Best of Author Series with Dr. Yaba Blay: Why Self Publishing is a Revolutionary Act

On episode 13, I have another episode from my “Best of…Author Interviews.” My guest is Dr. Yaba Blay, author of the groundbreaking book, One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race. On the show we talk about how One Drop went from being a self-published labor of love and resistance, to arriving on bookshelves with a major publisher seven years later. Dr. Blay talks about what she had to sacrifice to get One Drop out into the world, and why she refused to compromise on her vision for her book.

Dr. Blay is a scholar-activist, public speaker, and cultural consultant whose scholarship, work and practice centers on the lived experiences of Black women and girls, with a particular focus on identity/body politics and beauty practices. Lauded by O Magazine for her social media activism, she has launched several viral campaigns including Locs of Love, #PrettyPeriod, and #ProfessionalBlackGirl, her multi-platform digital community.

Topics we cover in this episode:

• The pros and cons of self-publishing
• Why self-publishing has always been a necessary option for Black writers and other writers from marginalized communities. 
• How self-publishing can be seen as a revolutionary act.
• How One Drop went from self-published to traditionally published with rave reviews
• The difference between colorism and skin color politics
• The origins of the one-drop rule and who it truly benefits
• Why, in the 21st century, are we still policing Blackness?

This is an insightful and inspiring episode, and I’m sure Dr. Blay’s story of perseverance and believing in the merit of her work will leave you #Lit. Plus, there is a happy ending for One Drop!

Links from the Show

If you want to support this show and Dr. Blay, please consider buying a copy of One Drop from the Read, Write and Create online bookstore. 

If you’re in the Philadelphia area, please visit Uncle Bobbie’s Cafe and Books to purchase One Drop and show some love to Dr. Blay’s favorite independent Black-owned bookstore. 

Lori L. Tharps’ book on colorism and skin color politics, mentioned on the show: Same Family, Different Colors: Confronting Colorism in America’s Diverse Families. 

To keep up with Dr. Blay, visit her website YabaBlay.com and follow her on Instagram @YabaBlay

For more information about the first annual Read, Write and Create writing retreat for BIPOC women writers, visit this page on the website. But don’t delay because doors for registration are closing soon. 

Sign up here for the new and improved Read, Write and Create newsletter. Once a month you’ll get a curated list of  contests, grants, jobs, submission requests and more, targeted for BIPOC writers to help you get your words out into the world. 

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Thank you!