Alicia Keys is constantly adding achievements to her long list of accomplishments, and recently she's added another - writing a graphic novel!
Named after her iconic single, Girl on Fire, the coming-of-age story follows 14-year-old Lolo Wright as she discovers powers she never knew existed. Described by publisher HarperCollins as the story "about finding strength when your whole world turns in an instant," Girl on Fire is co-written by Andrew Weiner and illustrated by Brittany Williams.
To speak with ET about his recent ventures, Keys shared that the graphic novel had been in the works for "at least five years."
“It’s been a long process to bring it all together how we want it and to find the right illustrator and really find the right partnership and finish the whole story,” she explained. "So, it takes time, and, you know it's obviously a blessing, that it's here today and I'm very excited about it."
The "Girl on Fire" singer spoke about the story, sharing that she believes there is "so much" within the novel that anyone can relate to. This includes the fan club of Keys - her sons, Egypt, 11, and Genesis, 7.
"They're loving this graphic novel. They're all about graphic novels right now. Like it's all about it, everything they're reading is about it, especially Egypt," she shared. "Egypt is 11 years old, so he's really into it and he can read everything himself. He goes to a little corner and gets lost in books. So, he really loves it. I guess That sometimes we put the word 'girl'. In some and all of a sudden everyone thinks that only girls can read it and that's it. It's definitely not like that. This story about Lolo is really relatable. "
A new title on her shelf isn't the only project Keys has embarked on recently. Along with writing a new book, dropping her double album, Keys in December last year, and launching her own beauty brand, Keys Soulcare, the multi-hyphenate star has launched a women's-powered activewear collection — and on International Women's Day, no Less.
"My new line with Athleta is a limited edition collection," she shared about the Alicia Keys x Athleta product collection (available now in stores and online at Athleta.com). "I think [it] is really about empowering our individuality and this idea of diversity. ... The collection goes up to 3x in size, it's really inclusive, I love it, and so be it." Needed."
The singer said that being in the beauty and lifestyle business is about "turning routine into ritual and creating mantras, affirmations and ways to lift yourself up and be your best." She said she aims to provide tools to help consumers "discover your confidence and your greatness."
Considering how many balls the singer is facing with all her ventures and a perfect family life, she is someone who knows how to find your greatness. Calling his growth from musician to mogul "unbelievable", Keys said he believes everyone is here to "continue to grow and find their way into new things".
"All the things that I'm creating are, to me, part of my creative expression," she said. "Music is definitely my core business, going into film, television, books and other businesses [is] all drawn from a creative place and I like to develop that way. I think we all should And as women, it is very important that we have a seat at these tables ... to advance our ability to be truly present in every part of the business. ... When women are most Going forward, I think we're able to strike a balance and obviously bring a lot to the table. So, I love it, I love being a mogul. ... I really like my business at all levels like to handle."
And, despite having an incredibly busy work-life, Keys said she makes sure she has time for family too — especially her husband, Swizz Beatz.
Calling their relationship "spontaneous," Keys said she believes that couples who are "very compatible" don't have to "extend" when it comes to their connection.
"Now you definitely have to make sure you're connecting, communicating clearly, putting each other first and making sure each person feels special — I think it's There's an incredibly important part about our relationship and what we've been able to do, but it's hard not to do that because he's my best friend," she said. "There's no one else I'll be with, you know, there's no one else I want to talk to or connect with or communicate with. He's so smart, he's so interesting."
Keys and Beetz married in 2000 and celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary last July. The two share sons Egypt and Genesis, and the music producer is also father to Prince and Qasim Dean, Jr., and daughter Nicole from previous relationships.
Saying that she feels "very grateful" for their dedication to each other, the singer shared that the couple makes time and space for each other. And if someone is feeling neglected, they make sure to speak up.
"Everything isn't always perfect... but I love that we're open and it's all about that," she said. "And I think that's what creates that feeling."