We have Nic Stone in our new episode, author of the incredibly powerful debut, "Dear Martin". Her new novel releases on October 17 and I am incredibly excited that we can reveal an excerpt from "Dear Martin" that’s exclusive to our 88 Cups of Tea community. To read the exclusive excerpt, click here! 

In our conversation, you’ll learn what inspired the idea for Nic’s debut and what helped to shape the voice of her main character Justyce McAllister. She shares how to create emotional resonance in our work by being vulnerable and writing like a reader. We discuss the importance of having an honest and visionary editor on your team, the importance of diverse representation in the publishing industry, and how playing with the format of your book can help you cater to specific audiences.

We talk about the detrimental problems caused by systemic racism and we deep-dive into understanding that the root of anger can lead to compassion, and how to create change through self-reflection. We wrap up the interview chatting about Nic’s next novel that she is currently working on!

Say 'Hi' to Nic on Twitter! and check out the books/resources mentioned in her episode by clicking here!

Happy listening!

Xo,

Yin

PS. Do you know anyone who would love our conversation? Please share this episode to help spread the word!

---

If you enjoyed this episode, I’d really love your support in growing our community by subscribing to us on iTunes, and leaving a rating and review. These specific steps help to increase our visibility on iTunes which really helps new listeners discover us. A huge heartfelt thank you for your time and support! You can click here to go directly to our iTunes page!

---

Would you love to support our show with some 88 Cups of Tea swag? Grab our limited edition mug (signed by yours truly) here!

---

Meet fellow members in our community and check in about your WIP, and join in on other bookish talks and 88 Cups of Tea related things! You can really feel the love and support in our Facebook community. You also get the opportunity to submit your questions for upcoming guests on the show. Click here to join our private Facebook group!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to have a clear profile picture of yourself. If not, send over links to either your Twitter or Instagram. Fill out the 3 questions that pop up as soon as you join. To protect our group's safe space, these steps help us weed out any spam/fake profiles/creepers. Can't wait to meet you!

---

Warm welcome to our new listeners, be sure to check out our archive of episodes by clicking here!

---

“I wasted time trying to find balance instead of just working with what I had.” -Nic Stone (Click to tweet)

“I have to do my art, I have to write, I have to do these things that keep me thriving and keep me going and keep me feeling alive.” -Nic Stone (Click to tweet)

“Write like a reader and read like a writer.” -Nic Stone (Click to tweet)

---

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN TODAY'S EPISODE: 

• Learn how Nic fell in love with storytelling and YA fiction
• Nic shares how you can learn to write through reading 
• Learn why it’s important to not feel guilty when you fail in certain areas while succeeding in others 
• How our country’s systemic racism crumbled Nic’s world and shaped the voice of Justyce in “Dear Martin” 
• How understanding the root of your anger can lead to compassion 
• Creating change through self-reflection and finding the space in which you thrive
• The importance of your rhetoric when interacting with people with problematic thinking 
• Nic shares exciting news about her novel that she is currently working on
• The importance of having an honest and visionary editor on your team
• How playing with the format of your book can help you cater to specific audiences
• How personifying your world’s settings can create more life in your novel 
• Create emotional resonance in your work by being vulnerable and writing like a reader
• The importance of diverse representation in the publishing industry