Jade Olivia Black Indie Author Highlight

We are back with another Black Indie Author Highlight and this week we are shining our spotlight on contemporary indie author Jade Olivia who released her debut novel A Month of Sundays this past summer. Since her debut, Jade has been seen at Dear Black Love with Nikki Blair in Washington DC and on The Get Caught Up Podcast. If you missed her there, y'all can catch her at The Black Romance Book Festival next year in Atlanta Georgia. Now, without further ado, let’s get to know Jade Olivia! 

Question: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an author? 

Answer: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t start taking my pursuit as an author seriously until about 6 or 7 years ago. I wrote my first book as a challenge (it wasn’t good. Lol), then I wrote some more and a little more. Until I finally wrote something that felt different than what I had written before. I got serious SERIOUS after that and published my debut soon after.

Q: Can you share a bit about the main characters in your book and what readers can expect from their journey?

A: Imani and DeAndre are my babies :) Imani's a visual artist/creative who’s extremely talented but doesn’t have full confidence in her gift. DeAndre helps her realize how special she is because he has a LOT of confidence. I love when a story comes to me of a man pouring into his woman and DeAndre definitely does that for Imani. Readers can expect a love that’s a bit of a slow build. But, when they finally step into their desire for each other, their story and the lessons they learn really kick off. 

Q: What is your typical writing routine or process like?

A: My writing process is pretty all over the place if I try to explain it, but it’s starting to make sense to me. LOL. I used to obsess over finding the “right” process from my peers and advice I’d get online (I still like being nosy and learning about how other people work), but it got way too overwhelming. I had to just be honest with myself - I have to take a lot of notes, both before I officially start and while I’m writing an official manuscript; I edit as I go and I have to take a few breaks in between - and work with my brain instead of fighting against it. 

Q: How do you approach the creation of your characters? Do they evolve as you write, or do you have a clear vision from the start?

A: I usually have a pretty clear idea of at least one of the characters I’m working on. That character is an anchor for me and the others fall into place for me after that. I will say that the characters who are anchors are typically the most dominant and/or have the most to lose. For instance, DeAndre was pretty clear from the beginning for me. I knew he was this guy who had just about everything he could imagine except the only woman he’s truly ever wanted. Once I understood who this woman was, Imani came to me - not as an answer to his problems. But, as the person who’d challenge him the most. 

Q: Why do you write the genre you write?

A: I enjoy contemporary romance because I enjoy watching people grow as individuals while being partnered. I think there’s this misconception that people who are fully secure, confident and headstrong are the ones who can truly love or be loved. To me, that idea undermines the fact that we need each other as human beings, no matter where we are in our lives. We literally wouldn’t have been able to evolve without each other. There are also about 35,687 ways to express and show love to someone. Lol. I love that the genre challenges me to understand how these people who seem totally different from each other on paper can make sense to each other. 

Q: What is your favorite thing about being an Indie Author?

A: Aside from the readers who take the time to read my work, the author community has been the best part of being an indie author. Just witnessing how my peers are disrupting the industry and staying creative. It baffles me when I hear people make short-sighted comments about independently published work. This space is constantly growing, changing, and building upon itself. It’s really overwhelming to think about sometimes. But, even if you’re only able to connect with one other author for some reason, community growth is tangible and possible. 

Q: Who are some authors or books that have had a significant impact on your writing?

A: This list can be massive. But, I’ll give you my top four: Nia Forrester, Joan Vassar, Takerra Allen, and Tracy Brown. If I’m rereading books, it likely includes works from at least one of these women, depending on the season I’m in. Their styles are completely different, which I love (RIP Tracy). And, I can’t explain it, but they just feel like writers who do it even if they don’t publish everything they’re working on. Just writing and dedicating themselves to the craft for the sake of it. Their dedication shows with the projects they release. 

Q: When you're not writing, how do you spend your time? 

A: I’m a mom, wife, and work on being present in the moment. It’s hard to do. Lol. But, I try to unplug when I can to recharge. 

Thank you so much Jade for allowing me the opportunity to highlight you and allow people to learn more about you. I look forward to seeing what the upcoming year has in store for you and if y’all want to keep up with Jade, hit the link below and make sure to follow all her socials! 

Jade Olivia