Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm on Building Platforms for Women Writers - ep 27

This week I have a lively conversation with author and literary activist Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm about building platforms for women of colour from the 1990s to today. Rasheda traces her path from founding Candace magazine to writing fiction, creating the WILDE Foundation, running writing retreats in Jamaica, and launching the H&F Writers’ Festival in West London. We explore how technology and community remove old gatekeepers, the healing power of journaling, and WILDE’s future plans to expand retreats, mentorship, and international collaborations. It is an inspiring story of creativity, persistence, and the ongoing work of empowering women’s voices through literature, activism, and connection. Key takeaways: • Community and craft can coexist and strengthen each other. • Journaling helps survivors find voice and confidence. • Technology widens access and continuity beyond physical events. • WILDE seeks collaborators, mentors, and publishing partners to platform emerging writers. We also spent time talking about Jamaica, where Rasheda runs her writing retreats and where I recently attended the Calabash Festival. Sadly, the country has since been hit by Hurricane Melissa and suffered devastating damage. Journalist Nadine White has compiled a helpful list of trusted aid sources here: Hurricane Melissa – How Can We Help   Please do your due diligence before making any donation. You can read more of Nadine White’s reporting here: https://www.independent.co.uk/author/nadine-white. Explore more: Talking Tech with Creatives – talkingtechwithcreatives.com Podcast Instagram – @talkingtechwithcreatives My author website – stellaonithewriter.com Author Instagram – @stellaonithewriter Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm – @ashantirashedaauthor H&F Writers’ Festival – handfwritersfestival.co.uk H&F Writers’ Festival Instagram – @hfwritersfest If you enjoy these conversations, subscribe to Talking Tech with Creatives, follow us on Instagram, and share the episode to help amplify the stories of women shaping creativity and culture.    ISSN 2978-8307