The Writers’ Block Podcast

With the words of James Patterson not even 60 days old as a relates to White men and the current permutation of publishing, it is essential to examine just how detrimental those statements are! Just as Walter Mosley said as a relates to how we as minority people exist in the world, we have to exist in the fiction also! We have to confront these ideologies when we find them, because these people kn...

it is always easier to tell people to trust their own talents versus believing in your own! For this show it is imperative that you remember this equation: trusting your talent=confidence+time+experience. Like all things, especially all things that you desire to do well, this will take maturity, it’ll take time, and it will take you. Also listen for the June 2022: Book Recommendation by Chelsea Lo...

For this show we are going to be examining the topic of what I like to call “the glass wall.”This is a kin to writers block, with two tears. The thing that I believe is so important about this topic is it speaks to confidence as a writer, while confronting you with the power of your own talent. Will you believe in nothing yourself or not? NOTE: Listen for the June 2022 Book Recommendation from Che...

For this year we are going to be taking our queue from the dynamic Roxane Gay and her master class about riding during social change. In doing so, let this show remind you that your voice is still needed—-and necessary. Note: Listen for the May 2022 book recommendation from Chelsea Lockhart of the Melanin Library!

For this show, I delve into what it means to write cross-culturally. A good example of what not to do is from the book BAD AND BOUJEE, which is mentioned here. Special thanks to Dr. Raquel Martin and her honest analysis. TikTok account of Dr. Martin (TT/IG: @raquelmartinphd) from April 2022. Find all work by Chanel Hardy on Amazon and Kindle. New book: BODY ON THE LINE, is out July 2022.

As you go forward in your writing career, or advancing your hobby, or making a go at rediscover and your love for the craft, I understand that you will encounter trepidation. And you will have two choices: quit or keep going. For this particular show, let this be a reminder to keep going. And don’t flinch. Never let them see your pencil break! Note: th This episode includes the May 2022 recommenda...

With the success of the latest installment of the Spider-Man movie franchise, this particular show is going to delve into the matter of representation. There will be spoilers and asked in a special thank you to Greg Howard, Jr of the DON'T MAKE THIS WEIRD Podcast. Thanks for everything Greg (Tune in to our episode titled HERO SUPPORT! Find it on Apple Podcast, Google Play and Spotify)! Again, #Whe...

Being a writer is the most curious form of psychosis! It is the only profession where you can literally have something going on in your head and expect people to be entertained by it. The arts is one of the last passions of true expression, and sometimes that expression gets a little messy! And for that cause, you have to be OK with the grays… Into the Dichotomy.

Writing is indeed an acceptable form of psychosis! And at the same time, it is one of the most free things one can do!. For this week so we’re going to delve into just how you can keep the people in your head from driving you absolutely mad. The best way to do that is a chase them onto the page.

This week on 2/2/2022 Pastor Greg Locke had a book burning service where all the “demonic” books were burned. Remember America, we’ve been here before. Pick up BAPTIZED IN TEAR GAS by Elle Dowd (available on Amazon and Kindle), as well as hear our interview when politics, racism and religion collide (Episode 64.).

This being the first Author Interview of Season 5 is the amazing and dynamic Teriece Cherrell! She is knowledgeable, transparent and this interview as fun! Make sure you grab this book (especially, Chapters 5 & 6!), her wisdom is needed! Look at where to find Teriece: Facebook: Live Learn Love: With an Open Heart Ig: @iamteriececherell Twitter: teriececherell website: www.teriececherell.com (prefe...

We are officially in Season five! With that being done and said, this show is dedicated to The Melanin Library and all the work that they do. Shouts to Chelsea Lockhart and all her superhero powers they go into the holy work that she is doing and making every space, full of melanin! Also for this particular show we talk about the being obedient to the ideas as they fly in your head. Not all of the...

This being the second of the two letters for the writing audience as the year 2021 ends this one specifically is for the writers of the space, the followers of this platform whom are Black. This is not a discouragement or deterrent from any other writer on the space to find solace community or networking here. But as one who is both black and woman and Writer, this letter? This letter is for famil...

In this the first of two letters that will be recorded for this podcast as we end the year of 2021, let this be a source of encouragement for you dear Writer. May your words never fail you. A physical copy of this letter will be found on I Breathe Fire (http://jenniferbharrisbreathesfire.com) later on 12/31/2021.

With the success of what we now know as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, that success is not without some degree of criticism. No criticism has been louder than of the Academy-Award winning Director, Martin Scorsese. In this particular show I’m gonna tell you exactly why Marty can take his opinion and shove it. Follow LEGENDS OF COMIX & GAMES on Facebook and in real life. Love you, Jason!

The world has lost a gift in bell hooks on December 15, 2021. In the loss of such a great mind and fire, it is only right that she have her own episode deicated to her. It is with her fire, with her body of work, that we indeed have a tool to dismantle the masters house as Audre Lorde said. Good night, bell. Thank you. Note: follow Hannah Drake at her site: http://www.hannahldrake.com.

This bonus show is dedicated to the memory of Anne Rice who passed away on December 11, 2021. The book mentioned: CAMILLA. Good Night, Anne. Thank you.

This week’s episode focuses on Chelsea Lockhart, writer, activist and force for the melaninated good! For this show, we find out the mission of The Melanin Library, what fuels it, and the support Black writers need to succeed. Follow The Melanin Library on IG: melanin_library, and support this work on Patreon for as little as $5/month. Also bookmark & follow here: https://www.melaninlibrary.com/.

There is SEND FOR A POET segment! Work title: SPEECH TO THE YOUNG by Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks! Follow The Melanin_Library on IG: @melanin_library. We are in a time of opposition as it relates to The Arts! For all the progress, platforms and the resurgence of Black writers, actors and directors, this craft—this work!—is hard. But it still has to be done.

TW: Body horror (There will also be spoilers). There is one thing to be said about this classic urban legend! The fact that Nia DaCosta and Jordan Peele were able to reimagine the short story that was created by white man (Clive Barker) from Boogieman to anti-hero? Is a testament to the power of the black imagination and that in the black history is black horror.

We all have a crisis of confidence as it relates to writing every now and again. Sometimes you can get out of that Meyer by yourself, sometimes you need help! Either way, let this bonus episode episode will be a reminder that you are not alone, pencils have erasers, and always save your work… You still have to go back to where you started in order to keep going.

The 2021 Emmys were trash. Representation still matters, and is rooted in respect. Black artists are worthy of respect. Always.

There is a power in representation. Since language is legacy, what legacy are you writing to leave?

Tutenese. A language spoken by enslaved peoples. And this language…is a link to past. Language is legacy. Follow me on TikTok: @whatjayesaid/@shesgottapen. The favorites mentioned: @miawarpath, @auntcalei, @jay.warpath.

Elle Dowd is a powerhouse for all good things.  Wife, mother, student, interferer, activist, clergy and purveyor of bold lips and a lip ring. Elle and her husband, Adam, came into my sphere during what is now being remembered as the Ferguson Uprising. In this turbulent time, I met many people, heard of more people, under the scariest of circumstances! I came across Elle through Twitter, and follow...