I am really excited about Preslaysa Williams’s debut novel, Healing Hannah’s Heart. I learn something new from her on Facebook–I know, right?–on a regular basis, and I cannot wait to read this book. So without further ado…

Preslaysa Williams is an award-winning author who writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction with an Afro-Filipina twist. Proud of her heritage, she loves sharing her culture with her readers. She is currently earning her second graduate degree, a MFA in Writing Popular Fiction at Seton Hill University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Spanish Language & Literature from Columbia University.

Preslaysa is also a professional actress, a planner nerd, an avid bookworm, and a homeschool mom who often wears mismatched socks. To follow along with her busy life, visit her at www.preslaysa.com where you can sign up for her newsletter community.

What inspired the story concept for HEALING HANNAH’S HEART? 

I originally wrote Healing Hannah’s Heart as a romance novel, but then I decided to change it to women’s fiction. I wanted to focus specifically on Hannah’s journey to wholeness after experiencing the horrific fire. In order to do so, I lessened the romantic element of the story and honed in on the greater themes of self-image, identity, and personal transformation. 

Hannah is an Afro-Filipina fashion model. Does her ethnicity play into her character development in any way? 

It does. Healing Hannah’s Heart is an own voices story. I am African-American and Filipino. It’s a unique intersection of identity that is reflected in the work itself. As I was writing, I found myself exploring concepts about being a second-generation daughter of an immigrant, as well as institutionalized discrimination, too. 

What do you want readers to take away from Healing Hannah’s Heart? 

I want readers to see flawed characters who make the best life choices they can, given the cards they’re dealt. I want readers to also know that despite imperfect circumstances, we can always find ways to heal and find hope.

In addition to writing, you’re also an actress. How did you get started in acting? 

I started off many, many years ago as a child actor. I pounded the pavement in New York City, attending auditions for Broadway shows, movies, and TV. I eventually landed a co-starring role on Nickelodeon’s The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games trilogy, was one of the writers on the show. 

And you also worked on This is Us and Homeland! What was that like? 

Working on those shows was a huge blessing. After I graduated from college, I took a long hiatus from acting in order to focus on family and writing. In 2016, one of my friends from the acting world suggested that I get into acting again, and so I did. The first gig that I landed was a bit role in This Is Us. It was very fun being on set again. I felt as if I was back in my element. 

What’s your writing process like? 

It’s very detailed. I’m a plotter. Since I am also a homeschooling mom, I have to be very strategic about my writing time. So I take at least a month to pre-plan my novels, scene by scene. 

What is next for you, writing wise? 

I just completed a contemporary romance which focuses on the love relationship between a bridal gown designer and a single Dad. Right now, I’m editing the draft. I’m also working on another women’s fiction. And I’m putting the finishing touches on a short story which I hope to release in November. I love working on multiple projects. It keeps my mind busy!

Healing Hannah’s Heart

Hannah Hart may have been burned by the breakup of her rocky marriage, but the ambitious Afro-Filipina model has big plans for her future. Her stunning looks and flawless skin provide the opening she craves to become a celebrity in the fashion world. Then an arsonist’s match brings Hannah’s world crashing down around her.

Recovering from the burns that destroyed her skin, Hannah is forced to accept help from the last person on earth she wants, her estranged husband, Jake Hart. Jake isn’t ready to give up on their marriage. The return of Jake’s teenage son from a one-night stand had been the catalyst for their breakup. How can he help both the son who resents his abandonment and the woman he still loves? He can do nothing about the scars on her skin, but can he heal Hannah’s heart?

As she struggles to rebuild her life from the ashes of her shattered dreams, does Hannah have the courage to give Jake a second chance? And is the world ready for a differently-abled model who will redefine what it means to be beautiful?

BUY LINK: http://amazon.com/dp/B07SZJCF3M 

GOODREADS BOOK LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46294745-healing-hannah-s-heart?from_search=true

Website: www.preslaysa.com

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