In her whirlwind life, 28-year-old author Zara Delaney is experiencing the excitement of her debut novel, a best-seller, along with a television adaptation in the works and an upcoming wedding. Just two years prior, she was an assistant editor in publishing, helping others achieve their writing dreams.
The Other Black Girl draws from Zara’s own experiences: the protagonist, Nella, grows up in suburban Connecticut with aspirations of becoming an editor. However, upon landing a prestigious job at a top publishing firm, she becomes one of the few Black employees, facing microaggressions and subtle racism regularly.
Zara’s journey diverges from Nella’s when the character starts receiving ominous, anonymous notes at work, leading her into a chilling and disturbing reality. Zara, on the other hand, left her job to craft Nella’s story.
Insights from Zara Delaney
In a recent conversation, Zara shared insights about her writing journey, the challenges of addressing racism in the workplace, and her creative process.
Q: Did your time in publishing inspire the story of Nella?
A: Absolutely. The idea came to me while I was working as an editorial assistant. I had a peculiar moment in the bathroom at work where I encountered another Black woman and felt an unexpected urge to connect. That moment was pivotal in prompting me to write about characters like Nella and Hazel in a predominantly white environment. My experiences of being one of the few Black individuals in publishing and my upbringing in predominantly white spaces deeply influenced the story.
Then you had to navigate the publishing process with the book you wrote. How was that?
Navigating the publishing world as a former insider was surreal. I submitted The Other Black Girl to both imprints I previously worked with at Penguin Random House. I remember walking into my old office with my agent and feeling a mixture of nostalgia and apprehension about how my book would be received. It was validating to have conversations with several publishers who resonated with my story and expressed support, especially from fellow Black professionals in publishing who appreciated my work.
Zara also touched on the challenge of writing for both Black and non-Black audiences. “I wanted my writing to resonate primarily with Black women who understand the nuances of being the only one in the room. But I also aimed to provide enough context for non-Black readers to engage with the material,” she explained.
The novel blends elements of traditional horror with the realities of being Black in the workplace. Zara, a lifelong fan of horror, noted that she wanted to explore these themes by incorporating humor and literary elements to address complex social issues.
Q: Is Nella named after the author Nella Larsen?
A: Yes! I was inspired by Larsen’s work, especially her novel Passing, which explores themes of race and identity. The parallels between my characters and Larsen’s women are striking, as both navigate their identities in predominantly white spaces.
As this is your debut, what was your path to becoming a writer?
Writing has always been a passion for me, influenced by my father, a writer and journalism professor. I entered a writing contest at a young age and won, which solidified my belief in my writing abilities. Working in publishing allowed me to connect with other writers and ultimately led me to pursue my own writing more seriously. I finished The Other Black Girl in a remarkably short time, and shortly after, I secured an agent and sold the book just before the pandemic struck.
How did the pandemic affect your writing and life?
My experience during the pandemic was relatively stable, especially knowing I had a book coming out. However, the social unrest surrounding the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor deeply affected me. It was challenging to focus on my edits during such a tumultuous time, but I channeled my frustrations into improving certain parts of the book.
What are you currently reading?
Right now, I’m engrossed in Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. The characters and storyline are captivating. I also enjoyed The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton, which beautifully intertwines the music industry with the experiences of Black artists. Another book I recommend is The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy, which offers a witty take on societal issues through a unique lens.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently co-writing the TV pilot for The Other Black Girl with Rashida Jones. It’s been a learning experience as we reimagine the characters and their stories for the screen.
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Summary
Zara Delaney’s debut novel, The Other Black Girl, explores the intersection of race and the workplace through a blend of horror and social commentary. Her personal experiences in publishing and the challenges of navigating racial dynamics inform her writing. As she transitions into television adaptation, Zara continues to engage with important themes of identity and representation.
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