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

Reed, Write, and Create

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.

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BIPOC women writers, come join us at our upcoming Open House for The Sanctuary, on May 19, 2024. The fun starts at 3pmEST and you’ll learn all about what we offer our members; community, accountability, professional development, and resources to help you get published and get paid for your work.

Our members are both emerging writers and authors with multiple titles published. At the Open House, you’ll get to hear from current members who are crushing their writing goals, and we’re going to play #Lit game of literary trivia. Please RSVP for the Open House here.

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