Shilpa’s Blue Crayon follows a down-to-earth African American woman in her thirties who, while devoted to her art and deeply committed to those she holds dear, longs for the love of a husband and children she has never known. What inspired the setup of your story?

I wanted to write a love story that displayed lots of mystery and suspense that would include a surprise ending. Most love stories are extremely predictable and not always true to real life. I wanted to show the insecurities that many women have about their looks, careers, love life, etc. But I also wanted to show when it comes to those you love, most women would do whatever it takes to protect their family and friends with or without a man. That protecting those you care about comes first, even when your safety is at risk. Shilpa embodies many women that I know personally who are strong and successful even when they don’t realize it. And, I truly wanted the reader to take this roller coaster ride with Shilpa until she found love and family even when she wasn’t looking for it. Of course, I’m an African American woman myself, retired, and I’m able to provide the Black perspective of life’s challenges.

The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?

My favorite characters are Jacob (Shilpa’s husband); and Winnie/Vida (Shilpa’s best friends) because they display their love, loyalty, and commitment even when hard truths have to be discussed. Jacob is in an interracial marriage with Shilpa and I wanted to show his love for his wife that transcends boundaries, cultures, and societies. How he truly loved his wife without condition, and how they were on the same page with raising their children. Jacob understood Shilpa’s insecurities and provided patience to help her work through them. He helped her find her strength. Winnie and Vida (from both worlds) are what best friends embody (loyalty, truth, compassion, kindness, trustworthiness, and honesty). I have life-long best friends like this so it was very easy to write about Winnie and Vida. The best way to do all this is for Shilpa to be trapped in two worlds until she found the truth about her life.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

What love should be between a man and woman and the spirituality behind true love; love of friendship; the beauty of this world with explanations of the color blue and its importance in our lives; racism, diversity, and multiculturalism; passing for white and what that means; money is not important unless you can use it to serve others; and gaining your power and strength when you need it most.

What is the next novel that you are working on and when will that be available?

My first book, published in March 2024, is called “Kevin and KatheRINe in the Next Lifetime.” I believe it to be a beautiful love story. Personal and professional reviews are amazing. This book displays CC Lane’s brand demonstrating the color blue, love and its spirituality, interracial relationships (black woman/white man), and all that comes with it. And of course, that surprise ending. However, the two books are very different.

I’m currently working on my third book called, Munyori and Johannas, in 72 hours. This book also keeps with the brand of interracial love, the color blue, and lots of surprises that keep your heart pounding. I’m hopeful this book will be published by the end of the year. No writer’s block – the storyline keeps coming. Just have to find the time to finish it.

I would also like to note that Kevin Costner, the actor, is mentioned briefly in all my books. My female friends and I absolutely love him – we are all about the same age as Costner. I’ve used the personality of many of the characters he plays in movies for the love interests. My friends noticed it as well.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon