The Writer's Haven: Recent Episodes
writerhaven
Dr. Sarah Jefferis is an author, editor, writing coach, and speaker. Through her business, Write. Now., Dr. Jefferis serves as a 1:1 writing coach for creatives/educators/activists/athletes/faith leaders who need assistance at any stage of their creative project and across multiple disciplines and genres. She designs writing workshops to explore issues of equity and inclusion, as well as generative workshops in poetry and non-fiction. Additionally, she offers poetry readings, presentations on diversity, and interactive dialogues on using writing as a healing modality for sexual assault survivors. Jefferis holds an MA in Creative Writing and Literature from Hollins University, an MFA in Poetry from Cornell University, and a PhD in Creative Writing from SUNY Binghamton. She has over twenty years of teaching writing and literature at Cornell University.
Her most recent poetry collection, What Enters the Mouth, was published in February 2017 by Standing Stone Books. It was praised by Ansel Elkins, author of Blue Yodel, who wrote, “these are fearless poems—a reckoning of the violence of girlhood rendered with grit and clarity.” Forgetting the Salt, her first book of poetry was published by Foothills Press in 2008. Her poems and nonfiction and fiction have appeared in The North American Review, The Cimarron Review, Rhino, The Mississippi Review, The American Literary Review, Stone Canoe, Icon, The Hollins Critic, The Patterson Review, The Healing Muse, and other journals. She has been both a poetry and fiction fellow at the Squaw Valley Community of Writers in California and held residencies in poetry and creative nonfiction at the Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts in New York and at The Studios at Mass MOCA. She has completed her first novel, entitled Franny and John, as well as her third collection of poetry, After Marriage. She is working on a collection of essays about the challenge of solo motherhood in a pandemic. She has recently become a certified Yoga teacher through Mighty Yoga in Ithaca, NY. Her most important calling is to raise two powerful feminist girls who love themselves and who are willing to speak out against injustice.
Connect with Dr. Sarah Jefferis
www.sarahjefferis.com
sarah@sarahjefferis.com
sbj3@cornell.edu
Connect with me on:
IG @musuwrites
Twitter: @musuwrites Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
The lovely Aldara Thomas joins us in the Haven in today's episode! Her book, Butterflies that Never Die is out now if you're interested in a good fantasy read. The book is the first of her trilogy - which she also gives us great sneak-peek information on. Please be sure to check her out and show some support!
Connect with Aldara:
Twitter: @aldara_thomas4
IG: https://www.instagram.com/aldarathomas_writes/
Website: https://www.aldarathomas.com/
Connect with me on:
IG @musuwrites
Twitter: @musuwrites Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
The young and envisioned MarQes Diallo is the youngest guest to join us in the Haven today! This young man is definitely going places - he's a best selling author and inspirational speaker at age 13!
Connect with MarQes:
https://www.instagram.com/themarqesenterprises/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marqesd/
Connect with me on:
IG @musuwrites
Twitter: @musuwrites Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
Author and Veteran S.D. Moore joins us in the haven for a very real talk about life, adversity and the resilience to press on. The award-winning author shared information on her latest projects and offered great advice on launching a successful writing career. Ms. Moore is a recent recipient of the Hip Hop Film Festival Official Selection for 2021.
Connect with S.D. Moore:
https://sdmooreauthor.com/
Connect with me on:
IG
Twitter: @musuwrites Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
Author and Therapist Aaisha VanBuren-Owens joins us in the haven today to discuss her children's book, The Night that Everything Changed. We discuss sensitive topics of child abuse and family trauma in this episode. Her book is available on Amazon.
To connect with Aaisha:
Instagram: @lifestrials7
Connect with me on:
IG @musuwrites
Twitter: @musuwrites Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
Another great conversation with another great guest! Author and teacher C.M. Healy joins us in the Haven, giving great tips on building your writer platform for success and shares his story on becoming a successful author of children's books.
Connect with Chad
email: authorcmhealy@gmail.com site: www.authorcmhealy.com
Connect with me on:
IG
Twitter: @musuwrites Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
In this episode, I'm reading an excerpt of The Reminder Quiet Power, Peaceful Confidence by Sonia Huh.
The book is available on Amazon - link
Connect with me on:
IG
Twitter: @musuwrites Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
We welcome new author Lekya Slaughter in this week's episode, CEo and Founder of Speaking to the Heart of the Hurting. She has a lot to share with her personal ups and downs and discusses her plans to share her triumph with the world.
