Michele Sims is back with a second chance romance. I recently spoke with her about Forever Carly.
Tell me about your latest book.
Forever Carly is a contemporary second chance romance that takes place during the Christmas holidays in Charleston, South Carolina. The heroine, Dr. Caroline “Carly” Rivers, a native of Charleston, is battered and bruised from a nasty divorce and a year-long sexual harassment suit against her former supervisor, the dean of the history department at a small town liberal arts college in Maryland. She returns to Charleston during the holidays to check on her ailing Aunt Nora who had the responsibility of arranging the sale of Carly’s family home. During her visit, she discovers that the home which was sold will not be remodeled by the current owner but is marked for demolition. To add further pain to the discovery, she learns that the current owner is her former college sweetheart, Mason Moore, the heir to his family’s fortune and CEO of an international conglomerate.
Why did you decide to write it?
The book started as a short story, “Poinsettias for Carly.” I wrote the story for the first Love in the Lowcountry anthology, a project to aid the Lowcountry RWA chapter. After the readers of my story were so generous with their comments, it made me realize that Carly needed a full story. However, life intervened during the process of writing the book. I lost my dear mother, Vermell Simmons, on Christmas Eve, 2016 to cancer and my oldest son, Jonathan, in December 2021 in a car accident in Atlanta, four days before Christmas. Grief can be a thief, and I also lost my desire to write. My mother and grandmother were avid readers, and my son was also a writer and lover of words. I felt their spirits compelling me to finish the project. Focusing on completing the project helped me cope with the pain of their losses.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I write with the understanding that as human beings, we are multi-dimensional. My characters often reflect the growth that come from facing their mistakes and unique frailties. Carly, the heroine, realized that although her path crossed and became intertwined with others, we all live individual, parallel lives that make our existence with its successes and tribulations personal to us. She grieved the loss of her mother and experienced the pain of divorce but through her faith, the support from her family and friends and a renewed belief in her ability to succeed despite the odds, she found the path to the blessings in life she deserved. I hope the readers see the power of resilience.
What do you want readers to learn from your life?
I wrote the book during a difficult season in my life. The hardest part about writing the extended story began in 2022 with a renewed determination and mindset to finish the project. My thoughts were not focused at that time, and I knew I needed to reach out to others for help. I hope readers learn that there will come a time in all of our lives when we could use a little help. The writers and readers communities were there for me. Black Fiction Addiction featured Divine 9 romance writers, which included members of Alpha Kappa Alpha [Sorority], Inc. of which I’ve been a member for 43 years. I attended the One Love Reunion22 and received support from its founder, author AC Arthur and her staff. Meeting the readers in attendance, some whom had read my books, gave me an additional boost. Mama Toni and MidnightAce Scotty sent messages of condolences and support throughout that year. I also had a providential intervention after meeting fellow author Jacki Kelly years before. She introduced me to editor and author Rhonda McKnight. I requested that she edit the manuscript, but, she was already committed to other projects. She referred me to editor and author Sherri Lewis who agreed to work with me. Sherri’s editorial comments had a significant impact on the book, which ensured its completion. My life is a testimony that help is out there. We just have to ask for it.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
I had an amazing career as a psychiatrist for thirty years, but medicine is a very time-consuming profession, and it gave me little time to write. I enjoyed the one-on-one interactions with others, in the military and in the civilian sectors. I’m also pleased that there is less stigma associated with seeking help and doing what’s necessary to maintain emotional wellness.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I’ve always been an avid reader. My grandmother insisted that I could read before the age of three. I was the DJ at tea parties for her friends. They took delight in choosing 45s (records that were popular at that time) and seeing if I could play the right one. According to stories told, I always chose the right song. My parents also fostered my love of reading. There were always books in the house to enjoy.
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
Readers may find it surprising to know that I’m very curious and that I believe we all exist on a continuum between obedience and confidence. Given the choice, I would prefer an equal amount of each, but all too often, I see adults insisting that children are obedient while forgetting to foster confidence. I accepted curiosity from my children even if it looked like disobedience. Readers may not know that I don’t eat fish with the head on it, and you won’t find me at a luau. I prefer not to eat the flesh of animals looking back at me. Don’t judge me. It is what it is.
What books have you read lately and loved?
I enjoyed reading Piper Huguley’s vibrant story, By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register. The book is the incredible untold story of how Ann Lowe, a Black woman and granddaughter of those enslaved, rose above personal struggles and racial prejudice to design and create one of America’s most famous wedding dresses of all time for Jackie Kennedy. Lowe’s voice is recreated taking the reader along a journey of heartbreak to triumph.
What books are you excited to read?
I’m currently reading romance books set in the Lowcountry. I finished and enjoyed Preslaysa Williams’ book, A Sweet Lowcountry Proposal. I’m looking forward to reading Rhonda McKnight’s book, The Thing About Home a book about family, self-discovery, and forgiveness.
What’s next for you?
I sent out several ARCs for Forever Carly and I’m getting feedback that I should consider a sequel. I’ve been an indie author for the past five years. It may be time to seek an agent to help me go to the next level.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
To African American creatives, the path upward may be steep and the rewards may not be as lucrative, but keep going. To supporters of our work, I say thank you. Keep reading and keep submitting your reviews. I appreciate you. Thank you for your time and for the opportunity for this interview
How can readers reach you?
Email: michelesims2122@gmail.com
Website: authormichelesims.com
Facebook: https://bit.ly/FBMicheleSims
Twitter: https://bit.ly/MicheleSimsTwitter
Instagram: https://bit.ly/MSims_IG