At just 28, Ava L. Jennings is navigating the whirlwind of her exciting new life—her debut novel is a bestseller, a television adaptation is in progress (with her co-writing the script), and she’s preparing for her upcoming wedding. However, just two years ago, she was an assistant editor at a publishing house, helping others achieve their dreams while yearning for her own.
Ava’s novel, The Other Black Girl, mirrors her own experiences: the protagonist, Nella, grows up in suburban Connecticut, aspiring to be an editor. Upon landing a highly sought-after role at a prestigious publishing company, she quickly realizes she is one of the few Black employees, where microaggressions and overt racism are part of her daily life. However, unlike Ava, Nella begins receiving threatening anonymous notes, thrusting her into a chilling and strange narrative.
In our conversation with Ava, she opened up about her writing journey, the motivations behind her book, and what lies ahead.
Q: Like Nella, you began your career in publishing. Did that spark the inspiration for your story?
A: The inspiration came from various experiences, but my time in publishing definitely played a role. I was working as an editorial assistant before becoming an assistant editor. The pivotal moment that drove me to start writing was when I unexpectedly encountered another Black woman in the bathroom at work. I felt confused because I believed I was the only one on that floor. I thought we might connect, but nothing happened. I returned to my desk, reflecting on that strange interaction, and began to craft Nella and Hazel—characters navigating a predominantly white workplace.
Although that was a specific moment, my thoughts about being one of the very few Black faces in publishing have lingered for a long time. Like Nella, I grew up in Connecticut, surrounded mostly by white friends. I wanted to explore the complexities of navigating these different environments.
Q: How did you find the publishing process after writing your book?
A: My experience in the publishing world made the journey surreal. Even before I had a publisher, I submitted my manuscript to the imprints I previously worked at. Walking into my old office with my agent felt odd, especially when familiar faces recognized me. It was reassuring, however, to discover that there was significant interest in my work, especially from publishers who genuinely connected with the story. The validation from fellow Black professionals in publishing was incredibly rewarding.
Q: Balancing the narrative for both Black and non-Black audiences must be challenging. How did you approach that?
A: That’s a great question. I aimed to resonate most with Black women, particularly those who understand the nuances of being the only one in a space or those who have dealt with conversations about Black hair at work. Many references in my book are deeply rooted in Black American culture, so it was important to maintain that integrity, and my publisher supported keeping these elements intact. Interestingly, I’ve received feedback from non-Black readers expressing their desire to learn more about topics they weren’t familiar with, which is gratifying.
Q: Your book uniquely combines workplace realities with traditional horror elements. What inspired that mix?
A: I’ve always been a fan of horror, having grown up watching classic films and reading series like Goosebumps. When I began writing The Other Black Girl, I had recently watched a documentary titled Horror Noire, which discusses the portrayal of Black individuals in horror history. I realized that integrating horror elements could effectively address social issues we often struggle to discuss openly.
Q: Is Nella’s name a nod to Nella Larsen?
A: Yes, I named Nella after Nella Larsen, whose work I was reading while writing my book. I was captivated by Passing, which weaves tension around identity and societal expectations—parallels that are evident in Nella and Hazel’s journey.
Q: How did you transition into writing your first novel?
A: I’ve loved writing since childhood. My father is a writer, and growing up, writing was highly valued in our household. Winning a writing contest at a young age was pivotal for me—it validated my passion. Working in publishing allowed me to connect with other writers, but eventually, I had to choose between my job and pursuing my writing. I quit my job and completed The Other Black Girl in just ten months, and soon after, I found an agent and sold the book.
Q: How did the pandemic affect your writing and experience in 2020?
A: My experience during the pandemic wasn’t too bad, especially with my book on the horizon. However, the events surrounding George Floyd and Breonna Taylor deeply affected me. It was challenging to focus on edits during that time, but I was able to channel my feelings into the book, enriching certain scenes, like the one with Nella and Hazel in the bathroom.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: I’m really into Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. The characters and story resonate with me, as it also deals with themes relevant to Black writers. Additionally, I loved The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton and The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy, both of which engage with fascinating narratives.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m currently co-writing the pilot for The Other Black Girl TV adaptation with Rashida Jones. It’s been educational and exciting to reimagine the characters and narrative for the screen.
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Summary
Ava L. Jennings reflects on her debut novel, The Other Black Girl, discussing its inspirations from her own experiences in publishing, the nuances of writing for diverse audiences, and the blending of horror with real-life social issues. She shares insights into her creative process, the impact of the pandemic, and her current projects, including a TV adaptation of her book.
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