Episode #28 of the podcast is dedicated to the literary life and legacy of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the most prolific novelist of the Harlem Renaissance, and also, sadly, the most overlooked and under-appreciated.

On this episode of the Reed, Write, & Create podcast, I will be sharing Fauset’s fascinating life story, as well as four reasons why she is often sidelined and left in the shadows when it comes to conversations about the literary greats of the Harlem Renaissance. Spoiler alert: Having an affair with W.E.B. Dubois, may or may not have had something to do with it. (I'm pouring the tea, so be ready.)

Tune in for a little literary history, some literary lessons you can apply to your own writing life, and the pep talk you need right now.

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On episode 27 of the podcast, award-winning poet and debut novelist, Phillip B. Williams, is on the show. You might have heard about Williams because his brand new novel, Ours, was one of Oprah’s most anticipated books for 2024.

Ours is an epic story about a conjure woman named Saint, who goes around destroying plantations in the south, and then freeing the enslaved workers. She then creates a magical world called Ours where the newly emancipated can live in peace because white people can neither see, nor access Ours. And if they try, they meet with a gruesome ending!

It’s an epic story of Black resistance.

During our conversation, Phillip delivers a full masterclass on creative writing essentials.Topics covered include:

• How to use poetry to write better prose.
• What MFA programs are actually good for and who should apply
• Why writers shouldn’t be worried about word count
• What you should be reading to improve your writing
• Why we should be reading the works of our literary ancestors

And…

• Why He Views Ours as Black Surrealism rather than Magical Realism

Grab your pen and get ready to take notes, because this is an episode with lessons you’ll want to apply to your writing life today!

To learn more about Philip B. William, visit his website and find him on Instagram

Buy a copy of Ours from The Reed, Write, & Create Bookshop.

Phillip has also written two books of award-winning poetry. Check out Thief in the Interior.

One of Phillip’s early poetry influences is the legendary Sonia Sanchez. Try her American Book Award winning collection, Homegirls and Hand Grenades to inspire your poetry and prose.

If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content at ReedWriteandCreate.com.

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If you’re a BIPOC woman writer looking for a supportive writing community to join, where you’ll find accountability partners, BETA readers for your work, and opportunities to get published and get paid, apply to join the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary.

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On episode #26 of the podcast, I’m using the life of the illustrious Langston Hughes, to give you a pep talk on how to make a living with your writing. Even in hard times.

Did you know that Langston Hughes is recognized as the first African-American writer to make a living solely from his writing? Yes, Langston Hughes was definitely the hardest working writer in Harlem, and throughout his life before and after the renaissance. So studying his success and strategies can give us some excellent ideas about crafting a successful writing life.

Stay tuned for some innovative, actionable tips and motivation for your writing life.

To learn more about Langston Hughes, especially his life in Spain, enjoy this blog post I wrote for ReedWriteandCreate.com.

Read Langston’s wonderful autobiography (the one I read from during the episode) I Wonder as I Wander to stay motivated throughout your writing life.

You might also enjoy this collection of Langston’s short stories called, The Short Stories of Langston Hughes.

If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content at ReedWriteandCreate.com.

Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right to your inbox.

If you’re a BIPOC woman writer looking for a supportive writing community to join, where you’ll find accountability partners, BETA readers for your work, and opportunities to get published and get paid, apply to join the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary.

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