Christmas is coming, and there are holiday parties to attend or shopping to do. But if you want to get away from it all and curl up with a good book, I’ve got an author you’ll want to meet. I had a chance to interview Lyndell Williams. She is a cultural critic with a background in literary criticism specializing in romance. She is the managing editor of the NbA Muslims blog on Patheos and a cultural contributor for Radio Islam USA. Her novel, My Way To You, is an interracial romance that takes on controversial topics head-on. I had a chance to talk with her about her writing routine, what future subjects and projects she will tackle, and what writing romance means to her.

Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you. 

Lyndell Williams: I have two must-haves when I’m writing. I make myself a huge pot of coffee before hitting the keyboard. It’s not for the caffeine, not entirely. My mind switches gears into writing mode whenever I set a mug on my desk. I’m not sure how it works, but I’m sure glad it does.

I also need to have my earbuds to block out hubby, our six kids and the world. The playlist varies, depending on the type of writing I’m doing at the time. When writing a novel, the plot and character often drive the tunes pumping. For example, while writing my new book, My Way to You, I listened to a lot of Latino tunes like Pitbull, Nicky Jam, J Blavin, Enrique Iglesias.

With the new novel I’m working on, Eminem has taken over my playlist. I don’t know why, but it seems like the characters vibe him because they come out to play with him booming.

What subjects would you like to write about in future projects? 
Lyndell Williams: I’m presently in the process of outlining a non-fiction work about American Muslim romance fiction. American Muslims are increasingly contributing adult romances to the genre, which is a shift away from the usual YA and children’s book that dominate the American Muslim literary canon. I want to address romance along intersections of race, faith, gender, and nationality. I can’t wait to delve into it.

What is writing to you in one sentence?

Lyndell Williams: Writing is stamping your mind, heart and soul onto humanity.My W

My Way To You is an interracial romance that isn’t shy when it comes to conflict. Simon Young is swept away by his best friend’s sister, Regina. He becomes involved with the beautiful social justice writer, Regina Kent, risking his friendship to follow his heart. Regina, cannot stay away from the gorgeous Simon, and they plunge into an affair keeping their love hidden from her brother and a world that might not except them. Will they survive the pressures that pull them apart?

My Way To You is available at Amazon.com.

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Way-You-Brothers-Law-Book-ebook/dp/B07K3PZXHY

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/My-Way-You-Brothers-Law/dp/1684116473

For more information on Lyndell Williams, please visit her website.