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Welcome Back!
Ladii Nesha, it's always a pleasure to connect with you. How have you been, especially with the buzz around "Finally Famous"?
Thank you so much for having me back! I’ve been great, thank you for asking. Listen, the buzz with Finally Famous took me by surprise. Like I know that it was good because I worked hard on it, but to see it take off the way it did shocked me. The amount of love and shoutouts has been amazing!
Every author has unique writing quirks or rituals. Can you share one of yours that's been consistent throughout your journey?
At first I didn’t have one, but I was introduced to character aesthetic boards from Qiana of HopefulHearbreakers and I’m hooked. Before I start a book, I listen to music and browse Pinterest for pictures and phrases that fit my current project.
How do you typically celebrate the moment you type "The End" on a manuscript?
I take a deep breath lol. Getting to the end is a journey and I’m always so overwhelmed by it so I take a couple of breaths…and then go buy something lol.
Your literary journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Can you share a pivotal moment or turning point in your career that you feel defines your path as an author?
I think after the Bambi series I knew that it was real. I started gaining more readers and I remember thinking ‘ok, this is the real deal. I’m an author.” Then when some of my favorite authors told me they read my book, I almost died.
The title of our interview hints at a journey through words and dreams. How have your personal dreams and aspirations evolved with each book you've written?
I believe with every story I’m trying to top the last. Go a little deeper, explore new topics, make the next book a little longer. My goal is always to grow and I believe I’m doing just that.
"Finally Famous" has garnered significant attention. What dreams and aspirations did you pour into this particular work?
With this story, loyalty was the topic and I think so many people can relate. There was also a lot of Detroit in this story. I love my city so it was only right to give the world a glimpse of my world.
How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your voice and meeting the ever-changing expectations of readers?
Honestly, I write what I want to read. As a reader, I know what I like to see in books that I love, so I take that into consideration before I start a new project.
Which of your characters, across all your books, do you feel has undergone the most profound journey, mirroring your own growth as a writer?
I don’t have one character per se, because there are a few characters whose growth my writing could mirror. There is one thing we all have in common though that helps them…a bomb support system. My characters have their families and best friends and I have my family, my editor, my ARC team, and my readers.
The literary world is vast and ever-evolving. Where do you draw inspiration from, especially when crafting a new story?
The world. I pick up inspiration from everywhere. I can be watching TV and the commercial catches my eye and my mind starts to wander or out at a concert and the vibe has me reaching for my phone to jot down a couple of notes.
How do you handle moments of doubt or writer's block? Are there dreams or aspirations that pull you out of those moments?
Writer's block. Two little words that seem to hold so much power if you let it. I’m starting to think it’s my brain's way of telling me to take a break. Sometimes it’s for days and other times months. I have a bigger picture in mind, so I’m learning to take my time and give myself grace.
With such a rich tapestry of stories behind you, are there any themes or messages you still dream of exploring in future works?
Yes, I still have so many tropes I want to explore. I love erotica and the more I read, the more I want to write my own. It’ll have a Ladii Nesha spin, so that’s a story within itself.
Can you share a dream or goal you have for the next phase of your literary journey?
My next goal is to put myself in the position where I can write full time. I currently work during the day and sometimes my writing falls to the back seat.
How do you envision the impact of your work on readers? Is there a particular dream or feeling you hope to evoke in them?
I’ve had a few readers tell me that my novels have gotten them through rough times. Not that it’s life-changing, but provided a temporary vacation where they could laugh at something that was said or fight a fictional character to relieve some stress. Those are the feelings I hope to evoke from every reader…whether it’s laughter or irritation, I made you feel something with the power of my worlds and that’s always the goal.
Looking back at your earlier works, like the "Bambi Series", how do you feel your writing has evolved, and what dreams have been realized since then?
Whew! Bambi, lol. I think I’ve grown a lot since Bambi. Don’t get me wrong, it was a great series, but I believe my writing has grown. I’m now digging deeper into the characters. I’ve learned how much light to give my supportive characters and I know when it’s time to turn up the drama. I’ve realized that my characters can be funny, but they can be just as real, with real-life problems.
The world of publishing and promoting books is complex. How have your dreams and strategies shifted in navigating this aspect of your career?
At first, I was just focused on the writing. Talking to people made me nervous and I was no good at marketing my book. With each book, I’m getting better. I use Canva a lot to create promo and social media avenues to market. So basically as much time as I spend writing, I know that I need to set time aside to market and make myself visible.
What feedback or reader response has deeply touched you or made you feel like you're realizing your dream as an author?
I had a reader inbox me to thank me for my gift. She said she was in a bad place and needed a laugh so she grabbed my book. For me, that meant a lot because I was able to shine a little light when she needed it the most. That was a big deal for me and I’m happy she reached out. There are times when I doubt myself, but moments like that make it all worthwhile.
Are there any upcoming projects or dreams you're currently nurturing and can give us a hint about?
Right now, I’m coming down off the high from Finally Famous and my mind is everywhere. I have two stories I’m currently working on, so I don’t know which one will win lol. I will say that one of them is a spin-off, but this character is so complex that his story is heavy and I don’t know how far I’ll get before I need a break.
In the vast landscape of literature, where do you dream of seeing your legacy as an author?
So a quick story…My daughter knows that I'm an author and she tells everybody and she carries around a notebook with my name on it. A girl in her class saw the notebook and told my daughter that her mom has all my books and reads them all the time. My daughter was so excited that she promised her classmate that she would introduce her mother to me. I thought that was so funny, but it made my heart so full. My daughter is so proud of me and little does she know this is all for her. As for my legacy, I want it all. I want the book tours and billboards in Times Square. I want the movie deals and to sit on the set while my books play out in front of me. I want my writing mentioned in rooms with the greats. I want my daughter to reap the benefits of my labor and I want my legacy to live long after I’m gone.
Book Review
"Finally Famous" by Ladii Nesha is a riveting tale that encapsulates the essence of loyalty, love, and the harsh realities of fame. The author, known for her creative prowess and ability to craft realistic characters, has outdone herself with this latest release.
The book cover, a fiery representation of the story within, immediately captures the reader's attention, setting the stage for the tumultuous journey that awaits. Ladii Nesha's signature style of infusing humor into her narratives is evident, providing a much-needed respite from the intense drama that unfolds.
Rahlo, our protagonist, is the epitome of loyalty. His dedication to his so-called best friend, recently released from jail, is both commendable and frustrating. The jealousy and resentment emanating from the friend are palpable, serving as a stark contrast to Rahlo's genuine nature. The author masterfully portrays the internal conflict Rahlo faces as he grapples with his friend's true colors.
Taylor, our female lead, is a breath of fresh air. Her confidence and refusal to conform to society's standards for plus-size women are both empowering and inspiring. Her relationship with Rahlo is a testament to the power of love and acceptance, as they both find solace and understanding in each other's arms.
The dynamics between Rahlo and his family, particularly his selfish mother and caring sister, add another layer to the story, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships. The betrayal and heartache experienced by the characters are a stark reminder of the price one may pay for misplaced loyalty.
The narrative is expertly woven, allowing readers to delve deep into the lives of each character before their paths converge. The addition of Taylor's best friend is the cherry on top, providing the perfect balance to Taylor's character and further enriching the story.
In conclusion, "Finally Famous" is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Ladii Nesha has once again proven why she is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world, delivering a story that is sure to leave a lasting impact on its readers.
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