My Wingman received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Tessa King.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
My Wingman was published on May 20, 2025.
What’s the book’s first line?
“Sitting on this bench next to me is my oldest companion, Grief.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
My Wingman is the story of a young woman’s journey to rediscover herself after suffering the painful loss of her soul mate.
A reviewer described it as, “This is a book that doesn’t flinch from sadness but still makes space for laughter, friendship, and the subtle magic of second chances.” – Muhammad on Goodreads.
Summary:
Life had never been easy for Clover. With the loss of her mother at birth and her grandmother’s descent into dementia, she felt like she was constantly dodging curveballs. But nothing could have prepared her for the devastating heartbreak of losing her best friend and soulmate, Elliot. Crushed by grief, Clover is encouraged by her rebellious friend Reese to escape to an enchanting town where the coffee flows freely and friendships spark like fireworks. Here, she meets Sadie, a kind single mom, and reconnects with Everett, the charming brother of her late friend. As she navigates unexpected connections and is haunted by ghostly glimpses of Elliot, Clover must decide whether to hold on to the past or take a leap of faith toward a new future. Join Clover on her journey of healing and rediscovering love because sometimes the best wingman is the one who stirs your soul.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
This story was meant to help me get through a hard time. I was feeling very down, unproductive, and frustrated while home on medical leave, dealing with an exceptionally stubborn flare of chronic pain and fatigue. I was not doing “idle” well and was reading a book a day to keep my mind occupied. After a couple months, on a whim, I started to write. This story just unfolded in my mind. I had no intention of ever sending Clover’s story into the world. I eventually got back to work. Fortunately, I have amazing friends and family who encouraged me to move forward and publish. So, that’s what I did. I’m grateful something positive came from those difficult days.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
This story is for anyone going through a difficult time, whether grief, heartbreak, or life’s simple messiness. Clover’s healing journey is one that almost everyone can relate to in some way. Most importantly, it offers a glimmer of hope and rediscovery.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Clover’s most striking quality is her incredible resilience. As often as life knocks her down, she always finds a way to pick herself back up. She comprises many strong female leads I’ve read about, inspired by their hidden strength. But her connection to the real women I’ve known is deeper yet. Those truly strong individuals who have faced heartbreak and grief that’s often hard to put into words. Each has coped in their own way, struggling at times but ultimately finding a path forward in their own time. Like Clover, they all possess a shared spirit that helps guide them through their toughest moments. It highlights a profound sense of hope that seems part of every woman’s journey.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I never imagined I’d write or publish a novel. This story was just an activity to keep me grounded on tough days. But now that My Wingman is published, it is an amazing feeling, and I think I’m hooked.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
Yes, this is my debut novel, unless you count the short story I typed up while bored one summer in grade school. I think it was about a girl named Martha…it was a long time ago.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I have an exciting career in laboratory medicine! Over the years, I have worked in various roles in different healthcare facilities and have been lucky to work with amazing people.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I squeeze in writing whenever I have time now, typically in short sprints when I’m feeling inspired. But honestly, I wish I could devote myself to it full-time. I find it to be so fulfilling.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
I love learning new things, and the indie process offers a never-ending learning path! And it turns out writing the book was the easy part. Marketing, on the other hand, is a whole other beast! But the indie reader and author community has been amazing and make the uphill battle worth it.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Even the small steps forward matter. Just keep going.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I guess it depends on the situation and where I am in life at the time. I am not outrightly opposed to the idea. If I felt comfortable and inspired, I think it would be easy to say yes.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
Caffeine helps, but I think it is perspective that keeps me going. Others have heavier loads in life, and still, they keep going. So, I will too.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Flannery O’Connor. Her words are uniquely genuine. I love how she wasn’t afraid to show people at their worst. They weren’t always likable, but they became unforgettable. Her characters portray real strength, not the flashy, unbelievable kind, but the strength that sometimes evolves in ugly and unwanted ways. Even more, her personal story is inspiring. She suffered from chronic illness and still poured herself into her craft. She used her imagination when her body failed her. She once said, “Grace changes us and the change is painful.” That has always resonated with me.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Oh, this is a tough one. Can I make it a tie? Both The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova and Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice are such great pieces of literature. I only wish I could write so elegantly. They build these worlds with rich tones and emotionally charged, introspective protagonists. Both generate mystery and intrigue and reflect on what it means to be human or something even beyond. Yep, a dead-even tie on this one (pun absolutely intended).