The Writers’ Block Podcast

Writing is hard! And there will be times where it may feel like homework, or feel futile, or you just plain old don't feel like it! Let this show be your reminder to keep going! Let this be your reminder to check in with yourself, and get the rest you need as a writer. Being a creative person is hard! There is a certain level of energy and upkeep you need to keep that well of creativity fresh! Thi...

Nothing is more hurtful than people who look at your talent and because they cannot accept what you have chosen to do with your life skills or talents tell you that they cannot support what it is you have dedicated time and energy to. This show is dedicated to .how you deal with that. Be brave. Write ANYWAY!

There is a power in realizing what you know you are good at. There is a power in realizing what you are comfortable doing! Finding your niche as it relates to writing is a personal and totally up to you! This week's installment is a reminder that your pen is powerful thing--your imagination formidable and together you can create all you want!  Do not let supporters pigeon-hole you. 

This week we will be looking at the two types of supporters, knowing how to keep deceptive people from your circle, as well as how to put them out of it! Your talent is yours; meaning you must protect it and realize what it means to be supported...and manipulated.

There are supervisors for writers and those who support writers. Which one are you—or are going to be?

In this time we currently occupy, no one person is just one thing! All you are, all you have seen, all you can and will do, is brought to every work. Owning all that you are is fuel to conquering doubt, fear or uncertainty for writers. OWN ALL YOU ARE!

Are you a writer needing some support and direction? Are you a writer that needs support in getting to the next level of your writing career? Marketing strategist Stephanie A. Wynn gives practical advice and wisdom for writers desire to take their career to a level that will be profitable. Your success as a writer is chiefly determined by the belief in yourself, and your willing to show up for you...

Shonda Lynn Rhimes is my hero. Bold, talented and taking over the world one word at a time! So, WHY would ABC flex on her thinking that she wouldn't body them? Stop testing Black women.

I am happy to introduce to you all the teacher-author-speaker and mountain shaker, Fenyx Blue. From her desire to write, with a push of a good teacher, she started the Blue Ink Movement! For this show, we talk about the price of talent, the boldness of words, and how necessary representation is concerning minority children. They need their pens too! Follow Fenyx on social media especially Instagra...

It’s that time of year again! And with the project I have for November this is a good way to introduce it! Take these 15 sayings and be empowered. I already believe in you. #Happy Writing Mentions: Nightlight The Black Horror Podcast. The Dinner Party Podcast (hosted by Christopher Rice and Eric Shaw Quinn): The Harvest Moon Saga by Chanel Hardy Follow me! TikTok: shesgottapen and IG: @authorjbhar...

Being a woman in a nation that prizes phalluses and the power and piety they bring is one thing. Being a Black woman in a nation determined not to see you, or desires to mimic you, or silence you is another! In this episode, we will discuss just how relevant the phrase Senator Kamala Harris said, with a smile on her face, still is. #ImSpeaking #ShesSpeaking. Mentions: Hannah Drake, Founder of Writ...

Erasure, bigotry, prejudice and racism are all found in literature and in some of hearts and minds of those that are gatekeepers of this narrative! For this last show we will explore how to dismantle and recreate such narratives to include others equally as deserving!  Lit notes/referenced:  "I, Too, Am America" by Langston Hughes.  "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman.  TH...

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Books are important.  Ebooks are convenient.  Audiobooks are a tool to an indie author!   Voice work, like writing, is work, requiring a specific set of skills. On this show, we are speaking to Michae and Quintell Allen-founders and performers of Ghostreaders. This interview explores just why representation matters in the life of writers, and in the arts. There is a wealth of inform...

Thank you to real writing allies. Thank you to those making spaces and bringing in authors that need to be read! Thank you to the authors who help nurture others in this craft! This week I speak about what what it means to beg to be seen in a world that only wants to erase, ignore, devour or copy.

Writing as a Black/minority writer is almost like a secret identity. From inception of an ideas to its publishing, it is fraught with uncertainty. But, sometimes that uncertainty is insidious, wanting to take control of all that you desire to write—with the goal of supplanting, comfort for White readers, and erasure of the Black experience. Let me say it again: Fire the invisible White Man on your...

It’s BACK TO WRITING MONTH and NANOWRIMO is not far behind! Get ready, dear ones! For this show, let me remind you of what support is, what it isn’t, and how to get it. Books mentioned: On Writing (S. King), WriteLife (J. Harris) both available on Amazon. Find my writer’s encouragement group on http://comegetyourwritelife.com

There are petitions circling about how no one should be recast to play T’Challa—and I completely agree! If we follow the source material, we know that the next Black Panther is Princess Shuri. For this bonus episode, we are going to look at why Leticia matters. And how powerful she really is.

We are all still grieving the loss of this talent taken from us all too soon. In this bonus episode, we celebrate his life, what could have been and how is legacy is richer than we could imagine.

I have known Anette for the better part of four  years. She is a confidant, a push and a wonder to behold.  It was through her friendship and push that I came out of my shell to begin to try and make writing thing I desired to make money doing.  With this interview, I hope that you all begin to love her as much as I do. Also, to be empowered to write--as never before. Anette is a je...

"I know that I am a rare bird." -Octavia E. Butler I have been a fan of Tonia Ransom for almost 3 years,  and have referenced her on this show previously. She is a friend, collaborator and felt Season 3 would not be complete without talking to Tonia about writing, her love of horror writing, and need for finding the flock of more rare birds. Find more about Nightlight:  The Black Horror Podcast he...

I am a fan of the show POSE! I am waiting for Season 3! So with the second snubbing of the cast of my show, I had to say something. Representation includes recognition as well. Remember that. You can find Janet Mock's book SURPASSING CERTAINITY: WHAT MY TWENTIES TAUGHT ME on Amazon. You can find my sister Jahaira on YouTube (JahairasMission) and Diamond Stylz on YouTube (DiamondStylz) and the podc...

Understand everything you write about has value! Whatever you write about, begin to value. It is important to salvage and keep your work. You never know who is looking at you...or waiting for you. *****This is the official End of Season 2! See you in August****

There is nothing easy about writing. With that said, you have to understand the RIGHT to even WRITE has been paid for. It is the duty of a writer to write. James Baldwin admonishes us to 'do your work.' So, do you work. It must be done, and must be done by you. I believe in you. Keep going.  This week's SEND FOR A POET segment is by St. Louis, MO spoken word artist, Dani Skye. Follow us in IG...

Preserve the work at all costs.  You must understand the legacy of James Author Baldwin. War & Peace is over 1200 pages. The King James Bible is over 1400 pages. Think about this! The dedication to time and talent are always required when legacy is at stake. Be brave, be bold and keep writing.