Journey of the Art

How can we help kids understand and process their emotions? This episode features Sandra V. Feder, author of the  Emotions and Me  series, to discuss her latest book,  Shy Me . We explore the power of storytelling in helping children navigate their feelings, from anger and shyness to peace and resilience. Sandra shares how her experiences as a parent and observer of children’s emotions inspired th...

What will we see about ourselves when we look at the past? In this episode, I’m chatting with Jack Wang about his debut novel, The Riveter . We discuss themes of love, betrayal, honour, and identity. Jack tells me how he was able to narrow down his research to the most important things and honour the past by carefully relocating it in present bodies. I learned a lot from Jack, and I think this epi...

In this episode, I sit down with author Jenny Haysom to discuss the themes of keeping and losing in her novel, Keep. We explore the delicate balance between motherhood and creativity, the struggle of carving out solitude as a writer, and the impact of community on personal growth. We also look into the world of home staging, hoarding, and the emotional weight of objects.   Keep tells the moving st...

In this episode, I reunite with Jonaki Ray (who I met in 2019 as a co-recipient of the Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award) to explore the themes of home, belonging, and the delicate dance between art and science in her poetry collection, Firefly Memories.  Part memoir and travelogue, Firefly Memories is a poignant collection that speaks to the struggles of belonging, blending beauty, food, and m...

In this episode, I sit down with A.K. Herman, Caribbean poet and fiction writer, to discuss her latest work, The Believers. This compelling collection of eight short stories, mostly set in Trinidad and Tobago, explores themes of religion, politics, love, sex, and spirituality. A.K.’s storytelling pays homage to the storytelling traditions of the Caribbean.   A Goodreads Editors’ December Book Pick...

If you’re a freelance artist wondering if there’s a secret to landing big clients in your industry, there is, and this episode will tell you what it is! Episode 14 of the podcast is with Feyisayo Oyebisi (aka Feyzo!), who I've known for over ten years.  Feyzo! is a makeup artist and special effects professional who has worked on the biggest productions in Nigeria’s movie industry, including  A Nai...

In this episode, I chat with editor and publisher, Anwuli Ojogwu, about some trends in modern African literature. We talk about what Nigerians at home and abroad are writing now, her work on the Caine Prize anthology for 2021/22, and some self-publishing tips for writers. Anwuli is a co-founder of Narrative Landscape Press and the Society for Book and Magazine Editors of Nigeria. Find out more abo...

In this episode, I chat with Uma Krishnaswami about her latest work, Birds on the Brain. Uma has written for young readers for over 30 years, and she taught writing for 16 years. I think of this episode as a mini-masterclass in writing for children, and I'm so grateful for the tips Uma graciously shared. Show highlights (0:00) Introduction (2:12) Arriving at great ideas through story (4:57) Book U...

From dealing with homesickness, to learning how to manage workshops, to building community in strange places, Charlie Muhumuza and Chido Muchemwa, PhD, share their experiences in MFA programs. In this honest conversation, they answer the ultimate question: Is getting an MFA necessary for writers?  Show highlights 0:00 — Introductions and welcome 2:18 — The motive for getting an MFA 3:54 — Managing...

Ukamaka Olisakwe, the founder and editor-in-chief of Isele Magazine, shares the realities of starting Isele in 2020 and building it into a key platform for African writers. From navigating challenges like funding to handling submissions from across the globe, Ukamaka shows that passion, dedication, and perseverance are crucial to running a literary magazine.   Show highlights The inspiration behin...

In this episode, Jerry Chiemeke and I discuss his work as a movie critic and what he thinks the Nigerian movie industry needs to compete globally. Listen in and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Jerry Chiemeke’s writing has appeared in Die Welt, The I Paper, The Africa Report, Berlinale Press, and elsewhere. He has been selected for several international film festivals including Sun...

In this episode, I chat with Mubanga Kalimamukwento, attorney, editor, and author of  Obligations to the Wounded .  Mubanga shares her cure for writers' block, how she manages being a lawyer and creative writer, and how to write from dreams. We also go into an extensive conversation on Mubanga's forthcoming short story collection,  Obligations to the Wounded . Highlights ​Fun questions to get to k...

From an idea that came on a beach in Cuba to a rejection that came 13 months after querying, to a self-published children’s book, Stephanie C. Watterson is evidence that you can manifest your dreams if you’ll just take a leap! _____________________ Guest’s links Buy Septopus on Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/septopus-stephanie-c-watterson/1146107608?ean=9781779417176 Visit Step...

Rubeena Ianigro, Founder of The Gray Muse and The Aura Market, and I talk about why (and how) creative entrepreneurs should (and can) establish internal control to grow and pivot in their businesses.  We discuss how to create a business structure, how to rest and lean on support, and why we should let go of expectations that exceed the boundaries of our capacity.  If you’re a creative entrepreneur...

In this episode, Tèmítáyò Olófinlúà and I unpack what it means to be an artist and an immigrant. We share vulnerable moments about struggling to survive, learning to write in foreign places, fighting for our creativity, and being open-minded.   We had a lot of laughs on this one, and this might be the episode where I’ve spoken the most!   Highlights The struggles of job-hunting in the UK Pivoting...

In this episode, I chat with JJ Lee, former CBC host and producer and author of the popular memoir, The Measure of A Man: The Story Of A Father, A Son, And A Suit. JJ tells me what led him to curate imperfect Christmas stories. We discuss the role of the editor as a curator, what happens when trust gets broken between an editor and their client, and he tells me the secret to remaining consistent o...

As an editor and submissions reader, I’ve reviewed hundreds of manuscripts, and over the years, I’ve learned a few things about writing engaging stories. In this episode, I share two reasons why stories get rejected and how to fix them. Get coaching and visit the website: https://linktr.ee/journeyoftheartpod

In this episode, Stephanie Watterson (writer, editor, and mixed media artist) and I discuss the importance of evolving as artists and embracing one’s differences.  Stephanie reminisces on painting on the glass doors of her childhood home and shares a touching piece of advice her dad shared with her about being the weird one. In Stephanie's words, "Nobody has your brain, nobody has your he...

On this inaugural episode, I chat with Samuel Kolawole, Assistant Professor of English and African Studies at Pennsylvania State University and author of the forthcoming novel The Road to the Salt Sea.   Listen as we chat about Samuel’s beginnings as a writer, his writing studio for upcoming writers, and his MFA experience. In our extensive discussion about his forthcoming novel, we tried our very...