Black Fiction Addiction

Author Leslie J. Sherrod Talks ‘Housebroken’

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Author and therapist Leslie J. Sherrod is back with a new novel that’s been more than 20 years in the making. I recently spoke with her about Housebroken.

Tell me about your latest book.
Housebroken follows a young newlywed through her first year of marriage. Too often in books and movies, wedding scenes are the final chapter, the grand finale of a character’s arc. Housebroken picks up from where stories typically end. The big wedding is at the beginning of Selena Wayland’s story, which focuses on the immediate aftermath after her walk down the aisle. What’s waiting for Selena following the honeymoon are unexpected challenges from in-laws, ex-relationships, and more—all against the backdrop of a “gifted” money pit of a home. Fixing up the physical disaster of her house parallels the shambles that come about as she learns her husband’s secrets and even begins questioning his judgment and sanity. Readers get to see the dynamics of intrusive extended family, friendship breakdowns, communication mishaps, and the hope of faith with a light, comedic tone. The goal is to bring humor and a breath of fresh air to the realities of the newlywed journey.

Why did you decide to write it?
I began writing Housebroken nearly twenty years ago when I was a newlywed myself. My husband and I celebrated 25 years of matrimony this past June. The story is in no way biographical, but I do believe as a wife (and a therapist), there are common themes that can come up in relationships that need to be worked through. We often hear about money and children being points of conflict, but what about learning more about your partner’s past? Does that impact the present? What about adjusting to and merging household routines and tasks, or figuring out the role of friends and extended family in a couple’s daily life? Marriage ideally should be a joyful journey of mutual benefit between spouses who serve as a safe place and refuge for each other in an often dark and dreary world. How do couples intentionally make this happen from day one after saying those sacred vows? Though I started the story twenty years ago (and had to keep updating technology in the scenes, lol), I could not shake off the premise of shaping “two into one” and the oft not discussed process this takes in the beginning months of marriage. After writing and having several other books published, I circled back to this one, and here we are today.

What do you want readers to learn from the story?
My hope is that readers will find a funny, light and enjoyable read that offers nuggets of wisdom on relationships and spiritual growth. I want readers to be thoroughly entertained, but also leave the pages feeling a bit more empowered to reflect on what factors and actions can make marriages work. Too often, especially for women growing up in church, there is this idea presented that if you follow a spiritual equation of quiet time devotions and obedience to Christ, that will equal an automatic blessing of a perfect man and a perfect marriage with all the so-called benefits that come with it (finances, intimacy, friendship, etc.). Welp, quiet time devotions and obedience to Christ equal help with the tests and trials that are guaranteed to come, regardless of who you are or what you believe. For some marriages, the tribulations and trauma are internal as couples struggle with and against each other. For other marriages, the problems are external as couples must team up to seemingly fight the world around them together. Marriage offers the opportunity to not only grow as couples, but as individuals as we choose to approach life and love with humility, acts of service, and healthy communication. Ultimately, I hope readers walk away from the story knowing their voice and vision matters and impacts their most important relationships—and that they do not have to figure everything out on their own. Grace is ever present to help and guide, if we are open and willing.

When did you fall in love with the written word?
A second-grade writing assignment is where it all began for me. I had to draw a picture and then describe it with a few sentences. I don’t know why this project is so memorable to me, but I do recall the thrill I felt finding power in the simple act of stringing words together to form a (very) short story. I remember loving the part of fifth-grade spelling tests where we had to use spelling words in a sentence. I probably did too much and used every adjective and adverb I knew crafting those long sentences. (I’m sorry, Miss Morrison.) When I was in middle school, I wrote notebooks full of poems and began writing short stories in college. And throughout all of this, I was reading. James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Mary Higgins Clark, Walter Mosely. Writing and literature have been such a part of my identity that I didn’t even consider that it could be an option for a career path. As I look back and realize nearly all of my electives in undergrad were English, writing, or African-American lit related, I see that me being a current social worker and therapist stands on the lessons and love I have for the written word and its power to shape and impact society. Even in my Christian faith, I love that Jesus is described as the Word and He frequently used parables (storytelling) to make the deepest spiritual truths plain. How amazing is that?

If you could pick another profession, what would it be and why?
I love this question! When I am not providing therapy sessions, working on writing, lounging around with my family, or sleeping, I am probably planning or daydreaming of a trip. Travel is therapy to me. Being able to experience first-hand cultures and vistas different from my own helps shape my imagination to see what is possible and offers retreat from my daily, stress-filled grind. And this is whether it’s walking a bridge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, or hiking a mountain near Marrakech, Morocco. I soak in the scenery wherever I am and love the challenge of making trips happen on a real-life budget. All this to say, in my mind, I’m an imaginary travel agent and retreat planner, helping open the world to others with a discount and a deal. Indeed, one of my long-term dreams is to start a travel blog. I already secured a domain name and started collecting notes and photos. One day, perhaps, it will happen.

