Get ready to fall in love with author Brionni Nwosu. I recently spoke with her about her release, The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter.
Tell me about your latest book.
The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter centers on the question of whether humanity is worth saving. Nella, a young woman born into bondage, makes a deal on the edge of death to find evidence to prove humanity’s goodness, embarking on a centuries-long quest of love and loss, documenting her journey along the way. If you like love triangles, found families, and Faustian bargains, this may be a book for you.
Why did you decide to write it?
I love books that deal in immortality and the evolution of a character through time, and I hadn’t seen one from the perspective of an enslaved woman, especially one tasked with saving the world. I wondered what she’d think and experience throughout time and what evidence she’d actually be able to find. Especially in the times we’re living in, a story centered on hope and the search for human goodness feels needed and timely.
Who is your favorite character and why?
I’ve always been intrigued by Death, as he was literally the first person to walk onto the page. As for loves, Adam has my heart for his irreverence and belief in living life to the fullest. My beliefs about the world probably come out the clearest through him. Adam is a trier and lives life to the fullest.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
Like most writers, I was a reader first, and some of my earliest memories consist of reading under tables in the library, while the other kids played outside after school. I loved the transportive nature of stories, opening portals to other worlds and other lives that I could live vicariously through story.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
I’d be an event host and retreat planner, which is a dream goal. I plan to host getaways where we read good books, create cute crafts, nibble on pretty snacks, and the turn-up lasts from six to nine pm, like Girl Scout camp for adults. I love hosting experiences and creating space for people to engage in their creative work and make room for their dreams to come true.
What author would you fangirl over?
You meant authors, right? Tiffany D. Jackson (The Weight of Blood), Tia Williams (A Love Song for Ricki Wilde), and Jasmine Guillory (Party of Two).
What books have you read lately and loved?
I mostly read whatever my book clubs suggest. Last month, I read Ward D by Freida McFadden and Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby. I really enjoyed both for the content and the craft. For Ward D, I loved the use of comparison for characters and objects to reveal information about the protagonist. For Razorblade, the use of reflection at key moments was masterful.
What books are you most excited to read next?
Up next for my book clubs is Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister and the Death of an Author by Nnedi Okorafor. I’m on a bit of a cozy mystery kick and am looking forward to Dead to Rights by Jasmine Webb, which features a millennial protagonist.
What’s next for you?
More books! I’m working on a book dealing with fate and trying my hand at my own cozy mystery. I also hope to start a craft study/accountability group that delves into books and the transferable components that strengthen writing and storytelling skills. All book updates and opportunities to engage with me will be on my website www.brionninwosu.com.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m just so thankful for the opportunity to do this work. I can’t think of a better job than making up things for a living.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter by Brionni Nwosu.
To learn more about Brionni (Bri) Nwosu (pronounced woo-sue) author of The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter, publishing December 1 in the US with Lake Union Publishing, and December 4 in the UK with Hodderscape, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.brionninwosu.com
Instagram and TikTok: @Brionniwrites