is such a good question! I would either cast Amber Shana Wiliams who plays Tamar in The Chosen or Kiandra Richardson.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully more books set in Hope Springs and beyond. Currently, I am working on a manuscript featuring Kenya, my main character’s cousin.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I am grateful to get to share Her Part to Play with you and hope readers enjoy this story as much as I do. You can find out more information at jennyerlingsson.com and by joining the email list, you’ll receive the Milk & Honey Women email magazine, which will spotlight several industry makeup artists in June!
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Her Part to Play.
To learn more about author and speaker Jenny Erlingsson, please visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: jennyerlingsson.com/herparttoplay
Instagram: instagram.com/jennyerlingsson