Meet Aneka Bailey

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aneka Bailey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aneka below.

Aneka, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

I have an amazing support system to lean on. If I can’t shake the negative thoughts I usually talk to them about how I’m feeling and get redirection. When I can navigate it on my own, I usually remind myself that it’s just different perspective and either take it with a grain of salt or apply it where it matters to improve myself and my craft.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an indie author that currently has two romance books called Pretty Good and Pretty Petty. This story has a dark plot that revolves around survivors and the way trauma impacts everyone even after the fact. We get to see how relationships are molded not only around the trauma but due to that trauma and how some survivors take back control (sometimes in ways that seem reckless).

I began writing this triology as a way to explore my creativity and dark romance as a writer. I wanted to focus on a mid-sized Black woman that is loved because of who she is and softer because of it. I ultimately wanted to add to the existing creative works that feature Black women and show the different ways they could be loved and considered in romance.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Perseverance and self confidence are the two skills I’m constantly relying on. I had to let go of the negative thought in my head that I couldn’t do it. I had to admit that I was limiting myself and it was only causing problems. With that in mind, I started interacting with more writers and creatives, which allowed me to find my own niche and strengths. It also helps that I have text books from college that will tell you to just get the idea on the page and worrying about polishing it later. It helped. A lot!

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The major one which has branches to it is marketing. I worked as a social media specialist for a nonprofit out here in GA and know the importance of trends, but when it comes to marketing my book, I stop myself. I always think I need something new and fresh and I also don’t want to be front and center all the time. However, my fix for this is to reuse marketing materials that are relevant to each book. It helps when I’m short on time and need to get the material out there. This means I can connect with more readers and writers, which I’m really excited about.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Anibwriting