Adora’s Dance With the Prince follows a young West African woman forced to serve her stepmother and stepsisters who is granted a magical night that brings her one step closer to the man of her dreams. What inspired this reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale?

The Ashanti Kingdom (modern-day Ghana) was renowned for its sophisticated governance, vibrant art, and elaborate royal ceremonies. By setting my story here, I replaced European castles with an Akan palace and transformed the “ball” into a royal festival rooted in communal celebration.

The prince isn’t just a romantic trope—he reflects Ashanti ideals: wisdom (nkontompo), respect (animuonyam), and the responsibility to choose a partner who embodies the spirit of the kingdom.

Do you have a favorite scene in this book? One that was especially fun to write?

Absolutely—The Dance with the Prince. This scene is pure romance and validation. I loved describing the palace courtyard, the hush that fell as Adora arrived, and the crowd whispering, “Who is she?” It’s the ultimate Cinderella entrance moment. Writing the prince’s immediate captivation, his gentle request—“May I have this dance?”—and their tender exchange—“You dance like you’ve done this forever.” / “Only in my dreams”—captured the dreamlike, enchanting quality I wanted. The sensory details—the flute weaving through drum beats, the moonlight casting a soft glow, and the “enchanted energy” as they danced—made this scene especially magical to write.

I am the type of reader who loves to hate the villain. What is your approach to creating the villains in your stories?

My villains—Lady Ikúnsolà and her daughters—are crafted with psychological depth and cultural nuance. I avoid one-dimensional “cartoon evil,” instead shaping antagonists whose motives, flaws, and desires feel real, making their cruelty more impactful.

Can we look forward to more books in the Black Girl Magic Princess Fairy Tales series soon? Where will it take readers?

Definitely! I recently published Black Onyx & The Three Little Rasta Men, a Caribbean twist on Snow White filled with humor, heart, and rich cultural fusion.

Three more books are coming in the series. I just finished Aliyah’s Songs: The Voice That Broke the Spell—an African American Southern spin on Rapunzel. I’m especially excited about this one; the Creole and African American folklore blend is pure magic. Like all my princesses, Aliyah wears a crown of courage and conquers doubt with confidence.

I don’t just want readers to turn pages and be entertained—I want them to close the book feeling empowered.

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