Zariah L. Banks is a multi-award-winning contemporary romance author, best known for Beauty Beheld, the first title in the Beauty is Her Name series, and the Amazon bestselling holiday short, “Mistletowed.” Beauty Beheld was a featured title in the Indie Author Project Select collection, one of the best indie books in the Indie Author Project program on Biblioboard.
Zariah’s stories delve into themes of self-love and emotional growth, featuring relatable characters on quests for lasting love. Fans eagerly await the release of her next book, Beauty Betrothed, in the spring of 2025. A proud Northeast Ohio native, Zariah resides with her husband, son, and daughter. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys jigsaw puzzles, board games, and sipping dessert wine while indulging in her favorite reality shows.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
I’ve been obsessed with books since I learned how to read. So when my 4th grade teacher gave me an assignment to create and illustrate my own poetry book, it was on! That moment sparked something in me. I believe that each of us have a unique story inside of us that the world can benefit from. For me, it’s sharing stories of people experiencing the thrill of finding their forever love—especially after thinking it may not be in the cards for them. I want to show women that love doesn’t wait until you lose 10 lbs. or land the perfect career. It comes at just the right time, just as you are.
As far as influences, Terry McMillan and Eric Jerome Dickey were huge for me. They both took bold risks with their stories, creating unforgettable characters and plots that challenged the norm. Reading their work made me want to create characters that also shake things up.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
In addition to being an author, I work full-time in the publishing industry as a book coach and developmental editor. It keeps me plugged into the industry while feeding my constant desire to read and write. Plus, I get the joy of helping other authors achieve their publishing dreams, which is incredibly fulfilling.
Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?
I chose Beauty Beheld because of the phrase “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” But what happens when your beauty is beheld by the person who’s perfect for you? It’s scary as hell, that’s what. Some of us may feel pressure to be perfect, to not mess things up. In doing so, we often focus on the wrong things and cause ourselves to lose sight of what’s important. That’s real life. In my series, Beauty is Her Name, Patience, my main character, learns that her imperfections are part of what makes her beautiful to Lennox. She discovers the value of being flawed and embraces loving herself unapologetically.
How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?
It was indescribable. After all of the hard work, sacrifices, and money invested, it was no longer just an idea in my head—it became a tangible piece of art that others would experience, analyze, and gift to someone. She was my baby. And she was absolutely stunning! The only thing that topped that feeling was seeing my book cover on the NASDAQ billboard in Times Square after winning two Bookfest awards. That’s a high I’ll never forget.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?
That they deserve to be loved, regardless of their background or circumstances. There’s someone out there who will meet them where they are and love them for who they are. Sure, you can always aspire to grow, but you should never try to change yourself for someone else. Do it because you want to. Do it for yourself.
As for my perfect readers, I’ve already found them! They email me after every newsletter and stop by my book fair table. They’ve already read my books and support diverse perspectives and indie authors. Those are my people.
What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?
Right now, I’m finishing up Beauty Betrothed, which will be released in Spring 2025. I get emails every day about this book. My readers are excited as I am—maybe even more! I can’t wait for them to experience what’s next for Patience, Lennox, Mia, and Preston. It’s an honor to share their journeys with the world.
Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.