
Nana Nkweti is the author of Walking on Cowrie Shells, a book that spans genres – literary realism, horror, mystery, YA, science fiction – and features complex, fully-embodied characters. The stories aim to entertain readers while also offering a counterpoint to prevalent “heart of darkness” writing that too often depicts a singular “African” experience plagued by locusts, hunger, and tribal in-fighting.“Boisterous and high-spirited debut stories by a talented new writer.” - Kirkus ReviewsIn ...
Jun 3, 2021
29 min

Jennifer Craven is the author of All That Shines and Whispers, a re-imagining of what happens after the credits roll on The Sound of Music. The book explores themes of betrayal, sacrifice, consequences, and redemption, set against the backdrop of Nazi-era Europe.In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:That words have power and that we can use them for positive or negative purposesHow her book was inspired by The Sound of MusicAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my...
May 28, 2021
24 min

Marina Carreira is a queer, Luso-American poet artist and the author of Save the Bathwater, a poetry collection, and the curator of Divine Feminist: An Anthology of Poetry and Art by Womxn and Non-binary Folx, both published by Get Fresh Books.“Her poet soul sings—like a Portuguese saudade—in service to safeguarding what has been lost and what should never be forgotten, “to remember it all—sweat and tears, / Luso ancestry, to run roots through/ my future great-granddaughter’s bones.” — Rigobe...
May 20, 2021
22 min

Kathleen Basi is the author of the new novel, A Song for the Road, a story of a womxn’s healing road trip after profound loss. "Basi's exquisite, gut-wrenching debut is filled with loss, hope, and secrets.” - Booklist In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:The brick wall that is an invitationFeeding your creativity when supporting your familyAnd moreI would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.Follow this WriterF...
May 13, 2021
31 min

Tashie Bhuiyan is the 22-year-old author of Counting Down With You, a YA “own stories” novel about a Bangladeshi teenager who agrees to a fake relationship with her school’s resident bad boy when her parents are out of the country. "This 'love letter to young brown girls; explores a topic that can be taboo in desi culture: anxiety. Bhuiyan guides Karina through it with care … Hand to fans of Netflix hit Never Have I Ever." - Booklist In this episode, we discuss her writing pro...
May 6, 2021
19 min

Cassandra Lane is the author of We Are Bridges, a memoir that explores reclaiming violent family history in order to create a more free future for one’s children. “In this narrative, Lane seeks an origin story, searching for what facts are available and wondering about the legacy she is passing on. . . . A multiangled exploration of family trauma and the forging of an identity.” — Kirkus ReviewsIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Exploring your city to explore your creat...
Apr 29, 2021
27 min

Ellen Hagan is the author of two new releases: a YA novel in verse called Reckless, Glorious, Girl, and a poetry collection called Blooming Fiascoes. Hagan is also the co-author of Watch Us Rise with Renée Watson.A gorgeous, inter-generational story of Southern women and a girl's path blossoming into her sense of self, Reckless, Glorious, Girl explores the important questions we all ask as we race toward growing up. In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Being in community ...
Apr 22, 2021
30 min

Heather Ostman is the author of the new novel, The Second Chance Home for Girls. Told through three interwoven narrative voices, it’s a story of friendship and freedom, loss and grief, set in a halfway house for troubled teenage girls. She is also the author of the forthcoming Rhetorical Lives, a history of women activists of the 20th and early 21st centuries.“An atmospheric yet entertaining read with an enigmatic, charismatic hero that will keep readers riveted. This beguiling, slyly subvers...
Apr 15, 2021
33 min

Elle Marr is the author of The Lies We Bury, a newly released thriller. She strives to tell powerful and compelling stories of womxn who demonstrate resilience in the face of great obstacles. She is also the author of a 2020 thriller release, The Missing Sister. “The suspenseful plot is matched by the convincing portrayal of the vulnerable Claire, who just wants to lead a normal life. Marr is a writer to watch.” - Publishers WeeklyIn this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:Cons...
Apr 8, 2021
24 min

Meg Medina is the author of Merci Suárez Can’t Dance, the sequel to the Newberry-award winning young adult novel, Merci Suárez Changes Gears. She is a New York Times bestselling Latina author of books for kids of all ages."Medina writes about the joys of multigenerational home life (a staple of the Latinx community) with a touching, humorous authenticity. Merci's relationship with Lolo is heartbreakingly beautiful and will particularly strike readers who can relate to the close, chaotic, and ...
Apr 1, 2021
34 min
Load more