The Writers’ Block Podcast

Writing is a most demanding gift. In becoming a writer, in doing the things that writers do, we must recognize what we say can be influential or detrimental. So, what are we saying? And who is listening?

The inner world of a writer is big and loud. The ideas come fast and furious sometimes! These ideas and worlds and invisible people are most demanding! And while that is incredible--it can be completely overwhelming.

'Being a writer' is not as simple as some would think. When considering my own path and process, I cannot help but think about all the contributing factors which got me there so far. This type of examination is beyond the normal 4 questions of (1) how did you get started? (2) what keeps you motivated? (3) what is your writing schedule? (4) how do you deal with writers block? Please follow...

In challenging times, writers have a unique stresses...and responsibilities. Times like this allow writers to (1) freak out, (2) analyze, and (3) record. Sometimes all at the same time...multiple times a day.

The world is on fire, and there has never been a time where writers can 'write in peace'. What must be said, what must be done, is to respect the gift. Honor the talent. Share the gift. Show up on the page. "Black people need witnesses in the world who thinks everything is White." -James Baldwin Remember to follow your other favorite Black writer on: Substack: @thatjenngottapen T...

There is a power in representation. I am happy to be a Black writer...not just a writer who happens to be Black. Remember to follow your other favorite Black writer on: Substack: @thatjenngottapen TikTok: @whatjayesaid2.0 Threads: @authorjbharris Patreon: THE DESK OF JBHARRIS Blogs (all on WordPress-free to subscribe!): The Ideal Firestarter (http://theidealfirestarter.wordpress.com) Come Get Your...

It's so good to be back! This episode starts SEASON NINE! I apologize for my absence as life and technology made things complicated. Yet, with all the upheaval in the world...I needed to remind myself that I'm not helpless. I'm a writer. A Black writer at that! Excuse the dust as I get everything settled for this season! All love notes can be sent to circlethewritersblock@gmail.com. Ja...

With the cycle BOOK 7 of the Traditional Women Storytelling Project happening in September 2024, this prologue will be in the completed essay A WOMAN LIKE MY MOTHER (October 2024). Ruthless Flexing here: RUN THE NUMBERS- since 2021 1586 stories/videos 26 episodes 18 playlists 6 anthologies 3 social media platforms (TT, IG, FB) 1 short story collection 1 Christmas edition 1 podcast 1 reflection ess...

What a way to end SEASON 8 of this platform than with a professor at Texas Southern University. Professor Jennifer Julian is a scholar, writer, and a visible Black woman. For our time together, we talk about why it is the work of representation is on-going and why we can’t get tired now. Works mentioned: ALL BLACK GIRLS ARE ACTIVISTS (Ebony Janice Moore) and POETRY IS NOT A LUXURY (Audre Lorde). G...

Levar Burton will ALWAYS be part of THE CULTURE! Netflix has decided to have me in all my feelings and do a READING RAINBOW documentary…and I barely, BARELY, made it. Get your copy of BLACK LIKE THAT: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68721080/black-like-that

At the time of this show, there are 1,586 stories to TRADITIONAL WOMEN STORYTELLING PROJECT. While this platform is not dedicated to this project (I NEED THE VELMAS PODCAST is), I believe more than a little celebration is warranted. The link to BOOK 6 is here: Paperback: https://a.co/d/09R1er02 and Ebook: https://a.co/d/0eS4m02j. Get your copy of BLACK LIKE THAT: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/...

Sometimes the hardest thing is to focus. But — focus is a must and a muscle. Both have to be developed. Get your copy of BLACK LIKE THAT: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68721080/black-like-that

bell hooks said, “People are hungry for descent.” Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why the writer, the artist, will never go away! We are needed… And necessary. Get your copy of BLACK LIKE THAT: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68721080/black-like-that

Writers are responsible for re-creating humanity in a world by which may not see our own. In the world of diversity equity inclusion that we are in, and fight to remain in… It is easy to be swept up in the argument of diversity versus representation. Note: If this title looks familiar, it is the title of a book of poetry by Audre Lorde.

In May 2019, I started this podcast with my adopted brother, the Anchor app, a pink notebook, and 45 minutes before work at a rehabilitation hospital. This is STILL cause for celebration. Get your copy of BLACK LIKE THAT: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68721080/black-like-that

If I wasn’t a writer, what would I be? Writing is what I do. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Can you? Link to LEARNING TO BREATHE FIRE: Learning To Breathe Fire: The Collected Works During 30 Days Of Jaye 2019-2023 https://a.co/d/12Noxh5. AMERICAN MASTERS - ROD SERLING: https://youtu.be/T4ALNnImsmU?si=EFJOME6RmZTYvChT. Get your copy of BLACK LIKE THAT: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/6...

TW: death and dying. Writers are mortal. But sometimes we can take the rest with us. How does one come to grips (or at peace!) with that? To review see Episode 90: THE WRITER’S WILL. Get your copy of BLACK LIKE THAT: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68721080/black-like-that

“Men brag, and women hide.” Shonda Rhimes said this at an ELLE event. And when she said it, I couldn’t shake that she was right— and I refuse to hide ANYMORE. Give up my pen (or light) for what? Get your copy of BLACK LIKE THAT: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68721080/black-like-that

Writers are strange creatures…and I am proud to be one.

Sometimes the hardest thing you can do is an artist is believing yourself… The second hardest thing is showing up for yourself. This show will have a SEND FOR A POET segment with my work “A POEM WITH NO TRANSLATION.”

Creativity is a demanding mistress— and in constant need of attention and tending to. We have merch now! Get some! https://Seewhatjayesaid.threadless.com/designs/the-writers-block-podcast-merch

Being inside, a writer head is a loud and complicated place! Sometimes the language doesn’t always make sense, and sometimes we repeat that. And yet, it is needed and necessary. We have merch now! Get some! https://Seewhatjayesaid.threadless.com/designs/the-writers-block-podcast-merch

Sometimes being a female fan of something that has protagonist, and heroes that are male is beyond complicated. We have merch now! Get some! https://Seewhatjayesaid.threadless.com/designs/the-writers-block-podcast-merch

Welcome to Season 8! With all things being immediate, sometimes we as artists have to let things…simmer! A Cache is different from the Draft Drawer we spoke about way back in Season 1. But it’s just as needed, trust me!

You’re doing better than you think you are. Onward to 2024!