The League of Extraordinary Readers

Jesmyn Ward Is In Her Own Lane

Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨ This week, we're discussing On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward and exploring how grief, memory, and personal history shape literature and our understanding of ourselves. We also dive into fascinating conversations about time perception, CERN's recent scientific developments, neurodivergence, and the cyclical nature of history. If you love Black literature, literary fiction, thought-provoking book discussions, and conversations that connect books to the world around us, this episode is for you. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation! 🪩 Church Announcements: July: The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest (https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-summer-girlfriend-kristina-forest/de7184f5b281609d?ean=9780593956397 [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-summer-girlfriend-kristina-forest/de7184f5b281609d?ean=9780593956397])  Books Mentioned: Leave Your Mess At Home Moonrise Over New Jessup Theft Fairfield Country Daggermouth The Company We Keep The Broken Hearts Agency On Witness and Respair Authors Mentioned: TV: Love IslandHouse of the Dragon  I Will Find You 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

N*ggas In Paris 75

Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨ This week, we're catching up on our latest reads, tackling book challenges, sharing tips for reaching your reading goals, and reflecting on the books and life experiences shaping our reading journey. Whether you're looking for your next great read, motivation to finish your TBR, or thoughtful conversations about literature, this episode has something for you. If you love literary fiction, Black authors, diverse books, reading podcasts, and honest book discussions, don't forget to subscribe and join the conversation! Books Mentioned: On Witness and Respair Death to the Soccer God Theft Fairfield County House of Margins Womb City August Lane Paradise Ghalen Tasty Resolution Bloodfire, Baby Mainline Mama Leave Your Mess At Home Greetings from the Baracoota Hotel Authors Mentioned: TV: Love Island House of the Dragon  I Will Find You 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

Conversation About Book Publishing with Danielle Prielipp

Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨In this episode, we discuss the book publishing industry with Senior Marketing Director, Danielle Prielipp for the flagship imprint of Simon & Schuster (@SimonBooks). We get into influencer marketing, benefits of indie vs. traditional publishing, her journey into publishing, and more. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation!🪩 Church Announcements:June: On Witness and Respair by: Jasmyn WardJess’s Reading Retreat: https://slljourneys.com/literature-noir-ghana-experience-2027 Brunchin’ With The Author: https://clyx.com/feed/019aa816-2b87-4b86-823c-be18bae574ff?target=eventTo keep up with Danielle and Simon & Schuster:Instagram/Threads/TikTok: @SimonBooksDanielle Instagram/Threads: @bookpubgal💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers:📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com📱Follow us on socials:IG&Threads: @theleagueofreadersShelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonaeJess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

Grow, Guys!

Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers! 📚✨ In this episode, we dive into genre-bending fiction, book marketing, and why understanding an author's perspective can transform your reading experience. We also chat about recent travels, upcoming literary events, and the stories shaping our reading lives. If you love literary fiction, diverse books, thoughtful book discussions, and behind-the-scenes conversations about the publishing industry, this episode is for you. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation! 🪩 Church Announcements: June: On Witness and Respair by: Jasmyn Ward Jess’s Reading Retreat: https://slljourneys.com/literature-noir-ghana-experience-2027 [https://slljourneys.com/literature-noir-ghana-experience-2027]  Brunchin’ With The Author: https://clyx.com/feed/019aa816-2b87-4b86-823c-be18bae574ff?target=event [https://clyx.com/feed/019aa816-2b87-4b86-823c-be18bae574ff?target=event]  Books Mentioned: Ghalen Blood Slaves Dragon Blind Big Girl Blitz  The Bone People Aphrodite and the Duke Verity and the Forbidden Suitor Hather and the Prince Bloodfire Baby Leave Your Mess at Home Mainline Mama Moonrise Over Jessip Juneteenth Rabbit, Fox, Tar On Morrison Authors Mentioned: Walter Mosley Regina Black Tia Williams Chinaza Bado JJ McAvoy TV: Love Island 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub

The Fervent Whites ft. De’Shawn Charles Winslow

Welcome back to The League of Extraordinary Readers — a literary podcast hosted by two Black women readers exploring books, storytelling, and culture through a diverse lens. 📚✨ In this episode, we sit down with author Deshawn Charles Winslow to discuss the art of writing compelling fiction, the differences between small-town and city storytelling, and how systemic issues shape character development and narrative conflict. We also dive into genre exploration across literary fiction, thrillers, and romance, plus conversations about Black representation, cult dynamics in fiction, creativity, and the real-life inspirations behind powerful stories. If you love literary fiction, Black authors, thoughtful book discussions, author interviews, and diverse literature, this episode is for you. #BookPodcast #BlackReaders #LiteraryFiction #BlackAuthors #AuthorInterview #DiverseBooks #BookTube #ReadingPodcast #DeshawnCharlesWinslow Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Deshawn Winslow and his work 01:58 The appeal of small town settings for tension and conflict 02:31 Writing routines and deadlines 03:56 Systemic issues and their influence on narrative 07:07 Themes of adoption, race, and cultural identity 10:08 Writing process, rituals, and the impact of the pandemic 13:09 Creating conflict in small towns versus big cities 15:12 Inspiration from real-life experiences 16:10 The role of transportation and setting in storytelling 19:09 Portrayal of Black characters and systemic challenges 22:10 The importance of authentic representation in adoption stories 25:04 Author’s insights on systemic racial issues and family dynamics 30:03 Practical advice for writers on plot and character development 33:12 The influence of personal experiences and research on writing 34:58 Research and setting: Socrates and upstate New York 35:51 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects 44:52 The fascination with cults and community dynamics 54:47 Writing challenging scenes: captivity and suspense 01:04:38 Future projects and genre ventures 01:09:31 Final thoughts and social media links Books Mentioned: The Fervent Whites The Shape of Dreams Leave Your Mess At Home Passing Decent People In West Mills Revival Season Light The Way 💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers: 📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer [https://beacons.ai/tloer] 📧Email Us: theleagueofreaderspod@gmail.com 📱Follow us on socials: IG&Threads: @theleagueofreaders Shelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonae Jess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub  Deshawn C. Winslow IG&Threads: @deshawncharleswinslow