With its keen observations of creative life in America today, as well as the joys and complications of being a mother and a daughter, Seven Days in June is a hilarious, romantic, and sexy‑as‑hell story of two writers discovering their second chance at love. We spoke with author Tia Williams about the inspiration for Seven Days in June, her favorite audiobooks, and more!
Seven Days in June
By Tia Williams • Narrated by Mela Lee
“Tia Williams’ book is a smart, sexy testament to Black joy, to the well of strength from which women draw, and to tragic romances that mature into second chances. I absolutely loved it.”
#1 NYT bestselling author Jodi Picoult,
Please tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write this book and how this story took shape for you.
Romeo and Juliet was a huge inspiration! I wanted to dive into the idea of dysfunctional teens as adults—what happens to them? Do you ever recover from childhood traumas? Does true love have an expiration date? How many totally functional-seeming, got-it-all-together adults are walking around with hidden pasts and tortured secrets? Eva and Shane were born out of these questions.
In two sentences or less, what’s something that might surprise Libro.fm listeners about your audiobook?
I think Mela Lee’s interpretation of the character’s voices is so pitch-perfect—and exactly what I had in mind while writing.
What struck you about the narration?
I love the cadence of Mela Lee’s delivery. She strikes the perfect balance between humor, romance, and darker themes, which is the tone I tried to set in crafting the story.
What are some independent bookstores that have meant something to you professionally or personally?
Greenlight Bookstore, Cafe Con Libros, The Schomburg Shop, and Sisters Uptown—all in New York.
Tia Williams’ Audiobook Picks:
Caste
By Isabel Wilkerson • Narrated by Robin Miles
The Vanishing Half
By Brit Bennett • Narrated by Shayna Small
Malibu Rising
By Taylor Jenkins Reid • Narrated by Julia Whelan
People We Meet on Vacation
By Emily Henry • Narrated by Julia Whelan
Header photo by Pauline St. Denis