Amaka Azie, an award winning, bestselling author of Contemporary Romance.  She was born and raised in Nigeria but has called England home for almost two decades now. 

Over the course of our conversation, we dive into the importance of representation in literature and Amaka sharing her passion for writing stories that reflect the rich and diverse experiences of Black people. You’ll discover how she aims to break stereotypes and illuminate the everyday lives of Nigerians, showing that their stories are just as valid and vibrant as any other. Amaka also discusses her role as a storyteller and how her characters often navigate love and life in ways that reflect her own joyful upbringing.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will leave you inspired and empowered to embrace your own story. Perfect for writers, readers, and anyone curious about the intersections of race, culture, and identity in today’s world.

To learn more about Amaka and her books, you can visit her website: 

http://amakaazieauthor.com/

Leslie Penelope, an award-winning author of fantasy and paranormal romance. In this episode of my diaspora story, she shares insights on her life as a Black American creative writer and shares her experiences navigating her identity. She also shares the importance of representing diverse black experiences on the page and in her real life.

Her latest novel - The Inevitable Undoing of Zahara Douglas is now available to purchase in all formats, wherever books are sold.

You can learn more about Leslye, her books, and her writing by visiting her website: https://lpenelope.com/

Adriana Herrera is a USA Today bestselling and Audie winning author who was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last fifteen years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy endings. The New York Times once called her book "sweet, thoughtful, and delightfully filthy too."

When she’s not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a trauma therapist in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

You can connect with Adriana and learn more about her books by visiting her website: https://adrianaherreraromance.com/
In this episode, she mentions two books as essential reading for all Black people: Silencing the Past by Michel-Rolph Trouillot and The Rebel's Clinic by Adam Shatz.

SUMMARY:
In this episode I engage in a profound conversation with bestselling author, social scientist, and entrepreneur Adriana Herrera. We discuss the complexities of Black identity, cultural perceptions of race, and the historical context that shapes these identities. Adriana was very generous and shared her experiences of discovering her Blackness in the U.S. and the impact of anti-blackness in the Dominican Republic.

Our conversation also delves into the significance of genre fiction in preserving cultural narratives and the evolving definitions of Blackness on a global scale. We also explore the importance of representation in writing, the challenges of American centrism, and the interconnectedness of global Blackness. We conclude with a recommendation for essential reading to deepen understanding of Black history and culture.

My Diaspora Story is here. I am so excited to share my conversations with the authors who agreed to join me with you.

I sat down with writers from across The African Diaspora to explores the unique and beautiful ways Black people experience life and express themselves.
My guests this season are:

Adriana Hererra
Leslye Penelope
Amaka Azie
Kenya Goree-Bell
Evelyn Sola
Talia Hibbert
Denny Bryce
Cassandra Winston
Salem Afangide

I ask each guest the same seven questions:

1. Where did nature intend for you to grow up? (ie -where were you/ your parents born?)
2. How has destiny (Or you) defied nature's plan?
3. When/How did you first know you were "Black"?
4. What did it mean to you then/ now?
5. How are you connected, if at all, to the rest of the diaspora?
6. How does all of this show up in your work?
7. What do you want other Black people to know about you?

Their answers are illuminating and compelling. And very different from each other.

I hope you will listen with an open heart and take the stories you hear at face value.

We are contain a multitude and I can't wait to show off as much of that as possible.