All about the debut novel After Hours

Who is Jada West?

Jada’s writing is ridiculously delightful! This 19-year-old Jamaican author is a triple threat: psychology enthusiast, literary rockstar, and culinary queen. Her stories are the perfect blend of humor, heart, spice and happiness – like a tropical vacation for your soul! So, grab a cup of coffee (or a piña colada), get cozy, and prepare to be enchanted by Jada’s unique brand of storytelling magic!

What is After Hours about?

When a chance internship brings together ruthless entrepreneur Dillon Xander and determined architecture student Azzaria Willis, sparks fly and secrets surface. Dillon’s stone-cold heart starts to thaw, and Azzaria, despite her past scars and determination to avoid love, feels emotions she thought were buried. As their attraction intensifies, so do the dangers from Dillon’s lifestyle and Azzaria’s unresolved past. In this sizzling romance, they must confront their fears and decide if their love is worth the risk.

Interview

• What was your inspiration for After Hours and Book 2?

Answer:  As it relates to After Hours, I wrote it to bring awareness to abuse victims—whether it’s carnal, domestic, or any form of abuse. I wanted to show that they are loved, they can be loved, and it’s okay to have doubts when they find themselves in new circumstances or meet new people. For Book 2, life doesn’t end after a breakup and the realization that we can’t fix someone who doesn’t want to be fixed. It’s a love letter to the girls who’ve tried so hard to fix someone that they ended up breaking themselves. The inspiration behind it was to show that even after you’ve loved and lost, you can love again. Someone is out there to love you the way you deserve to be loved.

• What drew you to writing?

Answer: I’ve always had a million thoughts in my head and writing seemed like the best way to put it all out. It’s very therapeutic. 

• How did you choose which character to centre the story around? 

Answer: It actually just came to me. I always knew I wanted to make these books into one series and I’ve always loved the idea of it being a friend group who finds love and normally it’s done with women, so I decided to make it with men this time! 

• What was your process for writing After Hours?

After Hours started out on Wattpad as a fanfic. At a certain point, I realized that this book had so much potential beyond its initial format. I decided to pull it down from the platform and started editing it extensively. I researched self-publishing, learned about the industry, and everything involved in bringing a book to a wider audience. It was a transformative journey, from fanfic to a fully realized novel, and I wanted to ensure the story reached its full potential. 

 The writing process was intense and rewarding. Initially, I spent countless hours fleshing out the characters and their backstories, ensuring their experiences and emotions were authentic. I delved deep into the themes of love, trauma, and healing, drawing from real-life stories and extensive research to portray these issues sensitively and accurately. 

Once the manuscript was ready, I moved on to the publishing phase. I meticulously revised and polished the draft, often seeking feedback from beta readers to refine the narrative. I also learned about cover design, marketing strategies, and distribution channels to ensure the book’s success in the self-publishing market. 

The journey from Wattpad to a published novel was challenging but immensely fulfilling. It allowed me to grow as a writer and connect with readers who found solace and strength in the story.

• What is your approach to world and character building?

Answer: 

World Building: My approach to world-building focuses on ensuring authenticity and coherence within the story’s setting. Since my books are often set in real locations such as New York, I meticulously research these places to accurately represent neighborhoods, landmarks, and cultural nuances. This attention to detail helps create an immersive and believable backdrop for the narrative, grounding the fictional events in a recognizable reality. 

Character Building: For character building, I begin by creating an extensive profile for each character. This includes details ranging from their physical attributes—like eye color, shoe size, and any allergies—to deeper aspects of their personality and history, such as their traumas and pivotal plot twists. By understanding these facets, I can develop well-rounded characters with realistic motivations and behaviors. 

Once the foundational profile is established, I identify any weak points in the character’s development. To address these, I may have the character undergo therapy or experience a significant breakthrough, allowing for growth and evolution throughout the story. This method ensures that each character is dynamic and complex, enhancing the emotional depth and engagement of the narrative.

• How would you describe After Hours in five words?

Answer: real, emotional, passionate, spicy & educational (you learn a lot about abuse and coping with grief) 

• Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?

Answer: I’m assuming this is referring to scene so my 

favorite scene has to be in the last few chapters when my female main character faces overwhelming grief. In those moments, my male main character stands by her side, embodying love and care. He does everything he can to support her, showing a tenderness that goes beyond physical attraction. This scene resonates with me deeply because, unlike many romance books that emphasize sex or spicy content, I found solace in these calm chapters. They allowed the love and chemistry between the characters to shine through in a more profound and meaningful way.

• What was your favourite book growing up?

Answer; I don’t think I had one lol. Maybe Diary of a Wimpy Kid. 

• Do you have a favourite genre to read?

Answer: Romance!

• What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?

Answer: BBQ lays!

Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favourite music? Answer: Tate McRae. Her albums , “Think Later” and “I used to think I could fly” are the one that have 100% impacted the books I’ve written so far!