Three women form an unbreakable bond in a sexy, suspenseful, and adventurous novel about empowerment and sisterhood through thick and thin.
We chat with author A.C. Arthur about her new novel The After Party, along with writing, book recommendations, and more!
Hi! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello. Each time I’m asked this question, my default is to say, “Oh, there’s not much to tell.” LOL But then I remind myself that I’m a mom, wife, Nana, judicial assistant and an author. I’m also a Criminal Minds addict which is probably what I should’ve started with.
As the year draws to a close, how has 2021 been for you?
An emotional roller coaster, is the best way to describe this year. However, I’m a firm believer that all things happen for a reason. I’m thrilled to have another new book releasing and count that as a blessing.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I was a junior in high school when I entered my first, and only writing contest. I won! But that was mainly because I was the only one who entered. LOL I’m always going to brag about winning though. In the end, that contest showed me that people (namely, the five teacher panel of judges) were interested in what I had to say. I’d always been an avid reader and often found myself wanting to re-write parts of the books I read. Writing my first short story came a few years later, but once I let my co-worker read it and saw how much she enjoyed it, I continued to write more.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
- Are you there God, it’s me Margaret? By Judy Blume is the first book I remember reading.
- Star by Nora Roberts is the one that made me want to become an author.
- Waiting To Exhale by Terri McMillan is the one that has stuck with me the longest.
Your new novel, The After Party, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Empowering, mysterious, funny, entertaining, and uplifting.
What can readers expect?
At heart, this book is about friendship and sisterhood. Women holding down and uplifting each other in very trying times. Just like in life, there are funny times in this story and there are really emotional times on the business and personal fronts.
Where did the inspiration for The After Party come from?
My inspiration for The After Party came from two movies that I thoroughly enjoyed: 9 to 5 and Girls Trip. Throughout both movies there was the theme of friendship and sisterhood that I admired throughout all the hilariously funny escapades. There was this underlying emotional component in each movie that added an extra layer that I knew I wanted to capture in my story.
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was writing a relevant story that still embodied both the inspiration movies. I needed to figure out how to be true to the essence of both and still tell a story that would resonate with readers today. When I allowed myself to focus on experiences I had or knew of co-workers having, and current situations in the Black community, I was able to navigate the path this story would take.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love all three of these ladies! (That was the easy answer. LOL) When I began writing Venus was my favorite. Her storyline came to me first and I wanted to make sure that I captured all the reasons she was the bossy, know-it-all her co-conspirators thought she was. But by the end of the book Draya held the biggest spot in my heart because of her resilience, confidence and that fragile vulnerability that she fought hard to hide from the world.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
The best writing advice I’ve ever received was to write the story you want to tell.
The worst is any advice, outside of the craft of writing, that tells me how to write my stories.
What’s next for you?
My next women’s fiction book titled, Happy Is On Hiatus will be released in May 2022. In the meantime, Christmas In Evergreen: Bells Are Ringing is my newest heartwarming contemporary romance release written under my pen name, Lacey Baker.
Lastly, what have your favourite reads of 2021 been?
Seven Days In June by Tia Williams, Christmas In Rose Bend by Naima Simone, People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry, Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane and Pretty Things by Janelle Brown
