Nana Nkweti is the author of Walking on Cowrie Shells, a book that spans genres – literary realism, horror, mystery, YA, science fiction – and features complex, fully-embodied characters. The stories aim to entertain readers while also offering a counterpoint to prevalent “heart of darkness” writing that too often depicts a singular “African” experience plagued by locusts, hunger, and tribal in-fighting.

“Boisterous and high-spirited debut stories by a talented new writer.” - Kirkus Reviews

In this episode, we discuss her writing process, and:

• Keeping runnings lists on your phone
• Staying engaged with the world as a writer
• And more

I would love to hear from you. Please visit my Contact Page and tell me about your writing challenges.

Follow this Writer

• Follow her Website
• Buy her book, Walking on Cowrie Shells

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Follow the Host

• Slide into Sara Gallagher’s DM’s on Instagram

Follow our Partners

• Learn more about our partner, We Need Diverse Books, whose mission is to put more diverse books into the hands of all children

Become an Advertiser

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This Week’s Writing Prompt

This week’s writing prompt: Close your eyes. Imagine your body. Do a complete and full inventory and think of all the things that make you you. Hone in on scars, physical and emotional. Write from the perspective from that scar, or about how you received that scar. Let that scar tell you about yourself and your life.

Explore Womxn Authors

In this episode, they recommended these womxn writers:

• Yaa Gyasi - Author of Transcendent Kingdom
• Kwoya Fagin Maples - Author of Mend

Ensure the Podcast Continues

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Check Out More Womxn Authors

• Episode 78: Jennifer Craven - Author of All That Shines and Whispers
• Episode 77: Marina Carreira - Author of Save the Bathwater 
• Episode 76: Kathleen Basi - Author of A Song for the Road
• Episode 75: Tashie Bhuiyan - Author of Counting Down With You