Connect with Lekya:
https://www.facebook.com/SpeakingtotheHeartoftheHurting. http://speakingtotheheartofthehurting.com/
https://anchor.fm/lekya-slaughter
Let's Connect!
Twitter: @MusuWrites
Instagram: @MusuWrites
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MusuWrites/
Newsletter: https://musuwrites.com/
Author and Freelance Editor Samantha Hanni joins us as today's guest! A lot of great information is shared on connecting with the right editor and knowing how to connect with people in an increasingly virtual literature world.
SAMANTHA HANNI is a freelance editor and writer. Since 2015, she has authored four books and edited and written more than one hundred articles and posts for clients in the mental health, Christian living, and lifestyle industries. Some of her work has appeared on the YouVersion Bible app, Devotional Diva, To Love Honor and Vacuum, Families Alive, and the OCHEC Informer. Samantha has copyedited for The Odyssey Online and currently copyedits for a local publishing house. She has also taught creative writing and literature for homeschool highschoolers. Samantha graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a degree in journalism and she and her husband Kurtis live in Oklahoma City with their dog, Podrick. She enjoys reading, traveling (when not prohibited by a pandemic), and working with her husband on their fixer-upper home, along with discipling in the local church. You can discover more of her work or query her for a project at mrshanni.com. www.mrshanni.com Twitter: @mrs_hanni
Author Jeff Lupinacci joins us in our latest episode, discussion his adventures around the world and what it really means to be a person of influence.
Connect with Jeff:
Twitter - @jlupinacci Facebook - @onlytenthebook Personal web page - www.JeffLupinacci.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnIIV8tmrzt53IpEkR8sCDw LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflupinaccihr/ Amazon link - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1946369411/ref=tmm_pap_title_0_nodl?ie=UTF8&qid=1545572983&sr=8-1
Indie Author Angela Robinson shares her latest work, Made in Mississippi and shares the scoop on her journey from becoming a teacher to best-selling author.
Connect with Angela:
Author Central https://www.amazon.com/Angela-M.-Robinson/e/B07DWHC745%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Pre-Order Link
https://www.amazon.com/Made-Mississippi-Mysterious-Stranger-Holds-ebook/dp/B08PC7WLP7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelamrobinsonauthor/
Radiance W. Harris, Esq. is an award-winning trademark attorney, bestselling author, and speaker. As the founder and managing attorney of Radiance IP Law, she helps small and emerging businesses protect, monetize, and leverage profitable brands with trademarks. She has successfully represented startups and multinational corporations across diverse industries. Previously, she worked at one of the world’s largest law firms representing Fortune 200 brands.
During her extensive career, Radiance has been widely recognized as a thought leader in the intellectual property law field. Her accolades include Maryland Rising Stars for Intellectual Property by Super Lawyers, Washington, D.C. Rising Stars for Intellectual Property by Super Lawyers, and Nation’s Best Advocates: 40 Lawyers Under 40, to name a few. She has also been featured as a legal expert in a variety of publications, including Forbes.
Connect with Radiance:
IG: @radianceharrisesq LinkedIn: @radianceharris
There's a lot going on right now. Remember the power of writing and how it can help you. In this episode, I'm reading an excerpt of The Reminder Quiet Power, Peaceful Confidence by Sonia Huh.
The book is available on Amazon - link
Connect with me on:
IG
Twitter: @musuwrites Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
In this episode, we learn about autism and the journey of Jenell Brown, who discovered her son was on the spectrum after years of struggle and misunderstanding. Jenell talks about what she endured with endless hospital visits, patience and stigma. She is currently working on her book, William is Artistic while launching her non-profit organization to help parents of autistic children.
Connect with Jenell:
Email: williamisartistic@gmail.com
Website: https://williamisartistic.com/ IG: @william_is_artistic_inc
I'm back! Things have been super busy for all the right reasons! Connect with me and subscribe if if you haven't done so yet:
IG: @MusuWrites
Twitter: @MusuWrites
Facebook: facebook.com/musuwrites
Blog: musuwrites.com
This month's Entrepreneurial Spotlight is on D.C. native Quiana Murray, who brings expertise to the world of coaching, the truth about making money and more! Take a listen and be rewarded!
Connect with Quiana:
Website
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quianamurray/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quianatmurray/
Our very first Screenwriter episode! Award-winning and contest direct Alison Parker joins us today to talk about her Screenwriter's Network organization and annual contest, Killer Shorts Competition. She also gives insight on diversity in the screenwriting world for women and people of color.
