Being a Writer is Hard Work:A Masterclass in Creative Writing with Phillip B. Williams

On episode 27 of the podcast, award-winning poet and debut novelist, Phillip B. Williams, is on the show. You might have heard about Williams because his brand new novel, Ours, was one of Oprah’s most anticipated books for 2024.

Ours is an epic story about a conjure woman named Saint, who goes around destroying plantations in the south, and then freeing the enslaved workers. She then creates a magical world called Ours where the newly emancipated can live in peace because white people can neither see, nor access Ours. And if they try, they meet with a gruesome ending!

It’s an epic story of Black resistance.

During our conversation, Phillip delivers a full masterclass on creative writing essentials.Topics covered include:

• How to use poetry to write better prose.
• What MFA programs are actually good for and who should apply
• Why writers shouldn’t be worried about word count
• What you should be reading to improve your writing
• Why we should be reading the works of our literary ancestors

And…

• Why He Views Ours as Black Surrealism rather than Magical Realism

Grab your pen and get ready to take notes, because this is an episode with lessons you’ll want to apply to your writing life today!

To learn more about Philip B. William, visit his website and find him on Instagram 

Buy a copy of Ours from The Reed, Write, & Create Bookshop. 

Phillip has also written two books of award-winning poetry. Check out Thief in the Interior.  

One of Phillip’s early poetry influences is the legendary Sonia Sanchez. Try her American Book Award winning collection, Homegirls and Hand Grenades to inspire your poetry and prose. 

If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content at ReedWriteandCreate.com. 

Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right  to your inbox.

If you’re a BIPOC woman writer looking for a supportive writing community to join, where you’ll find accountability partners, BETA readers for your work, and opportunities to get published and get paid, apply to join the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary. 

Don’t buy your books on Amazon, support indie booksellers and shop online at the Reed, Write, & Create bookshop for a list of curated titles by BIPOC authors. 

Sharing is caring, so please share the name of this podcast with all of your BIPOC writer friends. Thanks!