Adrienne L. Edwards knows from personal experience that great ideas for new books can come in the strangest ways. I recently spoke with her about her latest release, Mirror Image.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest book, Mirror Image, is about a young Black, single mother, who has worked her butt off to keep her son DeVin off the city streets of Detroit, but is it enough to keep him out of spending his life in jail? From her own personal experience, Emani will learn how It truly feels to experience social injustice in a world full of hate.
What inspired you to write it?
My inspiration comes from watching the movie Antebellum. The creative plot and plot twist is phenomenal. I was laying in my bed one day and saw a movie playing in my mind. I thought it would be a great idea for the directors of Antebellum to create this movie. But then I had a thought…Why not write a book about it? I sat up in my bed, and I thought to myself, I don’t even write books like this. But then I heard that small, still voice say, “You will write it.” And that was it. I knew that I had to write this book. I knew that I could write this book. Also, the senseless killing of George Floyd was another inspiration for this book. I reference George Floyd because it is a pivotal part of my plot. I want people to look at themselves in the mirror and see who’s looking back at them. What’s in a man’s reflection? Who are we really, on the inside? Those are the kinds of questions I want my readers to walk away from. I want my readers to understand why we say Black Lives Matter.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I fell in love with the written word as a young teenager. I was about 12 when I started writing poetry—my first love. Poetry is what set me free. Allowed me to breathe. Allowed me to be me, without any judgments or ridicule. My poetry progressed from there, into my mid-20s. It wasn’t until I was about 32 when I first began writing short stories. I decided to find out who I use to be before I was married with children. On my road of self-discovery, I learned that I love the written word. I loved the freedom it gave me. I loved that it was a part of my identity. So, in 2013 my journey began as an author, self-publishing my first short story collection called, Broken Into Pieces.
What’s the best part of being an author?
The best part of being an author is that I can allow my mind to create a world full of hope, love, and forgiveness. I get to create flawed characters that can overcome any obstacles. I also love the creative freedom that I have as an indie author.
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
The hardest part of being an author is getting all of the characters out of my mind. The multiple stories that I have in my head at one given time is overwhelming at times to say the least. Another thing that I find difficult is getting through the murky middle. That’s the part where you just want to hurry up and be done with the story already. It’s also where you can become stuck as a writer. It’s not where you insert a plot twist, a steamy love scene, or a heavy scene. It’s where you have to fill your story with authentic dialogue, sensory details and setting. It’s where nothing explosive happens. Just characters living their ordinary lives.
What books have you read lately and loved?
Some books I’ve read lately and loved… This year I’ve read and loved: Heavy On The D—books one, two and three by Stephanie Nicole Norris, This Is My America by Kim Johnson, Seven Days In June by Tia Williams, and An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. Just to add two from last year because they truly deserve an honorable mention; Caste by Isabel Wilkerson and Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Truly great works of real-life work that should be fitting in every school across the nation.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
A few novels I’m excited to read next are: Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson, Island Queen by Vanessa Riley and Hurricane Summer by Asha Broomfield.
Who would you cast in a movie to play your main characters?
For my story Mirror Image, I would love to see Regina King play Emani. She’s an awesome, strong Black actress that I believe can kill any role. And for her 17-year-old son, DeVin, I would definitely choose Makai Curtis who plays the younger version of 50 Cent’s, Power Book III: Raising Kanan. His look, his persona of being “street” would add that flavor of the “bad boy” character that every girl loves.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on some romance stories for 2022. In the meantime, readers can be on the lookout for some free short stories coming this fall. I’m also planning on working on a non-fiction book that I will hopefully publish by the end of fall 2022.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m also working on some merchandise that will be available for purchase later this year or in 2022. I want to amplify Black voices in literature and indie authors as a whole. I really want to support indie authors, so I’m working on putting together some merchandise that will speak to everyone who is an indie author.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Mirror Image.
To learn more about Adrienne L. Edwards, embracer of imperfect inspirations, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: www.adrienneedwardsauthor.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/adrienne_edwards_author