Celebrated author Ronald L. Smith joins us to share the enchanting world of "Project Mercury," where childhood curiosity meets the mysteries of military life. With a heartfelt reflection on his own experiences growing up on Air Force bases, Ronald crafts an intriguing narrative following Ike and Isha's adventures. This episode promises listeners a taste of the magical storytelling that weaves his personal journey into compelling tales of fantasy and science fiction, offering an exclusive excerpt that captures the imagination.
Listeners will learn about the significance of representation in children's literature and its profound impact on young minds. Ronald opens up about his transition from the advertising world to becoming an award-winning writer, driven by the realization of the lack of diverse characters in the stories he cherished growing up. We explore his creative process and his inspirations, from African folklore to iconic works by Ray Bradbury and J.R.R. Tolkien, as he discusses the importance of young readers seeing themselves reflected in the heroes and heroines of the books they love.
Ronald’s insights into nurturing writing talent and overcoming creative blocks provide invaluable advice for aspiring authors. He shares his experiences with the superhero genre and the joys and challenges of crafting original stories within Marvel's Black Panther universe. Through his journey, we uncover the power of community in supporting diverse literature and resisting censorship. This episode is a rich tapestry of storytelling wisdom, offering both inspiration and practical guidance to anyone passionate about writing for children.
You can contact Ronald L. Smith using the following social media platforms:
Website: https://strangeblackflowers.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/RonSmithbooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronsmithwriter/