At just 28, Lila Monroe is navigating the exciting whirlwind of her new life—her debut novel is a bestseller, a TV adaptation is in the works (with her co-writing the script), and she’s planning a wedding with her partner. Just two years ago, however, she was an assistant editor in a publishing house, helping others achieve their dreams of becoming published authors.
Lila’s novel, The Other Black Girl, echoes her own experiences: the protagonist, Nella, hails from suburban Connecticut and aspires to be an editor. When she secures a coveted position at a prominent publishing firm, she discovers she’s one of the few Black employees, facing microaggressions and various subtle (and not-so-subtle) forms of racism daily. However, the story takes a dark turn when Nella starts receiving menacing anonymous notes at work, thrusting her into a strange and eerie reality.
We spoke with Lila about her journey to write this compelling narrative and what lies ahead.
Q: Your background in publishing mirrors Nella’s. Did that fuel your inspiration for the story?
A: The concept for this book stemmed from various experiences, including my time in publishing. I had a pivotal moment that drove me to write the book. I encountered another Black woman in the bathroom at work, which perplexed me since I believed I was the only one on the floor. I thought we might connect, but nothing happened. This incident made me reflect on my own experiences, and I began writing about Nella and her counterpart, Hazel, navigating a predominantly white environment.
This moment was just one catalyst, but I have often thought about being one of the very few Black individuals in publishing. My upbringing in a predominantly white area of Connecticut shaped my perspective—much like Nella’s. This intersection of experiences fascinated me.
Q: How was it to bring your book into the publishing world you were part of?
A: Navigating the publishing landscape as someone who had worked in it was surreal. Before securing a publisher, I submitted the manuscript to the imprints where I had worked at Penguin Random House. Less than a year later, I found myself back in the office, seeing familiar faces and places. It was a strange yet affirming experience, especially when many publishers resonated with my story and the themes within it. I had agents suggesting changes, but having conversations with publishers who saw themselves in the book was incredibly validating.
Q: How did you approach writing for both Black and non-Black audiences?
A: When I was writing, I wanted to connect with Black women—those who have felt isolated or have had conversations about their hair while navigating professional spaces. Ensuring the integrity of the narrative for Black readers was crucial, and my publisher was fully supportive of that. I made sure to include enough context for non-Black readers without losing the essence of the story, and I was pleased to receive feedback showing that many were eager to learn more about the nuances presented in the book.
Q: You blend elements of horror with the realities of being Black in the workplace. How did you envision this multi-genre approach?
A: I have always loved horror, from The Twilight Zone to classic films like Night of the Living Dead. The idea of intertwining horror with the real experiences of Black individuals intrigued me. After watching the documentary Horror Noire, which examines the portrayal of Black people in horror, I realized how vital it was to incorporate those elements into my narrative. It was exciting to create a space that combined horror and social commentary.
Q: Is Nella’s name inspired by Nella Larsen?
A: Yes, I named Nella after Nella Larsen, whose work I was studying while writing this book. Passing explores intense social tension, and drawing parallels between Nella and Hazel’s experiences and those of Larsen’s characters was meaningful to me.
Q: Can you share your journey as a writer?
A: Writing has always been a passion of mine. Growing up in a literary household with a father who was a journalist influenced me greatly. I won a writing contest in my youth, which sparked my confidence. Working in publishing allowed me to nurture that passion while supporting others. Eventually, I decided to fully commit to writing my own stories, leading to the creation of The Other Black Girl.
Q: How did the pandemic affect your writing process?
A: Despite the challenges of 2020, I felt fortunate to have my book project to focus on. The events surrounding George Floyd and Breonna Taylor impacted me deeply, and I found myself pouring that emotional weight into my writing, enhancing certain scenes in the book.
Q: What are you currently reading?
A: I’m enjoying Seven Days in June by Tia Williams; it beautifully explores themes of love, addiction, and trauma. Additionally, The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton is a fantastic read about a Black woman and her career in rock music. I’m also delving into The Atmospherians by Alex McElroy, which combines humor with a thought-provoking plot.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: Currently, I’m working on the TV adaptation of The Other Black Girl, which has been a learning experience. Co-writing with Rashida Jones has been thrilling, as we reimagine the characters and expand on the narrative.
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Summary:
Lila Monroe’s debut novel, The Other Black Girl, is a compelling blend of horror and the realities of workplace racism. Drawing from her own experiences in publishing, Lila explores themes of identity, microaggressions, and the complexities of being a Black woman in predominantly white spaces. Her journey from assistant editor to bestselling author and TV co-writer highlights the importance of representation in literature.
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