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Zara Dalila Harper is currently navigating an exciting period in her life. At just 28, she has a best-selling novel on the market, a television adaptation of that book in development (which she is co-writing), and is preparing for her upcoming wedding. Just two years prior, she was working as an assistant editor at a publishing company, helping others achieve the dream of becoming published authors.
Her debut novel, The Other Black Girl, draws inspiration from her own experiences. The protagonist, Nella, grows up in suburban Connecticut aspiring to be an editor. However, upon landing a highly sought-after position at a major publishing house, she quickly realizes she is one of the few Black employees and faces daily microaggressions and overt racism.
But where Nella’s story takes a dark turn—she begins receiving ominous, anonymous notes at work—Zara’s narrative diverged in a more positive direction. After quitting her job, she dedicated herself to crafting Nella’s story.
We caught up with Zara to discuss her journey, the writing process, and her future endeavors.
Q: Like Nella, you began your career in publishing. Did that influence your story?
A: Absolutely. While I was working as an assistant editor, I had a memorable encounter with another Black woman in the office restroom, which left me puzzled because I believed I was the only one on my floor. I thought we might connect, but nothing happened. That encounter sparked my imagination, and I began writing about Nella and a character resembling her in a predominantly white workplace.
I have often felt like one of very few Black individuals in publishing, echoing my childhood in suburban Connecticut where most of my friends were white. I was eager to explore the complexities of navigating these spaces.
Q: How did it feel to bring The Other Black Girl into the publishing world?
A: It was quite surreal to navigate the publishing industry after having worked in it. My agent and I even submitted the manuscript to the imprints I had previously worked with at Penguin Random House. When I returned to the office, the familiar faces were a strange reminder of my past there.
Although some in publishing were hesitant about the book, others expressed excitement and validation. Black professionals in the industry thanked me for telling this story, which was immensely rewarding.
Q: How did you balance writing for both Black and non-Black audiences?
A: During the writing process, I was mindful of my audience. My primary focus was on Black women who might relate to the experiences of being the only one in a room or navigating conversations about Black hair in the workplace. I wanted to maintain authenticity while ensuring that non-Black readers could engage with the story without feeling excluded.
Q: You combine themes of reality and traditional horror in your story. What inspired that?
A: I’m a huge horror fan! Growing up, I loved shows like The Twilight Zone and films like Night of the Living Dead. When I came across a documentary titled Horror Noire, which discusses the representation of Black individuals in horror, it inspired me to merge these genres. I aimed to highlight social issues through a multi-genre lens.
Q: Is Nella’s name a nod to Nella Larsen?
A: Yes, Nella is named after Nella Larsen, whose work I was reading while writing my book. Her novel Passing deals with themes of race and identity, paralleling the experiences of my characters.
Q: What was your journey to becoming a writer?
A: Writing has always been a passion of mine, influenced by my father, who is a writer and journalism professor. As a child, I won a writing contest for American Girl magazine, which solidified my belief in my writing abilities. My career in publishing allowed me to connect with fellow writers and ultimately led me to write The Other Black Girl.
Q: How did the pandemic impact your writing?
A: While I was fortunate to have my book to focus on, the events surrounding George Floyd and Breonna Taylor deeply affected me. It was a challenging time to concentrate on edits, but I channeled my emotions into the narrative, enhancing certain scenes to reflect my personal experiences and grief.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: I’m enjoying Seven Days in June by Tia Williams—a captivating exploration of love, addiction, and trauma. I also recommend The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton, which creatively blends music and history, and The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy, a witty exploration of societal issues.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I’m currently co-writing the TV adaptation of The Other Black Girl with Rashida Jones. It’s been a learning experience, and I’m excited to reimagine the characters for a new medium.
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Summary:
Zara Dalila Harper, author of The Other Black Girl, shares her journey from assistant editor to bestselling author, discussing the challenges of racism in the workplace and her love for horror. She explores the importance of representation and audience engagement in her writing while navigating the complexities of publishing and personal experiences.
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