Candice Carty-Williams on Queenie's Impact and Her Writing Journey

Candice Carty-Williams: A Voice for a New Generation

Candice Carty-Williams has spent the past few years fielding a question that has become inevitable: is she Queenie? Her debut novel, published in 2019, introduced readers to Queenie Jenkins, a young Black journalist navigating life in south London. The novel's success was unprecedented, selling over half a million copies and winning Book of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2020.

The Creation of Queenie

Carty-Williams' novel was praised for its relatability and humor, tackling topics such as heartbreak, racism, and self-discovery. The character of Queenie was intentionally flawed, making bad choices and having terrible sex, which resonated with readers. Carty-Williams notes that people feel very attached to Queenie, which is why she was hesitant to write a sequel.

The Sequel and Its Themes

The new novel revisits Queenie in her early 30s, navigating relationships, career, and motherhood. Carty-Williams discusses the challenges of writing a sequel, ensuring that the story would "blow Queenie's life up again" while being mindful of the attachment readers have to the character. The book also explores Black maternal healthcare, a topic Carty-Williams researched extensively, highlighting the disparities in healthcare for Black women.

A Personal Journey

Carty-Williams shares her personal experiences, from growing up in a multicultural family in south London to her journey as a writer. She discusses her struggles in the publishing industry, where she noticed a lack of representation of Black writers and characters. This frustration led her to create the 4thWrite prize, a scheme for unpublished Black, Asian, and minority ethnic writers.

The TV Adaptation

The Channel 4 adaptation of Queenie was a significant milestone, but Carty-Williams reflects on the challenges she faced as showrunner and lead writer. She describes it as the "worst professional experience of my life," citing issues with stereotyping and a lack of understanding of the Black experience.

A Future in Writing

Despite the challenges, Carty-Williams remains committed to her craft, emphasizing the importance of entertainment and relatability in her writing. As she continues to explore new themes and characters, her readers eagerly await her next project, inspired by her unique voice and perspective.