Romance author Monique Fisher is surprising readers with a new novella. I recently spoke with her about Take Care.
Tell me about your latest book.
My latest book is called Take Care. It’s a rom-com novella that centers around Amari Hawkins and Jamila Washington. He is the VP of original programming at Echo, the #1 largest streaming service in my rom-com universe, and Jamila is an aspiring actress and cabaret performer. At first glance, it would seem like they have nothing in common, but upon closer inspection, they are a lot more alike than they seem. Both take care of the people they love—hence the title—and both aren’t looking for love at the start of the book, but that changes once they meet.
Why did you decide to write it?
It’s funny because I wasn’t planning on releasing anything until the fall with my upcoming novel, Hot for Teacher, but I was chatting with Torri aka @LockdRose on Twitter, and I mentioned releasing my debut as a paperback, and she thought I was releasing something new and asked about the cover reveal. I told her I was talking about Where There is Smoke…, and from that conversation, an idea sparked. I thought, Why aren’t I releasing something new right now? so I got to work and decided to write a novella for an idea that I had been tinkering with and the result was Take Care.
What do you want readers to learn from the story?
I want readers to enjoy the story, and I want to build my audience, especially since Take Care is the introduction to my rom-com universe. I look at it as my own little rom-com MCU that will continue to grow with the Richardson Sibling trilogy (Hot for Teacher is book one in the trilogy) and beyond. So many Black book girlies have been saying that the rom-coms they’ve been reading are lacking in “rom” or lacking in “com.” My goal is to offer them stories starting with Take Care that offer a large helping of both.
When did you fall in love with the written word?
I’ve been writing in some sort of fashion since I was ten years old. The book that did it for me was Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. I think that book served as a coming of age for a lot of Black women when we were kids. Reading a book from the perspective of a Black girl who was my age at the time, written by a Black woman was mind blowing.
If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
Something involving linguistics. I love language and word origins. Teaching language in a university setting would probably be my go-to for another profession.
What’s the best part of being an author?
Constantly coming up with more ideas and stories to share.
What’s the worst part of being an author?
Probably how looked down upon the profession is. Writing in general isn’t given as much respect as it deserves. Case in point, the WGA strike that’s currently happening. I have friends that are TV writers, and it’s ridiculous that the studios, streaming services, and networks aren’t willing to budge knowing damn well that they wouldn’t have a dime without the hard work of the writers. This attitude goes beyond TV and publishing. It’s very disheartening.
What books have you read lately and loved?
All things Alexandria House. That poor woman is going to think I’m obsessed with her. The amount of time I spend retweeting and liking her posts is insane. But I can’t help it. The men in her books are top notch. Her and AE Valdez stay taking my money!
What’s next for you?
Next up is Hot for Teacher, which is coming out October 29, 2023, then I have a short story included in Best Women’s Erotica of the Year, Volume 9 which is coming out in December of this year. My story is called “Cariadon,” which is Welsh for lovers. I’m excited for everyone to read both projects. I am currently writing book two in the Richardson Sibling trilogy. It’s coming out late next year.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Thank you so much for inviting me to be interviewed. I really appreciate it. Read Black authors and don’t forget to leave us a review.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Take Care.
To learn more about romance author Monique Fisher, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
Website: https://www.moniquefisherauthor.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/FisherMofyne