Interview with Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm

  

Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm is a dynamic Author, Journalist, Writing Coach, and Festival Director, dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in literature. Her debut novel, Swimming With Fishes (2017), gained international recognition when its audio rights were acquired by Danish powerhouse Saga Egmont. Her second novel, Love Again (2020), was a standout in the prestigious Jacaranda #Twentyin2020 initiative and was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelist Association Award 2021 (Inclusion Category). Passionate about empowering writers, Rasheda is the Founder and Director of the WILDE Hammersmith & Fulham Writers’ Festival, a premier platform celebrating female and indie authors. The festival, known for its inspiring short story and poetry competitions, fosters emerging talent and champions creative excellence. With a keen eye for storytelling and a commitment to literary innovation, Rasheda continues to shape the literary landscape, mentoring aspiring authors and advocating for inclusive narratives worldwide. Her website is here. IG: @ashantirasheda 

  

Interviewed by Saskia Kabongo

SK: Love Again beautifully explores love and second chances later in life. What inspired you to write this story? 

RAM: Life and love. Also the beauty of human connection. Love’s complexities, passion, heartbreak, and hope, these offer endless storytelling possibilities. Also the desire to explore deep emotions which often fuel the creation of heartfelt romantic narratives. 

SK: Honey’s journey feels so real and relatable. Is she based on anyone you know, or did she come entirely from your imagination? 

RAM: Honey's situation was inspired by the culture of arranged marriage, but in a Caribbean home. 

SK: The novel touches on deep emotions like love and self-worth. Was there a particular scene that was the most challenging or emotional for you to write? 

RAM: Ashley's relationship with his mentally unstable mother, and Fatty's relationship with her addict mother. They were quite challenging, and both based on people's real-life experiences. 

SK: What message did you hope readers would take away from Honey’s story? 

RAM: This fake-turned-real romance novel teaches readers that love can grow unexpectedly, even from pretence. It highlights the power of emotional connection, authenticity, and vulnerability. It shows that true feelings often develop when least expected. 

SK: How did you approach writing about mature Black women in romance, especially in a genre that often focuses on younger characters? 

RAM: I consider people in their late 20s and 30s young, which the leading protagonists were. I strongly believe that readers are not bound by the rules and stereotypes of genres, and that as a creative, we can make our own rules.  

SK: Honey has a lot of emotional layers strong, yet vulnerable. How did you shape her character and her personal growth throughout the book?

RAM: Honey’s character was shaped through contrasts - her strength masks deep vulnerability, creating emotional depth. Throughout the book, she faces challenges that force her to confront her fears, open her heart, and embrace her true self. Her growth comes from learning that true strength lies in vulnerability and allowing herself to trust, and love fully. 

SK: Ashley is such an interesting romantic lead. What qualities did you want to highlight in him as a partner for Honey? 

RAM: Ashley seems to be the bad-boy type. He's confident, ambitious, cheeky, sensuous, yet vulnerable because of his past relationship with Bethany, who was unfaithful. This gave him the ability to be loyal to his true love. His deep strength comes from his childhood experience, protecting his mother and baby sister, Marley. He fell in love with Honey’s fiery nature, her boldness. I wanted to highlight his vulnerability and strength. I wanted to show that when he loved, he was capable of offering unwavering support and love, while challenging Honey to grow. His kindness, wit, and emotional depth make him an ideal partner, proving that love thrives in understanding and mutual respect. 

SK: If Honey and Ashley could give each other one piece of advice at the start of their journey, what do you think it would be? 

RAM: Honey would tell Ashley, "Let me in; you don’t have to do everything alone." She sees his strength but knows true love requires trust, openness, and the courage to share burdens. Ashley would tell Honey, "Don’t try to fix me—just stand by me." He fears his vulnerability but longs for genuine support.  

SK: There are so few books that center Black British women in a mature romance. Did you feel a responsibility to tell this story? 

RAM: Representation matters, and I wanted to showcase a Black British woman and man experiencing love, vulnerability, and growth in a mature, authentic way. It felt important to tell a story where my characters are fully seen—complex, deserving, and deeply loved—offering a narrative that reflects real-life experiences often overlooked in romance. 

SK: How do you think Love Again challenges traditional narratives about love, aging, and relationships? 

RAM: Love Again challenges traditional narratives by showing that love isn’t limited by age, (although I don't consider late 20s or mid 30s to be old) or past heartbreak. It redefines romance as a journey of self-discovery, healing, and second chances. The story proves that mature love can be just as passionate and transformative, celebrating vulnerability and deep emotional connection at any stage in life. That's why I see my genre as "Love Story" as opposed to "Romance," which seems to limit narratives and what you can do with it. 

SK: You also teach Creative Writing. How does your own writing process influence the way you guide your students? 

RAM: My writing process is deeply rooted in exploration and patience, which I encourage my students to embrace. I emphasise the importance of vulnerability, experimenting with voice, and allowing stories to evolve naturally. I guide them to trust their instincts, take risks, and understand that writing is as much about discovery as it is about craft. I encourage them to get the story out. Vomit it onto the page, then go through your vomit and arrange it 

SK: Do you see yourself revisiting Honey’s story in the future perhaps in a sequel? 

RAM: Revisiting Honey’s story is definitely something I’d consider. The feedback from readers has been incredible, especially their curiosity about Fatty and Zhara's journey. There’s so much potential for exploring their growth and relationships further, and I’d love to dive back into that world if the time feels right! 

SK: Are you working on any new books, and if so, can you share a little about what’s next for you? 

RAM: Yes, Home for Christmas will be my next romance novel, filled with holiday warmth, love, and second chances. Alongside that, I’m working on Life Happens, a Women's Fiction exploring the unexpected twists of life, friendship, and personal growth. Both stories aim to highlight women's resilience and the beauty in life's imperfections. 

SK: What other stories or themes would you love to explore in your future writing? 

RAM: I’m excited to explore themes of self-expression, healing, and personal growth in future stories. Writing to Exhale, my upcoming non-fiction book, (out in 2026) will offer guidance and inspiration for emerging writers, helping them find their voice and embrace the therapeutic power of storytelling. It’s a project close to my heart. 

About the Interviewer 
Saskia Kabongo is a journalism student at the University of Leicester with a passion for storytelling. She is inspired by authors and their writing, always eager to learn more about their creative process. Through her interviews, she aims to share meaningful conversations that highlight the people behind the stories.