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First Novel Blues: MFA Edition

First Novel Blues: MFA Edition

Written by: Cynthia Jean Brown
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About this listen

So you finally sit down to write the book that’s been living in your bones—but the words won’t stay still. The story keeps shifting. The voice gets stuck. And don’t even get me started on the doubt. First Novel Blues is a podcast for every writer walking that long, aching road between inspiration and completion.


Hosted by author Cynthia Jean Brown—Black Southern writer, spiritual seeker, and literary cartographer—this show is part creative process diary, part altar call. Each episode, I invite you into the sacred mess of writing a first novel. You’ll hear craft lessons, hard-won wisdom, and spiritual reflections on grief, grit, and grace. Some days it’s plot twists. Some days it’s prayer. Either way, we’re not faking it.


If your story has roots in memory, culture, or faith—if you’re writing from a place of holy survival—then pull up a chair. You are not alone. Let’s find the words together.

© 2025 First Novel Blues: MFA Edition Spirituality
Episodes
  • The Blues, Faith, Fiction, and Me

    The Blues, Faith, Fiction, and Me
    Jul 18 2025

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    Before we get into characters and craft, I wanted to tell you why First Novel Blues exists. This podcast is part confession, part creative prayer—my way of staying present with the mess, mystery, and mercy of writing a first novel.
    In this trailer, I share a bit about my own journey as a Black Southern writer, a mama, a woman who came through church fire and still hears the Spirit whisper stories. If you’ve got a story that’s been haunting you—or healing you—I hope you’ll meet me here. Let’s make a little room for the holy and the honest.
    Subscribe and stay with me. We’re just getting started.


    🌐 Learn more at: www.cynthiajbrown.com

    📬 Subscribe to my newsletter: www.cynthiajbrown.com/newsletter

    📖 Read behind-the-scenes reflections, faith notes, and first draft updates.

    💌 Got a question or story to share? Reach out at hello@cynthiajbrown.com

    🎙️ More episodes: Follow & review *First Novel Blues* wherever you listen!
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