Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Acevedo, the author of our June book club pick, Clap When You Land. Elizabeth is a NYT best-selling author and we couldn’t be more excited to talk to her about the book. We learn of her early start in writing as a rapper and poet, her first job as a middle school teacher, and the road to her first publishing deal. We explore the birth of Clap When You Land, the meaning behind the title, the unique way she developed the characters distinct voices, and the differences between writing in prose and verse. We touch on the #publishingpayme movement and the importance of building a strong online community to keep you motivated and excited about your work. Elizabeth also gives us her favorite YA recs, childhood favs, and gives a taste of what she is working on next!

More Elizabeth Acevedo:

Elizabeth Acevedo’s Books:

Book Recs:

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
Not So Pure and Simple by Lamar Giles
Burn Baby Burn by Meg Medina
Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina
When My Brother Was an Aztec by Natalie Diaz
Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
The Rakess Scarlett Peckham
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisnaros
Miracle’s Boys by Jaqueline Woodson

Book Stores Recs:

Word Up: https://www.wordupbooks.com/
Lit Bar: http://www.thelitbar.com/

Donate to the Family of Breonna Taylor : https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor

Donate to the Louisville Community Bail Fund:

https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/louisville-community-bail-fund/

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Bonus Episode with Elizabeth Acevedo