Author Trinity Sierra Sesay recently published her first book, and Black Fiction Addiction is excited to find out about her publishing journey. I recently spoke to her about debut release, When Goodbye Is All You Have.
Tell me about your debut book.
When Goodbye Is All You Have is a contemporary story that explores love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and familial. It’s about the emotional bonds that shape us, the complexity of relationships, and the quiet strength it takes to move forward when things don’t go as planned.
Set in Savannah, Georgia, the book follows a cast of characters navigating the unpredictable nature of life, disappointments and connection. While the story centers on Symeria Hayes, a Black woman entrepreneur, every relationship in her world plays a role in shaping the emotional tone of the book.
At its core, this isn’t a love story in the traditional sense. It’s a story about love, its presence, its absence, and how it shows up in unexpected ways. It’s more about the truth of how we care for one another than it is about perfect endings.
Why did you decide to write it?
I wanted to write a story that reflected the emotional depth, strength, and complexity I see in people, especially Black women. Symeria Hayes was inspired by many Black women. I’m always struck by how much we carry, how much we do, how much we endure, and the resilience we bring to every space we occupy.
But more than anything, I wanted to write a story that felt honest. A story that shows love in all its forms and doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight that can come with connection. I wasn’t interested in a neatly packaged romance. I wanted to create a world where the characters felt full, layered, and real. Where the emotional truths weren’t simplified, and the outcomes weren’t always predictable.
Writing this book was my way of holding space for the messiness, the beauty, and the quiet moments that shape how we love, how we process and sometimes even heal.
How long did it take you to write the story?
The story had been in the making for a few years. I spent a lot of time developing ideas, shifting storylines, and thinking through the emotional dynamics. But I would say I began seriously shaping it last year. That’s when I really committed to developing it wholeheartedly. So, in total, it took about a year to write, following several years of reworking and refining the foundation.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
This is a great question, and for me, it’s a little complex. I didn’t fall in love with the written word right away. What first drew me in was storytelling—the actual verbal sharing of a story. I’ve always loved the process of building a narrative, understanding characters, and exploring the dynamics between them. That part came naturally.
But writing the story in a way that carried the same feeling, the same emotional weight, took time. It required a different kind of discipline and creative energy. So, my love for the written word came later, as I grew more comfortable expressing the story on the page instead of just in thought or conversation.
As a reader, though, I’ve always loved the written word. Reading has been part of my life since childhood. It fuels my imagination. But as a writer, my entry point wasn’t the craft of writing, it was the heart of telling the story.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
Don’t laugh, but I would probably be a travel blogger and travel photographer. I love the idea of seeing the world and telling the stories of the places I visit—both visually through photography and through narrative storytelling.
But I wouldn’t just focus on the typical highlights like monuments, food, or scenery. I’d want to explore the deeper layers, especially the cultural influence and presence of Black people in the places I visit. I’d ask questions about how we’ve contributed, where our stories live in these spaces, and what life has looked like for us in those regions.
It would be less about sightseeing and more about discovering and documenting history, culture, and identity through a global lens.
How are you celebrating the book’s release?
Right now, I’m still in the mental and emotional process of taking it all in. I received the promo copy recently and just holding it in my hands, seeing it as a finished, living, breathing book, was surreal. I’m still absorbing the fact that it’s real, that it’s out in the world.
I want people to love this book as much as I loved writing it. That’s where I am, present, grounded, and thankful to God, the universe, and my ancestors for guiding me through this journey.
So, no big celebrations just yet. I’m simply honoring the moment and everything it took to get here.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I haven’t had a chance to do much reading lately because I’ve been so focused on writing. Now that the book is out, I’m looking forward to getting back to my reading list. I have a few titles I’m excited to dive into this summer.
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on a follow-up. While When Goodbye Is All You Have centers on Symeria’s story, every character in the book carries their own complexity, and you get glimpses of that throughout the novel. My goal is to tell each of their stories from their perspective leading them to eventually having their own book.
I’m starting with the next character now, building on the emotional layers that were introduced in the first story. It’s been a joy to step into someone else’s perspective and explore how their experiences unfold. I’m excited to keep writing and see where these characters take me.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m just incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share this story. It’s been a journey, and I don’t take it lightly that people are opening their hearts to these characters. I hope the book makes readers feel something real, and I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation through future stories.
Platforms like Black Fiction Addiction make it possible for new authors like myself to be seen, heard, and supported. That deserves to be acknowledged and appreciated. I’m truly thankful for the space you’ve created and for the way you continue to uplift Black voices in literature.
I also invite readers to visit my website, where I’ll be sharing more over time, from behind-the-scenes reflections to visual storytelling elements that connect with the heart of the book.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of When Goodbye Is All You Have by Trinity Sierra Sesay.
To learn more about author Trinity Sierra Sesay, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.trinitysierrasesay.com
Instagram: @trinitysierrasesay
Facebook: facebook.com/trinitysierrasesay
Email: trinitysierrasesay@gmail.com