If you’ve been waiting for your next read by Natasha D. Frazier, you can stop holding your breath. I recently spoke with her about her latest release.
Tell me about your latest book.
With Every Breath is book one in the McCall Family series. Nina Marie Robinson and Andrew McCall are college sweethearts who reunite under somber circumstances. Nina is a motivational speaker who spent about ten years of her adult life encouraging women from all walks of life. But when she’s diagnosed with terminal cancer, the only thing on her mind is reaching out to Andrew to make sure he knows she’s always loved him and to spend the rest of her days with him. Andrew is at the pinnacle of his career in education at Jackson State University. In his mind, he’s on track to becoming a tenured professor. All he has to do is perfect his research paper. If he isn’t promoted, he promised his father he’d come home and run the family business, McCall Resorts. But leading his father’s company is the last thing he wants to do. He’s always loved Nina, but when he sees her again, he isn’t too quick to open his heart up to her, especially because that interferes with his career plans. Nina asks Andrew to accompany her on a trip to the Bahamas, and he’ll have to decide if spending a couple of weeks with her is worth him potentially missing out on his promotion.
What inspired you to write it?
I love second-chance romances! I’d been toying with the idea of college sweethearts reuniting over a vacation, but didn’t quite know how I would make it happen. Earlier this year, I experienced a bout of vertigo, and at moments it felt like death. That’s when the idea hit me for Nina’s storyline, only I had to amp it up a bit. Jackson State University is my alma mater so, of course, there was no other choice when deciding where the two main characters met when I determined they would be college sweethearts. 🙂
When did you fall in love with the written word?
Around the age of 15. My mom would buy the Arabesque romance novels and leave them around the house, unread. One day I asked if I could read it, and I’ve been reading romance ever since.
What’s the best part of being an author?
I’d have to say that the best part of being an author is connecting with readers through my books, even if we never meet. They receive a part of me, and I hope they enjoy and are inspired by my work
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
Getting the word out about my books and maintaining that balance in between releases. Once I’ve written a book and started the next, I have to remember that there are still tons of readers out there who haven’t read my last book. Marketing is a tough, ongoing process.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I am behind on my reading, but Toni Shiloh’s An Unlikely Proposal is the first that comes to mind.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
Rhonda McKnight’s Bennett Family series is next on my list.
Who would you cast in a movie to play your main characters?
Excellent question! This is actually the first book I’ve written where I cast my characters before I began the writing process.
Kim Brockington as Nina Marie Robinson
Aja Naomi King as Danielle Adams, Nina’s assistant
Lance Gross as Andrew McCall
John David Washington as Darius McCall, Andrew’s brother
Ernie Hudson as Jeffrey McCall, Andrew’s father
Alfre Woodard as Rose McCall, Andrew’s mother
What’s next for you?
I’m writing book three in the McCall family series now. 🙂
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m planning to release book two shortly after the release of book one. November/Decemberish. I don’t have a date just yet. Book two is moreso Darius’ (Andrew’s brother) story, which I’m also excited about. It is perfect considering we mostly get to see the dynamics of their relationship through Andrew’s eyes in book 1. I adore how love changes Darius. 🙂
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of With Every Breath.
To learn more about Natasha D. Frazier, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Instagram Instagram.com/author_natashafrazier
Twitter: twitter.com/author_natashaf
Facebook: facebook.com/craves.2012