Writer Catherine Adel West is no stranger to writing. It’s a thrill to have her stop by Black Fiction Addiction to discuss her latest release, Strangers Behind Closed Doors.
Tell me about your latest book.
Strangers Behind Closed Doors (SBCD) centers around Giovanni Mason, Chicago Detective Redding Stark and The Ivory Hotel, an elite and luxurious resort catering to people with as many secrets as it has rooms. After Giovanni is reunited with her former BFF Natalie Moore, a mending of public fences turns into a public argument, and Natalie goes missing. With a blood-spattered hotel room and a gap in her memory, Giovanni is considered the prime suspect, but Detective Stark believes Natalie’s disappearance may be tied to the disappearances of other Black women in Chicago. Will Giovanni and Detective Stark find Natalie or join the missing?
Why did you decide to write it?
There aren’t enough Black women-led thrillers, and especially not ones where they actively know how to fight and defend themselves, while also trying to rescue someone who looks like them. I also wanted to highlight the issues surrounding the lack of attention paid to Black women when they go missing. Aside from a clip or two on local news, very few of these stories gain national attention. It’s mostly white women who society defines as the physical representation of America. And I’m not saying this to be hateful nor infer these disappearances aren’t important or tragic. However, it’s very apparent that Black women are not treated with the same regard. Our lives and our bodies are considered disposable. Something needs to change. That’s irrefutable.
How did you come up with the book’s title?
The original title of SBCD was The Ivory, but my publisher didn’t think this title said what the book was about, which looking back, was correct. So, everyone put their heads together and threw ideas around. Eventually, I came up with Strangers Behind Closed Doors, which was a combination of my editor’s and former literary agent’s suggestions.
What’s the nicest thing a reader has ever said to you about your writing?
This is a great question because I can’t remember the nicest thing someone’s ever said to me about my writing. I tend to internalize criticism and not praise. My mom constantly tells me I need to work on this. However, I can say the latest praise I received was for SBCD. And a reader said, “The way you captured [how] we as Black women want to do it all on our own hit deep.”
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
This is a tricky question for me to answer because I always wrote—even as a kid, it was a passion of mine—but growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a working-class family, I learned to commoditize my gift. My parents were always supportive of my writing but they, nor I, were keen on me living a Bohemian lifestyle. So, I majored in journalism in college, got two degrees, and I worked as an editor for almost 20 years. When I was 32 years old, I started the story that became my debut novel, Saving Ruby King. At that point, I pictured myself writing for the rest of my life, and being happy, really happy.
What author would you love to meet?
Past writer: Zora Neale Hurston
Living writer: S.A. Cosby
What books have you read lately and loved?
I really enjoyed Successful Failure: Lessons Learned Flat on My Face by Kevin Fredericks; When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole; and Speaking of Summer by Kalisha Buckhanon.
What books are at the top of your to-be-read pile?
I can’t wait to start reading Kin by Tayari Jones and King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully working on the sequel. I have so many ideas for it but have to get those ideas into a clear and coherent story.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Nothing other than thank you for featuring me on Black Fiction Addiction. It was a pleasure.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Strangers Behind Closed Doors by Catherine Adel West.
To learn more about writer Catherine Adel West, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.catherineadelwest.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/cawest329
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