Get ready to learn more about the book Sunflower in this discussion with sapphic author Aricka Alexander.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Aricka Alexander about Sunflower, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Single Parent Romance category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Sunflower?
I wrote this story because I wanted to create a character that possessed all the qualities of a Sunflower even though she wasn’t aware of it yet. Once she meets the love interest, they constantly show her how strong and resilient she is; how beautiful she is. Also, I was raised by a single mother and can relate to what Autumn and her daughter are going through.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
My favorite character in the book is Autumn. She is the main character and she’s strong, independent, and has a heart of gold. She does have a few similarities to me but I wanted her to be a representation of the kind of person I want to be as I get older.
What part of Sunflower was the most fun to write?
The part of the book that was most fun to write was all of the flirting between Autumn and Winter. It was really cute and I constantly had a smile on my face whenever they got to interact.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
This is actually book one of a 4-part series called The Love Flower Series. It follows the love story of Autumn and Winter. However, there is also a direct sequel coming out on June 1st called Hyacinths and Hydrangeas. It’s told from Autumn’s daughter (Sydney) point of view and follows her during her first year of college.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“My eyes move back up to meet hers and I’m, once again, lost in the pool of honey that drips from them.”
What is your writing process like?
I’m more of a pantser. I tend to plan the general stuff regarding the details of the characters and settings, but when it comes to the actual story, I sit down at my laptop and type whatever comes to mind.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
My favorite snack to have while writing is definitely chips. I love anything that is spicy, sweet, and kettle-cooked.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
Usually, when I’m writing emotional or difficult scenes, it’s something similar to something I went through. For example, the main character of once of my books visiting her grandma’s grave or her dealing with very bad social anxiety. When it comes to scenes like that, I just think back to how I was feeling in those moments. Sometimes I end up crying, but I also feel accomplished once I’m done.
What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?
I really love Natasha Bishop and how she can get readers fully invested in the story to the point where they want to talk about her books on TikTok or Instagram. I love how she writes the romance in her books and certain scenes. She’s just really great and I admire her a lot.
Have you ever hated one of your characters?
Yes, there is a character in Sunflower and the other books in the series that was written the way he was so people could hate him. My intention was to use him to showcase all of the bad qualities of a certain person in my life.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I really love reading romance novels, preferably ones with BIPOC main characters. When I was younger, I read nothing but Young Adult novels, but that changed as I got older.
Do you only read books in one genre or do you genre hop?
I really love happy endings so I tend to read romance novels the most out of anything. However I do enjoy a good dystopian novel ever once in a while.
