Sable Janay

Pre-Interview: Sable Janay is a passionate storyteller who celebrates black love, resilience, and second chances. She writes later-in-life romance that blends heartfelt emotion, vibrant characters, and a sultry feel, creating stories that remind readers it’s never too late to find their happily ever after.

Author Interview:

1. What inspires you most to write?

Honestly? Just getting the stories out of my head and into the world. I write the kind of romance I love to read, especially for readers who are closer to my age and want to see themselves falling in love again. Messy, beautiful, grown-up love.

2. What is your favorite genre?

Definitely contemporary romance and women’s fiction. I love stories that feel real but still give you that swoony, hopeful ending.

3. Who is one author you admire and why?

Tè Russ. I adore her writing style and how she thinks outside the box. She’s a perfect example of making romance feel fresh and exciting every single time.

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

I take breaks. Sometimes that means reading other books, pouring a glass of wine, listening to music, or just people-watching for inspiration. Inspiration is everywhere if you slow down and let it find you.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

Learn the business side early. Know your rights, read your contracts, register your copyrights, and make sure you understand royalties. Protect your work like the valuable property it is.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

This is my pen name, so I’m just getting started here. My first book is in my standalone Still Got It series, which will have five books total. I also have another series planned for next year. Before Sable Janay, I wrote sweet romance under another name, but once I started adding love scenes, Sable took off. Not a bestseller yet, but that’s definitely the dream.

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

I’d probably rewrite The Perfect Find with Gabrielle Union. Not because I didn’t love it, but because I would’ve loved to dig even deeper into the emotional layers and give the romance just a little more heat.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

Early on, I tried the traditional publishing route, and honestly, it was frustrating and disappointing. Eventually, I took fate into my own hands and started self-publishing. As for critiques, I take the useful parts and leave the rest. Not every book is for every reader, and that’s okay.

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

Deciding to use the Sable Janay pen name and go all-in on self-publishing. It gave me the freedom to write the stories I wanted to tell and connect directly with the readers who get me.

10. Do you prefer to write in silence or have some sort of sound in the background?

I usually have something playing in the background. Most of the time it’s Disney+ movies. Don’t ask me why, but there’s something comforting about writing a steamy scene while Beauty and the Beast is playing in the background.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

Write the story you can’t stop thinking about. Don’t wait for permission, don’t wait for “perfect,” and don’t let fear stop you from hitting publish. Someone out there needs your words.

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

I looked at what other indie authors in my genre were charging and found a sweet spot that felt fair to readers but still valued my work. For promotion, I use a mix of social media and my newsletter. Eventually I'll use ads.

13. Why should anyone read your book?

Because I write grown and sexy love stories that remind you it’s never too late to start over, take a chance, and fall hard for someone who truly sees you.

14. Did you have a book coach?

No, but I’m actually working on becoming one myself so I can help other black authors make their stories shine.

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

English, creative writing, and history. Anything that let me tell stories or learn new ones.

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

Self-published after a few disappointing starts with traditional publishing. Best decision I ever made.