Takerra Allen is back with the second installment of her Parachutes series. I recently spoke with her about Parachutes: The Glide.
Tell me about your latest release.
Hello. Thank you for having me. So, Parachutes: The Glide is book two of my latest three-part series, Parachutes. It picks up where Book One left off, which is in the middle of two sides of a love story. The readers have gotten to know a couple in Book One, Vin and Tahli, both in their younger nostalgic love and also, in their seasoned matrimonial one. In both spaces of time, a blow has just been delivered that could affect their relationship immensely. Secrets that can send their “parachute” ride off course.
Why did you decide to write it?
After penning Needful Noor, which is what came before the Parachutes series, I wanted to return to that new, young, airy love feeling. That classic urban love story magic that birthed my writing. Then, I concurrently had another story running through my mind of a more mature, impenetrable love that faces a major challenge. It came to me that it’d be really cool to blend the two. To make those two stories one of the same couple.
What was your most memorable experience writing this book?
Being happy. Feeling very purpose-driven and free writing this. It’s an emotional series with some dips and valleys, which I think is expected for the readers who are familiar with me, but I felt good writing it. It felt natural. I was back to my roots. I loved this story before I gave anyone else an opportunity to, so, it made an incredibly pleasurable writing experience.
Which character in the book would you like to have as a best friend and why?
Oh, Abigail Waters, no questions asked. Honestly, the foursome friend circle in this series is my favorite of all time, hands down. There are four girls who each bring a special dynamic to the group. But they are true, loyal, supportive, honest, incredible friends to one another. Abby just happens to be the main character’s very best friend and a personal favorite of mine. Ride or die to the tenth power.
What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
Probably that I don’t read as much as I should or used to. I need to make more time for it. That I’m hypercritical about some of my older works. That I’m deathly afraid of snakes. I hate tomatoes and mayo, but I can eat pizza, pasta sauce, and potato salad. I hate trends. I’m claustrophobic. I can find good in just about anyone as long as they are authentic. But I see through BS more than I let on. Introverted but I enjoy the people that make me feel comfortable. I’ll sacrifice popularity and profit for peace and morale any day. I’m more sarcastic than I believe people know. Oh, and when I find something awesome, I obsess over it for like 15 minutes. Passionately.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Think about writing. LOL. Watch horror movies. Travel with my husband and daughter. Cook. Go to amusement parks and just daytrips—family outings, beaches for sunsets, new restaurants, concerts. Pray. People watch. Get inspired all over again.
What’s the most difficult part of being an author?
Being accessible to everyone. To allow in the good, you must be vulnerable to it all. To give readers who truly enjoy me and support me (or are taking the chance to) the truest version of me, I have to put myself and my art on the line for people that may not move with the best intentions. When you do something publicly, you can’t guard the door and only let in positivity. You have to leave the door wide open and welcome it all, then hope the benefit outweighs the sacrifice. It usually does. The love from the “Luvs” is supersonic.
Who are some of your favorite authors, and what are some of their books you love?
True Stephen King nut here. My ode to Needful Things is Needful Noor. Been reading him since single digits. I felt the magic of love reading Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I fell in love with urban fiction when I read True to the Game. Started reading K’wan and the whole Triple Crown roster and was blown away. Dutch by Kwame Teague made me tingle—an alpha male gangster from Newark, New Jersey, my own state, come on. Really fell in love with my kind of urban romance by way of Tracy Brown’s White Lines. Gillian Flynn makes my head spin, and I’m just in awe of her. So many.
What’s next for you?
Book Three of The Parachutes Series. Then a new, challenging project I’m excited about. Maybe getting out there and touching some readers in the flesh soon.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m very grateful for everyone who supports me. Everyone who took time to read this interview. For you, Chandra, for having this platform and allowing me the opportunity of it. For the culture. I’m just grateful.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Parachutes: Book Two: The Glide by Takerra Allen.
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