What’s the best part of being an author?
Having an outlet for creative expression. Having moments of serendipity when it seems that all the pieces of a story come together in a way I did not foresee but which result in perfection. These are some of the best parts of being an author. The very best, though? When I get feedback from a reader that my work has impacted them; that they were entertained, empowered, or otherwise moved in spirit, in tears, or in laughter. There are no words that quite capture the feeling that you are living out your purpose and your diligent efforts have resulted in good fruit.

What’s the worst part of being an author?
Whew! Discouragement. Isolation, as this can be solitary work. Having to have thick skin as everybody is not going to like or appreciate your work or voice. Waiting. Waiting for responses, movement, or the meaning of it all. It is hard, grueling even, to be a creative and a dreamer as patience and persistence are mandatory and life and responsibilities do not always seem to align with these efforts. In full disclosure, I had reached a low point with my writing over the past few years and in some ways had walked away from it all. I stopped writing, pursuing publication, or even reading books in general as it all felt painful as I also balanced personal challenges. However, I’ve learned that when the writing spark in you is fueled by a belief that this is your God-given calling, ministry, and purpose, it becomes impossible to ignore or snuff out that flame, even if it’s down to a single flicker. So, with fear and trembling, here I am again, back to writing and promoting my books. I trust God’s timing, and the outcome is on Him. I just have to do the work I know to do, and that is to keep writing.

What books have you read lately and loved?
There are many authors I respect and by whom I am inspired. I will not begin to list them here, but I will share what is immediately next on my reading list. I love mysteries and historical fiction, so I am looking forward to sitting down to read the latest novels by Walter Mosely and Sadeqa Johnson. The last book I’ve read recently that I absolutely loved? Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson. This middle grade book was one of my children’s old school reads, and I happened upon it sitting out on a living room table. I was immediately drawn into its poetry and poignancy. My current read is one to better my writing craft, Free Within Ourselves: Fiction Lessons for Black Authors by Jewell Parker Rhodes.

What’s next for you?
After pausing a few years in my writing journey, I’m excited to be back in the saddle and ready to gallop away with both new and old ideas. I have literal floppy disks filled with the beginning pages, chapters, or even mere paragraphs of mysteries, romances, and short stories I started years ago. I look forward to having visions for entirely new ideas and starting from scratch with fresh plot lines and premises. I’m a bit partial to suspense, especially, and can’t wait to reveal some new page-turners. I’ve had the blessing of being published traditionally by several different publishing houses, from large New York imprints to boutique operations. At this stage in my writing journey, I’m taking the lessons I’ve learned and working on building my own small publishing imprint, along with my husband, to have a platform for my writing and stories. Expanding my literary offerings through our company Write on Time Publishing, LLC, is my current goal. I’ve spent the past few years developing and growing my private psychotherapy practice, so do not be surprised if you also start seeing some self-help and non-fiction books coming from me. I’ve been considering how to offer mental health wellness and support to those who are seeking to read more in this area. I have never been more excited about my writing journey as I am right now. I feel like the possibilities are endless, and I’m eager to clear the throat of my writing voice and get back to penning and publishing again.

Do you have anything you would like to add?
Yes, I want to end this time together with encouragement for whoever is reading. Listen, I’ve worn many hats over my lifetime thus far. Wife, mom, social worker. Sister, daughter, cousin, friend. I’ve had to make hard decisions, sit down and rest, get up and go, reach out for help, question, reflect, and acknowledge that I don’t have all the answers and never will. However, what I do know and believe for certain is that with all the ups, downs, responsibilities, drama and trauma that can come with life, we are all here for a reason, and changing seasons do not diminish that truth. If you have been worn out by life and are wondering if there is still purpose and potential for you, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Look at all you have been through, and you are still here with a reasonable amount of strength and sanity. That thing, that hope you had put to the side that feels like a weak vapor of a dream, refresh it. It may look different and require some tweaking and adjustments but know that the journey of your life has helped shape it to what it needs to be for today. You are responsible for being present in this moment with your gifting and brilliance, not stuck on yesterday’s heartaches or missteps or fearful of tomorrow’s unknown catastrophes that may never come to pass. Stay and do and be in the right now with all your strengths, wisdom, and talents. We need you. Refresh your hope and faith and take action on your secret, God-given dream today. Okay, that’s it.

Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of Housebroken by Leslie J. Sherrod.

To learn more about author and therapist Leslie J. Sherrod, email her, visit her website or connect with her on social media.