Author Spotlight: Interview With Author Harleigh Rae

Thanks Harleigh Rae for being on my blog.

Q: Please share with my readers a little about yourself.

A: Hi, I’m Harleigh Rae, author of the blackest love stories. I’m a east coast girl, born to hard working parents who always taught me to speak up, speak out and never back down. I’m lived majority of my teens and early twenties in the fast lane, so now I’m a pretty simple woman. Reading, watching a great romance movie or series and learning about wine are how I typically spend my time when I am not engrossed in writing a new book.

Q: Tell me what inspired you to start writing.

A:I grew up in one of America’s toughest cities. My parents weren’t the richest and vacation were few and far between. So, I found my escape between the pages of books. As a girl, I lived two blocks from the library, so I spent my free time their reading about all the imaginary places. My first job was on the same block ad a Barnes and Noble and I would take my lunch break and read a book cover-to-cover. Reading was the way I stayed out of trouble. It was how I learned to focused. And it was how I learned to cope with the stress of being a young, black girl in a world that ostracized me because of everything God decided to mix into the clay He molded me from. Books were my refuge and at the age oof ten, I decided I wanted to write to do for other readers, what my favorite authors did for me, create escapes for people who just need to take a break from reality and gain some encouragement for whatever they maybe be facing.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: I started writing when I was ten. Mostly short stories. Being an independently published author has always been my goal, so I’ve slowly worked toward it since then. I was the senior editor for my middle school literary magazine, then photographer and copy writer for my high school’s yearbook for two years. Writing is just in mean and honesty, I can’t remember I time I didn’t write.

Q: In your opinion what was the hardest part of writing your books.

The hardest part of writing my books is making sure I stay true to my characters and don’t let my bias show through. I don’t agree with everything they do or say. Sometime their thought processes are a little outlandish to me, so trying to make sure they shine and not my ideals is hard.

Q: What advice would you give to an upcoming writer?

Stay true to you, your literary voice and what you want your books to stand for. If that means you have to publish independently, then do that, Never let anyone, no matter their longevity in the book industry, their popularity in the book industry or their influence. Your stories are yours. The second you start caring more about what everyone else thinks about your work than you care about what you want your work to stand for, and what you want readers to gain from reading your books, is the second you become a slave to the pen.

Q: What are you hoping people gain from reading your books?

A: With every book I write, my mission is the same and that’s to show black people that black love is real, black love is ours and black love always matters

Q: Do you have any new books coming out?

 A:Yes. A few days ago, I released a standalone short story titled "If You Were My Best Friend." Another short standalone will be releasing before the month's end titled "Coffee in the Noon."

Q. How can your books be purchased?

A: All my books are available in e-format and paperback on Amazon.

Q: What upcoming project do you have coming, that you would like to share.

A: I’m really excited about the final two books in the 'When We Were Flowers’ series. They’ll be coming April 30th and May 7th.This series was fun to write because it reminds me so much of the relationship I have with my own brother and sisters. There really is no bond like a sibling bond.  

Q: Please share your media pages for new fans that you would like to share.

I am very active on my Instagram and Twitter accounts. Also, I may be the only one, but I am also very active on my Apple Music profile. I love swapping music with my friends and discovering new-to-me artists through. Especially local and independent artists, who I would never know if I didn’t have friends from their state on my Apple Friend list. So, follow please, add me on all three if you have them. And if you don’t care for social media, my website and email list are always great places to connect with me.

My Review of Love After Loss
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I enjoyed reading it. I am so excited to read more books from Harleigh Rae. I don't know where she has been hiding. I will not spoil the book because that's one of my pet peeves. This book teaches that love can be both ugly and beautiful. Grab a blanket and a glass of wine, because this book had me totally invested in the characters.