Author J.B. Vample is back with another romance you’re sure to love. I recently spoke with her about If At First.
Tell me about your latest book.
If At First follows Halo and Levi, who are former college sweethearts that reconnect eleven years later when Levi takes the position of finance director at Halo’s job. The unexpected reunion forces them to face their tense past while eventually rekindling their relationship in the midst of past emotional trauma and family secrets. This is a second-chance Black romance that I absolutely love.
Why did you decide to write it?
To be honest, I didn’t exactly plan on writing this story next. It just so happened that while I was working on another one of my WIPs, this story and its characters bombarded my thoughts and imagination so much that I started writing. Needless to say, I fell in love with it.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
While I love both the FMC [female main character] and MMC [male main character], I’ll have to go with my girl Halo. She’s beautiful, educated, successful, has a sharp tongue and has zero tolerance for BS. And under that tough exterior, she’s sensitive and loving and just wants the happiness that she deserves. Which is a woman after my own heart.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
I wouldn’t say that any part was particularly hard for me to write, but I will say that there were some emotional moments in this story that really tugged at me. I won’t spoil anything, but both Levi and Halo had to deal with some pretty heavy moments on their journey back together. With me being so immersed in the story, it had my feelings on a roller coaster.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would be the title and why?
Oh wow, that’s a great question and one that I honestly never thought about. But I’d say, that the title would be, Never Say Die. Throughout my life, no matter what I’ve been through, I’ve been determined to achieve my dreams, no matter how hard the journey.
What would you tell your 16-year-old self?
I would tell my 16-year-old self that the talent you wish you had was always within you. Your ability to tell stories is your gift, and that gift produced twelve published books and counting.
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
When I was a child, I was heavily fascinated with the solar system, and Saturn was my favorite planet because of its rings.
Tell me about a book that changed your life and why.
I’ve read many books throughout my life that have enhanced my love of reading and the art of storytelling, from YA, thriller, etc. So it’s hard to pinpoint one in particular. But I’ll say that my introduction to the romance genre as a new adult was made through the work of the late, great Eric Jerome Dickey. Friends and Lovers being one of the first romance novels that I read. Needless to say, that was the start of my love of Black romance.
What’s next for you?
Aside from promoting and doing book signings for If At First, and getting back to one of my four WIPs, I plan on jumping into script writing. The goal for the end of this year will be to write a pilot TV series episode for my College Life Series, and/or write a move script for one of my romance novels.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
Just that I appreciate you taking the time to interview me. Thank you so much.
Use the Black Fiction Addiction affiliate link to purchase your copy of If At First by J.B. Vample.
To learn more about J.B. Vample, visit her website or connect with her on social media.
website: Jbvample.com
Facebook: Author J.B. Vample
Instagram: @jbvample
Threads: @jbvample
TikTok: j.b._vample