Behind the scenes of writing “Lady in My Life”
A conversation with Alexandrea Lechelle
What was the very first image/scene/idea that sparked Lady In My Life?
When I first thought about Wesley and Lynn’s story, I knew I wanted to play around with the billionaire boyfriend trope. Lynn is confident in all aspects of her life and rightfully believes she deserves the world and more. Wesley is a man who can most certainly buy the world…it’s the and more part he needs to work on. If you remember him from Loved By You, you know what I’m talking about. There’s an arc in their story where he has to grapple with his beliefs after Lynn makes his chest hurt. From that moment came the rest of the story around it. While there are some technical terms I’m still learning–stuff like business mergers and power of attorney–I’m very excited for the drama their journey will bring.
What makes this story different from Loved By You and Lily In The Valley?
Loved By You and Lily In The Valley were very much centered around the parental wounds I’d been working through in therapy. As a result, they were much heavier than I anticipated Lady In My Life would be. I felt it was necessary to have a bit more fun and pay homage to the cultures that made me. While I may have had parental issues to work through, times weren’t always a travesty. I believe where you grow up and the question: “Who your people is?” is so important when thinking about the ways in which we move and operate within the world. The first two books focused on the roles our parents play in shaping our outlook on love. Wesley and Lynn’s story looks at how the community around us–or lack thereof–also has a hand in the romantic relationships we form.
What themes are you hoping to explore?
The central theme is TRUST. We’ve addressed the wounds, but now are we going to trust ourselves that we know what the right way is? Or do we let fear hold us back from something that could be so sweet? Wesley and Lynn both let themselves fall into situations, leaning into fate one minute, then resort back to what’s black and white the next. Through their journey, I wanted to explore what happens when we stop trying to make everything happen just so. Do they run out of fear when the unknown becomes a bit more than we bargained for? Or do they trust in what they have in each other and themselves to see it through?
How is it writing both characters?
In my opinion, these have been the easiest characters for me to write. With the first two books, I went back and forth making sure readers would still like both partners in each couple. Trying to find that balance was tricky because one edit may leave the FMC vulnerable while the next would have people coming for the MMC’s head. With Wesley and Lynn, I think there’s a good balance where I don’t have to make sure readers like either one of them; I can focus on their dynamic and all the situations they find themselves in.
What misconceptions do readers have about Wesley and Lynn prior to reading?
I do think readers will come in thinking: “Why should I be rooting for Wesley?” especially if they haven’t read the mothers’ stories. I do think everyone is ready for Lynn’s say-it-like-I-mean-it attitude. They will get a bit more of her personality, as always happens when going from side character to main character. I am excited to share more about her upbringing and family, plus glimpses of the girls as teens (for extended sneak peeks, be sure to join THE WRITER’S DESK). As the first two books were primarily about Vanessa and Kelly’s stories and the men who held space for them, Book #3 is focused on Wesley and the woman who holds his toes to the fire.
Which side characters are quietly stealing scenes?
Remember that family aspect before? Yeah, I’m super excited to bring in Lynn’s family and show that juxtaposition to Wesley’s upbringing. Lynn is the only girl in a family with three brothers. And they do not play about her! Because of this, she truly is the Princess of her family, and everyone treats her as such. I can’t wait for readers to read what comes out of her brothers’ mouths–or flies from their hands–once Wesley gets into the picture.
What does a typical writing session look like for you right now?
Last year, I took a promotion at work, so my time for writing and making it look aesthetically pleasing dwindled drastically. Writing now means getting it in wherever I can. I used to be a notebook 1st draft girlie, but I’ve since switched to multiple modes, just so I can get some words down rather than none. I do have a notebook I use to write scenes when I’m in spaces where I shouldn’t be on tech–think long, drawn-out professional development sessions where you end up hearing the same statements over and over again. For on-the-go brain dumps, I use the Notion app on my phone. I built a writing tracker that houses scraps of stories I jot down while riding passenger princess style or waiting in lines. Outside of that, I have my Google Drive of drafts so that I can type as long as I have computer access. Getting it done by any means necessary.
What playlist, artists, or songs are influencing the mood of this book?
Creating the book playlists is my favorite part of my writing process, so much so that I don’t even start until I have a good 2-4 hours-long playlist created. Each book has its own vibe. Book #1 was super entrenched in Motown and classic R&B from all decades. Book #2 was more modern R&B with sprinkles of 80s + 90s yearning. Lady In My Life has a lot of the 70s and 80s flair. Think Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Teena Marie, Deniece Williams. There’s also some zydeco, juke joint blues, and classic R&B (so much Anita Baker and Luther Vandross). I also took it back to my teen years and brought out some staples like Aaliyah, Pretty Ricky, Emancipation of Mimi, B2K. You know, that time when you’d rush home to catch 106 & Park and see if your favorite video made the countdown. I wanted to recreate the high of allowing yourself to fall and be dangerously in love. It’s my favorite playlist so far.
What usually causes you to get stuck?
In the past, I got stuck when what I was writing couldn’t come out perfectly the first time. The scene plays out perfectly in my head, but once it’s time for me to sit down at the computer, poof! I’ve since grown comfortable in letting go of early draft perfection. I think it’s allowed me to write more freely, which helps when I come back for writing sprints. I typically re-read a few chapters to get me in the groove. When I do, my mind is fresh to make those quick revisions before adding more. Now, when I get stuck, it’s because my brain has reached its capacity. Pure burnout, not only from writing, but work as well. I’ve been learning how to balance and fill my cup so I can build a more sustainable writing habit, especially since one day I’d like this to be my career.
What kind of community are you hoping to build around your stories?
I just want readers to see themselves in my stories. Selfishly, I want to know I’m not alone in the things I experience and heal from. It warms my heart when a reader comes up to me to share something that stuck with them or highlighted something they’ve been battling with too. It’s like, “I see you. We see each other.” I don’t know where the phrase came from, but we all need that old lady sitting under the tree to help guide us along. I’m not saying I’m the old lady, but I don’t mind welcoming others into my Olive Grove. I’m a learner. I’ve always been inquisitive about the experiences of others and the perspectives that they have on them. Sweet Freckled Olives is the place to hear my stories and share your own.
What excites you most about what’s coming next?
Oh, man. There are quite a few things in store. Many I can’t speak on too much. What I will say is, whatever it is you desire in life, write that shit down and make it plain. Also, stay ready so you’ll never have to get ready. Be delusional. Do the unexpected. You never know what will grow from it.
Rapid fire
Favorite scene written so far? Lynn calling out Wesley in front of the school
Hardest scene written so far? Wesley’s rise before the fall
Character most likely to get on readers’ nerves? Shockingly Lynn…
Character most likely to call readers out? John-John
Favorite trope written so far? I can’t say, just know it’s polarizing in the book community
Drink of choice when writing? right now…water; trying to stay hydrated in the Texas heat
Number of notebooks dedicated to this book? 1 for story brain dumps and 1 junk journal (I may share these as mini-zines you can buy later down the line)
One word that describes Lady In My Life? WHAT!?!?!
Which character has the biggest secret? Peanut
