Intellectual property. Quoted work. Missing work! Merit vs Exposure vs Experience. Being a writer, a working writer at that, is FRAUGHT with pitfalls, missteps and false starts! This week, we are going to talk about all of it--and how to maneuver in a world that will ignore, discredit or use you as a fad. Fear not! Help is on the way!

You thought our host wasn’t gonna just GIVE it to you?! You thought wrong! This week is part 2 of the conversation which began last week. Get your paper and pen, class is in session. Works referenced: When Chickenheads Come Home To Roost (Joan Morgan), Hood Feminism (Mikki Kendall) and Hip-Hop Is Dead (Nas).

We are officially a year old! This journey could not have been possible without God first and foremost. I am excited for what is next for the podcast! Special thanks to Syntell Smith (Book: Call Numbers), Big Black Chapters (shouts to Tiffany and Raquel!), Adrienne Horn (Platform: I. Am. Editing, INK), Tiara Chantal (Book: Letters To Exes), Chanel Hardy (Book: Fernando, and she is all over Amazon), Kay Brown (Book: Truth Love; Platform: Truth Love Podcast), and Leslie Crawford, founder of WHEN CHILDREN WRITE! SPECIAL THANKS to my Audio Producer LeArthur Lee, owner of Valor Music, LLC based out of San Antonio, Texas!If I have forgotten anyone, charge it to my head and not my heart! I love all of you all! And grateful for all of You! HERE’S TO YEAR TWO!

Hip-Hop is a masculine Arena! And it always has been! It thrives on topic toxic masculinity, the brandishing of what is owned and sexual prowess. But, what about the women who have dominated in this arena who take that same language meant to discard or discount them-– and make it their own? Books referenced: When Chickenheads Come Home To Roost by Joan Morgan, Eloquent Rage by Dr. Brittany Cooper, Hood Feminism: Notes From Women A Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall.

Storytelling is a powerful tool! It controls a narrative, a people and can influence thoughts and behaviors. It is with the power of storytelling we can provide space, value and respect for other people’s experiences. Hip-Hop is no different.

This week’s bonus episode has our house reflecting on the life and legacy of Ida Bell Wells Barnett, after being awarded the Pulitzer Prize...almost 90 years after her passing.

Where are all the Black literary agents?

All writing has one goal in mind—story-telling! How will you keep attention, maintaining both pace and interest! This is the heartbeat of all artists—they want to grab your eyes and ears so they can get your heart as well.

When Children Write is a dynamic program whose goal is to increase children’s literacy based out of Baltimore, MD. The program is revolutionary, needed and is the brainchild of Leslie Crawford. The added bonus of this program? The children whom participate will become published authors! You all know we had to get behind this! For more information on When Children Write, please visit their website at http://www.whenchildrenwrite.com. Or email When Children Write at [email protected].

The Quarantine is in full swing, and there’s just some things on our host’s mind! Get a snack, it’s going to be good.