Michael Arceneaux: On Having Time and Space To Write Something More Honest

Michael Arceneaux is the New York Times-bestselling author of I Can’t Date Jesus, I Don’t Want To Die Poor, and his latest, I Finally Bought Some Jordans. He is currently doing the best with what he’s got in Los Angeles. Follow him on X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.

Michael Arceneaux

In this interview, Michael discusses how his editor helped him through the writing process of his new essay collection, I Finally Bought Some Jordans, his advice for other writers, and more!

Name: Michael Arceneaux
Literary agent: Jim McCarthy
Book title: I Finally Bought Some Jordans
Publisher: HarperOne
Release date: March 12, 2024
Genre/category: Essay/Memoir
Previous titles: I Can’t Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I’ve Put My Faith in Beyoncé; I Don’t Want To Die Poor
Elevator pitch: If you loved I Can’t Date Jesus and I Don’t Want To Die Poor, I think you will appreciate this latest collection that might be a bit darker in terms of subject matter and themes, but in the end, is still funny and hopeful.

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What prompted you to write this book?

I always had the idea of writing a third book to follow I Can’t Date Jesus and I Don’t Want To Die Poor, and fortunately, I was able to do so with a different publisher but my same editor.

Ultimately, I just had more to say and as long as I am able to, I want to keep going.

How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?

I sold the book near the very end of 2020 under a different title originally. I knew what kind of collection I wanted to write as far as topics and themes, but the other title always felt like more of a placeholder. Ultimately even the chapter with that name was scrapped altogether.

The book was initially supposed to be released in 2023, but honestly I struggled in ways I hadn’t previously—mainly in part due to being overwhelmed with grief from the loss of friends and family.

I’ve worked with the same editor for all three books, which is a blessing, and because Rakesh knew my work, we had a conversation and I spent more time on it.

The time gave me the space to be more honest that I’m now in a different space than when I first pitched the book. I think it’s a much stronger body of work because of it.

Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?

My second book, I Don’t Want To Die Poor, was released in 2020—so early into it that stores weren’t even open yet. So, I didn’t really get to have a full experience with that one. Now that I’m getting ready for the third book, I suppose the surprise is how much has changed in publishing since the plague.

Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?

My mom was diagnosed with cancer, so it made an already difficult writing process all the worse.

What do you hope readers will get out of your book?

My intent with any creative work that I do is to make people laugh and to make people think, so that is certainly the intention again with I Finally Bought Some Jordans. But I will add in the case of this book in particular, I also hope it provides comfort to those that have had to live these past couple of years of chaos and didn’t immediately snap back into “normal” as seemingly well as others have.

For those that have felt isolated, alone, or stricken with grief, I hope the book is relatable, and ideally, a body of work that makes you feel less alone.

If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?

If you are a younger writer struggling to find work, do not take on more debt by seeking some advanced degree in some writing-related area. It will not make you more money.

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