Writer and blogger Denise N. Wheatley is kicking off a new series with the release of her latest book, She Gets What She Wants.
Tell me about your latest book.
Hello Chandra, and thank you for having me! My latest book is titled She Gets What She Wants, and it’s the first novel in my Fearless Fairytale series. It tells the story of Devon Jacobs, a kind-hearted, insecure newspaper columnist living in small-town Berman, Indiana. She dreams of moving to Hollywood and writing for television. When she drunkenly confesses her feelings to her best friend, Jason, his painful snub finally spurs her to action. She quits her job, packs up and flies to Los Angeles to begin the rest of her life.
Devon’s newfound drive lands her a production assistant role on a hit television sitcom. As she transforms into a confident and talented professional, she gains the attention of the show’s handsome and charming leading man, Ryan Roberts. But just as Devon’s star is in full ascent, Jason resurfaces. Used to being an extra in the background instead of the lead, Devon must decide whether her long-standing feelings for Jason are worth a second risk, or if she should pursue her developing attraction and friendship with Ryan.
What inspired you to write it?
My main inspiration was Los Angeles. I enjoy all things Hollywood and the inter-workings of the entertainment industry. Other factors that inspired the story are my love of creating a character’s transformation (or “glow up” as I like to call it), seeing women win in spite of adversity, and showing what true friendship looks (especially in the midst of a painful betrayal). At the core of it all is my love of a slow burn romance.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I fell in love with the written word at a very young age. As a child, I’d cry when my mother would read to me because I really wanted to read those books myself lol. My love of reading parlayed into a love of writing, and after earning a bachelor’s degree in English, I began writing my first novel shortly after college graduation.
What’s the best part of being an author?
I love watching my stories come to life. Going from a blank page to seeing my books on shelves is truly a magical moment. It’s hard work, but the outcome is definitely worth it.
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part of being an author is having to show up, be creative and write on days when I just don’t have it in me. So digging deep and finding a way to get it done can be challenging. Setting daily word count goals is a tactic that helps me get through the tough days.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I reread books all the time for inspiration, especially when I’m working on novels in a similar genre. I write suspense novels for Harlequin Intrigue, so as I work on my latest book, I’m rereading Whacked by Jules Asner. It’s a quirky romantic suspense novel about a television crime writer who gets caught up in a real-life murder investigation. I also recently reread Wally Lamb’s She’s Come Undone, which is one of my favorite women’s fiction novels. It’s a coming-of-age tale about a young, complicated East Coast woman who’s struggling to find her way in the world.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
I’m really excited to read Zakiya Dalila Harris’s The Other Black Girl. The book is being touted as a cross between Get Out and The Devil Wears Prada and tells the story of two women who meet while working at a New York publishing company. They bond over their similarities, then clash in sinister ways as one becomes more favored in the office than the other.
What’s next for you?
I’ve got several new projects being released this year. She Gets What She Wants hits shelves on 3/8, then my Harlequin Intrigue novel Cold Case, True Crime comes out on 6/29. The second book in my Fearless Fairytale series, She Gets What She Deserves, will be released in September, and I’ve got two holiday novels being published toward the end of the year.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I would love to take a moment and thank all the readers who’ve supported me over the years. The love and feedback are truly appreciated. I’m working hard to continue writing novels that readers can relate to and hopefully enjoy.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of She Gets What She Wants.
To learn more about Denise Wheatley, connect with her on social media.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Denise-N-Wheatley/e/B001KHBZ7E
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denise_wheatley_writer/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/denisewheatley
Writer’s Blog: http://www.denisenwheatley.com/