Connect with Alison:
https://killershortscontest.com/
Screenwriter's Network
Best-selling, award-winning Author J.D. Mason joins us on this episode to talk about her flourishing career as a writer. J.D. is the author of over 20 books that have been recognized for their well-written, relatable story lines and adverse genres.
Connect with J.D.
Website
Hustla Mindset founder Christian Emiliano, aka Sir Ratchetness, pays the Writer's Haven a visit to talk about everything to make you think, laugh and cry. This special entrepreneur episode highlights important information every minority small business owner should know. Christian shares valuable information on current grants, loan programs and other resources that are currently available to help small businesses across the nation. It is not easy to come across this information because if you don't ask, no one will tell you.
Please take a listen, share and don't forget to subscribe
To get in contact with Christian: @xtianemiliano on Instagram
Connect with me:
https://musuwrites.com/
@musuwrites on Twitter and Instagram
There's a lot going on. This episode of the Writer's Haven is dedicated to taking care of yourself and those around you during these troubling, unnerving times. Author Keith "KL" Belvin is a licensed family crisis counselor and therapist who is offering some very useful information on navigating safely through the recent events.
Please take this time to listen to and share this episode.
Connect with Keith for counseling services:
Email: MrKeithBelvin@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLBelvin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith_kl_belvin/ Other resources: National SAMHSA - https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline Mental Health.gov - https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ AFSP - https://afsp.org/ International Resources: World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) http://wfmh.com Mental Health Foundation, support and research for good mental health https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk PatientsEngage http://www.patientsengage.com World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) http://wfmh.com
covid19 #mentalhealth #minoritymentalhealth
This is our first episode of our Entrepreneur Spotlight segment, which will be featured on a regular basis. Ciara Hosein, CEO of Characterville Entertainment, has coming up with creative ways to serve her clients in spite of the strain placed upon many small business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Take a listen and find out how you can support this small business!
To support/donate to Characterville Entertainment:
Cash App:$Characterville
You can donate $2.00 or more to help support Ciara and her vision to make a difference in people's lives. Please visit the Instagram page for more info below.
Connect with Ciara
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciaramotivates/
https://www.instagram.com/characterville_entertainment/
Website: https://www.charactervilleentertainment.com/
Young Adult author Ayana Gray has a lot to offer in our latest episode. Take a listen to our conversation on traveling abroad and the power of lost voices within black history. Ayana also has helpful resources ranging from podcasts to writer contests that will help anyone get started on their own journey.
Connect with Ayana:
Twitter: @Ayana Gray Instagram: @ayanagray_ Author Website: www.ayanagray.com
This episode is filled with plenty of gems on how to make a true impact as a writer. Learn how Catherine made her way as an established writer without going the traditional route most folks choose to go. Catherine's anticipated novel, Saving Ruby King, will be released in June.
Connect with Catherine:
WEBSITE: https://www.catherineadelwest.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/cawest329 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cawest329/
Empress Theodora was a woman before her time. Coming from a controversial background, she built her way into one of the most powerful empires of history. Listen in on today's episode as Douglas Burton, author of Far Away Bird, breaks down the significance of this historical figure and how her actions tie into today's society. You'll also get a really good history lesson!
Connect with Douglas:
https://douglasaburton.com/
#heroine
womenshistorymonth
Is there a "right" time to move on when it comes to loss and grief? Take a listen to our conversation with author Bob Fischbach, who wrote a detailed memoir of his experience as a caregiver for his wife, who succumbed to Dementia after years of slow deterioration. His book, As She Fades talks about his dating life and why he realized he needed to start over and what that meant for him.
Connect with Bob:
https://www.facebook.com/aMemoirofLoveandDemetia/
memoirs
alzheimers
dementia
"Let the character out and follow it." Dr. Anna Lawton is a professor of literature and the author of two novels, Amy's Story and Castle of Shadows. Anna goes in depth in the history behind her work and the journey of her characters. Listen in on the gems she shares from her writing experience.
Connect with Anna: http://www.newacademia.com/
Connect with me: https://musuwrites.com/
I am dedicating this week's episode to model, entrepreneur, author, speaker and pioneer B. Smith who recently passed away from the early onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's is a growing epidemic among black people around the world. Her efforts to raise awareness on the disease before her passing will have a lasting impact on her legacy.
