Author Robbi Renee is ending 2024 with a bang with her latest release. I recently spoke with her about Somebody’s Husband.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest book, Somebody’s Husband, is a poignant exploration of love, healing, and the complexities of life after immense loss. It’s not a tale of infidelity but rather a heartfelt journey of two people finding solace and connection in the midst of their individual struggles. Dr. Dresden Xavier, grappling with the weight of grief and depression, immerses himself in a groundbreaking medical research project as a means of escape. Harper Kingsley, a wife, mother, and ambitious professor, juggles the demands of a public life that seems perfect while privately battling lies, illness, and the unraveling of her family. Harper and Dresden’s worlds collide in a transformative way, as they discover in each other a presence that begins to mend their fractured hearts. Somebody’s Husband is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the courage to rebuild, and the unexpected ways love can find us when we least expect it.
Why did you decide to write it?
I decided to write Somebody’s Husband after watching an episode of Black Love. There was a beautiful couple battling with the prospect of “till death do us part.” I wanted to tell a story that dives deep into the emotional complexities of love, loss, and healing, especially from a man’s perspective. Life is often messy and unfair; filled with moments of unimaginable pain, yet it’s also in those moments that we find resilience, connection, and hope. Through Dresden and Harper’s journey, I wanted to explore how two people, burdened by their own struggles, could find solace and healing in each other.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
Dresden is my favorite character in Somebody’s Husband because he embodies the strength and quiet courage it takes to confront the darkest corners of his heart. As a doctor, he’s a healer by nature, but his own grief and depression have left him searching for purpose beyond his professional achievements. What I love most about Dresden is his complexity—he’s not a perfect MMC [male main character], but that’s exactly what makes him so relatable and human. His journey from being emotionally closed off to allowing himself to feel and connect with Harper is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Dresden represents a beautiful Black man who reminds us that even in our brokenness, we are capable of extraordinary love and compassion.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
Whew! Where do I begin? The hardest part about writing Somebody’s Husband was capturing the raw emotions of grief and the delicate process of healing without diminishing their depth or complexity. Grief is such a deeply personal and universal experience, and I wanted to ensure that Dresden and Harper’s struggles felt authentic and relatable. Writing those moments where they faced their lowest points required me to tap into vulnerable parts of myself, which was emotionally draining at times during the writing process.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would be the title and why?
If I were to write a book about my life, the title would be Grace, Grind, Gratitude. This title perfectly encapsulates the journey I’ve walked—a journey marked by challenges, growth, and unwavering faith. This title reflects not just my life’s story but also my philosophy: to embrace grace in the face of struggles, to grind with purpose, and to always stay rooted in gratitude.
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
Something readers might be surprised to know about me is that I’ve dreamed of writing a book since college, but I didn’t publish my first book until 2020, at the age of 44. For years, I carried that dream in my heart, but life, fear, and self-doubt often got in the way. It wasn’t until I decided to take a leap of faith and embrace my passion that I finally brought my stories to life.
Publishing my first book at 44 was a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. That experience not only changed the course of my life but also showed me the power of stepping into your purpose, no matter how long it takes to get there. It’s a journey I’m incredibly proud of, and it inspires me every day to keep creating and sharing stories with my readers.
Tell me about a book that changed your life and why.
Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the book that changed my life. It was more than just a story—it was a revelation. I first read the book in middle school, and even then, Ms. Angelou’s raw and unapologetic portrayal of her struggles, triumphs, and self-discovery resonated deeply with me. I read it again in college for a Black literature class, and that was when I fully comprehended the importance of finding your voice and claiming your power, even in the face of immense adversity, which has become a blueprint for my own journey.
Reading this book, and many other literary gems like it, taught me the transformative power of storytelling. They’ve shown me that our stories, no matter how painful or complex, can inspire, heal, and empower not only ourselves but others as well.
What’s next for you?
What’s next for me is an exciting blend of storytelling, coaching, and creative growth. I’m currently writing my next novel, Summer’s Echo, which will be published by Black Odyssey Media in the fall of 2025. This story holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with readers. In addition, I’m preparing to release three independently published books in 2025, each with its own unique journey of love, resilience, and connection.
Beyond my writing, I’m passionate about nurturing new voices in the literary world. I’m expanding my writing coaching business, Just Write Coaching, and am thrilled to be launching the second cohort of the Writing Collaborative Experience. This intensive writing boot camp is designed to help aspiring authors bring their stories to life and publish their first books.
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To learn more about author Robbi Renee, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.robbirenee.com
Instagram and TikTok: @robbireneewrites
Facebook: Love Notes by Robbi Renee