Black & Published Nikesha Elise Williams
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- Arts
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Black & Published brings you the journeys of writers, poets, playwrights, and storytellers of all kinds to discuss what it means to be a writer, dissect the writing process, and demystify the steps between concept and publication.
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Rising to the Occasion with Shenequa Golding
This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with Shenequa Golding, author of the essay collection A Black Girl in the Middle: Essays on (Allegedly) Figuring it All Out. Shenequa’s collection is the culmination of what happened after her essay about being Black in the workplace after George Floyd’s murder went viral. So viral, Amazon founder and billionaire, Jeff Bezos, reposted it. In our conversation, Shenequa explains why she never thought a book deal was within her reach even t...
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Introducing Reckon True Stories with Deesha Philyaw & Kiese Laymon
This week on Black & Published we're introducing you to a new show that we love, Reckon True Stories hosted by acclaimed authors Deesha Philyaw and Kiese Laymon. Guests for Season One include writers Roxane Gay, Imani Perry, Alexander Chee, Minda Honey, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Samantha Irby. Reckon True Stories is a celebration of new and classic nonfiction – the essays, journalism, and memoirs that inspire us, that change the world, and help us connect with each other. Show credits: Hosted...
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Giving Too Much with Walela Nehanda
This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with Walela Nehanda, author of, Bless the Blood: A Cancer Memoir. As a Black, non-binary, disability justice advocate and stem-cell transplant survivor, Walela's book is an outgrowth of their time and work as a slam poet. In our conversation, Walela, explains why even though their publishing journey may seem like a Cinderella story, they definitely put in their 10,000 hours. The moment they fell in love with poetry. And why their th...
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Joy Before the Message with Antwan Eady & Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey
This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with the authors and illustrators of the children's picture book, The Last Stand. Written by Antwan Eady and illustrated by the brothers Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey, The Last Stand is a book that honors the legacy and sacrifices of Black farmers by focusing on the joy found in community. In our conversation, Antwan, Jarrett, and Jerome discuss how they got out of their own way and made sure to write books they enjoy...
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Don't Doubt Yourself with Avery Cunningham
This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with Avery Cunningham, author of the novel, The Mayor of Maxwell Street. Avery is a resident of Memphis, TN, and a 2016 graduate of DePaul University’s Master of Arts Writing & Publishing program. She has over a decade of editorial experience with various literary magazines, small presses, and best-selling authors. In our conversation, Avery discusses how writing about Chicago at the turn of the 20th century was really...
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What is Home with Donna Hemans
This week on Black & Published, Nikesha speaks with Donna Hemans, author of the novel, The House of Plain Truth. Born in Jamaica and currently residing in the DMV area, Donna is the author of the novels River Woman and Tea by the Sea. Works that all center the Caribbean experience. In our conversation, Donna discusses the book that made her want to be a writer. Plus, the lesson she learned about writing the story you want to tell no matter the pressures ...
Customer Reviews
The real conversations behind being Black and published!
Great show. Tons of insight into the process of writers and the difficulties of being published in a world that can still be very dismissive of our experiences. The guests are inspiring and the host asks all the right questions. If you’re a fan of prose, this show is for you.
Reinvigorating for Writers
I discovered this show a little under a month ago when I was in a sunken place with my writing. Black & Published is the equivalent of Oprah’s Super Soul, only for writers. Even when you feel like there’s nothing to learn from a guest, I am pleasantly surprised by how our journeys as writers of color are so different, yet somehow so the same. Each episode loans a teachable moment or take away from. As I listen I feel optimistic that my true literary tribe is out there, waiting on me to take my place in the Black & Published community. Each week Nikesha manages to motivate me to push forward so I can one day be on an episode, I’m already rehearsing my answers. Five stars isn’t enough!
What a great show!
This is a great show for readers and writers. Nikesha asks great questions and lets the guests tell their full stories. I always feel a little bit smarter after listening and a little bit more inspired to get my novel done already!