It's Never a Question of Experience with Emanuelle Marachal

In this session of Black Writer Therapy, Ella Shawn welcomes freelance fashion writer and curator of the Journal de Curioso (The Curious Journal) Substack Newsletter, Emanuelle Marachal, a Cameroonian-French expat living in South Italy.

Ella and Emanuelle cover the gambit regarding writing as diasporic African women writers, the global disconnect between European blacks, and the importance of fashion as a conduit for exploring European black culture and her family history.

1. "Fashion as a backdrop for cultural storytelling"

2. "Preserving black family stories for future generations"

3. "The audacity of Black women writers"

Connect with Emanuelle Marachal

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

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#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27—increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set your preference to automatic download
• Join my Substack newsletter at the paid subscription level and gain access to unedited sessions, behind the scenes footage, first dibs on contest, exclusive contests for members only, Live Q & A, Discount on Merch, and much more than you want to read in my shown notes.
• Subscribe, like, share, and leave a review or rating wherever you listen to Black Writer Therapy
• Tell your people about the podcast
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#BlackWriterTherapy #Gratitude #IndiePodcast

Ella Shawn Creating Through Chaos: Natasha Bishop on Tenacity and Authenticity in Writing

In a heartfelt episode of the Black Writer Therapy Podcast, host Ella Shawn welcomes indie contemporary romance author Natasha Bishop for a candid conversation about writing, healing, and the power of storytelling. They explore Natasha's writing journey, her experience with self-publishing, and the challenges she faces as a Black woman writer.

Themes of personal growth, the importance of authentic, character-driven stories, and the support within the writing community are highlighted. The discussion concludes with mutual appreciation and plans for future collaborations, emphasizing the transformative power of writing.

10 Powerful Words

I was like, I might not be okay. I don't know.

Ella Shawn

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27—increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set your preference to automatic download
• Join my Substack newsletter at the paid subscription level and gain access to unedited sessions, behind the scenes footage, first dibs on contest, exclusive contests for members only, Live Q & A, Discount on Merch, and much more than you want to read in my shown notes.
• Subscribe, like, share, and leave a review or rating wherever you listen to Black Writer Therapy
• Tell your people about the podcast
• Email Ella Shawn

#BlackWriterTherapy #Gratitude #IndiePodcast

The data will tell us the number of advanced degrees earned and correlate it with higher earnings. But the story behind the numbers sheds light on the why. Why are Black women pursuing doctorate degrees?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y1Yu59BoYoyhUTmbR5Y4a9wqw96QZeOzCihspDIUirA/edit Michelle's Facebook page @inkwellretreats on Instagram Michelle's Website Support Black Writer Therapy Podcast

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27—increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

For the Love of Liberty: Twin Writers Lean into the Past to Understand the Present

In this heartfelt session, host Ella speaks with Suzette Riddick and Suzette D. Harrison, affectionately known as 'the twins.' They discuss their new collaborative series, Generations, which tells the intertwined stories of African American families across different eras.

Top Three Takeaways

• They share the deeply spiritual and emotional journey of creating this series, emphasizing the strength of their friendship and the importance of honoring their heritage.
• The guests highlight the significance of self-care, healing through connection, and the cathartic nature of writing.
• They also reflect on their unique bond, which allows them to be their most authentic selves and support each other in both personal and professional endeavors.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to the Suzette Twins

02:39 Catching Up with Suzette Riddick

04:49 Catching Up with Suzette D. Harrison

06:01 The Healing Power of Friendship

09:13 The Generations Series: Concept and Inspiration

14:40 Creating Colemanville: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

28:11 The Bond Between the Suzette Twins

36:05 Introducing the Characters

36:25 Florida Coleman's Journey

38:47 Jillian Hart's Story

40:54 Interweaving Histories

42:58 Writing Process and Collaboration

44:00 The Twin Connection

48:51 Game Time: Acrostic Challenge

01:07:08 Final Thoughts and Farewells

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27—increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set your preference to automatic download
• Join my Substack newsletter at the paid subscription level and gain access to unedited sessions, behind the scenes footage, first dibs on contest, exclusive contests for members only, Live Q & A, Discount on Merch, and much more than you want to read in my shown notes.
• Subscribe, like, share, and leave a review or rating wherever you listen to Black Writer Therapy
• Tell your people about the podcast
• Email Ella...

