When I Think Of You...

So in love with this story...

The publishing economy we’re experiencing right now is wild. One video on one social platform can turn an unknown author into a household name. It is discouraging to many, devastating to some. What is the secret sauce? How do we get “there” (to the top, however we define that success) and how so we get there fast?

The truth is there are still people out there who earn their success the hard way. Building stories word by word. Page by page. Around the day job, the family, the stresses of life.

When I met Myah, she was in the early days of the journey. She had pages, a draft, but things weren’t quite there yet. She had every obstacle in front of her, around her, and beside her that everyone else has, and then some. Authors of color telling stories that celebrate love between non-white characters continue to face systemic and institutional racism. If you don’t think this is true, you’re out of touch with so many of the very public and very shocking scandals to rock publishing over the last three to five years. Three to five years! It’s horrifying, demoralizing, but true, friends. Our culture continues to have intense problems with anything that isn’t straight, white, and Christian.

Myah Ariel is a medical mom, has an incredibly demanding job in academia, and all the stresses you’d expect from just being alive in these days, not to mention the challenges faced by romance authors of color. And yet, Myah wrote. She revised. She critiqued with others. She accepted feedback. Considered options. Researched and wrote more. She never, ever gave up. She worked so hard that the image I have of her whenever I think of Myah is of her at her desk, glasses on, squeezing in minutes of time. But she did it. Showed up and did the work.

Yesterday, Myah’s debut novel, When I Think of You, was released by Berkeley. This book is the culmination of years of work, time, effort, knocking on doors, waiting, wanting, and even more work. The result is beautiful, uplifting, and worthy of hugs, tears, and five-star celebrations.

Here is the blurb from Amazon for Myah’s debut book:

In this sweeping second chance romance from debut author Myah Ariel, the unexpected spark of two former flames may force them to choose between their dreams and each other.

Kaliya Wilson has paid her dues. But all the years behind the reception desk at a flashy film studio have only pushed her movie-making dreams further out of reach. That is, until a surprise reunion presents an opportunity that could make her career, or break her heart…a second time. 

It’s been seven years since Kaliya’s whirlwind college romance with Danny Prescott went up in flames. While her passions have stalled, his career is taking off. So when the hot shot director reappears to offer her a job on his next production, it’s a shock to the system. Working with Danny may recapture the intensity of their film school days, but trusting him again won’t come as easily. 

As the pair allows themselves the openness and vulnerability to entrust their deepest truths to each other, the possibility of a true connection draws ever closer. But when Hollywood politics and scandal threaten to sink the production and her career, Kaliya may have to risk everything to do what’s right—even if it means letting go of the second chance love of a lifetime.

Here are a few of the celebrated reviews of Myah’s book:

“Myah Ariel breathes hope and longing into second chance romance, handles grief and loss with a deft, careful hand, and ignites the pages of this stunning debut with explosive chemistry. We are lucky to have this booming new voice in romance.” —Kennedy Ryan

“Ariel’s sensitive debut explores the experiences of people of color in Hollywood… Danny and Kaliya rediscover their old rhythms at a believable clip, making it easy to see why their relationship works, and Kaliya proves a wonderful heroine whose strength and passion in the face of adversity will have readers cheering. Ariel is an exciting new voice in romance.”—Publishers Weekly

"This debut not only contains intelligent critiques of Hollywood’s storytelling machine, but the kind of slow-burn love affair that Hollywood itself is made for."—Elle

In my practice, I’ve worked with hundreds of authors, thousands if you include my time in acquisitions. Success doesn’t come easy. But when I think of success and the most inspiring authors I know, I think of Myah Ariel. Her passion to tell an important, moving, beautiful story. Her willingness to work harder and more creatively than anyone I know. Her beautiful spirit, which makes hers not only an inspiring story but her an inspiring person to know.

Whether you’re a reader of romance, Black joy, Black art, Hollywood and cinema, or second chances at redemption, I hope you’ll give Myah’s book a read. You might just be inspired to write your own success story.