We Published, Beloved! Podcast

In this episode of We Published, Beloved!, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson speaks with Dr. Uché Blackstock about her journey to becoming an author, the legacy of her family, and the importance of personal storytelling in addressing broader societal issues. They discuss the challenges of navigating multiple identities, the writing process, and the realities of publishing and marketing a book. Dr. Blackstock emphasizes the significance of community support and the need for Black women to embrace their worth and share their stories. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for aspiring authors.

In this episode of We Published, Beloved!, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson and Joél Leon discuss the journey of publishing Joél's book, exploring themes of Black masculinity, vulnerability, and the importance of community. They reflect on the challenges faced in the publishing industry, the impact of social movements on their writing, and the significance of honesty in storytelling. Joél shares insights from his book tour experience and offers advice for aspiring Black authors, emphasizing the power of truth in writing and the necessity of support from the community.

In this episode of We Published, Beloved!, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson interviews Shayla Lawson about their book 'How to Live Free in a Dangerous World.' They explore themes of identity, survival, and the creative process, discussing how Shayla's experiences being Black, queer, and non-binary inform their writing. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating the publishing industry, the importance of community, and the role of art as a form of resistance. Shayla shares their journey of reclaiming their identity and the significance of spirituality in their life, ultimately encouraging emerging writers to embrace their unique stories and contribute to a collective legacy.

In this episode of “We Published Beloved!”, Deesha Dyer shares her remarkable journey from community organizing to working in the White House, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling from her book "Undiplomatic." She discusses the challenges of navigating the publishing industry as a Black woman, the significance of community support, and the impact of politics on personal narratives. Deesha encourages aspiring writers to embrace their unique stories, seek guidance, and give themselves grace as they navigate their own paths in writing and identity.

In this episode of “We Published Beloved!”, Brea Baker discusses her journey in writing 'Rooted', the importance of centering Black voices in storytelling, and the challenges and triumphs of navigating the publishing process. She emphasizes the significance of oral histories, the role of Black-owned bookstores, and the necessity of self-advocacy in the literary world. She underscores the significance of community engagement in marketing and book tours, sharing valuable lessons learned along the way. Brea offers insightful advice for aspiring writers, highlighting the importance of staying true to one's voice and the power of storytelling. The discussion also touches on how ongoing commitment to community support and staying connected to one's roots and community goes beyond showing up when you want something for yourself.

In this episode of “We Published Beloved!” Dr. Jenn M. Jackson and Candice Nicole Hargons, PhD explore the themes of liberation through sexuality and the political landscape affecting discourse on sexual health. Candice shares her journey of writing her book Good Sex, and the significance of addressing sexual topics in a time of political repression. This conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy, the courage required to navigate rejection, and the need for genuine Black representation in academia. Jenn and Candice discuss the intricacies of the publishing process, the importance of documentation and PR, and the challenges of planning a book tour — especially for introverts. They explore audience reception, financial considerations for book tours, and the critical role of developmental editing in the writing process. Candice shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for proper planning and support in the journey of becoming an author.

In this episode of “We Published Beloved!” D. Danyelle Thomas shares her journey of writing and publishing her book, The Day God Saw Me as Black. D. Danyelle emphasizes the challenges of navigating the publishing landscape, from the importance of audience engagement and influencers to the role of editors in the writing process. Throughout the discussion, she highlights the emotional journey of publishing and the need for authenticity in writing. Together, Jenn and D. Danyelle Thomas explore the multifaceted journey of authorship, touching on the significance of publishing formats, the importance of relationships in the publishing world, and the politics surrounding representation in writing. They discuss self-advocacy throughout the publishing process, the challenges of navigating gender norms in writing, and the transformative power of focusing on purpose over fear. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the role of readers in an author's success and the importance of authentic engagement with one's work.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson and Tamela Gordon discuss the journey of writing and publishing Tamela's book, 'Hood Wellness.' They explore themes of community care, the editing process, and the unique challenges faced by Black authors in the publishing industry. Tamela shares her experiences of crafting her book in New Orleans, navigating the editing process, and developing innovative marketing strategies that prioritize community engagement over social media presence. The conversation highlights the importance of mutual aid and support within the literary community, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of writing is to be read and to continue creating. The conversation emphasizes the need for writers to celebrate their achievements, support one another, and remain true to their craft while engaging with their communities.

In this engaging episode, Dr. Jenn M. Jackson and Emely Rumble discuss the journey of publishing Rumble's book, 'Bibliotherapy in the Bronx.' They explore the creative process, the challenges of navigating the publishing landscape, and the importance of community support. Rumble shares her experiences with marketing, mental health, and the significance of vulnerability in writing. The discussion also touches on identity, intersectionality, and the lessons learned throughout the publishing experience, offering valuable insights for aspiring authors.

In this episode, we celebrate the journey of Annell Lopez, the author of "I'll Give You a Reason," as she shares her experience of navigating multiple identities and the challenges of becoming a published author. From overcoming internalized doubts to winning the prestigious Louise Meriwether First Book Prize, Annell's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Join us as we explore the ups and downs of the publishing process, the importance of finding the right support, and the lessons learned along the way.

In this episode, we embark on an inspiring journey with author EbonyJanice as she shares her remarkable path through the publishing industry. From her early self-publishing experiences to her latest book, "All the Black Girls Are Activists," EbonyJanice discusses the importance of community, trusting one's voice, and the challenges faced along the way. Join us as we explore her creative process, the significance of affirmations, and how she cultivated a supportive network of fellow black women writers.