The Writers’ Block Podcast

The native New Yorker Jennifer N. Baker brings to the podcast a wealth of experiences as writer and editor totaling 20 years! For this episode, we will do a deep dive into what it means to be writer in a changing world, the power of words, who owns language and the power of visibility. Follow Jennifer on the socials: Podcast: Minorities In Publishing (find wherever you get your podcasts--Apple Pod...

B.Simone is in fish grease hot water! As a writer, I am appalled. As a Black woman, I am irritated. At the intersection, I teach.

James Baldwin said that a nation need to be nervous if it fails to produce poets. Toni Morrison said that in times of chaos and upheaval is when writers do their best work! This episode is to remind you there is still work to be done! And you have a stake in that. The Writers’ Block Podcast welcomes Alyssa Davis and the reading of her poem, “My Skin Is Not A Weapon”. We look forward to hearing mor...

As we wrap up this miniseries, let the conversation continue! Hip-Hop is more than a genre, it transcends and makes culture! It is not a fad, is not noise, and is definitely not going away.

Intellectual property. Quoted work. Missing work! Merit vs Exposure vs Experience. Being a writer, a working writer at that, is FRAUGHT with pitfalls, missteps and false starts! This week, we are going to talk about all of it--and how to maneuver in a world that will ignore, discredit or use you as a fad. Fear not! Help is on the way!

You thought our host wasn’t gonna just GIVE it to you?! You thought wrong! This week is part 2 of the conversation which began last week. Get your paper and pen, class is in session. Works referenced: When Chickenheads Come Home To Roost (Joan Morgan), Hood Feminism (Mikki Kendall) and Hip-Hop Is Dead (Nas).

We are officially a year old! This journey could not have been possible without God first and foremost. I am excited for what is next for the podcast! Special thanks to Syntell Smith (Book: Call Numbers), Big Black Chapters (shouts to Tiffany and Raquel!), Adrienne Horn (Platform: I. Am. Editing, INK), Tiara Chantal (Book: Letters To Exes), Chanel Hardy (Book: Fernando, and she is all over Amazon)...

Hip-Hop is a masculine Arena! And it always has been! It thrives on topic toxic masculinity, the brandishing of what is owned and sexual prowess. But, what about the women who have dominated in this arena who take that same language meant to discard or discount them-– and make it their own? Books referenced: When Chickenheads Come Home To Roost by Joan Morgan, Eloquent Rage by Dr. Brittany Cooper,...

Storytelling is a powerful tool! It controls a narrative, a people and can influence thoughts and behaviors. It is with the power of storytelling we can provide space, value and respect for other people’s experiences. Hip-Hop is no different.

This week’s bonus episode has our house reflecting on the life and legacy of Ida Bell Wells Barnett, after being awarded the Pulitzer Prize...almost 90 years after her passing.

Where are all the Black literary agents?

All writing has one goal in mind—story-telling! How will you keep attention, maintaining both pace and interest! This is the heartbeat of all artists—they want to grab your eyes and ears so they can get your heart as well.

When Children Write is a dynamic program whose goal is to increase children’s literacy based out of Baltimore, MD. The program is revolutionary, needed and is the brainchild of Leslie Crawford. The added bonus of this program? The children whom participate will become published authors! You all know we had to get behind this! For more information on When Children Write, please visit their website...

Discouragement is detriment. It is insidious and stifling. It is also cyclic—watch your circles as well! Find my book Writelife on Amazon (WriteLife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YM8JTB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TgaEEbAGZYX47) and make sure to follow my girl Tonia Ransom (formerly Tonia Thompson) on her podcast Nightlight! Find your tribe, get your support and keep going!

COVID-19 is an incubation period, not a curse! Work the time! You have work in you to do!

The miniseries has come to an end put this is by no means the end of this conversation! Let us delve deeper into this concept of who owns language, who doesn’t and why writers do the work of changing that!

The miniseries is going strong! We have to understand that language is rich and is steeped in both history and erasure. Be bold. Language needs you too! You are a writer—bend it to your will!

All riders go through slumps! But with The Comeback you have all tools at your disposal to not make a drought a desert!

Toni Morrison said that language is the measure of our lives. With that, I wanted to explore this sect of language known as African American Vernacular English. Yes, the AAVE in this 3-part series we will explore just how powerful (and needed) this dialect is.

This weeks episode was going to center around the hesitation, fear, real fear that some riders have about beginning any work or even in brace the title of writer. Here we are going to talk about the very real possibility of no one reading your work of no one liking your niche or do you have an a breakthrough glass ceilings! But as always there is hope.

Writing is a journey, and good writing a marathon. It is with utter glee that I can share this concept with you all—even if it is not my own. The 5-Mile Sprint is what allows you to tap in to your creative force and place with minimal hesitation! Have you started your sprint today?

Local St. Louis author, Tiara Trussel, talks about her first book, Love Letters To My Exes. The premise of the book to allows space to tell the real reason behind what it means when some of us say, “It’s not you, it’s me.” Shameless plugs: Eye See Me Bookstore, Ruby (a novel), written by Jennifer Harris, and Kamdon 689 (on Facebook). Follow the progress of the book, http://www.facebook.com/lovelet...

Response to Stephen King’s tweet this week (1/11/20-1/18/20) about visibility and viability of art...without the ‘need’ of diversity.

The fantastic “unsinkable” Kay Brown has graced this podcast with her N’Awlins Black Girl Magic! Her first book, TRUTH LOVE, is a page turner and is the start of something amazing! Pick it up on Amazon, Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited. (Other podcast mentioned: NIGHTLIGHT: Black Horror Podcast, found on Apple Podcast, GooglePlay)

The year is wrapping up! Can you believe we will be in 2020 in a matter of days? Let this episode remind you that the work of writing is more than just words. People also have to “see what you’re saying.”