AlTonya Washington has taken her love of books to the next level with her latest release. I recently spoke with her about Zepha’s Place.
Tell me about your latest book.
Zepha’s Place is set in 1930s Colorado, in the fictional town of Rudine. The story revolves around Zepha Dodge, who owns a boarding house/café and her talented roster of residents. Zepha is an amazing cook, so she’s known and respected all over town even though her café is a part of what’s known as The Outskirts. This is where much of Rudine’s black community resides. One night during a brutal storm, someone knocks, and Zepha and her friends realize it’s a white woman who looks like she’s been through quite an ordeal. This begins a series of events that turn the town on its ear in ways that are both disturbing and inspiring.
How long did it take you to write it?
I had the idea for the story back in 2017. Somehow (I forget how) a journal article landed on my desk and, being a librarian, what I read led me to research other aspects of the writing. All the while I’m aligning these facts with the story that’s taking shape in my head… For a while, I was just gathering facts, layering one element on top of another until the story really materialized. I think I started writing seriously mid-2019. It may have taken me a year, year and half to complete. Then I was in revision mode until sometime in 2023/24 when I finally told myself to stop messing with it.
Which character could you relate to the most and why?
I relate most to Zepha—thankfully not in all aspects. She had to go through quite a lot to become who she did. There were a lot of similarities though in the way she’s all about making sure everyone else is alright and she takes joy from that. That’s so much of who I am in my personal life—wanting everyone to have what they need and be doing alright, which brings that sense of contentment that makes me happy.
How are you celebrating the book’s release?
I’m pretty low-key so…there’s no big book release party or anything like that. I’ve got a countdown timer on my website, so I enjoy checking that ever so often. The true celebration is knowing the book is being delivered to my readers (thanks for preordering!) and that they are cozying up with the story.
Who is your author best friend (either in your head or in real life)?
I hope I’m responding to this accurately because yes, my author best friends are certainly all in my head—don’t know what I’d do if I met any of them. I sure do support them though, seeing their names next to “new book on the way from…” I’m like a kid on Christmas just knowing that some great new work is on the way—one I’m sure to love.
What is the most valuable piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Write what you know and enjoy. I know and enjoy romance and crime fiction, so…you’re going to find those elements consistently weaving their way into my plotlines.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I’ve read sooooo much this past year, but The Hallmarked Man by Robert Galbraith (a.k.a. J.K. Rowling) emerges as my absolute favorite! It’s a crime series (of course) focusing on Detective Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott. In this installment, the crime was more complex than usual, but still enjoyable. The book was great, but that ending—priceless! Fans of the series have been waiting for that ending for a long time.
What books are you excited to read?
The upcoming Agent Pendergast title (series by Douglass Preston and Lincoln Child) Pendergast: The Beginning and then there’s another among my favorite In Death series by J.K. Robb (a.k.a. Nora Roberts) entitled Stolen in Death.
What’s next for you?
Well, the World Blend is in full swing! This is my challenging and, so far, every enjoyable attempt to bring some of my favorite characters into the same universe with a shared storyline. I’m having a lot of fun with that. Feast of Fantasy II was released in December to kick things off. Book V in the Kentts of Montana series releases in April—so far, the reaction has been brilliant! Once I’m done with Feast of Fantasy III, coming in December, I’ll be in revision mode for my 2027 Romantasy release entitled “Lineage”.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Currently, Zepha’s Place is in e-book only, but it will be coming to print and audio. The print format will be part of a new product exclusive to my website. I’ve been wanting to do a book box for a long time, and I hope to kick that off with Zepha’s Place, followed by the Kentts, which are also only available in e-book. Once all seven titles are done, my plan is to release them in print as part of a two-volume boxed set. Stay tuned.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Zepha’s Place by AlTonya Washington.
To learn more AlTonya Washington, Librarian/Author/Publisher, visit her website (www.alsreaders.weebly.com), connect with her on Instagram (instagram.com/novelally), or email her at altonya@lovealtonya.com