270: Grappling with the Uncomfortable Truth - Interview with NoNieqa Ramos

Hey there word nerds! Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing NoNieqa Ramos. Now if you're a die-hard word nerd and fan of the show, you probably remember NoNieqa from her previous interview with us (Episode 202). I had such a blast talking with her that when I heard she had a new book coming out, I knew I had to have her back on the show. I mean, how often do I get to geek out about the literary merits of the F-bomb with a fellow writer? NoNieqa and I are definitely birds of a feather. NoNieqa is an educator and literary activist. She's the author of the YA novel The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary, which was named a 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens, and a 2019 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Selection. She believes Halloween is a lifestyle, not a holiday (which I totally agree with by the way). Today, we'll be discussing her latest book, The Truth Is…, as well as the important (but often difficult-to-talk-about themes) that come up in this story. In this episode NoNieqa and I discuss: The power of forgiveness and empathy Writing inclusive narratives The writer's responsibility to write three-dimensional characters Writing invisible as well as visible marginalizations The power of a respectful question Plus, her #1 tip for writers. For more info and shownotes: diymfa.com/270