In this special Q&A, we got to chat with the ever-creative Tiye, the USA Today Bestselling author behind the captivating new novel, Rifts and Refrains. Currently available exclusively as an audiobook, this compelling story immerses listeners in the world of country music, weaving a tale of personal discovery, legacy, and romance set against the vibrant backdrop of Nashville.
In Rifts and Refrains, Tiye introduces us to Amara Johnson, a character whose complex relationship with music drives the narrative. In this conversation, Tiye shares insights into her inspiration for Amara’s journey, the significance of discovering old letters and journals, and how she captured the essence of Nashville. Join us as we uncover the magic behind Rifts and Refrains and gain a deeper understanding of Tiye’s creative process, exclusively through the power of audio storytelling.
How did you develop the character of Amara Johnson and her complex relationship with music?
Rifts and Refrains was inspired by Beyonce’s transcendent country album, Cowboy Carter. I contemplated a character who grew up immersed in country music. Then I decided I wanted a character who never dared to dream that she would ever be a music star, and definitely not a country one. Through Amara, I could explore that all genres of music are connected and a combination of many ethnicities and cultures. Using Jake’s guidance, Amara decided that country best displays her strong vocals and fantastic songwriting ability.
I wanted a relatable character who didn’t know her own potential and that her incredible talent was within her the entire time. As a music teacher, Amara had been writing poetry and what she considered simple songs for her students, and she never shared a large part of who she was with another soul. At the story’s beginning, Amara hides her persona in plain sight out of respect for her father, whom she loves and honors. A father who’d been estranged from his own father because of music influenced how he parented Amara, unintentionally blocking her natural gifts and talents.
Singing at her grandfather’s funeral sparked Amara’s personal journey to re-discovering her love of music and her immense talent, to discover how much of herself she’d allowed to be eclipsed by family trauma, to healing family wounds, and finding the love she’d never expected or imagined.
Can you discuss the significance of Amara discovering old letters, journals, and a tattered photo? How do these elements drive the narrative?
Amara always felt like an outsider, even in her own life. She couldn’t quite describe her feelings, thoughts, or emotions until Amara was at her grandfather’s home after his burial. Being so near his presence and his essence stirs and awakens her soul. While going through his closet, stumbling upon his guitar case, and discovering the contents inside, she recognized a kinship with the grandfather she barely knew. A kinship and love of music that she hadn’t been able to share with anyone. The curiosity of who her grandfather was and other possible similarities and connections, with very little information outside of the letters, journal of songs, and a photo of her grandfather with a woman other than her beloved grandmother, inspired the thirst for more knowledge about Stoney Johnson. She wants to know more about her grandfather and seeks Jake Barnes, a talent agent/manager for one of the greatest country singers and the only one who seems to know her grandfather as a blues musician.
Jake Barnes plays a pivotal role in Amara’s journey. How did you envision his character and his relationship with Amara evolving throughout the story?
IT ALL BEGAN WITH A SONG.
Jake was the spark that began Amara’s journey. He witnessed her singing at her grandfather’s funeral and approached her about a singing career. Through Amara, Jake also evolves personally and professionally and experiences his own winding journey from a troubled past with abusing substances and a toxic relationship with a client to the present.
I knew that they would end up together after both made personal revelations and transformations. Amara inspired him to be a better man by observing and cultivating her natural talent. As he fought his own demons in his determination to respect Amara as a singer and a woman, as well as her relationship with another man, he grew as a man who could truly love himself and others and forgive those who hurt him.
The setting of Nashville is iconic in the music world. How did you capture its essence and incorporate it into the story?
I’d never been to Nashville until I started writing this story. I traveled to Nashville as if I were Amara and did my best to capture my initial thoughts and feelings of excitement and nostalgia through notes and pics. From the moment I stepped off the plane and entered the airport, I felt the electric vibe of Nashville and the sounds of live music in the distance.
I also had the unique opportunity to have a personal tour of the city with a country singer and musician, Beau Braswell. A native of Nashville, he was very informative about the culture, the music, and the “Music City.” We toured historic sites like the Ryman, Music Row, The Grand Ole Opry, and some Broadway Street bars. We also had brisket and hot chicken and enjoyed some Tennessee Whiskey. All these experiences guided Rifts and Refrains.
What challenges did you face in blending the themes of personal discovery and romance within the backdrop of the music industry?
I had to make sure that I had a balance of those themes throughout the story. As a writer, I naturally drift to the romance of my stories and the love between my characters. This story is different in that Amara’s and Jake’s love isn’t at the center of this story. Legacy and music were also an integral part of this story. As the story flowed, I had editors and alpha/beta readers to give feedback to ensure that my story was balanced and that, ultimately, Rifts and Refrains was a perfect blend. I believe that my tribe, including my manager, Keisha Mennefee, who created Amara’s poems for the story, helped me face and overcome that challenge.
How did you ensure the authenticity of the musical elements in the book? Did you draw on any personal experiences or research for this?
Traveling to the heart of Nashville guided my research and personal experiences of the musical elements of this story. I also interviewed four different musicians. Two were based in New York and dabbled in folk, blues, and hip-hop genres. The other two were based in Nashville and provided some history of country music and African American artists’ roles and acceptance in this genre. Each gave important information, including how to hold a guitar, what a typical country band consists of, and how success in Nashville often leads to worldwide success.
Start listening to Rifts and Refrains, and grab your copy at your local library or anywhere you download audiobooks, including:
