Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers — a literary podcast hosted by two Black women readers exploring books, storytelling, and culture through a diverse lens. 📚✨
In this episode, we sit down with author Deshawn Charles Winslow to discuss the art of writing compelling fiction, the differences between small-town and city storytelling, and how systemic issues shape character development and narrative conflict. We also dive into genre exploration across literary fiction, thrillers, and romance, plus conversations about Black representation, cult dynamics in fiction, creativity, and the real-life inspirations behind powerful stories.
If you love literary fiction, Black authors, thoughtful book discussions, author interviews, and diverse literature, this episode is for you.
#BookPodcast #BlackReaders #LiteraryFiction #BlackAuthors #AuthorInterview #DiverseBooks #BookTube #ReadingPodcast #DeshawnCharlesWinslow
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Deshawn Winslow and his work
01:58 The appeal of small town settings for tension and conflict
02:31 Writing routines and deadlines
03:56 Systemic issues and their influence on narrative
07:07 Themes of adoption, race, and cultural identity
10:08 Writing process, rituals, and the impact of the pandemic
13:09 Creating conflict in small towns versus big cities
15:12 Inspiration from real-life experiences
16:10 The role of transportation and setting in storytelling
19:09 Portrayal of Black characters and systemic challenges
22:10 The importance of authentic representation in adoption stories
25:04 Author’s insights on systemic racial issues and family dynamics
30:03 Practical advice for writers on plot and character development
33:12 The influence of personal experiences and research on writing
34:58 Research and setting: Socrates and upstate New York
35:51 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects
44:52 The fascination with cults and community dynamics
54:47 Writing challenging scenes: captivity and suspense
01:04:38 Future projects and genre ventures
01:09:31 Final thoughts and social media links
Books Mentioned:
The Fervent Whites
The Shape of Dreams
Leave Your Mess At Home
Passing
Decent People
In West Mills
Revival Season
Light The Way
💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers:
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