On Writing | Debut

Portrait of the Author as a Woman with Adult Acne

Will my face betray me when it’s time to talk about my book in public?

Great Negroes Past and Present,I’ve already read this book,And I’m about to write one that will top it

Mama,The Baby-Sitter’s ClubBrown Girl, Brownstone’Sula

The Coldest Winter EverBlack Girl in Paris,

because

I have something to say. Listen to me. Look at me. The audience engages with our bodies. We tweet about this one’s hair, that one’s lipstick at a book reading or literary event. Women have to contend with unreasonable and gendered expectations: We’re supposed to be pretty and likable in person and on the page, while men have the luxury of worrying about neither.