The Higher Truth of Fiction, featuring Jamila Minnicks
Dec 4, 2023
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Join Grant and Brooke for a conversation about truth in storytelling. Jamila Minnicks discusses her novel, Moonrise Over New Jessup, and its powerful protagonist and sense of place. The hosts also explore the power of fiction in promoting critical thinking and empathy, the importance of authentic language in historical fiction, and the impact of categorization in book publishing.
Consistency and discipline in writing, even with small efforts, can lead to completing a novel in a few months.
Fiction has the power to convey emotional truths, provide unique perspectives, and promote empathy.
Deep dives
The Power of Writing Every Day
The podcast episode discusses the importance of consistency in writing. The hosts share their personal experiences with participating in NaNoWriMo and emphasize the significance of showing up every day to write, even if it's just for a few minutes. They highlight the value of small, consistent efforts, noting that even a few hundred words each day can lead to a complete novel in a few months. The episode encourages writers to prioritize their writing practice and find ways to maintain discipline and dedication, regardless of their busy schedules.
The Role of Fiction in Sharing Emotional Truths
The podcast explores the power of fiction in conveying emotional truths. The hosts discuss the misconception that nonfiction is more important than fiction, arguing that fiction can offer a unique and valuable perspective on the world. They highlight how storytelling is ingrained in human nature and how fiction provides a deeper understanding of the human experience. The episode emphasizes that fiction can transport readers to different perspectives, stimulate critical thinking, and promote empathy. It suggests that fiction can be a transformative tool for exploring and conveying complex truths that facts alone may not capture.
The Importance of Language and Authenticity in Fiction
The podcast episode delves into the significance of language and authenticity in fiction. The guest author, Jamila Minix, discusses her protagonist's smile and how it reflects the history, culture, and emotional depth of the character. She emphasizes the importance of allowing characters to use their own language, resisting the need to impose external standards or expectations. The episode highlights how language shapes the identity and history of the characters, and how preserving authentic language is a way to honor and connect with our past. It encourages writers to trust the power of language in conveying the richness and complexity of their characters' experiences.
The Exploration of History and Community in Fiction
The podcast explores the intersection of history and community in fiction. The guest author, Jamila Minix, shares her inspiration for creating the fictional town of New Jessup, which draws from the history of real Black towns and settlements in the United States. She discusses the significance of community in both her novel and real life, highlighting the themes of safety, encouragement, grief, and growth. The episode emphasizes the importance of honoring and valuing community and how it informs the characters and their experiences in the story. It also touches on the author's personal journey in discovering the power of writing communities and the support they provide.
Join Grant and Brooke this week for a conversation about truth—emotional truth, essential truth, truth as the core driver of all stories. Plus, they share how many words they wrote during November—not nearly as many as either had hoped. Guest Jamila Minnicks speaks about her new novel, Moonrise Over New Jessup, and its powerful protagonist, sense of place, and homage to her ancestors, all of which delivers on this show’s promise of weekly inspiration.
