Author Rae Lyse is back with another installment of her Sun Series. I recently spoke with her about For the Night.
Tell me about your latest release.
My latest release is another bonus story in my first series, “The Sun Series.” It’s an interconnected standalone like all the rest of the stories in “The Sun Series.” For the Night follows Venus and Anthony who is one of Josiah’s (The Endgame) best friends. He was mentioned briefly in The Endgame and Thirty.
Why did you decide to write it?
It started as another nagging idea that kept popping into my head like always, so I decided to write it lol. Now here I am with my sixth book finished and anxious for my readers to indulge in it since it’s been so long.
What was your most memorable experience writing this book?
Well, I spent a year working on this book as I do with all of my other releases. This means a lot usually happens in the middle of me crafting the first draft. This go around, I’d say the most memorable experience was losing my grandpa right in the middle of writing the book. The loss changed my life and made me see life, love, and myself differently. I’m sure that change is woven into For the Night.
Which character in the book would you like to have as a best friend and why?
The MFC [main female character] Venus for sure! She’s definitely a woman I’d love to have around me all the time—smart, nurturing, no nonsense. She’s admirable.
What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
Hm! Maybe that I’m an introvert, but I think most people know that about me, lol.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Definitely binging reality TV and rewatching comfort shows like King of the Hill and Girlfriends, hanging with my husband, shopping, and I absolutely love going to the movies.
What’s the most difficult part of being an author?
Not going insane! I don’t think most people realize that writing takes a lot of brain power and once that power is depleted, it’s very hard to build it back up. There’s no shortcuts, so all you can do is rest until you get your mojo back.
Who are some of your favorite authors, and what are some of their books you love?
Toni Morrison (The Bluest Eye), Tia Williams (The Perfect Find), Takerra Allen (Last Stop from Innocence), Nia Forrester (Young, Rich, and Black).
What’s next for you?
More books and audiobooks for sure! I definitely love the art of writing itself and honing my craft. I’ll also be at several book events in 2024 and 2025 (Love in Books Pasadena, Urban Book Expo in Chicago, Bulls Boots Books and Bling in Mesquite, The Black Romance Book Fest in Atlanta).
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Thank you for continuing to spotlight black authors and black books with your platform! I am so appreciative of this opportunity, as always.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of For the Night.
To learn more about Rae Lyse, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: raelysebooks.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/raelysebooks