Veronica Chambers Has Some Advice for Emerging BIPoC Writers
Veronica Chambers shares her winning advice for BIPoC writers. Photo credit: Jason Clampet
On episode 39 of the award-winning, Reed, Write, & Create podcast, memoirist, journalist, editor, celebrity collaborator, novelist and all around literary icon, Veronica Chambers, is on the show sharing her stories, secrets for success, and best advice for emerging BIPoC writers.
Who is Veronica Chambers?
Based in London, Veronica Chambers is a New York Times best selling author of over 25 books, and is currently the editor of narrative projects at The New York Times. Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, her work often reflects her Afro-Latina heritage. Her first book, the acclaimed memoir, Mama’s Girl is read in hundreds of high schools and colleges throughout the country.
Veronica has also worked on several celebrity collaboration projects, she has edited popular anthologies about Beyoncé and Michelle Obama, and she has written both adult and teen novels.
On the show, Veronica pulls back the curtain on what has worked and what has not worked over the course of her 30+ year career. She talks candidly about money, time management and failure. She also shares useful tips and ideas about all the important, in-between actions and activities that writers can do to build a successful and sustainable literary career.
You can listen to the entire episode with Veronica Chambers here on the blog, or find the episode on your favorite podcast player like Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Veronica Gives Ida B. Wells the Bridgerton Treatment in Her New Book
This gorgeous cover kinda explains the Bridgerton comparisons for Veronica’s new book!
During our conversation, we also discuss the subject of Veronica’s latest book, Ida in Love and in Trouble, a fascinating historical novel that sheds light on Ida B. Well’s early life as a young woman, before she became an anti-lynching crusader and the “Princess of the Press.” Apparently the TikTok Girlies are comparing Ida in Love and in Trouble to Bridgerton because the book takes place during the Victorian age, and there is lots of talk of romance and fashion in the book. So, we chat about all things Ida B. Wells, and Veronica’s process for tackling historical fiction.
Veronica’s Advice for Emerging BIPoC Writers
Here are some key takeaways Veronica shares during our conversation that can help both emerging BIPoC writers and established authors find success on their writing journey.
Your time is your most precious resource, so use it well.
Don’t be so eager to get your name out there as a writer that you neglect your own self-care and well being.
When you’re starting out in your career, or even if you're halfway through it, the conversation about your success doesn’t have to start with a book deal. Consider anthologies, fellowships, contests, and/or residencies as other ways to signal your success.
Make a personal goal for each writing project, you decide what your wins will be for you, and then everything else is gravy.
Do one thing a day in pursuit of your writing dreams. And if you do that, you will get there. (P.S. I love this advice!)
More Writing Resources from Veronica Chambers
If you want to keep in touch with Veronica Chambers and see what she’s up to, follow her on Instagram @VVChambers and/or check out her website at VeronicaChambers.com.
Veronica mentioned Res Artis, a database of artist residencies to check out. You can also check out our listing of writing retreats specifically for BIPOC writers.
If you want to snag a copy of Veronica’s new book, Ida in Love and Trouble, visit your favorite independent bookseller. For example, The Reed, Write, & Create bookstore. Just check the virtual shelf where we highlight books by authors who appear on this show.
You can also support Veronica’s favorite bookstore in Hoboken, NJ, Little City Books.
Some of the books Veronica mentioned in the episode that are all excellent resources for writers include: The Artist’s Way, Big Magic, When and Where I Enter, and Ida B. Wells: A Sword Among Lions, and Composing a Life.
More Literary Goodies from the Reed, Write & Create Podcast
Thank you for supporting and listening to The Reed, Write, & Create podcast. If you liked this episode with Veronica Chambers, you’ll love this episode with Bernice McFadden and this one with Sadeqa Johnson. Our award-winning show was created to help as many BIPoC writers as possible find the motivation and courage to keep writing. The world needs more BIPoC stories written by BIPoC storytellers, like you.