B. Smith's story is discussed in her book, "Before I Forget: Love, Hope, Help and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer’s."
A great article from the Washington Post on Alzheimer's and African Americans, can be found here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/why-are-african-americans-so-much-more-likely-than-whites-to-develop-alzheimers/2017/05/31/9bfbcccc-3132-11e7-8674-437ddb6e813e_story.html
Let's Connect!
Twitter: @MusuWrites
Instagram: @MusuWrites
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MusuWrites/
Newsletter: https://musuwrites.com/
bsmith #alzheimers
Scott is providing pearls of wisdom as a former supervisor, world traveler and employee of a lumberyard. He has completed his sixth book, And Throw the Skins Away which is his first novel. He's the winner of numerous writing awards, to include the FAPA Silver Award, recognition as the best books of 2018 by Kirkus Reviews and the 2019 Eric Hoffer Grand prize.
http://www.scottarcherjones.com/
You Again is Amanda Waters' first release as an author, who writes about a unique love story surrounding a widow in her sixties. Check out our discussion on her fresh take of a romance story, and also hear our take on the Prince Harry and Megan gossip!
Connect with Amanda
Instagram: @amandamrwaters Twitter: @amandamrwaters Facebook: www.facebook.com/amandawatersauthor Web site: www.amandawatersauthor.com
Through exploring the stories his grandfather shared with him as a child, John Holliday has completed a groundbreaking book, Mission to China, that highlights the important journey and missionary work pioneered by people in his family. Listen in on this episode and gain insight on how you can explore about your own history and share it with the world through the power of writing.
Connect with John:
www.tallaibooks.com
Connect with me:
MusuWrites - sign up for the newsletter!
IG: Connect with me!
Twitter: Chat with me!
*Note to listener - Sensitive topics are discussed in this episode.
Lisa discusses her overcoming a traumatic childhood to building a platform that she controls by telling her own story. Listen in to learn about her advice on venting and getting away from it all.
Connect with Lisa:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaJoSymonds
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49019674-the-hands-that-held-me
We're taking a different spin on things this episode! Recent events on ABC's The View really got me thinking about my main character from my novel, The Next Time I Leave. Let's stop and think about who's who in our lives and what changes we may need to make.
theview #meganmccain #abbyhuntsman #friendships #thenexttimeileave
Check out this article:
https://pagesix.com/2020/01/14/the-view-braces-for-more-exits-after-abby-huntsman-quits-show/
Connect with me!
MusuWrites - sign up for the newsletter!
IG: Connect with me!
Twitter: Chat with me!
No more boy meets girl and they live happily ever after stories! There's a growing presence of diversity in the writing world. Listen in on our latest conversation with Author Negeen Papehn of the My Forbidden Love Series.
Connect with Negeen:
Website:
http://www.negeenpapehn.com
Twitter handle:
https://twitter.com/NegeenPapehn
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/NegeenPapehn/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/negeenpapehn/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17379780.Negeen_Papehn
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/negeen-papehn
What's holding you back from starting that one book, movie or creation you've been wanting to complete? A lot of the times we get caught up in fear and doubt when they should only be passing by, not sticking around for an unwelcome visit in our minds.
Connect with me!
MusuWrites - sign up for the newsletter!
IG: Connect with me!
Twitter: Chat with me!
Article on fear and doubt: http://new3creation.com/2014/07/daily-prompt-it-aint-gonna-bother-me-no-more/
Are you scared, confused or doubtful about starting your writing journey? Take a listen to this episode because I discuss what I went through and share some tips and lessons I learned along the way to become an established writer and published author. You got this!
Let's Connect!
Twitter: @MusuWrites
Instagram: @MusuWrites
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/MusuWrites/
Newsletter: https://musuwrites.com/
We're talking more writer's journey, setbacks and struggles in this episode. Author Marcus Lopes shares his ups and downs on the road to being a successful writer. Let us know what you think by rating! Also, remember to subscribe to know when a new episode will drop!
Connect with Marcus:
Website: marcuslopes.ca
Email: marcus@marcuslopes.ca
Facebook: Facebook.com/M.Marcus.A.Lopes
Twitter: @mmarcusalopes
Shareka's former website, Crunktastical.net was one of the most successful entertainment blogs that covered celebrities of all types. Since moving on from that success, she has become a Brand Strategist, Content Producer and Entrepreneur. Her work has been featured in major publications such as Vibe and Rolling Stone.
