Q&A: Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, Author of ‘The Re-Write’

We chat with author Lizzie Damilola Blackburn about The Re-Write, which is a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers rom-com where two exes are faced with one deadline. Will they make it to the end?

Hi, Lizzie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

I’m a British Nigerian writer, born and raised in South London. I now live in Milton Keynes with my husband and our 22-month-old son. I write the kinds of stories I’ve always wanted to read—contemporary love stories with a Black woman at the centre. Stories that are messy, because in my world, Black women don’t have to meet impossible standards of perfection. They get to be complex, relatable, joyful, romantic, and real. They get to be loved and loved on, too. My goal is to spread Black joy through my pen.

When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?

As cliché as it sounds, I’ve loved writing ever since I was a kid. I was an avid reader, and books made me want to give storytelling a go. I loved letting my imagination run wild, and the sound of my fingers tapping away at the keyboard. I attempted to write my first novel when I was around ten. It was about a working-class girl who tries to beat her bullies by winning a tennis tournament. Sadly, I never finished it—the floppy disk it was saved on broke!

Quick lightning round! Tell us:

• The first book you ever remember reading: Where’s Spot by Eric Hill
• The one that made you want to become an author: On Beauty by Zadie Smith
• The one that you can’t stop thinking about: My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Your latest novel, The Re-Write, is out August 12^th! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Fun, drama-fuelled, warm, bookish and sweet!

What can readers expect?

A contemporary, second-chance romance brimming with humour, heart, and a cast of colourful characters—including a fun Easter egg for fans of my debut, Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?. Those familiar with reality TV dating shows like Love Island can expect all the juicy drama that comes with them: online commentary, rumours, and the kind of public scrutiny that can make or break a relationship. From trending for the right reasons to the very, very wrong ones … buckle up—it’s going to be a ride!

Where did the inspiration for The Re-Write come from?

The idea for The Re-Write came to me in the middle of the night, during a difficult creative period. I was struggling with “second book syndrome” — the pressure of writing something that lived up to my debut, Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?. One night, a random thought struck me: What would I do if my ex dumped me, went on the world’s biggest dating show, became famous… and now I had to work with him? That spark became the foundation of The Re-Write.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

Wale really surprised me. At first glance—with his good looks, tattoos, and swag—he comes across as the stereotypical bad boy. But I wanted to challenge that perception and explore what’s beneath the surface. At his core, Wale is sensitive and deeply caring, but he struggles with his masculinity and finds it hard to express vulnerability. Writing his dynamic with Temi was fun, because not only do they have great banter, but she’s the one who gently creates space for him to open up and be emotionally honest. In fact, watching his layers slowly unravel was one of my favourite parts of the book.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Honestly, the writing process was far from smooth. I battled self-doubt, comparison, procrastination—and then I fell pregnant. Juggling deadlines with pregnancy complications and later, sleep-deprived newborn life, was brutal. I ended up writing most of the novel during 3 a.m. feeds. But slowly, with persistence (and a lot of support from my family and team), I finished it. In the end, I channelled those challenges into Temi, my protagonist, and I’m proud of the book we both pushed through to create.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on my third book! I’m one of those writers who doesn’t like to share the recipe while the dish is still cooking, but I’m really excited about how the narrative is taking shape—especially the love story at its heart. Readers can expect the same fun and familiar ingredients—a contemporary setting, a cast of eccentric characters—but also something new and unexpected when it comes to the love interest. I can’t wait for people to meet and fall for Ronke and Toby the way I have.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?

Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola is insanely good. It’s the sequel to her smash-hit Honey & Spice, and follows an older KiKi and Malakai—no longer together—who are suddenly forced to work on a musician’s artistic project. It’s funny, sexy, moving, swoon-worthy, and the writing is deliciously rich. I’m also really looking forward to Beth O’Leary’s The Name Game—I’ll read anything she writes! And I’m intrigued by Shirlene Obuobi’s My Soul To Take, which has been described as an adult woman’s Twilight, with a Black female cardiologist at the centre. Sold!

Will you be picking up The Re-Write? Tell us in the comments below!