Sareeta Domingo, a celebrated author and editor from South East London, delves into themes of intimacy, identity, and the interior lives of Black women with her latest novel, Possibility. The book follows Anika, a woman in her thirties, as she re-examines her life after a sudden health crisis disrupts her carefully curated existence.
Domingo’s work is known for its warmth and nuance, blending romantic realism with emotional depth. In Possibility, she crafts a story that is at once reflective, relatable, and layered with complexity.
A Story Inspired by Personal Experience
In an exclusive interview, Domingo shared insights into the inspiration behind Possibility. The novel was sparked by a personal health challenge that compelled her to confront mortality—an experience she felt was rarely represented by characters who look like her.
“Possibility is about a Black British woman named Anika who, on her 30th birthday, faces a serious health crisis,” Domingo explained. “This existential jolt pushes her to take control of her work, friendships, and love life. I wanted to explore not only the emotional repercussions of such an event but also the complicated, sometimes messy growth that follows.”
Writing Process and Challenges
Domingo credits screenwriter Dan Harmon’s Story Circle method for helping her shape the plot structure. However, the act of writing remained a disciplined, daily commitment: “There’s no cure for writing a novel other than sitting down and getting those words on the page.”
The most challenging aspect, she revealed, was revisiting the early chapters depicting Anika’s health crisis—a process that proved emotionally triggering but ultimately cathartic.
Characters Rooted in Reality
Anika, Domingo says, is intentionally complex and imperfect. “I don’t know anyone who is all sweetness and no ego. I wanted Anika to feel messy and real, to make mistakes. She embodies both hubris and freedom, and the story explores how she balances those.”
Her love interest, Cam, brought a lighter, more sensual energy to the narrative, with their scenes flowing naturally. Domingo also identifies strongly with both characters, describing them as “two sides of my coin.”
Manifestation and Self-Love
Anika’s use of diary entries to manifest change in her life reflects a broader theme in the novel about the balance between self-belief and realism. Domingo emphasizes that manifestation requires more than just wishful thinking—it demands honesty with oneself.
Exploring Anika’s journey deepened Domingo’s understanding of love and self-love. “Anika is one of the most complex characters I’ve written. Her nuances taught me a lot about knowing and loving yourself, and how that affects the way others love you.”
Finding Joy Amidst Challenges
Domingo relates personally to Anika’s struggles with questioning life’s purpose. For both women, music serves as a vital source of healing and inspiration. Domingo also practices daily gratitude, writing down three good things each day to remain connected to joy.
Recently appointed Publishing Director at Jacaranda Books, a decade-old Black-owned independent publisher, Domingo is eager to champion Black voices in the UK literary scene. “The publishing landscape is tough for everyone, but especially for Black authors who risk being overlooked during challenging times. That’s why Jacaranda’s work is so vital.”
On the subject of bookstores, Domingo supports dedicated Black literature sections to increase visibility—provided these books are also integrated into mainstream shelves.
