'Blackout' Creators On The Obamas ‘Falling In Love’ With Their Book & Cosy Winter Sequel 'Whiteout'

New York Times best-selling authors Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon, who are the brilliant minds behind hit book "Blackout", sat down with Awallprintss’ Carolina Gomes for an exclusive interview about the success of the novel, it's upcoming Netflix series and their heart-warming winter sequel "Whiteout," a celebration of Black love and joy.

“Sit down and lay down,” was the order given in the group chat by author Dhonielle Clayton when she found out former U.S President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were interested in producing the TV adaptation of Blackout.

A “love letter to love,” the novel celebrates Black love in the midst of a summer heatwave in New York and brings together six interlinked stories of teenagers navigating romance, friendship and hidden truths. It was penned by acclaimed authors Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon and released in July 2021.

Hot off the heels of its release, the book reached new heights when news broke that it was slated to be adapted into a six-part anthology with streaming giant Netflix. Naturally, there is always an element of relinquishing control when it comes to converting books for the screen.

“This is a stressful process because we, as writers, lose control of our material as soon as it hits Hollywood”, Dhonielle tells Awallprintss’ Carolina Gomes over a Zoom call. She continues: “But what’s so great about Blackout is that we get to be part of it, so it’s very different. I know we are gonna have a very good experience.”

However, the most important thing is allowing space for the adaptation to shine in its own right. “I think that movie adaptations and books are fraternal twins,” Angie explains. “They don’t look exactly alike, they share some of the same DNA and the author’s the grandparent who can give advice, but they are not the parent to make the ultimate decision.”

The authors affirmed knowing that Netflix had they eyes on the project, but was when they told them the Obamas “fell in love with the book” that the feeling hit a fever pitch. Dhonielle immediately texted the group chat and warned each of them that they ought to take a seat before she delivered the news.

After the massive success that was Backout, the six award-winning authors got back together again for its sequel: Whiteout. Whiteout is the product of hard work of the sextuplet, who are committed to showcasing the importance of helping young Black adults feel seen and celebrated.

This novel, which is a sequel for Blackout with interconnected stories but different characters, tells the story of Stephanie “Stevie” Williams, a high school science genius, that deeply jeopardizes the relationship with her girlfriend, Sola. In a desperate attempt to get Sola’s trust back, Stevie plans the most epic apology, with the help of her friends, who are dealing with their own romantic problems. What Stevie hadn’t counted on was the city of Atlanta having one of the biggest snowstorms ever, which puts her perfect apology at risk and left wondering if she’ll be able to get Sola back.

"Whiteout" is out now.

“We have to make black kids know that they are normal kids,” Angie explains. “Black people often get othered out of conversations and through both Blackout and Whiteout we wanted to show that normal black kids have normal teenage experiences; fall in love, trying to figure it out, just normal things.”

“Also”, Angie adds, “we wanted the kids to see themselves in these characters and not only in sad stories of suffering.”

“Love is great and worth fighting for, Nicola, powerfully states. “Not only your love for others, but loving yourself, because you can’t fall in love unless you don't love yourself a little.”

The intention behind Whiteout is clear, it is not only a celebration of Black love but also a space to encourage forgiveness in hopes of fostering growth in its readers. Second chances and forgiveness play a central role in the book both in the core plot and in the surrounding stories. “I hope that kids who read this understand that even if you make a mistake you’re still worthy of love, even if you mess up you deserve a second chance”, Ashley says. “We see you, you deserve this love story and we’re rooting for you.”

“And you don’t have to be perfect to be loved”, Dhonielle adds. “Stevie’s an imperfect person who’s struggling with a lot of things and she deserves to receive love and to give love; I want kids to know that you don’t need to be perfect to be in a relationship.”

Whiteout certainly makes light work of touching on big subjects. Prompting contemplation, universal love, self-acceptance and a warm embrace of inclusion, Whiteout is sure to resonate with many.

Whiteout is out now.