How to Have a Long-Lasting Literary Career with Tracey Lewis-Giggetts

Reed, Write, and Create

On episode #3 of the podcast, the incredible Tracey Lewis-Giggetts joins me to talk about her literary life and experiences as an African-American writer and author of over 20 books! Tracey writes fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenplays. Her two most recent books are Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration and Then They Came For Mine: Healing from the Trauma of Racial Violence. Tracey also works as a ghostwriter and has penned best-selling memoirs for several public figures and celebrities including, Tabitha Brown and Yusef Salaam, of the Exonerated Five.

On the show, I’m interviewing Tracey to ask her all about the lessons learned on her literary journey, including how she started, and how she managed to build and sustain a career that has spanned more than 20 years. Tracey has so much wisdom to share –

• from how she keeps going in the face of rejection,
• to how she managed to quit her job in academia to write full time
• to why it’s okay to write in more than one genre.

Most importantly, Tracey talks about how and why she is so prolific, why she makes no apology for centering her stories around Black people and Black culture, and why it is so important to stay ready so you can be ready when opportunities arise.

Tracey drops some real gems, tips, tricks and actionable advice for writers at all stages of their journey. I hope you find her words inspiring for your own writing practice.

To learn more about Tracey, please visit her website.

To get a copy of her book, Black Joy, which was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award, consider purchasing it from the Read Write and Create bookstore.

Tracey mentioned the following useful resources for writers:

The Hurston Wright Foundation is an excellent resource for Black writers.

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a book for writers about writing that Tracey recommends.

If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, writing prompts and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content on ReadWriteandCreate.com. While you’re there, you can also sign up for the Read, Write and Create bimonthly newsletter.

Don't forget to share this episode with other BIPOC writers who might need a creative pep-talk!