In this engaging episode of the Black Writer Therapy Podcast, host Ella Shawn chats with Vanessa Walters about her experiences as an author and the inspirations behind her book 'The Niger Wife.' Vanessa discusses her journey from her Jamaican heritage to growing up in London and eventually moving to Lagos. She reveals how her life as a 'Niger wife' influenced her novel and the support of the Niger Wife Association. Vanessa and Ella delve into themes of patriarchy, familial duty, and the unique struggles of Black women writers, touching on Vanessa’s creative process, the healing nature of writing, and the eventual adaptation of her book into a screenplay by HBO. The conversation highlights Vanessa’s nuanced storytelling and the significant impact of her cultural background on her work.

Vanessa Walters was born and raised in London, UK by Jamaican parents and has traveled extensively living in 5 cities on 4 continents. She now lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family. Vanessa published two YA books in her teens (Rude Girls, Best Things in Life). She has also written poetry, plays and a creative historical collection about Black experience in London (Smoke! Othello!). Vanessa has a bachelors degree in Law and French Law and has worked in a range of media roles over the years including at the BBC, Financial Times, Thomson Reuters, and written for The Guardian, The New Statesman among others. THE NIGERWIFE, was inspired by her time in Nigeria as a Nigerwife. It was a Good Morning America Bookclub Pick and a best books of 2023 (Audible, New York Public Library) and is currently being adapted by HBO spearheaded by Amy Aniobi (Producer of Insecure). Vanessa is working on her second novel which again explores the wonder and tragedy of family, this time in Brooklyn.

Therapeutic Moments

• 07:52 Challenges and Accomplishments in Writing
• 16:17 The Niger Wife: A Personal Connection
• 46:44 Navigating Identity as a Black Writer
• 47:53 Challenges of Audience Perception
• 57:15 Generational Trauma and Healing
• 01:02:13 Motherhood and Parenting Reflections
• 01:17:35 The Complexity of Marriage

01:26:53 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Vanessa's Facebook group Vanessa's Facebook page Vanessa's Website Ella Shawn Listen to Black Writer Therapy Podcast

The More You Know

• Windrush Generation 1945 - 1960 | Haringey Council - This is how Vanessa's family landed in the UK and she does a wonderful job explaining and sharing her Jamaican roots.
• The Nigerwives Association - [comprehensive history of the Nigerwives-Nigeria association from their official website. This association, formed in 1979 by foreign women married to Nigerian citizens, aimed to address challenges related to residence permits, work permits, employment discrimination, and other issues faced by these women. The association has since grown, with branches across Nigeria, working on various social projects and supporting the integration of foreign wives into Nigerian society .]

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and...

Blessed, Highly Favored, and Delicious: Writing as a Black Queer Author

In this insightful episode, Dakota Perry and Ella get into the crucial themes of representation in LGBTQ literature, personal growth, and the ongoing quest for authenticity. Dakota reveals her inspirations and the pivotal role of her supportive sister, emphasizing the importance of independent publishing for marginalized voices. Throughout the discussion, Dakota shares her vision of crafting inclusive stories with Black and queer characters, underscoring the empowering nature of writing.

The conversation highlights the shared personal and universal journeys of identity, self-discovery, and creative zeal, showcasing both the struggles and triumphs of seeking visibility and staying true to oneself within the literary world.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:50 Discussing Representation in Literature

03:20 Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community

04:53 Personal Stories and Inspirations

13:51 Writing as Therapy

30:46 The Power of Dreams

46:52 The Desire for Visibility

51:33 Conflict of Identity

52:12 Embracing Authenticity

53:21 The Audacity of the Black Woman Writer

53:35 Identity Labels and Representation

54:14 The Role of Family Support

57:29 Navigating Love and Relationships

01:00:56 The Audacity to Write

01:10:31 Independent Writing Journey

01:11:25 TikTok and the Indie Book Scene

01:20:10 Creative Outlets and Future Projects

01:27:09 The Black Viking Book

01:32:47 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Episode: Navigating the In-Between

Welcome to the Black Writer Therapy podcast, where we are dedicated to uplifting and amplifying the voices, stories, and experiences of Black women (femme presenting) writers.

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Dakota Perry, a remarkable author championing Black LGBTQ+ representation in fantasy and historical romance. Dakota shares her journey and the powerful motivations behind her writing.

In Your Dreams – A Closer Look:

Dakota's most cathartic book, "In Your Dreams," invites readers into a vividly imagined world where dreams are more real than the humdrum of Parker's reality. The novel follows three queer characters on their quests for love, blending time travel, fantasy kingdoms, and a dash of magic. This discussion reveals the inspirations behind the book and delves into the deeper themes of desire, destiny, and the power of the imagination..