If you're looking for a Brand Strategist to help build your message or branding, contact Shareka and she will help you be well on your way!
Twitter: @freshalina
Instagram: @amytraphouse
Email: coachmeupfresh@gmail.com
Connect with me!
MusuWrites - sign up for the newsletter!
IG: Connect with me!
Twitter: Chat with me!
To get in touch with Deliah:
Website: http://authordeelawrence.com/ Blog: https://vocalexpressions.blogspot.com/ Latest e-newsletter: https://bit.ly/2VANs4v FB: https://www.facebook.com/authordeelawrence/ Instagram: @authordeelawrence Twitter: @authordlawrence
Connect with me!
MusuWrites - sign up for the newsletter!
IG: Connect with me!
Twitter: Chat with me!
Author Denise Williams has tons of valuable info to share in our latest episode: Being a romance author How to get connected with literary agents on twitter How to juggle writing, working and family Contact Denise: www.denisewilliamswrites.com www.twitter.com/nicwillwrites www.instagram.com/nicwillwrites www.facebook.com/authordenisewilliams
Links: --DVPit: http://www.dvpit.com/ Scribophile (online critiquing community): https://www.scribophile.com/ NaNoWriMo: https://nanowrimo.org/ Women of Color in Romance: https://twitter.com/WOCInRomance
Connect with me!
MusuWrites - sign up for the newsletter!
IG: Connect with me!
Twitter: Chat with me!
This week’s episode features guest Ade Adeniji, Holistic Coach, Group Facilitator and Consultant. We talk about personal development and branding, which is something a lot of people are looking to do or already doing. You may have a message or story to share but you’re not quite sure how to do it. I think that listening to this episode will give you some great insight, so please take a listen, make sure you subscribe and let me know how you liked it. Enjoy!
Connect with Ade:
Twitter: @outtales
Instagram: @outtales
MusuWrites - sign up for the newsletter!
IG: Connect with me!
Twitter: Chat with me!
I'm back from vacay with lots to share! Please go to musuwrites.com and sign up for the newsletter. There are major announcements coming soon and I don't want you to miss out.
In this episode I'm sharing tips that will help you build your voice as a writer.
-
Journaling
-
Reading
-
What defining a target audience means
-
Connecting with your work out loud
-
Not holding back
I also throw in a quick bonus for those who are ready to take the next step in building their voice. For additional tips and resources, visit:
MusuWrites - sign up for the newsletter!
IG: Connect with me!
Twitter: Chat with me!
We tackle mental health among African men in this episode. Bruce from Afrobloggers hails from Zimbabwe, sharing about the movement that is taking place amongst African bloggers. Listening to this episode will give you real insight what it's like to be African in the age of social media and self-expression.
Website: https://afrobloggers.com/
Afroblogger Twitter page
We discuss everything from Jesus to the Popeye's Chicken sandwich!
"My books are a reflection of soul. A changed man with a hard past. I don't expect everyone to understand but I do make sure you'll enjoy where I'm coming from" - Author Keith Belvin
This episode is full of words of advice from publisher and author Keith Belvin, a man with many hats. It was an interesting conversation because his journey as a person and author is relatable.
Connect with Kevin:
Website: http://www.Bravinpublishing.com
Blog: www.KeithBelvin.Blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLBelvin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keith_kl_belvin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KL_Belvin Business Email: Mainoffice@Bravinpublishing.com
This episode involves a lot of sharing and opening up on my part. Don't worry - I don't get too mushy! As host of the Writer's Haven, I give you a bit more insight about me and why I chose to do this podcast.
To connect with me, check out the following places:
My blog - sign up for the newsletter for all my book updates!
Instagram: @musuwrites
Twitter: @musuwrites
Are you afraid to take that step in getting your voice heard? Then you definitely need to listen to this podcast. When it comes to telling a story, parts of it may be awkward or difficult to describe. Author Charish Reid talks about her unique journey as an author, giving great tips on how writers can best make their mark in the world of literature. Her book, The Write Escape, is set for release in September.
Link: https://charishreid.com/books/
In our premier episode, we chat with author, speaker and youth advocate Julieann T. Randall. Her book, Finding the Gems takes a different spin on YA (Young Adult) storytelling as Julieann seeks to have every young girl of color represented in this story. Take a listen to find out more about her amazing work and passion for youth literacy.