Author Low Kee speaks on her Risque Debut Novel
Writing on risque topics is a risk, and author Low Kee is risking it all in her debut novel, Side Bitch: A Twisted Love Story. Side Bitch depicts the journey of Kiana Sims and her emotional rollercoaster relationship with former NBA superstar Mark Miller and what happens when a situationship leads to the label no woman wants to carry: side bitch. I had the pleasure of speaking with Low Kee regarding her writing journey, and her insight into writing her book will empower writers everywhere to write against societal norms to tell authentic stories.
Nikita Haynie: Tell us about your writing journey.
Low Kee: This is my first book, and I wrote the entire book on my phone. At the time, I didn’t have a laptop, but I had to make it happen, so I used an app on my phone. As I was writing the book, I was teaching and learning how to write a book. I was also living while writing, and it was hard to separate the two because while some of my book is fictional, some of it is my lived experiences. Growing up, I would use writing to communicate with my mom and write notes to her because I had a smart mouth. I would always have to write things out; I always knew I wanted to write, but I didn’t realize there was a lane for me.
Nikita Haynie: When you reflect over Black authors who inspired you, who is the one author that has influenced your writing journey?
Low Kee: Sharon G. Flake. She wrote The Skin I’m In. The book discusses dark-skinned Black girls loving themselves for the skin they are in. Growing up, I had a complex until I read this book because I was the only child of my mother’s who was dark-skinned. I identified significantly with the main character. Through my book, I hope everybody will find a character they can see themselves.
Nikita Haynie: The writing process can be challenging, and every writer is different. What are your writing essentials?
Low Kee: My whiteboard for brainstorming, I need to write out my entire plot from beginning to end. Character sheets and 90s R&B.
Nikita Haynie: The title of your book instantly grabbed my attention, and I can’t wait to read it. It’s a taboo topic, what made you want to write a risque book?
Get Nikita Haynie’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Low Kee: Don’t judge a book by its cover. We don’t like the term side bitch, but the book isn’t what you think. It’s a rite of passage story and an emotional rollercoaster. I wanted to create space to examine relationships, vulnerability, and who become when we find ourselves in individual relationships. I wanted to empower people to be vulnerable, explore what they’ve been taught about love, and to break societal norms regarding relationships. Side Bitch also has a sequel Exies.
Nikita Haynie: What is your advice to aspiring authors experiencing writer’s block?
Low Kee: I am currently in that space, I would say brain dumping as much as possible to write and release. I also can’t read other people’s books when I’m dealing with writer’s block because I find myself comparing my work to theirs. And most importantly, be in nature; it helps me set my goals.
Nikita Haynie: You mentioned Side Bitch having a sequel tell us a little more about it.
Low Kee: Exies is the sequel to Side Bitches. In the sequel, you’re able to continue to follow the journey of the main character Kiana. The focus in the sequel is that nobody has the perfect relationship, the importance of friendships, and resilience in experiencing turmoil.
Nikita Haynie: In your own words, what is one takeaway you desire for your readers?
Low Kee: I want to start a dialogue about relationships on an individual level. Everybody is big on societal norms, but I want everyone to live in their truth freely. I want my readers to find one character they identify with and rock with them.
Black women are multifaceted in our experiences, and sometimes life imitating art can be a writer’s biggest inspiration for creating their best piece of work. Low Kee is relentless in authentically writing what others want and committed to truth-telling in her work. Check out her books on Amazon at www.amazon.com/author/lowkee. To connect with Lowkee, follow her on Instagram @_ _ _lowkee and Twitter @authorbae_.
Written by Nikita Haynie
Instagram @thenikitahaynie