Episode Highlights:

• Dakota’s inspiration for writing relatable characters.
• The significance of the representation of LGBTQIA+ in fantasy historical romance fiction
• How and where Dakota drummed up the audacity to accomplish the things she has
• Dakota’s message to aspiring writers in the LGBTQ+ community.

Tags: Dakota Perry, LGBTQ+ literature, African American fantasy, historical fiction, queer love stories, fantasy novels

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link.

Ella welcomed contemporary Black romance writer Natasha Bishop to a session and these are her session notes.

• Ella discusses the impact of Only for the Week, on Black women
• Natasha's writing style and her involvement in the Indie Black Book Community.
• Ella shared her personal experiences as a Black mother
• Difficult family dynamics
• The need for positive contributions from Black males in the community.
• Authenticity in writing
• The transformative healing power of writing
• The value of building a community of writers for support and creative inspiration.

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Natasha Bishop's session on the Black Writer Therapy podcast will air sometime in August of 2024!

Shout Out to J L Seegars and the release of her new book on Friday, the 29th of March! Be sure to support her and if you click here, shout out the Black Writer Therapy podcast.

Share. Follow. Comment. Rate. Review

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

Black Writer Therapy is affiliated with the Authentic Connections Network. This podcasting network was founded to amplify the voices that are missing from the landscape of podcasting.

The goal of the network is 37 by 27—increasing the number of women-hosted podcasts to 37% by 2027.

Over 65% of podcasts launched by the Authentic Connections Network have reached the top 10% of podcasts globally in their first month.

This network provides a community of support and mentoring to ensure that each show within its fold thrives and achieves longevity and success.

Welcome to Black Writer Therapy Session Notes, where I delve into intimate revelations that uncover my journey as a writer and the radical literary moments that have shaped my path. Reflecting on the recording session with Dr. Michele Boyde of Inkwell Academic Writing Retreat opened me up to the struggles and triumphs I've encountered on my writing odyssey, inviting listeners to join her in the exploration of what it means to be a Black woman writer in today's literary landscape.

I share experiences and bravely delve into the vulnerability and strength I found within the creative process. I also find myself unveiling moments where I have found myself at the crossroads of doubt and determination, grappling with the pressures of conforming to predefined writing norms while striving to carve my authentic path.

This candid conversation sheds light on the struggles many writers face when trying to navigate their unique creative voices in the face of external expectations.

Throughout the episode, Ella invites listeners to reflect on their radical literary moments—those instances where they dared to defy convention and break free from the constraints of societal norms. She encourages embracing the power of radical self-expression and its transformative impact on individual storytelling.

As the session unfolds, I take you on my journey from self-doubt to self-discovery, inviting y'all to explore the depths of our creative journeys and the resilience required to overcome barriers in pursuing literary fulfillment. I learned from our conversation that peeling back the layers of my writing process creates a space for listeners to connect, empathize, and find solace in the shared experiences of navigating the intricate terrain of creativity and self-expression.

This is Black Writer Therapy—Session Notes where healing, empowerment, and creativity converge to feed my writer's heart, mind, and soul.

Additionally, we're thrilled to announce our Guest Authors' Book Box Auction Contest! As a token of appreciation for your continued support, we're curating exclusive away book boxes featuring works from a selection of talented guest authors who have graced our podcast. 25% of all proceeds will go to support a nonprofit of my choosing, while the other 75% will be used to improve the Black Writer Therapy Podcast.

Check Out InkWell Writing Retreats

Check out Synithia Williams's Books and Synithia's Black Writer Therapy Session

Thank you for joining us on the Black Writer Therapy Podcast! We hope you enjoyed today's episode and found inspiration in the stories and insights shared. If you loved what you heard, please leave us a review and recommend the show to your family and friends. Your support helps us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women writers.

Questions or thoughts? Please email us at blackwritertherapy@gmail.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and content. And be sure to check out our merch and join our vibrant community.

Until next time, remember writing is an intentional act of healing. Thanks for listening!

If you have a podcast and want some magic in your notes, click below to save time and energy.

This is an affiliate link. Castmagic

#blackwomenwriters

The Black Writer Therapy podcast is 100% independent and depends on you, the listeners. If you enjoy the show and would like to be a part of its growth, show your support today and help us keep going:

• Set...