Maybe Everything That Glitters Is Gold

A conversation with Author Sarafini on her latest release, Gold II

Settle in, bookish friends — today we're sitting down with Author Sarafini to talk about her newest release, Gold II, the second installment in the journey of one unforgettable it-girl. From designer showrooms to Newark streets, Sarafini's writing pulls no punches, and her heroine Gold is here to remind us that glamour and grit can absolutely live in the same closet.

About Gold II

Twenty-year-old Gold Badeaux is living the life of every girl's dreams. By day, she's splurging at New York City designer showrooms; by night, she's wined and dined and frequenting the hottest spots. She's an it-girl, living the high life, and things couldn't get any more fabulous.

Still, despite her stunning looks and couture closet, Gold's rise from the gritty streets of Newark has been far from idyllic. With every step she takes forward, her past is over her shoulder. Most times, it's for the worse, but every blue moon for the better.

Though she has a host of eligible bachelors at her feet, only one man can hold her undivided attention. There's just one problem: he's off-limits.

Follow Gold on her journey of highs and lows in this urban coming-of-age tale fusing money, friendship, love, sex, and power. This is just the beginning. Welcome to Gold's world.

The Conversation

Where does your love for high fashion — and the luxe world Gold lives in — come from?

My love for high fashion comes from simply being a dreamer since childhood. I consumed a lot of magazines and media growing up, and that childlike whimsy has never left. I always imagined myself with the shoes, the bag, the condo, the career. I dreamt and still dream of the finer things because why not?! It's free!

In general, I love information and being in the know. I hate not knowing things, and more than that, I love to teach and introduce people to things they probably haven't heard of, whether that's in real life or through words.

What is your writing process?

My writing process is… brutal. I'm a one-woman show, so balancing writing with working full-time and maintaining a life and relationships is a lot. It's a grind that you have to embrace, or you'll never get to the finish line and put your stories out. Now that I'm a SAHM, I anticipate releasing more quickly, but overall I like to maintain a certain pace that doesn't feel rushed or thoughtless. I like to stay in control of the story and drive it in the direction I'm truly seeking, and that takes time.

But before and during the process of penning a story, I read a lot. I read articles about any and everything. I would say that is the secret to my writing. No one person can possibly know all things. But I try to know a little bit about a lot and build on that. Intellectually, I try to challenge myself but keep it relatable.

How did you write this story without Gold looking like a hoe — because, listen, she was having a time?

I didn't really consider how Gold would be perceived. Lol. Like, what's the big deal with being a hoe? It's a book. Haha. But no — it was all about telling the story in a real way, where people make bad decisions. Making Gold look perfect, or any of the characters, was not something I was interested in. And it's also impossible — because then what's the point of the story?

When writing, I'm always guided by one of my favorite quotes:

"If you can't be honest in fiction, then what can you be honest in?"

Gold II is available now. Grab your copy and meet us back here to gag together — Gold's world is one you'll want to live in for a little while.

Watch/listen to the podcast episode on this book below.