James McBride's Journey from Music to Writing

James McBride initially identified as a musician, playing the saxophone and performing across various venues. His shift to writing became evident when he authored 'The Color of Water,' which gained substantial acclaim and financial success, prompting him to seriously pursue writing as a career. McBride reflects on his early influences, including a teacher who recognized his storytelling talent during his studies at Oberlin College, igniting his passion for fiction. This transition from journalism to creative writing allowed him to explore deeper narratives that weren't confined to factual reporting.