

Constance Bailey, "Conversations with Kiese Laymon" (UP of Mississippi, 2025)
Sep 24, 2025
Constance Bailey, an accomplished editor and scholar of African American literature, chats with Kiese Laymon, a celebrated author from Mississippi. They dive into the fascinating process of compiling 'Conversations with Kiese Laymon,' exploring how regional identity influences his writing. Laymon shares insights about his creative energy and changing narratives, while Bailey reveals the challenges of preserving the authenticity of his voice through transcription. Their dialogue showcases Laymon's humility and his profound impact on contemporary literature.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Conversations Series As A Living Archive
- The University Press of Mississippi Conversations series collects accessible interviews to introduce writers to students and general readers.
- Constance pitched Kiese's volume to capture his work while he was rising, not only posthumously or late-career.
How A Skype Visit Became A Long-Term Connection
- Constance first met Kiese by inviting him to Skype into her class when she couldn't afford his fee.
- They later met in person when she could pay him and their relationship broadened through shared Mississippi networks.
Curate For Classroom Accessibility
- Prioritize accessible, short interviews when curating for students and classroom use.
- Choose pieces that balance substance with readability so they fit course syllabi and budgets.