Finding Your Authentic Voice as a Black Woman Writer
Welcome back to the Healing Entrepreneur Podcast, where we dive into stories that blend creativity, wellness, and entrepreneurship. This time, we’re talking about finding and embracing your authentic voice as a Black woman writer. "Just write what you think and feel" sounds simple, but it becomes complex under societal pressures.
"As Black women writers, that's often a lot more complicated because we might be facing criticism and questioning the validity of our voices." - Rowana Abbensetts-Dobson
I share a story about my college days, where my colorblind stories received praise, but those reflecting my true experiences faced scrutiny. This tension made me hesitant to write about familiar experiences, like my Caribbean roots. My novel, Departure Story, marks a pivotal moment when I overcame my fear of rejection. It symbolizes my commitment to sharing stories that are true to my identity and heritage. I advise aspiring writers to continue writing to develop their unique voice and style, while also reading works that inspire and challenge them.
I ended up drawing inspiration from literary icon Toni Morrison, who famously wrote for Black people and about Black people with no shame. Morrison's work encourages us all to explore the many facets of her community, from joy to disconnection.
Prompt: How can you embrace and express your authentic voice?
Until next time, keep writing and exploring the depths of your story.
For more on the journey and insights, tune into the full episode.
