Podcast Ep#13:Why Self-Publishing Can Be a Revolutionary Act with Dr. Yaba Blay
On episode 13, get ready for another amazing episode from my “Best of…Author Interviews.” My guest is Dr. Yaba Blay, author of the groundbreaking book, One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race. On the show we talk about how One Drop went from being a self-published labor of love and resistance, to arriving on bookshelves with a major publisher seven years later. Dr. Blay talks about what she had to sacrifice to get One Drop out into the world, and why she refused to compromise on her vision for her book. For Dr. Blay, self-publishing One Drop was a revolutionary act.
Dr. Blay is a scholar-activist, public speaker, and cultural consultant whose scholarship, work and practice centers on the lived experiences of Black women and girls, with a particular focus on identity/body politics and beauty practices. Lauded by O Magazine for her social media activism, she has launched several viral campaigns including Locs of Love, #PrettyPeriod, and #ProfessionalBlackGirl, her multi-platform digital community.
From Publishing Politics to Skin Color Politics: Topics we cover in this episode:
The pros and cons of self-publishing
Why self-publishing has always been a necessary option for Black writers and other writers from marginalized communities.
How self-publishing can be seen as a revolutionary act.
How One Drop went from self-published to traditionally published with rave reviews
The difference between colorism and skin color politics
The origins of the one-drop rule and who it truly benefits
Why, in the 21st century, are we still policing Blackness?
This is an insightful and inspiring episode, and I’m sure Dr. Blay’s story of perseverance and believing in the merit of her work will leave you #Lit. Plus,there is a happy ending for One Drop!
Literary Links from the Show
If you want to support this show and Dr. Blay, please consider buying a copy of One Drop from the Read, Write and Create online bookstore.
If you’re in the Philadelphia area, please visit Uncle Bobbie’s Cafe and Books to purchase One Drop and show some love to Dr. Blay’s favorite independent Black-owned bookstore.
Lori L. Tharps’ book on colorism and skin color politics, mentioned on the show: Same Family, Different Colors: Confronting Colorism in America’s Diverse Families.
To keep up with Dr. Blay, visit her website YabaBlay.com and follow her on Instagram @YabaBlay
For more information about the first annual Read, Write and Create writing retreat for BIPOC women writers, visit this page on the website. But don’t delay because doors for registration are closing soon.
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