All urban lit authors are not equal. While the market has grown over saturated with new authors, Sa’Rese proved she had what a most lack-originality. Following the success of her critically acclaimed 2009 debut novel Stripping Asjiah, Sa’Rese returns to literary game with her highly anticipated sequel after a two year hiatus. Despite her hectic schedule, we managed to get a hold of her for few minutes to discuss her new book, her relationship with her publisher, and future plans.
Your debut novel is extremely popular, did you feel any pressure when writing the sequel?
Absolutely. I knew that I was going to have to top Stripping Asjiah and as a first time author I would be under extreme scrutiny. That was pressure in and of itself. Factor in me being my own worst critic and I almost drove myself crazy.
How would you describe your process in developing characters that seem so realistic?
To be honest, I don’t have a process. There are several people like Cash in the world but no one cares to speak about them. No one wants to discuss the harsh realities that someone like him brings it your life. The characters in my book come from life experiences, people I know or have known… perhaps I am Asjiah. I wrote in a way where my reader has to question whether it’s fiction or fact.
During your hiatus, you spent time performing as a spoken word artist. Was it an difficult transition?
Not at all, I’ve always written poetry. The year Stripping Asjiah dropped (June 2009) I made my first appearance at an open mic. Since then I have been featured at various venues. It was challenging at first because I talk fast so I had to work on my delivery but I’ve come along way since then. I’ve honed my skills and gotten comfortable with being on stage.
So, what can readers expect regarding Asjiah’s evolution in Blood Money?
The reader’s can expect Asjiah to come into her own in Blood Money. She is far removed from the girl we met in the first book. Reality has forced her to grow up faster than she would of wanted and she is left with no one to depend on but herself. Readers will get to go along with her as she experiences pregnancy, prepares for college and learns the true meaning of “survival of the fittest”
You have achieved a great amount of success in a short time in urban lit, do you have an plans in other aspects of the entertainment industry?
Success? Me? Nah, no one knows who I am. I still have plenty more books to write; I’m actually working on my third/fourth novel as we speak. I would like to get into writing plays, maybe short films, I think that would be cool. I would love to make it into a wider forum with spoken word, but only time will tell. My mind is constantly on fast forward so I would be willing to take on anything.
Word in the street was that you were having some trouble with your publisher. Can we take the release of Blood Money as a sign that everything has worked out for the best?
I wouldn’t call it trouble. I just have an extremely strong personality and I care about my work. Some people are able to detach themselves from their art and keep it moving. I’m not that kind of person. I like to be as hands on with anything that my name is attached to as much as I can be. The release of Blood Money means that my relationship with La’ Femme is as professional as it should be in order to do what’s best for both parties and that’s to sell books.
Will your next book continue the saga or will you move in an completely different direction?
I plan to go in a completely different direction with my third book. However, I wrote Blood Money in a way that leaves the door open for me to continue the saga but I’ll let my fan base decide. If they demand more, I’ll give them what they want.
