I actually got the idea from this other book I’m currently working on about a teenage girl band.

Blaque Ace – 29 June 2024

The Back Flap

It’s smut with a little bit of plot!

Nessie Howard is an aspiring actor trying to break free of the life mapped out for her. When the gig of a lifetime turns into an absolute nightmare, she meets Chance Camden, a rich white boy with a voracious appetite she doesn’t quite mind. What was supposed to be a one time thing leads to Nessie getting swept up in a world of New York elites and debutantes with vendettas.

Nessie knows she’s way in over her head but Chance is fast becoming a drug she’s addicted to. And with the threat of their erotic transaction blossoming into something more, she finds herself making a choice that could very well change the course of her entire existence. But she knows that whichever choice she ends up making, someone’s gonna get hurt — and that someone could very well be her.

Follow Nessie and Chance as they weave through the trials of love, sex and friendships that spawns into found family, knowing the only way they can get by is to give themselves A Chance for Happiness.

About the book

What is the book about?

My book is titled A Chance For Happiness and it’s a romance starring a curvy black girl as she navigates the ins and outs of dating while trying to achieve her dreams.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing the book last year in December.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about six months to write from start to finish.

Where did you get the idea from?

I actually got the idea from this other book I’m currently working on about a teenage girl band. The supporting characters in that actually inspired this book and it’s kind of an origin story of some sorts.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes! The sex scenes. I’m asexual and sex as a concept doesn’t really appeal to me but it’s what sells so I have to incorporate it into my book. The sex scenes took me almost four tries to get it right and a part of me doesn’t even feel it comes to par but who am I to judge?

What came easily?

Writing Nessie, the Main Character, and her dynamic with other characters, especially the other queer characters. That was fun and I’d gladly do it all over again.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

They are entirely fictitious. Any resemblance to anyone living is simply a coincidence.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Chimamanda Adichie is a Nigerian award-winning author I have been reading since I was a kid. She has a way with prose that I can only hope to achieve in my lifetime.

Do you have a target reader?

Not particularly but if I have to choose, I’d say young adults to new adults, considering the age range of my characters.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Yes, I do. It basically involves me sitting still in my room with the curtains closed until something random pops in my head and I jot it down.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do actually. It’s basically chapter headings and about ten to twenty sentences depending on how long I want the chapter to be.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Something in between. I edit when I have writer’s block. It’s basically my way of forcing inspiration to come. It also helps me clear my head and focus on what comes next.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No, I don’t but I hope to in the future.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I usually listen to RnB or rap music or Pop on most days. Basically anything by Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Chloe x Halle, Victoria Monet and Ariana Grande.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

 No, I didn’t.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was more of a gradual process stemming from my frustrations of how hard it is to break into trad publishing.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I created the cover myself using a combination of tools on Canva. It’s not perfect but I’m proud of it.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Currently, I’m winging it but I’m also trying to promote on social media and build an ARC team. So far, so good.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I’d say go for it. It’s scary and can be overwhelming but there is no feeling like seeing your book go out into the world to find its target audience.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria.

Where do you live now?

I still live in Lagos, which makes it a little bit harder as an indie author.

What would you like readers to know about you?

That I’m a Black queer woman who’s not afraid to tackle issues most would prefer swept under the carpet. Also that I’m a Gemini.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on several books at the moment but the most prominent is the sequel to A Chance For Happiness, titled Happiness Takes A Chance.

End of Interview:

For more from Blaque Ace visit her website and follow her on Facebook.

Get your copy of A Chance for Happiness from Amazon US or Amazon UK.