To date, Janay has held many titles but her favorites are mentor, mental health advocate, and melanin storyteller. Janay’s interests include African spirituality, Astrology, tarot, spa days, and crabs. She is also the author of Hey, Brown Girl released in March 2021. If you enjoy young adult stories about melanated characters navigating love, friendships, and family; please consider sticking around for her collection of words.
Watch Janay make a SCENE!
My second novel is called Forty-two Minutes and it’s a present-day young adult thriller/suspense novel. Forty-two Minutes is the first book in the Indigo Lewis Series. Indigo is a 17-year-old Black girl struggling with mental health issues, microaggressions, and a murderous rage.
3.) What was the inspiration for this book?
I wanted this book to play on people’s shadow sides. Who are you when no one else is there to stop you? Will you always do the “right” thing? Or will your urges win and run wild?
4.) What was the hardest thing about writing this book?
It’s always the editing for me. Ugh! I hate editing but I love what my words look and sound like after a couple of editing rounds. I learn so much in the process so when I start writing I can incorporate what I’ve learned during the editing process to get it right the first time around!
5.) What was one thing you learned about yourself while writing this book?
I learned that when I am in my element and creating work, it flows effortlessly. This book wasn’t difficult to write and it took me about 3 months from plotting to finishing. When I am well-rested, well-fed, and happy, I am a creative vessel and I love what I do.
6.) What is your favorite part of Forty-two Minutes?
My favorite parts of Forty-two Minutes are scenes with Grandpa Ez. He is quirky and misunderstood but he is also such a loving presence in Indigo’s life.
7.) Describe your novel in one line.
Think Dexter meets Ace of Spades!
8.) Why did you choose to self-publish your novel?
A lot of people who’ve read this book tell me it has Netflix potential. I’m rocking with that! When the time comes to hopefully make this a movie, I want to be a part of the process every step of the way.
9.) When/where will your book(s) be available for purchase?
Forty-two Minutes and my first novel, Hey, Brown Girl can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles.com, and signed copies can be found at my website [click image below to purchase] www.naywrites.com.
10.) Where can our readers find you on social media?
Tik Tok: @AuthorJanay
Facebook: @naywritesmelanin
11.) Do you have a website?
Audra Russell is a blogger, freelance writer, and published author. She holds two undergraduate degrees in journalism as well as a Master of Science degree in Education. She also completed the Wesleyan University online Creative Writing Specialization course series.
She is an avid reader and writer’s advocate. Her passion for promoting the works of up-and-coming authors inspired her to create her podcast, Between the Reads, as well as her website, Read It Black to Me. Her debut novel, BLOOD LAND, was published on August 29, 2020, as her fiftieth birthday gift to herself. She lives in Maryland with her husband of more than 20 years, her 3 amazing children, a 12-year-old perpetual puppy, two dueling cats, and her lone surviving chicken of 8 years who she affectionately renamed Gloria (she will survive!)
