Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nyasha Williams. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nyasha , so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
Our personal wellbeing (physical, mental, spiritual and emotional) state are deeply intwined in our creative process.
When dealing with creative stagnancy, I have two suggestions:
One, break a cycle (Make at least one conscious change in your everyday rhythm and flow- this could be as simple as taking a walk after work or diving a different route)
Two, spend some time with an element (fire, water, air, earth) that calls to you.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Writing to Change the Narrative was founded by Nyasha Williams, a passionate social justice griot. I aim to use words and stories to indigenize and liberate through literature, minds, and spiritual practices.
My writing is rooted in my understanding of the powerful potential of stories to create transformation and reveal truths that have been hidden for too long. I strive to use my words to ignite new conversations, inspire action, and ultimately, help create a more equitable and just world.
Writing to Change the Narrative is my way of bringing passion for storytelling to life and helping us all to write our own stories. With help, we can all find our voices and use them to write new narratives.
I am Black, American, bisexual, married, ablebodied-passing, neurotypical, cisgender woman. I currently live on the stolen land of the Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes in Colorado. I grew up living intermittently between the United States and South Africa. Following the north wind, my passions have landed experience as a qualified chef, elementary school educator and presently as an author and Ancestral medicine healer. I currently works full-time as a creative- writing, leading creative workshops and events, writing critique groups, and as the founder of publishing company, Fire + Honey Press.
With eight children’s books released and three forthcoming titles, my impact on literature is profound. Her tarot and oracle deck, Black Tarot: An Ancestral Awakening and Elemental Alchemist, are testaments to my transformative artistry. With a deep-rooted passion for writing and a commitment to sharing her process with community, I am on a mission to usher in an era of unapologetic, diverse works of art, media, and literature.
I have two books coming out this year (2024). My Mother-in-Love, Kenda Bell and I co-authored Saturday Magic coming out in June, and Where is Koketso?, a seek-and-find book I authored, coming out in October. Regular event-wise: I have Self-Care, a picture book club for adults that I head once a month at Petals & Pages in Denver. Quarterly, I have a seasonal event at Second Star to the Right honoring the season shift and an online workshop space, I host with Sidney McCall for BIPOC creatives called Decolonizing Dreams.
I have upcoming events for families and events for adults for the launch of Saturday Magic.
Saturday Magic Launch: Come make Grandma Rose’s Watermelon Salad (June 27, 2024) [Families]
Saturday Magic Storytime at Boulder Bookstore (July 06, 2024) [Adult-Focused but Anyone]
Saturday Magic Storytime at Tattered Cover (July 14, 2024) [Child-Focused]
Saturday Magic Ancestral Connect (July 12, 2024) [Adult Centered]
Saturday Magic: Cowrie Shell Mirror Making Workshop (July 27, 2024) [Anyone]
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Elders – Being open to guidance from elders, Ancestors, and mentors to support new learning curves.
An Anchor – What is your why? The root of why you do what you do? Personally, my anchor is centered in our future generations. When I make decisions I make the always considering my anchor. Anchors can shift, evolve and grow but moving consciously in it changes the game.
Dreaming – Alone, in partnership, in community – Imagining beyond what currently exists and our current systems.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Seeking those who hope, dream, and work towards better systems. Seeking those who are ready for new narratives. Seeking those who hear the call to help and support in building new tables.
Collaborations can look like:
-beginning a co-created project
-financially contributing toward Fire + Honey Press, my publishing house I am building
-pitching your project to my publishing house, Fire + Honey Press once it is up and running
-amplifying my work on one of your platforms
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nyashawilliams.online/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writingtochangethenarrative/
Image Credits
Photographer: IMAGES BY CHELSEY RAY
https://www.raysoflightshots.com/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
