Permission to Write Podcast

In this week’s episode Ashley discusses suits against Amazon to include indie booksellers, whether lists still matter, cast ideas for GOOD MORNING, LOVE, and being in charge of your own writing career.

This week in Publishing:

In a recent poll by the Author’s Guild, 13% of writers admitted that they use AI for things like brainstorming, character development, and outlines. https://www.npr.org/2024/04/30/1246686825/authors-using-ai-artificial-intelligence-to-write 

Joe Biden signed a bill on April 24th that could result in a nationwide ban of TikTok as early as 2025. https://www.themarysue.com/tiktok-ban-would-be-devastating-for-authors-booktok/ 

The American Booksellers Association has filed a motion with the Federal Trade Commission. https://publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/94929-aba-seeks-to-add-bookstores-to-ftc-lawsuit-against-amazon.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0h4pVDTCZ9-FC4zkgUKQjJCVGuSw8nRI5JspzMzw9YriJpVVGaf3BJPyQ_aem_AZxTmki_7CpJnaDrrBVTL2YcePDcXKu5Bp3WD3X-eVNmQ-Ob-bh_DfrE7zupVUEX3rXyTCLCmHl5kMMuFuDqoM6K 

The New York Times listed their best books since 2000, and more importantly than discussing their list, I just want to know, do we care about lists in general?https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/top-books-list.html

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Edited by: @officialdilemma

In this week's Read Like a Writer episode, we're chatting about POVs in fiction, particularly close third person with alternating perspectives with Black Candle Women as a reference text. 

This week in publishing: 

The Pen World Voices Festival has been canceled. https://lithub.com/the-pen-world-voices-festival-has-been-canceled/

PEN America has canceled its 2024 Literary Awards ceremony, which was previously scheduled to be held at the Town Hall in New York City on April 29th. .https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/94876-pen-america-cancels-2024-literary-awards-ceremony.html

Bookwire, the Frankfurt-based digital book distribution and production platform, has partnered with U.S.-based Aptara, a provider of publishing solutions and digital data analysis, to share expertise. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=4650

Viola Davis and husband Julian Tennon launch their own publishing company. https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/viola-davis-julius-tennon-publishing/

Powered by: @permissiontowrite 

Edited by: @officialdilemma

In this episode, we're chatting about the small section of the bookstore that used to have the African American Literature, the importance of these books in the canon, and some of the authors that paved the way. When you say you support Black writing, is it Oochie Wally or One Mic? Listen and make sure you like, rate and subscribe if you support our podcast. 

This week in publishing: 

The LA Times Festival of Books - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-21/photos-los-angeles-times-festival-of-books 

An interesting collaboration between Airwave Podcast and Ben Bella Books. Airwave podcast is getting their own imprint for their hosts and personalities in Airwave Books. 

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=4641 

More publishers sign on to the suit to stop Iowa from their Book Banning Law which affects LGBTQIA+ books. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/94824-five-publishers-join-lawsuit-to-stop-iowa-book-banning-bill.html 

“We as publishers are uniting in our unwavering commitment to stand with educators, librarians, students, authors, and readers against the unconstitutional censorship measures being imposed by the state of Iowa," the publishers said in a joint statement. "Now, more than ever, we must stand firmly with our authors and readers to defend the fundamental right to read and the freedom of expression.”

Powered by: Permission to Write 

Edited by: @officialdilemma

This week, we’re introducing some new segments, “Given the Option” and bringing you more of our great conversation around writing, publishing, life and culture. For our Read Like a Writer episode, we’re diving into description with our reference texts Leaving Cecil Street, Diane McKinney-Whetstone and You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty, Akwaeke Emezi. 

This week in Publishing 

Simon & Schuster turns 100. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/94707-simon-schuster-turns-100.html 

Kiley Reid says fiction isn’t activism. https://lithub.com/kiley-reid-on-why-fiction-isnt-activism/ 

North Caroline bookstore closes after receiving death threats. https://www.wonkette.com/p/bookselling-while-black-latest-danger 

Read Like a Writer books: https://bookshop.org/lists/read-like-a-writer? 

Powered by: Permission to Write 

Edited by: OfficialDilemma  

To kick off Season Two, we caught up with award-winning author, filmmaker, and scholar, Sheena C. Howard, PhD. Take a listen as we discuss her new book Academic Branding: A step-by-step guide to increased visibility, authority, and income, developing a love of comic books, and the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Purchase your copy of Academic Branding: https://bookshop.org/a/8081/9781637744406 

In the final episode of Season 1, Ashley is joined by authors Ana Reyes and Diane Marie Brown to discuss the rise of celebrity book clubs and their impact on the success of debut books. Reyes and Brown share from personal experience as Reese’s Book Club and Jenna Reads picks, respectively. 

Purchase books: 

Black Candle Women 

The House in the Pines 

Articles: 

https://www.npr.org/2019/09/03/755532368/for-many-authors-celebrity-book-clubs-are-a-ticket-to-success

In this episode, Ashley is recapping highlights from Season 1. From guests to important topics, what episodes did you enjoy the most? 

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Editor/Producer: @officialdilemma

This week in publishing: 

The Book World Still Isn’t Diverse. Dhonielle Clayton Is Trying to Change That.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/10/books/dhonielle-clayton-diversity.html 

Best Nonfiction of 2023

https://electricliterature.com/electric-lits-best-nonfiction-of-2023/ 

Crown to relaunch Andy Cohen Books

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=4432 

Jezebel to be resurrected by Paste Magazine 

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/29/business/media/jezebel-resurrected-paste-magazine.html

In this week’s episode, Ashley is chatting about the gamification of books and highlighting some of her fave reads from 2023. Not at all an exhaustive list, but some of the bright spots for sure! Take a listen. 

Powered by Permission to Write 

Producer/Editor: Dilemma 

This week in publishing: 

Nylon returns to print.

https://www.nylon.com/life/nylon-print-return-april-2024 

Paul Lynch wins the Booker Prize.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/93817-paul-lynch-wins-2023-booker-prize-for-prophet-song.html 

Is the campus novel dead? 

https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/a45894579/campus-novel-dead/?utm_campaign=socialflowTWESQ&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social-media&src=socialflowTW 

The Gamification of Books 

https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/books/a44567428/the-gamification-of-reading-is-changing-how-we-approach-books/

In this week’s episode, Ashley discusses memoirs. It’s been a huge season for the genre and she is sharing some of her favorites that include: 

• How We Fight For Our Lives, Saeed Jones 


• Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden 


• The Heartbreak Years, Minda Honey


• WILL, Will Smith 


• Becoming, Michelle Obama 

In addition, some forthcoming reads for the TBR pile.

• How to Say Babylon, Safiya St. Clair


• Nothing is Missing, Nicole Walters 

All titles can be purchased through our Bookshop storefront where we receive a small commission. http://ptwbooks.com. 

This week in publishing: 

National Book Awards 

https://lithub.com/zibby-owens-withdraws-sponsorship-for-the-national-book-awards-over-its-pro-palestinian-agenda/ 

Time shares must read books of 2023

https://time.com/collection/must-read-books-2023/

In this week’s episode, Ashley discusses the moment beyond 2020 for Black and POC writers. Will the moment last? And how will marginalized writers fare in a post BLM protest world?

Articles referenced: 

https://thewalrus.ca/black-books/

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/11/opinion/culture/diversity-publishing-industry.html