Dead Dead Girls is the start of an exciting new historical mystery series set during the Harlem Renaissance from debut author Nekesa Afia! We chat with Nekesa about her debut, writing, book recommendations, and so much more!
Hi, Nekesa! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m a Canadian. I’m a seamstress who loves dogs, and I used to be a swing dancer as well.
How is your 2021 going in comparison to that other year?
2021 has been busier, certainly, than last year. It’s been more exciting as well. I think I’m used to the pandemic now. It’s not how I’d imagine I’d debut, but I’m grateful to be here.
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!
I was a Baby-Sitters Club girl for most of my childhood. The Harry Potter series made me want to be a writer. Currently, I cannot stop thinking about Sarah Zachrich Jeng’s upcoming release The Other Me and Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I was young when I started writing, but I didn’t take it seriously until I was in junior high. I think I fell in love with it then. Who needs math class when you have writing?
Your debut novel, Dead Dead Girls, is out June 1st 2021! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Tiny, tired lesbian solves crime.
What can readers expect?
Readers can except a dazzling 1920’s setting, a spunky protagonist and a wonderful cast of characters, and a murder mystery that will keep you up at night.
Where did the inspiration for Dead Dead Girls come from?
A couple of places! The main case is based off of the 1800s Jack the Ripper case. I chose to set it in the 1920’s because it is one of my favourite time periods. I was eager to write a mystery novel as a challenge and it was a blast.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
I had to do a lot of research, and finicky research as well. I had to spend time sussing out what a day in 1926 looks like and I had to adapt that to my novel.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I love writing dance scenes. I started swing dancing just after I started writing this novel. I loved being able to transfer that, the feeling and the love of dancing into the book, being able to have it be something Louise loves as much as I do. Aside from dance scenes, almost any scene with Louise, Rafael, and Rosa Maria. Those three are ultimate squad goals.
What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
Honestly? It was fast. I realize that my story is not the norm, but from getting an agent to getting a book deal was about six months. There was less time for me to worry, or for me to be anxious over the process, which was nice.
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Write what you know is the worst writing advice I’ve ever gotten, to an extent. I would never have written a novel about a 1920’s murder mystery if I had stuck to what I know. The best advice I’ve ever gotten is to be patient. Patience is one of the most valuable traits in publishing. Focus on your own work and be patient.
What’s next for you?
Dead Dead Girls has a sequel, when I am very excited about.
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
Yes! Some books I’ve read recently and loved are The Last Change Library by Freya Sampson, At Summer’s End by Courtney Ellis, and Time after Time by Lisa Grunwald
