• We are moving the Black Writer brand in a new direction.
• Shame and guilt are significant barriers to creativity.
• Shame originates from external expectations, while guilt comes from within.
• Emotions like shame and guilt can block creative energy.
• It's essential to identify where shame and guilt manifest in the body.
• Practicing gratitude for shame can help in releasing it.
• Guilt can lead to a lack of trust in oneself and decision-making.
• Creative freedom requires letting go of past burdens.
• Engaging in self-reflection is crucial for emotional healing.
• Community support is vital for writers to thrive.

• The journey of writing is often filled with challenges and setbacks.
• Community and collaboration are essential for success in the publishing industry.
• Self-publishing can empower authors to take control of their work.
• Mental health and healing are ongoing processes that require daily attention.
• Authenticity in storytelling resonates with readers and creates connection.
• Rejection in the publishing world is common and should be viewed as redirection.
• Affirmations and positive self-talk can significantly impact mental well-being.
• Building a supportive network can help underrepresented voices be heard.
• The importance of setting boundaries in creative work to avoid burnout.
• Writing can serve as a therapeutic outlet for personal experiences. Naming characters gives them identity and depth.
• Ending a story can be challenging and emotional.
• Life is often about the journey, not just the destination.
• Living in the present is crucial for happiness.
• Detaching from current reality can help in creating new narratives.
• Gardening symbolizes patience and growth in life.
• Taking control of book sales empowers authors.
• Social media is a tool, not the only way to connect.
• Authenticity in marketing is essential for authors.
• Building genuine connections is more valuable than social media presence.

Key Takeaways

• Format Changes
• Introduced Black Writer Therapy Doula
• One Author Chat/month
• Deep focus on healing, expanding community, and raising divine feminine energy
• More Intentional

• Latasha Crystal has been passionate about writing since the eighth grade.
• Writing serves as a healing medium for Latasha, helping her process her experiences.
• Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for many writers, including Latasha.
• Supportive friendships play a crucial role in personal growth and overcoming challenges.
• Latasha's debut novel, 'Rocky Crescendo,' focuses on a shy girl discovering herself through music.
• The themes of self-discovery and acceptance are central to Latasha's writing.
• Latasha enjoys blending genres in her writing, often mixing elements of middle grade and young adult fiction.
• Writing about mental health for middle schoolers is important to Latasha.
• Latasha's upcoming project is a rom-com about a good girl and a bad boy.
• Latasha believes in writing what you wish you could have experienced.

• Scarlet defines a happily married woman as someone who maintains her individuality while being in a partnership.
• Marriage requires ongoing effort and communication, especially after children leave home.
• Writing serves as a healing process for Scarlet, allowing her to explore her emotions and experiences.
• Cultural traditions and superstitions play a significant role in shaping identity and beliefs.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection and understanding among women, especially women of color.
• Scarlet emphasizes the importance of being open to experiences and emotions.
• The conversation highlights the need for women to express their pain and vulnerability.
• Scarlet's journey of self-discovery is intertwined with her writing and storytelling.
• The discussion touches on the complexities of being perceived as a strong black woman.
• Scarlet's pen name is a homage to her heritage and family history. Women can embody a range of identities and emotions.
• The strong Black woman trope often forces women into a masculine role.
• Writing can be a healing process for personal and ancestral pain.
• Culinary metaphors can enrich storytelling and connect to cultural roots.
• Compassion is essential in both personal relationships and storytelling.
• Ancestral connections can guide and inspire creative work.
• The audacity of Black women writers is a powerful force in literature.
• Emotional expression is crucial for both writers and their characters.
• Characters can reflect the ideal traits we wish to see in the world.
• Creativity allows for the exploration of complex identities and experiences.

Keywords

Black women writers, maternal health, storytelling, resilience, healing, community, awards, writing journey, racism, faith

Takeaways

• Black and Indigenous women face alarming maternal death rates.

• Rhonda McKnight has written 29 books, focusing on complex characters.

• Celebrating achievements is crucial for personal growth.

• Writing can serve as a therapeutic process for both the writer and the reader.

• The importance of community in literary events cannot be overstated.

• Racism plays a significant role in healthcare disparities for Black women.

• Stories can provide healing and connection across generations.

• The dual timeline in 'Bitter and Sweet' reflects historical and contemporary struggles.

• Therapy is essential for addressing generational trauma.

• Readers should always be at the forefront of a writer's mind.

Summary

In this episode of Black Writer Therapy, host Ella Shawn engages in a heartfelt conversation with author Rhonda McKnight, exploring themes of maternal health, the healing power of storytelling, and the importance of community among Black women writers. Rhonda shares her journey as a prolific author, her experiences with literary awards, and the significance of addressing racism in healthcare. The discussion also delves into the dual timeline of her latest novel, 'Bitter and Sweet,' and how writing serves as a therapeutic outlet for both the author and her readers. Throughout the conversation, the importance of celebrating achievements and the need for connection within the literary community are emphasized, making this episode a rich exploration of resilience, faith, and the power of storytelling.

Sound Bites(upcoming merch)

• It's healing time, y'all.

• I want readers to feel good.

• Grief is hard; it ages you.

Chapters

00:00 The Alarming Statistics of Maternal Mortality

02:15 Celebrating Literary Events and Community Engagement

04:14 The Journey of a Prolific Author

06:28 The Impact of Awards and Recognition

09:04 Writing as a Healing Process

11:53 The Importance of Reader Connection

14:33 Exploring Themes of Faith and Resilience

17:29 The Role of Therapy in Writing

20:10 Cultural Legacy and Historical Context

23:16 The Healing Power of Storytelling

25:52 Addressing Racial Disparities in Maternal Health

46:07 Listening to Women's Voices in Healthcare

48:46 The Importance of Self-Care and Connection

51:15 Celebrating Personal Growth and Resilience

55:49 Generational Grief and Healing

01:03:46 Reclaiming Personal Space and Identity

01:10:42 The Power of Storytelling and Connection

01:16:35 BWT OUTRO.mp3

• Desiree Moodie shares her journey of navigating motherhood and writing.
• The importance of self-care and healing in a busy life.
• Exploring the complexities of parenting and its impact on children.
• The role of social media in building connections and community.
• Desiree's upcoming book explores themes of motherhood and identity.
• The significance of rituals in maintaining balance and grounding oneself.
• Using tarot as a tool for intuition and self-discovery.
• The challenges of being a black woman writer in today's literary landscape.
• The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in storytelling.
• Desiree's insights on breaking generational cycles in parenting.

Connect w/Desiree Moodie

• Rian's name has a unique story tied to a soap opera star.
• She transitioned from poetry to fiction at a young age.
• Rian's felt a calling to be a writer after a significant moment in her life.
• She has published multiple poetry anthologies and a children's book.
• Educators, especially black women, carry the weight of their students' stories.
• Writing serves as a form of healing and self-affirmation for Rian.
• Rian's pen name, 'Anointed Misfit,' reflects her unique perspective.
• She aims to help others navigate the self-publishing process.
• Rian's upcoming novel is based on her middle school experiences.
• She believes in the importance of affirming young black boys and girls through literature.