NBC News Daily co-anchor Morgan Radford has ventured into the realm of fiction with the release of her debut novel, *Now Then*, set to hit bookshelves on May 5. This surprising career pivot was largely inspired by a discussion with a literary agent, who encouraged Radford to share a deeply personal story she had long held close to her heart, revealing the powerful connection between her own experiences and her writing.
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In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Radford reflected on this unexpected journey into storytelling. “I met with this book agent, shared a narrative I always felt compelled to tell, and her enthusiasm made me believe in the potential of the story,” she shared. The coincidence of her book release being imminent at a time when she is expecting her second child adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to her forthcoming work.
Radford’s personal life has taken a bustling turn, as she prepares for both a new addition to her family and the launch of her book. She revealed with a chuckle that both the book and her baby were initially due on the same day, prompting a change in publication date to ensure she could manage both events. Her three-year-old daughter, Adelana “Lana” Marcia Radford Williams, awaits a sibling, with Radford embracing the chaos and joy that comes with balancing motherhood and her professional ambitions.
As she discusses *Now Then*, Radford describes the story as a dual-timeline narrative set in 1957 Cuba and 1991 Massachusetts. The novel follows Lily, a Harvard freshman navigating her own identity, while uncovering her mother Marisol’s hidden history tied to the Cuban Revolution. This exploration of familial secrets serves as a profound reflection on culture, belonging, and personal discovery, weaving together the challenges of contemporary college life and the weight of historical traumas.
Radford’s background as a journalist has equipped her with the skills necessary for thorough research. She expressed gratitude for the insights of Ada Ferrer, author of *Cuba: An American History*, who provided valuable feedback during the writing process. The research not only enabled Radford to explore her fictional narrative but also led her to delve into her family’s own roots, tracing their immigration journey from Jamaica to Cuba before settling in the United States.
The conversations she had with her family about their pasts offered her a deeper understanding of their experiences with race, education, and identity. “Asking them about their feelings of belonging was incredibly enlightening,” she noted. Such dialogues have unearthed new perspectives and encouraged healing through storytelling.
Radford’s hope is that *Now Then* will inspire readers to engage in their own conversations about heritage and identity. She believes literature, particularly historical fiction, fosters a sense of empathy and connection among people. “When we read stories, we learn to appreciate our differences while also recognising our shared humanity,” she emphasised.
As Radford embarks on a brief book tour prior to her due date, she acknowledges the timely release of *Now Then* with a personal touch. To culminate her literary venture, she included a letter to her daughter at the book’s conclusion, a heartfelt addition she describes as potentially her favourite part of the novel. This letter encapsulates the essence of her writing intent: to instil a sense of security and belonging in her daughter and all readers.
“My aim was to create a narrative where others can see themselves reflected,” Radford shared. She hopes to empower her daughter with the understanding that she holds within herself the potential to realise her dreams, rather than merely aspire to them.
*Now Then*, a labour of love by Morgan Radford, is not just a tale of fiction, but a bridge connecting individual experiences with broader themes of culture and identity. Set to officially launch on May 5, the book is available for preorder at various retailers, signalling the start of an exciting new chapter in both Radford’s career and her family life.