Ashton Lattimore | “Runner” Interview

Episode Theme: Preserving Black History Through Fiction, Courage, and Storytelling“Welcome to The Jamir Smith Show. Today we’re joined by award-winning author, journalist, and former attorney Ashton Lattimore. Her highly anticipated second novel, RUNNER, takes readers into the world of Prohibition-era Martha’s Vineyard, where history, mystery, and resilience collide. Ashton, congratulations on the book. How are you feeling as you prepare to share this story with the world?”The Story Behind the Story Your books feel deeply researched but emotionally intimate.What first stopped you in your tracks during that visit to the Martha’s Vineyard museum?What made you realize this wasn’t just history,it was a story that deserved to be told?RUNNERWithout giving too much away…Introduce us to your protagonist. What makes her unforgettable?Lena She’s navigating grief, family secrets, and survival. Which part of her journey resonated most with you personally?Rum-running during Prohibition is rarely explored through a Black lens. Why was it important to reclaim that perspective?Instagram @astonlattimore@jamir_smith