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At just 28, Zara L. Thompson is navigating the exciting chaos of her new life. With a bestselling novel on the shelves, a TV adaptation of her book in development (which she is co-writing), and an upcoming wedding, she’s experiencing a whirlwind of success. Just two years ago, however, she was an assistant editor at a publishing house, helping others achieve their dreams of becoming published authors.
Zara’s debut novel, The Other Black Woman, draws from her own experiences. The protagonist, Nia, grows up in suburban Connecticut with aspirations of becoming an editor. However, upon securing a coveted position at a major publishing firm, she realizes she’s one of the few Black employees, encountering microaggressions and subtle (and not so subtle) racism daily. But Zara’s journey diverges from Nia’s when Nia starts receiving ominous, anonymous messages at work, leading her into a bizarre and unsettling realm. Zara, on the other hand, left her job to write Nia’s story.
We caught up with Zara to discuss her writing journey, the inspiration behind her book, and what lies ahead.
Q: Like Nia, you began your career in publishing. Did that serve as the initial inspiration for your story?
A: My inspiration came from various sources, but working in publishing definitely played a significant role. I was an assistant editor, and one incident pushed me to start writing the book. I encountered another Black woman in the restroom at work and felt confused because I thought I was the only one in the office. I thought we could have a conversation, but nothing happened. I returned to my desk pondering that awkwardness, which led me to create Nia and Hazel—characters navigating a predominantly white workplace.
That moment sparked something in me, but I’d been contemplating the experience of being one of the very few Black individuals in publishing for a long time. My upbringing in Connecticut mirrored Nia’s; most of my childhood friends were white, so I was intrigued by the dynamics of navigating such spaces.
Q: How did your experience in the publishing industry influence your writing process?
A: Working in publishing was a unique journey. Before I had a publisher, I submitted my manuscript to the very imprints I had been part of at Penguin Random House. I remember stepping into the office I once worked in and seeing familiar faces; it was surreal. I was unsure if the industry would embrace my narrative, especially after an agent suggested I “change the industry.” Luckily, I had many positive discussions with publishers who resonated with my story, validating my experiences.
Q: How did you balance writing for both Black and non-Black audiences?
A: I aimed to connect with both audiences. While writing, I focused primarily on Black women—those who have been the only Black person in a room or have had conversations about Black hair at work. It was vital to maintain the story’s integrity, especially with references specific to Black American culture. I ensured there were enough clues for readers unfamiliar with certain cultural aspects, which has led to many readers expressing their desire to learn more about topics like 4C hair.
Q: The book blends the realities of being Black in the workplace with horror and thriller elements. Why did you choose this approach?
A: I’ve always loved horror, from Twilight Zone to Goosebumps. When I started writing The Other Black Woman, I watched a documentary titled Horror Noire, where Tananarive Due stated that “Black history is Black horror.” This idea resonated with me deeply. Black representation in the horror genre is often lacking, so I wanted to merge these genres to address societal issues in a way that’s engaging and thought-provoking.
Q: Is Nia’s name a nod to Nella Larsen?
A: Yes, Nia is named after Nella Larsen. I was reading Passing while writing this book, which explores two Black women navigating white spaces in 1920s Harlem. The similarities between Nia and Larsen’s characters are striking, as they both grapple with identity and societal expectations.
Q: How did you become a writer?
A: Writing has been a passion since childhood, influenced by my father, a writer and journalism professor. I won a writing contest at 11 for American Girl magazine, which encouraged me to pursue writing seriously. My time in publishing allowed me to engage with other writers and develop my voice. Eventually, I decided to leave my job to focus on my novel, finishing it in under a year.
Q: How did the pandemic affect you?
A: Surprisingly, my experience during the pandemic was manageable, largely due to having my book to focus on. However, events surrounding George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were emotionally exhausting. Those experiences influenced my writing, particularly in enhancing scenes to reflect personal grief and social commentary.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: I recently enjoyed Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. The characters and storyline are captivating, and it resonates with my own experiences as a Black writer. I also loved The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton and The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy, both of which are brilliantly crafted and thought-provoking.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I’m currently working on the TV pilot for The Other Black Woman, co-writing it with Rashida Jones. It’s an exciting learning experience as we re-imagine the characters and story for a new medium.
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Summary
Zara L. Thompson’s debut novel, The Other Black Woman, explores the intersection of race and workplace dynamics through a horror lens. Drawing from her own experiences in publishing, Zara combines cultural commentary with traditional horror tropes. As she transitions to co-writing the TV adaptation of her book, she continues to engage with themes of identity, race, and the complexities of navigating predominantly white spaces.