Neely Tubati Alexander writes acclaimed women’s fiction
Introducing Neely Tubati Alexander, the author behind women’s fiction with rom-com flair. Currently based in Arizona with her husband and children, Alexander crafts delightful tales that have earned her recognition, including the Zibby Award for Best Beach Read for her debut novel, “Love Buzz.”
“Good Morning America” has praised “Love Buzz” as the perfect escapist read, while Booklist heralds her as an exciting new romance writer. Alexander’s second novel, “In a Not So Perfect World,” is set to be released this March and is available for pre-order. The author also works as a HR consultant for the firm she founded, Culture Connective, LLC.
Join SEEMA as we delve into Alexander’s world, exploring her journey, inspirations, and the diversity she brings to the literary scene.
From “Love Buzz” to “In a Not So Perfect World,” how do you feel your writing has evolved, and what aspects of your storytelling have you refined in your second novel?
Writing is a reflection of what we see in the world, so with every day of new experiences comes more opportunity for content, reflection, and understanding of the world. I think perhaps the biggest thing that has evolved is my deliberate attunement to what is happening socially and culturally, so I can ensure those things are reflected in my work. I truly don’t believe I could have written these books earlier in my life.
Can you share insights into your creative process? How do you develop engaging rom-com storylines, and what inspires the unique blend of romance and career exploration in your novels?
As an entrepreneur, work is a big part of my life. I love romance stories that include a woman’s entire life and personality, not just focusing on love. I hope to always include components of career, friendship, and familial bonds in all my books because all of these aspects bleed into how we view love, how we give and receive it, and how we see ourselves in association with it. Including all of these components depends on the story.
Both of your novels explore the challenges and choices faced by women in different stages of life. How much do your personal experiences or observations influence the themes and characters in your stories?
I remember turning thirty and how it felt like such a big milestone. When I was younger, I thought thirty was some important date where I would be a full adult and have all the things that came with that—the career, the house, the relationship. The reality is, there is no magic number, and like Serena in “Love Buzz”, the best things in life seem to happen to me when I’m willing to get out of my own way and reimagine my expectations. This has become a theme in my books.
“Love Buzz” incorporated elements of the Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans, even though you hadn’t visited the city. How did you approach blending research and imagination to create a vivid and authentic setting for your novels?
I did a lot of research! To me, setting is largely about the things you won’t find in pictures or articles. The smells, the demeanor of the people, and the quirky things that make it unique and special. These are the details I seek to find when researching a location. That said, visiting is always better!
In “In a Not So Perfect World,” Sloane makes a promise to remain single for her career. How do you approach creating complex characters like Sloane, and how do their personal choices drive the narrative?
No matter a character’s age, she will always be trying to find her way through. That is true in life, too. We never have it fully figured out. I think it’s important to see characters make mistakes because it’s how they deal with the outcomes of these mistakes that I find interesting. I think the more complex or paradoxical the character, the more reflective it is of real people.
Your novels delve into the complexities of romantic relationships. What do you find most intriguing about exploring love, and how do you balance the romantic elements with the broader themes in your storytelling?
As a romance author, the romantic relationship will always be the central point of the novel. That said, I find it really interesting to see how the unfolding of a romantic relationship can influence all the other aspects of a character’s life. Like life, it is a balance, so often in the editing process I am looking to ensure the broader themes are represented adequately while not taking away from the romantic relationship.
Your journey to becoming a published author involved completing your first manuscript during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Can you share the challenges you faced during this period and the key lessons you learned?
In March and April of 2020, my husband and I were both working from home, and we had two young children home as well. It was a lot. I started taking a few hours at the end of the day to lock myself in our guestroom, pretend I was at a hotel, and write. Sometimes disruptions in our routine can be the catalyst for great things! Without COVID-19 [lockdown], I don’t know where I’d be on this journey.
Your writing is described as women’s fiction with rom-com feels. How do you aim to connect with your readers emotionally, and what kind of impact do you hope your stories have on them?
The word I always come back to is hopeful. I want readers to leave my books having had a wonderful escape from the weight of the world while also seeing real characters navigate relatable challenges. That’s why you’ll see themes of living for one’s self versus others and moving on from heartbreak. These are universal challenges many of us feel, so I hope I do them justice.
In “In a Not So Perfect World,” Sloane is focused on her career. How important is it for you to incorporate themes of career exploration and ambition in your novels, particularly in the context of women’s lives?
While we have come a long way, women still face significant challenges in the workforce, particularly in still male-dominated spaces like gaming and tech. Community is so important for women to find their footing in these industries, and it is fulfilling to be able to highlight some of these challenges and the overcoming of those challenges in my work. The more exposure we give girls and women to these potential career paths, the more doors will open.
You mentioned drawing inspiration from works like “Local Woman Missing” and “Memoirs of a Geisha.” How do these diverse inspirations influence your storytelling, and are there other authors who have had a significant impact on your writing?
As a woman of color, I find representation extremely important. I aim to write diverse characters, yes, but more than anything, I want them to be accessible. I want a reader to pick up one of my books and see that the character is diverse and still be able to connect to and fall in love with the story, just like they would any other. I want the diversity, in some ways, to be an afterthought so the common humanity can shine through first.
Your novels have been praised for their romantic feel. How do you strike a balance between humor and heartfelt moments in your storytelling, and why is this balance important to you as an author?
The banter between two main characters is one of my favorite things to write, which is where I think some of the more humorous moments can take place. I’ve read novels that are heavy all the way through, and it’s just not something I particularly enjoy. I like witty banter and fun and some silliness in life and in literature, and so that’s what I try to write.
With two novels under your belt, what can readers expect from your future projects? Are there specific themes or genres you’re eager to explore in your upcoming works?
I feel honored and lucky to continue to write more books. This industry can be unstable for authors, so I am grateful for each new opportunity. I am currently getting my third novel ready to share with editors and have a rough plan for my fourth book, both of which are contemporary romances. I look forward to sharing those soon!
