( ENSPIRE Lifestyle ) Byrd Published “Looking For Sweet Love” And “Black Coffee”
R.L. Byrd is an author with a keen eye for writing realistic fiction based on people, connections, and relationships. His two novels, “Looking For Sweet Love” and “Black Coffee,” depict the lives of Black couples and their relationships. As a reader, you dive into different situations that occur in romantic relationships, as well as navigate friendships. Each novel presents a distinct perspective. Here, “Looking For Sweet Love” focuses on the female perspective of relationships, while “Black Coffee” focuses on the male perspective. In addition to his success as an author, his goal is to educate, inspire, and empower readers through thought-provoking narratives. The social injustices, economic empowerment, and the deeper human understanding of connections are what readers can find insightful and reflect on their own lives.
Byrd shares with us his inspiration behind the dual narrative of his novels, “Looking For Sweet Love” and “Black Coffee.” Additionally, he explores themes such as education, economic empowerment, and social injustices in his works. Along with providing insight on the message he wants to convey to readers about community and all kinds of relationships. Lastly, Byrd reveals what we can expect from his latest books, “6%” and “The Art of Scandal.”
Your first two novels, “Looking For Sweet Love” and “Black Coffee,” offer unique dual perspectives on relationships, showcasing women’s and men’s viewpoints. What inspired you to explore this dual narrative approach, and what do you hope readers gain from seeing these relationship dynamics from both sides?
Good question (very good question). To answer, this Toni Morrison quote comes to mind: “If there’s a book you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” That quote is the perfect explanation for me telling relationship (and situationship) stories from the male perspective—a drop of testosterone in a sea of “female perspective” literature. And I purposefully wrote the first book of a two-book saga from the female perspective, knowing all too well that the sequel, which can stand by itself—would be told from the male perspective.
“Looking for Sweet Love” (the first book) centers around six women—affectionately known as the Love Forum Divas—discussing life, love, and relationships on a radio program called “The Love Forum” for six months. When a dead Diva writes letters to the husbands, boyfriends, and lovers of the remaining Divas (causing quite the stir), the sequel “Black Coffee” (told from the male perspective) is born.
Now, with a platform and a voice, the husbands, boyfriends, and lovers (The Brothers) tell their version of the relationship dilemmas, and it’s totally different from the ladies’ version in “Looking for Sweet Love.” What’s interesting is to see how both sexes can see the same situation, but through different eyes, giving validity to the old saying that there are three sides to a story: Her version, his version, and the truth.
How do you weave the themes of education, implement thought-provoking narratives, all while mentioning economic empowerment and social injustices within the context of romantic relationships?
Another good question. (I have to pause to think about this one.) Okay, framing the question, think about your love life, regardless of whether you’re male or female. Now, think about when you’re looking at a romantic partner and how socio-economic factors (and superficial and shallow judgments) influence your decisions. Now, add on other societal factors and constraints (including a partner’s search for self-validation through relationships (going from one partner to the other), narcissistic and behavioral issues (only concerned about oneself and not the partner), and family (baby mamma/daddy) drama) to the equation.
You now have a recipe to establish your characters and the challenges they must face and overcome as the story progresses, and each character grows. In “Black Coffee” I incorporate justice for marginalized and disenfranchised men (the underdog of the story) and how the character can find love (or the one) by recognizing and overcoming their flaws and with the help of The Brothers (the other male characters in the book).
What message do you want to convey in both your books about the importance of community and supportive relationships, both romantic and platonic, in navigating life’s challenges?
Wow!!! Funny you should ask this question. (I think I have the perfect response with a real-life example for you.) Back in March of this year, the BronzeLens Film Festival held its annual Sunday Brunch with the Brothers—a forum of black and brown men in the entertainment industry sharing insight on the profession and life in general.
This year’s luncheon included the producer and cast of BET’s The Family Business. And if I didn’t recall or take away one thing from that luncheon, I took away this: The producer and cast shared that the set is a “safe space” for the male actors (a first for most).
Not only is it a “safe space,” but an environment in which the male cast support each other’s growth and development. That hit deep because this is what’s lacking in our society regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin or sexual orientation. Not only did it hit deep, but I was happy to hear it because “Black Coffee” has a minor storyline addressing this same issue. The book revolves around nine men who don’t know each other from a can of beans, but bond and develop friendships which help each other grow and get through life’s obstacles, relationships, and situationships as the main storyline develops.
Could you give us a glimpse into what readers can expect from your upcoming books, “6%” and “The Art of Scandal,” and what motivated you to shift your narrative focus to these new endeavors?
Another GREAT question, and I love talking about upcoming work and its motivators! First, I’ll start by saying that I’m always writing about life—art imitating life, as I like to call it. “The Art of Scandal” and “6%” are upcoming books based on (or inspired by) real-life experiences and events.
In “6%,” I ask what happens when a supervisor reports a teammate allegedly harassing a female worker, the company fails to address the harassment, and the Supervisor is targeted by the company? 6% (a personal Memoir) centers around workplace sexual harassment (and a possible coverup) and chronicles the challenges, obstacles, and uphill legal battle to obtain justice—a page-turner for sure.
“The Art of Scandal” follows workplace friends of 20+ years (one a vindictive narcissist) who turn into bitter enemies and plot to destroy each other after one is betrayed. Pitted against each other (with coworkers forced to take sides), the two stop at nothing to seek revenge on the other; destroying everyone and everything in their path to do so—including the company that initiated the betrayal.
Byrd is sparking conversations about relationships, giving insightful perspectives on romance and friendship. With his talent in writing realistic fiction with memorable characters, the conflicts in each story of confronting personal and social issues can resonate with readers, especially in the Black community. Look forward to his third and fourth novels, “The Art of Scandal” and “6%,” coming soon. For more information, visit www.richardleonbyrd.com.
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