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 #DeshawnCharlesWinslowChapters00:00 Introduction to Deshawn Winslow and his work01:58 The appeal of small town settings for tension and conflict02:31 Writing routines and deadlines03:56 Systemic issues and their influence on narrative07:07 Themes of adoption, race, and cultural identity10:08 Writing process, rituals, and the impact of the pandemic13:09 Creating conflict in small towns versus big cities15:12 Inspiration from real-life experiences16:10 The role of transportation and setting in storytelling19:09 Portrayal of Black characters and systemic challenges22:10 The importance of authentic representation in adoption stories25:04 Author’s insights on systemic racial issues and family dynamics30:03 Practical advice for writers on plot and character development33:12 The influence of personal experiences and research on writing34:58 Research and setting: Socrates and upstate New York35:51 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects44:52 The fascination with cults and community dynamics54:47 Writing challenging scenes: captivity and suspense01:04:38 Future projects and genre ventures01:09:31 Final thoughts and social media linksBooks Mentioned:The Fervent WhitesThe Shape of DreamsLeave Your Mess At HomePassingDecent PeopleIn West MillsRevival SeasonLight The Way💬 Follow The League of Extraordinary Readers:📸 🎧 https://beacons.ai/tloer📧Email Us: [email protected]📱Follow us on socials:IG&Threads: @theleagueofreadersShelbey’s IG&Threads: @shelbeymonaeJess’s IG&Threads: @literaturenoirclub Deshawn C. Winslow IG&Threads: @deshawncharleswinslow