Nikesha Elise-Williams is in the house, and we're diving deep into her journey as an author and the host of the Black & Published podcast. As she gears up for the release of her highly anticipated novel, *Seven Daughters of Dupree*, she shares the ups and downs of her writing path, from the grind of self-publishing to landing a deal with a major publisher. We're talking about all the good stuff—her favorite books that shaped her, the inspiration behind her characters, and the importance of representation in literature. Nikesha isn’t just about the words on the page; she also gets real about how her experiences in the television industry influenced her storytelling style. So grab your coffee, kick back, and let’s get into a conversation that’s as rich and layered as the stories we love!

Takeaways:

1. Nikisha Elise Williams emphasizes the importance of perseverance in storytelling, showing how overcoming obstacles can lead to success in the writing journey.
2. The podcast highlights the dynamic power of representation in literature, encouraging readers to explore diverse voices and narratives that resonate with their experiences.
3. Listeners are reminded that every author's path is unique, and success can come in various forms, be it self-publishing or traditional publishing routes.
4. Nikisha's story illustrates the significance of community support and collaboration among black writers, fostering an environment for shared success and inspiration.

Favorite Books:

1. Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree
2. Genevieve by Eric Jerome Dickey
3. Tar Baby by Toni Morrison
4. Night Wherever We Go by Tracy Rose Peyton
5. The Devil Three Times by Rickey Fayne

Hosts & Guests:

1. Nikesha Elise-Williams
2. Derrick Young

Podcast Credits:

1. Production: Trap Factory Studios

Mentioned in this episode:

The Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer

 Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.

The Seven Daughters of Dupree

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