Ask the Author: Joy-Ann Reid
Answered Questions (6)
Joy-Ann Reid
I thought up the idea for "Fracture" as the 50th anniversary of the "March on Washington" was approaching back in 2013. I'd wanted to write something about the Civil Rights Movement, but I also wanted to write about President Barack Obama and how his election fulfilled the Movement's goals. And then, of course, there was another presidential election looming, so I decided to combine all three!
Joy-Ann Reid
Honestly, inspiration just comes to me. It can be a train ride or a scenic view, or a political or social development... I find inspiration in almost everything.
Joy-Ann Reid
Right now, I'm on the road promoting my book, "Fracture," but I'm also preparing to launch a new weekly column at "The Daily Beast"!
Joy-Ann Reid
Find yourself a good mentor or editor, and let them read your work. You'll never know you're any good if you're too shy to let people see what you've written (I had that hangup for a very long time). Two other pieces of advice: read your writing out loud - you'll catch more errors that way! And put yourself out there - send out that pitch you've been holding onto. Take chances. That's how you break through.
Joy-Ann Reid
The best thing about being a writer is having the opportunity to leave a mark, however modest, on the great debates and conversations taking place in the world.
Joy-Ann Reid
I actually get writer's block fairly often. The way I deal with it is to walk away from the laptop, stop trying to force myself to get to it, (maybe have a glass of wine!) and wait for the inspiration to come to me. It always does, sooner or later.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more