Q&A with Nekesa Afia

 

Photo credit: Calgary Academy

 

 

Nekesa Afia is the author of the new novel As Long As You're Mine. She also has written the Harlem Renaissance Mystery series. She lives in Toronto.

 

Q: What inspired you to write As Long As You’re Mine, and how did you create your characters Thea and Lorelei?

 

A: I’ve always been a classic film girlie, and As Long As You’re Mine is the result of that. Lorelei’s story was inspired by tragic Hollywood deaths, including that of Marilyn Monroe. Lorelei came first, but as a dead blonde wrapped in bedsheets. Thea was the intrepid reporter solving the mystery of Lorelei’s death.

 

As I built the story, and as it changed as I wrote it, these two found new roles: I knew that I had to have Lorelei alive, I found her such a compelling woman, and I thought it would be a shame to just meet her in her death.

 

Thea grows a lot over the course of the story—she literally has no choice but to. As she does, I think she really becomes her own woman.

 

Q: How did you research the novel, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?

 

A: I watched a lot of classic films. Research for this book sucked! Okay, I’m joking. The research for this book was the same as any other. I read articles, hit the library, and tried to envision myself in the time. It was standard stuff, although I enjoyed being able to figure out a new time period.

 

I think my favourite thing I learned, and my new party fact, is that hydrangeas have cyanide in them, making them deadly.

 

Q: The writer Paulette Kennedy said of the book, “As Long As You’re Mine is so much more than a mystery. It’s a poignant exploration of identity, ambition, and the transformative power of undying love.” What do you think of that description?

 

A: I am so honoured that Paulette agreed to blurb this book. She’s such an insightful, thoughtful writer and creative. It’s wonderful to now be at the same imprint as her.

 

I think it’s a great description. I always hope to write a book that is more than one thing, more than just a mystery. I think that makes a story more interesting and more compelling to read. It makes a story more whole. She points out themes that I hoped would resonate with readers.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: I just hope people enjoy reading it. I find that readers almost always respond to my work in ways I can’t predict. Readers pull things from my books that I didn’t see, or looked over. That’s one of the most magical things about writing and having people read that work. I just really hope they like it.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I am working on the fourth book in my Harlem Renaissance Mysteries series. It’s due out in 2026, and I’m loving being able to work on this chapter for Lou. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I love this book so, so much, thank you for asking.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Nekesa Afia.