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Hello {{ first name | friends}},
Many of you know that my sister Lisa and I co-founded The Introvert Sisters podcast. That's been on extended hiatus (though watch this space) but we've still be able to have plenty of lives together, both on my What Sharon Said show, and on her Space to Exhale podcast. Invariably, given her activism and mine, we end up talking about themes that are relevant to this newsletter. I've shared a couple of those in the past, and here's another one. This time we discussed the experiences, challenges, and opportunities of being a Black woman author. Here are a few of the insights I shared.
On Why Self-Publishing Matters for Black Writers
“I think it is really important if you are a Black writer, a global majority writer, a writer from an oppressed minority or group to consider self-publishing. Who would not take a book deal if offered? But at the same time, there are a lot of advantages. The publishing establishment is very white. It's very male. Even though a lot of books are published every year, people who share our identity are not making up a large proportion of those books. Self-publishing for me was one way to get my words out there without having to worry about the gatekeepers. There are things you need to do to make your book stand out, but it offers a way into the market for voices that are not often heard and that might not get that book deal. I love it when I see one of my Black siblings getting a book deal, but I’m painfully aware that isn’t the norm.”
On Writing as Catharsis
“Writing is catharsis. You and I have written since we were teens. Not that everything we've written has been shared, but it has always been a way for us to process whatever emotions are going on, what situations we're struggling with. Some of that has made its way into poetry, journal entries, blog posts, newsletter articles, and our books. Sometimes not everything you need to process makes the final cut in terms of publication and sometimes it doesn't need to. Sometimes it is enough that it is written and that you've had a chance to reflect back to yourself in your words."
On Refilling Your Cup
"Definitely, writing about racism takes a toll. The cost is emotional. The cost is the pushback, the gaslighting, wondering why you’re still struggling to pay your bills when you’re talking about something so important that people say they believe in. Over time you learn to find ways to refill your cup a little bit. You learn to step back sometimes. You learn to head down to the beach sometimes. You learn to watch Bridgerton sometimes. Take a break. Take a flipping break.”