In this exclusive interview, we have the privilege of delving into the creative world of renowned author Alretha Thomas. From her early inspirations to the intricate process of crafting emotionally resonant narratives, Alretha candidly shares her experiences and challenges as a writer. Join us as we explore the heartfelt themes and compelling storytelling behind her latest novel, “The Daughter Between Them”
But First, Who is Alretha Thomas
Shortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by the late four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren, and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019, Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. In 2023, Alretha’s novel, The Girl in the Blue Blazer debuted. Her most recent novel is The Daughter Between Them.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
Here are some of Alretha Thomas’s Books:
- What inspired you to become a writer?
I wrote my first story in the fifth grade. My teacher gave the class a short story assignment. I got an idea to write a story about a bag boy in a supermarket who falls in love with a young customer. I guess you could say that was my first romance story. The following day our teacher congratulated the entire class on our work. However, she said there was one story that stood out. And that story was mine. I nearly fell out of my chair. I could not believe it. She read it aloud and the class was riveted. While I was watching the expressions on the faces of my peers, I knew in that moment I wanted to be a writer for life.
- What is the most challenging part of writing for you?
The process of writing is fulfilling and amazing. The challenge comes after I’ve completed a novel. Trying to find an editor who is detailed-oriented and passionate about what they do can be difficult. Additionally, acquiring reviews can be daunting. Moreover, getting a return on paid promotions can be challenging.
- Can you describe a moment when you felt particularly proud of your work?
Receiving the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Award for my novel, Four Ladies Only, was a proud moment. Jessie Redmon Fauset was an editor, poet, essayist, novelist, and educator. Her literary work helped sculpt African American literature in the 1920s as she focused on portraying a true image of African American life and history.
- What inspired the story of “The Daughter Between Them”?
Last year I fell in love with the idea of writing a novel from alternating point of views in the past and present, wherein the narrators are mysteriously connected. I used this structure for my novel The Girl in the Blue Blazer and it was well received. With that in mind, I decided to use the same structure for The Daughter Between Them. While thinking about the characters and the storyline, the idea of two mothers came to me. There would be a mother in the past and a mother in the present and the two women would be mysteriously connected. The connection would eventually be revealed.
- What message or themes did you aim to convey through this novel?
The main themes of The Daughter Between Them are love, family, and survival. Love is the driving force behind the relationship between Leslie and her daughters. The need for love is what motivated Barbara. In reading the novel, the importance of family is evident with both Leslie and Barbara. Moreover, survival was everything for Leslie and Barbara.
- What challenges did you face while writing “The Daughter Between Them” book, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was making sure I did not have any plotholes. There are so many twists and turns in the book, I had to make sure I kept up with events and occurrences from previous chapters when writing new chapters.
- How did you ensure the emotional depth and authenticity of the mother-daughter relationships in the story?
Writing in first-person present-tense, really helps me get in the mind, heart, and soul of a character. As a result, when writing, I am that character. I am feeling and thinking as that character and thus the words on the page are based in truth. I have never given birth to a child. I am not a mother. However, I obviously had a mother and I have been around mothers. I know what that looks like. Moreover, I am a daughter and I know what that looks like and how I related to my mother. My mother died when she was only 36 years old. I was only 14. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my mother. I believe when writing the mother-daughter relationships in the book, I tapped into the years I did have with my mother and our relationship as well as the relationship I believe I would have had with her if she were still living.
- Was there a particular scene or chapter in the book that was especially difficult to write? If so, why?
The most difficult scene to write in the book was the flashback scene with Barbara and her 7-year-old daughter, Nancy. I do not want to give details because it would be a spoiler.
- What do you hope readers take away from “The Daughter Between Them”?
I hope The Daughter Between Them inspires readers to appreciate and love their family members more. I also want them to become more aware of the importance of good mental health and to reach out to anyone that they feel may be struggling with mental health issues and encourage them to seek help.
- What projects are you currently working on, and can you give us a sneak peek?
Readers should expect another ‘Then and Now’ multiple point of view story from me in 2025. I want to conclude by thanking readers everywhere for their ongoing support!
We would like to express our gratitude to Alretha Thomas for generously sharing her time with us and for captivating us with her insightful thoughts and ideas. We eagerly anticipate the release of more books from such an established and exceptional author like yourself.
we wish you all the best.
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