With the release of her debut memoir Shades of Black and Blue, Andrea Ward firmly establishes herself as a fearless new voice in Black literature. The award-winning filmmaker and storyteller opens the door to her most vulnerable chapter yet, exploring the complex layers of love, abuse, identity, and survival.
Through a lens that’s both poetic and unflinching, Ward takes readers on an emotional journey — from the shadows of domestic violence to the light of personal transformation. Her prose is honest, beautifully descriptive, and unapologetically Black.
“Shades of Black and Blue isn’t about victimhood — it’s about victory,” Ward explains. “I wrote this for every woman who’s ever had to rebuild herself from nothing.”
Andrea’s transition from the screen to the page feels seamless. And with this first book, she’s not just telling a story — she’s creating a legacy.
Synopsis of book
What begins as love quickly spirals into a psychological battleground, where passion and pain collide. Trapped in a web of emotional abuse and fear, the protagonist must navigate the treacherous waters of heartbreak, betrayal, and self-doubt. With her spirit battered and her world collapsing around her, she embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim her voice and her freedom.
About the Author
Hailed for her fearless creativity and emotional depth, Andrea’s work spans film, television, and reality series—including the buzzworthy Mamma’s Girls, dubbed the Black Kardashians of Atlanta. Her storytelling doesn’t stop with adults—Andrea is also the creator of The Adventures of Ezra and Miracle, a magical children’s book inspired by her own kids, shining a light on autism, joy, and love through the eyes of a heroic little girl and her baby brother.