In this episode, we talk with Dr. Linda Holloway, a children's book author. Dr. Linda shares her journey into writing children’s books, inspired by her own childhood and academic research on Black women in wellness. The discussion covers significant themes in her books, including mental health, anti-bullying, sickle cell disease, sexual assault, diversity, divorce, and death. Dr. Linda emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for children to discuss these tough topics. The episode also touches on contemporary issues like book banning and the role of storytelling in social change.

00:00 Welcome to the Liberation is Lit Podcast

00:11 Meet Dr. Linda Holloway: Children's Book Author

00:26 The Inspiration Behind Dr. Linda's Books

02:58 Topics Covered in Dr. Linda's Books

05:13 The Importance of Safe Spaces for Children

07:05 Challenges and Reflections on Book Banning

12:52 Upcoming Projects and Focus Areas

18:40 Advice for Making a Positive Impact

24:54 Where to Find Dr. Linda's Books

26:22 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Dr. Linda’s Books

I Love My Happy Hair!

Little Miss Linda Speaks Out About Diversity

Little Miss Linda Goes to Counseling

Little Miss Linda Bad Girls of Montgomery

Little Miss Linda Speaks Out About Sickle Cell Disease

Little Miss Linda Copes with Divorce

Little Miss Linda Speaks Out About Death

Where to Find Dr. Linda

Email: lindahollowayspeak@gmail.com

YouTube: Dr. Linda JM Holloway

Facebook

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

Welcome to Season 4 of the Liberation is Lit Podcast! In this episode, we interview author Toni Ann Johnson about her latest book, 'But Where's Home?' Toni Ann shares her journey from actress to writer, discussing her transition from screenwriting to creating impactful prose and short stories. The conversation delves into the complexities of race, family dynamics, and personal trauma, highlighting the importance of storytelling in social change. Toni Ann also shares her activist story and offers advice for writers on submitting their work. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the power of narratives to inspire and transform communities.

00:00 Welcome to Season Four!

00:25 Meet Toni Ann Johnson

00:46 Toni Ann's Writing Journey

05:56 Challenges and Strengths of Screenwriting

08:31 Exploring Short Stories and Novels

12:23 Inspiration Behind 'But Where's Home?'

18:18 Balancing Personal and Professional Writing

22:18 Upcoming Projects and Events

25:25 Making a Positive Impact

34:32 Connect with Toni Ann Johnson

Toni Ann’s books

But Where’s Home

Lightskin Gone to Waste

Homegoing

Books mentioned

Trinity by Zelda Lockhart

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie

Drown by Junot Diaz

The Confession of Copeland Cane by Keenan Norris

Resources Mentioned

Social Justice Storytelling (with Tayler)

AWP Conference and Book Fair

Women Who Submit

Where to find Toni Ann

Instagram

Threads

toniannjohnson.com

Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.

In this episode, we are joined by acclaimed author Jandy Nelson. Jandy shares her unique journey from poet to fiction writer and the profound impact of storytelling. They discuss her latest book, 'When the World Tips Over,' inspirations, and the role of books in social change. The conversation delves into the challenges of book bans, how to support authors, and the importance of community and joy. Jandy and I also exchange thoughts on upcoming projects, favorite reads, and advice for aspiring writers. Tune in for an inspiring and uplifting dialogue on literature's power to transform.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:40 Jandy Nelson's Journey to Fiction

03:28 Tayler's Fiction Writing Aspirations

05:46 Jandy's Latest Book: When the World Tips Over

11:42 The Importance of Book Advocacy

18:53 Finding Joy and Staying Grounded

20:28 Recommended Reads and Final Thoughts

26:19 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Jandy’s Books

When the World Tips Over

I'll Give You the Sun

The Sky Is Everywhere

Books mentioned in this episode

Looking for Alaska by John Green

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Black Boy by Richard Wright

Night by Elie Wiesel

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai

frank: sonnets by Diane Seuss

Martyr! by Kaveh Akba

The Bottom of the River by Jamaica Kincaid

How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox

Where to Find Jandy

https://jandynelson.com/

Instagram

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Thank you for being part of the Liberation is Lit podcast! If you have stories to share, want to suggest topics, or just want to connect, find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @liberationislit or visit our website at liberationislit.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review! Remember, your voice matters, and together, through the lens of stories, we're making a difference in the world.