Tia Williams Hired a P.I. for “The Missed Connection”. Readers Won’t Need One to Find Lots to Love In Her New Novel (Exclusive)

**Tia Williams Discusses Her Latest Novel and the Joy of Writing**

Bestselling author Tia Williams recently sat down for an exclusive interview with PEOPLE to discuss her upcoming romantic suspense novel, *The Missed Connection*, set to be released on 9th June. The book tells the story of a casting director who seeks assistance from a private detective to locate a potential soulmate she encountered on a flight to Paris.

In an intriguing twist on the typical writing process, Williams employed a private detective during her research for this novel. Her intention was not to unearth anyone’s secrets, but rather to ensure that her characters were portrayed with authenticity. She explained, “He had the craziest stories and just the funniest anecdotes.” The detective, who has gained fame for his uniqueness, plays a pivotal role in shaping the protagonist of the story, a male character capable of discerning human behaviour with remarkable insight.

Central to *The Missed Connection* is Sasha Cruz, the casting director who unexpectedly meets a man during her travels yet fails to catch his name. In her quest to find him, she encounters Wes Dane, a private investigator with whom she shares a complex history. The narrative intertwines themes of romance, self-discovery, and the challenges of navigating past relationships.

Recognising the complexity of crafting a gripping mystery, Williams described the writing process as one where she had to adopt the role of a detective herself. “As the writer, you have to be the detective, because you have to solve this thing before you write it,” she shared. This method involved working in reverse to establish how the story would unfold, a challenge she embraced with enthusiasm.

While this is Williams’ first foray into suspense, she notes a common thread in her writing. Previous works, including *Seven Days in June* and *A Love Song for Ricki Wilde*, also focus on the lives of creative Black individuals. “When I was growing up, we’re not really encouraged to be writers, painters, singers, or designers,” she commented, reflecting on her experience as a Gen Xer. Her desire to highlight diverse creative careers is evident throughout her narratives.

Utilising her admiration for the film industry, from the glamour of the Oscars to her childhood passion for industry magazines, Williams developed Sasha’s character with depth. Engaging with real-life casting directors further enriched her understanding of the industry, leading her to explore the challenges of recognising potential in others. “It was very interesting… how that would help you in relationships but also harm you in relationships,” Williams noted.

Sasha herself grapples with her own personal struggles, including an anxiety disorder stemming from a past encounter with a stalker. Williams draws upon her friends’ experiences to shape this narrative, revealing the extended impact of fear many women face in their everyday lives. “We can’t live our lives from a place of fear, but… learning that some men aren’t safe, you need to learn how to protect yourself,” she explained.

Despite the darker themes in her characters’ lives, Williams aims to convey joy and optimism through her writing. “I want things to be louder, and better, and funnier, and sexier… than real life,” she asserted. By weaving in elements of fun and escapism, *The Missed Connection* offers readers a reprieve from their realities—a promise of entertainment and laughter.

Ultimately, the motivation behind the novel is to bring smiles and joy to readers. Williams declared, “Every book I write is actually therapy for myself in some way, and this one, specifically, was just purely to be fun; to give the gift of a good time.”

With *The Missed Connection* set to grace bookshelves soon, Williams’ fans can expect a tale that melds romance and suspense in a delightful narrative that promises to be both entertaining and reflective. The book can be found at retailers across the country, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a world of adventure and connection.