Why BIPOC Writers Should Consider a Life Abroad: Lessons from James Baldwin in Turkey
On episode #30 of the Reed, Write, & Create podcast, we’re doing two things; we’re honoring the late, great James Baldwin, who would be turning 100 years old in 2024, and I giving a pep talk about being an American writer abroad. Yes, I’m sharing the life and times of Mr. James Baldwin to offer you the opportunity to consider what travel can mean for your writing life.
People often said, James Baldwin felt most at peace when he was in Turkey.
And by the way, if you think we’re going to mostly be talking about Baldwin’s life in Paris, think again. On this episode, we’re talking Turkey. Istanbul, that is. Yes, the country where Baldwin wrote the majority of his most important works, and the country that he said on more than one occasion “saved him,” was none other than Turkey.
During this inspiring episode you’ll hear:
Why James Baldwin left the United States to write.
Why Baldwin spent a decade living and writing in Turkey.
What made Baldwin an “American writer” despite his many years abroad.
Multiple reasons why BIPOC writers should consider traveling or living abroad to enhance their writing life.
What a writer should look for in a location when trying to find a place to go to write.
You can listen to the podcast right here on the website, or find it on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen to podcasts.
Learn More about James Baldwin
An early copy of The Fire Next Time.
James Baldwin was a prolific writer who wrote poetry, novels, essays, screenplays, stage plays, and cultural criticism. Therefore, you can read Baldwin’s own work to understand more about the man.
Try reading The Fire Next Time, it’s quintessential Baldwin, two essays on America’s race problem, and Go Tell it on the Mountain, his first novel, which is based on his own life.
If you want to read about Baldwin and try to make meaning of his incredible life, try this critically-acclaimed, 2015 Baldwin biography by David Leeming.
There are also many organizations and institutions celebrating the life and work of James Baldwin this year in honor of his 100th birthday. Here are some events for your consideration:
Morgan State University is having a year-long celebration of Baldwin’s life.
In the UK, they’re celebrating Baldwin in Bristol. Check out Baldwin in Bristol
Check out La Maison Baldwin, an American-led organization based in France. They are planning a big centennial celebration honoring Baldwin in September of 2024, but they have programming for writers all year long.
Books by Black Writers Living & Traveling Abroad
Obviously, James Baldwin isn’t the only BIPOC writer who found his writing voice abroad. Here are some other Black- American authors who wrote about their traveling lives. I hope they inspire!
Langston Hughes’ - I Wonder as I Wander: An Autobiographical Journey
Audrey Edwards’ - American Runaway: Black and Free in Paris During the Trump Years
Maya Angelou’s - All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes
Emily Raboteau’s - Searching for Zion: The Quest for Home in the African Diaspora
Lori Tharps’ - Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain
Faith Adiele’s - Meeting Faith: The Forest Journals of a Black Buddhist Nun
Barack Obama’s - Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance
Tamara Walker’s - Beyond the Shores: A History of African Americans Abroad
Tembi Locke’s - From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home