Author Aja is back with the latest release in her Enigma Universe. I recently spoke with her about Her Vow.
Tell me about your latest release.
Her Vow is a continuation story taking place in The Enigma Universe. This short story centers on Sarai “Slick” Lewis as she prepares to marry Malachi Montgomery. There’s drama, there’s murder, there’s self-discovery.
Why did you decide to write it?
I wrote Her Vow because I had to. There was no other way to move forward without addressing where Sarai was emotionally after the trauma she endured at the end of Slick. While we see her managing in We Are One, the camera lens does not stay on her long enough to offer a deep perspective of the impact of that trauma when she was already someone who had a hard time processing her emotions. Her answer to situations was to kill first and ask for help cleaning up the blood later. She is evolving. Her Vow brings the reader closer to seeing how well she adapts to a new life.
What was your most memorable experience writing this book?
There’s a scene where Sarai and Malachi are arguing. The tension my pen created between them had me sitting at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. As if I had blacked out because I couldn’t remember the details of how I got there, I had finished the scene with tears in my eyes. I was happy and excited for their future because I witnessed them communicate and work things out. The characters used me to write out their love.
Which character in the book would you like to have as a best friend and why?
Sarai is the greatest friend to have. Her heart is big. She’s loyal. She’ll fight for you. But she is also vulnerable and needs to be loved in return, and I am prepared to love her with tenderness. She can kill, and I’ll listen to her tell the stories about it.
What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
Hmmmm. Maybe that I rarely watch romance movies. I like espionage, action, and mystery—give me some grit.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Since it’s still summer, I enjoy going to parks throughout the week and finding an unoccupied bench. I sit down and listen to nature while I soak in the sun. I’m going to miss these moments when the cool air approaches and I have to abandon my outside life.
What’s the most difficult part of being an author?
There’s so much uncertainty in publishing and in the community we exist in. Despite that, we challenge ourselves to stay true to our art. We write, produce, and share our hearts with each release.
Who are some of your favorite authors, and what are some of their books you love?
I am becoming my favorite author. I’m really loving my range. Outside of myself, I really enjoy my faves, Maureen Smith, Beverly Jenkins, Nia Forrester, and Stephanie Nicole Norris. Some newer to me voices I’ve been getting into are Shay Davis and Shae Sanders.
What’s next for you?
I had hoped I would be finished with this project already but I’m nearly there. Shine is next, and I really love his story. Shine is an origin story in The Enigma world. You get to meet Michael Ferrell when he was young and building his wealth and power.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Chandra, thank you for always being a champion of Black literature and including me in your supportive efforts. I also hope readers will be on the lookout for Shine and be prepared to one click when he drops!
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Her Vow.
To learn more about Aja, author of passionate fiction, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: https://ajathewriter.com/
Instagram, TikTok and X: @ajathewriter
Facebook.com: @ajathewriterbooks on FB
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/Signup4Aja