On episode 39 of the podcast, I am so excited to share my conversation with memoirist, journalist, editor, celebrity collaborator, novelist and all around literary icon, Veronica Chambers.

Based in London, Veronica Chambers is a New York Times best selling author of over 25 books, and is currently the editor of narrative projects at The New York Times. Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, her work often reflects her Afro-Latina heritage. Her first book, the acclaimed memoir, Mama’s Girl is read in hundreds of high schools and colleges throughout the country.

Veronica has also worked on several celebrity collaboration projects, she has edited popular anthologies about Beyoncé and Michelle Obama, and she has written both adult and teen novels.

During our conversation, Veronica pulls back the curtain on what has worked and what has not worked over the course of her 30+ year career. She talks candidly about money, time management and failure. She also shares useful tips and ideas about all the important, in-between actions and activities that writers can do to build a successful and sustainable literary career.

We also spend time talking about the subject of Veronica’s latest book, Ida in Love and Trouble, a fascinating historical novel about the early life of Ida B. Wells.

Press play to hear incredible stories, get loads of useful advice, and be inspired by Veronica’s incredible, literary life.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

If you want to keep in touch with Veronica Chambers and see what she’s up to, follow her on IG @VVChambers and/or check out her website at VeronicaChambers.com.

Veronica mentioned Res Artis, a database of artist residencies to check out. You can also check out our listing of writing retreats specifically for BIPOC writers.

If you want to snag a copy of Veronica’s new book, Ida in Love and Trouble, visit your favorite independent bookseller. For example, The Reed, Write, & Create bookstore. Just check the virtual shelf where we highlight books by authors who appear on this show.

You can also support Veronica’s favorite bookstore in Hoboken, NJ, Little City Books.

Some of the books Veronica mentioned in the episode; The Artist’s Way, Big Magic, When and Where I Enter, and Ida B. Wells: A Sword Among Lions, and Composing a Life.

If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create website.

If you would like a literary pep talk + resources carefully curated for BIPOC authors delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. No spam, just inspiration and resources to uplevel your literary life.

The doors are now closed to the Reed, Write and Create Sanctuary, our private community for BIPOC women writers who take their writing seriously. But you can still add your name to the waiting list so you’ll be the first to know when we’re taking new applications in 2025..

Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel.