It’s such an honor to have one of my favorite authors stopping by today to discuss her latest release. I recently spoke with Jacinta Howard about When 40 Blooms.
Tell me about your latest release.
Simone is a quirky sports agent who’s forced to take a hard look at her life and the choices she’s made just as she turns 40. A birthday trip where she runs into her ex-husband Jackson, combined with catastrophe at work, forces her to reassess the decisions she’s made, the path she’s on, who she wants to be, and her feelings about foundational love.
Why did you decide to write it?
I decided to take this story in the direction I did because I wanted to explore what it looks like to break generational patterns and how to truly be vulnerable in a relationship. I also wanted to write a second-chance romance with real emotional stakes.
What was your most memorable experience writing this book?
I was up at 5 a.m. most mornings to get this book done. That’s the only time of the day when I have real, quiet writing time. So that’s probably what I remember most—being tired, lol.
Which character in the book would you like to have as a best friend and why?
Tristan. He’s super down to earth, cool, funny, and very present with his friends.
What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
Like Simone, I actually thought I would be a sports writer in college. I ended up pivoting into music (which made sense because I love music) and culture. But yeah, at one point, I thought I’d be a sports writer.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m a music nerd, so listening to music is always a thing for me.
What’s the most difficult part of being an author?
For me, it’s been learning how to put myself and my work out there authentically. And these days, finding quality time to write with everything else going on.
Who are some of your favorite authors, and what are some of their books you love?
Nia Forrester. I think she writes in the gray better than anyone I know. And her character development is top-tier. The Wanderer, Silent Nights, Rhyme & Reason, The Lover, Mistress, Wife, and Mother. I could go on.
What’s next for you?
I’m looking to release a new book at the end of the year, The Morning After. It’s going to explore some different themes but with the same emotional depth readers expect.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I hope readers connect with Simone’s journey of learning to be vulnerable and trust love again. We all have patterns we’ve inherited or created that don’t serve us, and it’s never too late to choose differently.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of When 40 Blooms by Jacinta Howard.
To learn more about author Jacinta Howard, visit her website (jacintahoward.net).