When it comes to love, author Reese Ryan knows a woman has to do what she’s got to do in order to get her man. I recently spoke with her about her latest release, The Soulmate Project.
Tell me about your latest book.
Emerie Roberts is ready to settle down and start the next phase of her life. When she confesses her feelings for her best friend, he doesn’t feel the same. Em is devastated. But if Nick isn’t her future, she resolves to find the man who is. She devises a seven-step plan to find her soulmate and enlists the help of her family and friends. So why does Nick seem hellbent on sabotaging her efforts?
How long did it take you to write it?
Honestly, the period is sort of a blur. The writing itself probably took a few months. Then there were another couple of months of revisions.
Which character could you relate to the most and why?
I definitely relate to Em realizing she isn’t where she wants to be in her life and deciding that she needs to make big changes. I admire her decision to make a plan to go after what she wants, even if it means doing things that are uncomfortable and maybe even a little scary.
How are you celebrating the book’s release?
I’m celebrating this release by working on the next book in my Love & Music Suite—my indie-published series of second chances. The series follows the career and romantic adventures of the alumni of a fictional school of the arts in Atlanta, Georgia.
Who is your author best friend (either in your head or in real life)?
We haven’t had the chance to write together much lately, but normally I do writing sprints with authors K. Sterling and Leigh Carron. They’re both also great brainstorming partners and cheerleaders through the rollercoaster ride of the publishing business.
What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Hearing an interview where Kimberla Lawson Roby talked about her outlining process was some of the most important “advice” I received. At the time, I considered myself a pantser, but I kept writing stories and not finishing them. I tried outlining scenes I was stuck in and was able to finish them and eventually that first book. I don’t outline anywhere near the level that she described, but as I get further along in my career I find myself outlining more. However, I still permit myself the creative space to allow my characters to take the story to unexpected places.
What books have you read lately and loved?
The last book I read and absolutely adored was Hold Me While You Wait by Kimberly Brown. It’s a spicy, emotional romance between two single parents and both the hero and his daughter have vitiligo
What books are you excited to read?
I’m a big fan of K.D. Richards’ West Investigation series. So I look forward to reading the latest books in that series. I’m also working my way through Kimberly Brown’s and Monica Walters’ backlists.
What’s next for you?
Right now I’m working on another friends-to-lovers romance: More Than Friends. It’s Book #3 in my Love & Music indie romance series. The FMC[female main character] is a session singer who sings background for various artists and the MMC [male main character] is an A & R exec for a major record label.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Thank you for having me on Black Fiction Addiction. And thank you for all the work you put in behind the scenes for Black readers and authors. We appreciate your diligence in shining a spotlight on authors and stories that are often overlooked.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Soulmate Project.
To learn more about author Reese Ryan, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Contact: https://www.reeseryan.com/contact/
Website: https://www.reeseryan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeseryanwrites/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reeseryanwrites
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReeseRyanWrites
Twitter: https://x.com/ReeseRyanWrites