ReShonda Tate Billingsley is back with another tale sure to have readers talking. I recently spoke with her about Miss Pearly’s Girls.
Tell me about your latest book.
Miss Pearly’s Girls is about long-held family secrets, truths that won’t stay hidden, and how facing the ultimate loss can force us to find our own ways to make amends and heal… Raising four very different daughters on her own in rural Arkansas wasn’t easy for Miss Pearly Bell. And she’s always regretted that the sisters went their separate ways for good—and never wanted to see each other again. But when Pearly is stricken with a terminal illness, she summons them all home—determined to somehow help them get right with each other and forgive, but that means dealing with past secrets and lies first.
As the oldest sister, pastor’s wife Maxine took her responsibility way too seriously—and never fails to judge everyone else. But a secret she can no longer keep will explode everything she stands for. Youngest sister Leslie is all about making a very different life with her new love—but she didn’t expect a shattering past truth to be suddenly revealed and uproot everything she ever thought she knew. Elegant PR professional Stella and her earthy twin, Star, don’t see eye-to-eye on anything—and now a long-ago deception could wipe out their last chance at a relationship.
Soon each sister must confront the illusions they’ve taken refuge in for so long and deal with each other woman-to-woman. But can building an all-too-fragile trust repair the damage done—and help them come together when they are needed most?
What inspired you to write it?
I am from a big, country family. I’ve learned over the years, people see “country” in a negative connotation. But I’m proud of my roots and the positive impact where I come from has on my life. So that’s the foundation for this story. The secrets and lies…well, that’s for fiction’s sake. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.) But Miss Pearly’s Girls is about running away from your roots, for whatever reason, and finding strength in family.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I have loved reading and writing for as long as I can remember. There is a picture of me at two years old with a book in my hand that I took everywhere. Other kids had a stuffed animal. I had a book.
What’s the best part of being an author?
Being able to create stories. Though I write for entertainment, I love being able to educate and enlighten people through fiction.
What’s the hardest part of being an author?
Worrying about sales. Writing the book is only half the journey. You have to get out and market, and while I enjoy touring, I don’t like the pressure of having to “sell x number of books.”
What books have you read lately and loved?
Just finished Wild Women and the Blues by Denny Brice, and I absolutely loved it. Before that, it was The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict. That was one of those “Just one more chapter before I go to bed” books. I’m currently reading Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas.
What book(s) are you most excited to read next?
I’m looking forward to diving into The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb.
Who would you cast in a movie to play your main characters?
It’s funny, I don’t cast my books in my head anymore. Having had two books made into films with actors who I would’ve never thought to cast, but who were phenomenal, I’ve learned that a talented actor can make any role his or her own. Now, if you ask, I’d personally like to work with, Michael Ealy. All day. 🙂
What’s next for you?
I’m currently working on my historical novel about Hattie McDaniel. Soooo excited about that one. I’m also working on a lot of film projects. I’m writing/producing a film that will be out later this year and working on other film projects.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m just really blessed to have longevity in this business. And I thank the readers who have supported me for more than two decades.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Miss Pearly’s Girls by ReShonda Tate Billingsley.
To learn more about ReShonda Tate Billingsley, author/journalist/speaker/producer, visit her website: www.ReshondaTateBillingsley.com