In this episode of BLK LIT, hosts Jacquees and Anita Kopacz delve into the world of Black literature, focusing on influential writers like Octavia Butler and Langston Hughes. They discuss the themes of Anita's book 'Shallow Waters', exploring its historical context, emotional depth, and the healing journey it offers to readers. The conversation touches on the significance of dreams in the creative process, the cultural importance of Black mermaid stories, and the empowerment of Black women through storytelling. Anita shares her journey into writing, the challenges of overcoming insecurities, and the process behind her upcoming book 'The Wind on Her Tongue'. In this engaging conversation, Anita shares her methods for staying connected to her creative flow, including creating a sacred writing space and the unique practice of the shake dance to release energy. They delve into Anita's deep connection with the Orishas, particularly Yemaya and Oya, and her profound experiences with ayahuasca in Peru. The episode ends with Anita reading an excerpt from her new book, "The Wind On Her Tongue".

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Black Literature and Legacy
02:08 The Power of Afrofuturism
05:09 Writing as a Spiritual Practice
10:02 Yemaya and the Call to Create
15:13 Healing Through Storytelling
19:52 The Connection to Orishas
25:01 The Journey of Writing 'The Wind on Her Tongue'

The Wind On Her Tongue is NOW Available for Pre-Order and Available Everywhere books are sold, next year on January 21st.

Read: Shallow Waters by Anita Kopacz

Learn More: Anita Kopacz

Connect with the Host: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

Join The Collective Writing Community BLKWritersRoom.com

A Black Effect Original Series

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation delves into the profound impact of Octavia Butler's work, particularly her exploration of identity, legacy, and the human condition. It highlights the importance of imagination in shaping our realities and the necessity for confronting historical trauma through storytelling. Brandon Jacob Jenkins joins us to discuss the adaptation of Butler's 'Kindred' and the complexities of relationships within her narratives, the challenges in writing and adapting in Hollywood, and our need to expand past our fixed perceptions in society.

Series Links:

Interview with Brand Jacob Jenkins

Read: The Book of Martha Kindred

Watch: Kindred the Series on Hulu (AGAIN)

Connect: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

Join the collective writing community BLKWritersRoom.com

Learn More: OctaviaButler.com

A Black Effect Original Series

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we delve into the profound impact of Octavia Butler's work on Black literature and the unique perspectives it offers.

The conversation explores various interpretations of Butler's narratives, critiques of her approach, and the historical context of Afrofuturism. It highlights the educational value of her work and its prophetic nature, emphasizing the themes of community, change, and resilience as embodied by the character Lauren Olamina in her Parable series.

The episode concludes with the dissect of a conversation between Olamina and her stepmother., "I'd rather have the stars,” I say. “The stars are free.” She shrugs. “I'd rather have the city lights back myself, the sooner the better, but the stars are free."

Interviews - In order of introduction:

Joshunda Sanders

Dr. Reynaldo Anderson - Black Speculative Arts Movement

Sheila Liming

Bruce Duncan - Terasem Movement Foundation

Series Links:

Read: Parable of the Sower, Kindred

Connect: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

BLKWritersRoom.com

Learn More: OctaviaButler.com

A Black Effect Original Series

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.