Ep. 54: Diversity in Publishing, Committing to Your Vision & Telling Your Story with Safiya Robinson
Feb 14, 2022
The publishing industry is dominated by white male voices. Safiya Robinson has made it part of her mission to change that. In this episode Paula and Safiya dive into her inspiring journey from island girl in Barbados, her dream of living in England, to her travelling the world and publishing various books. Safiya shares how making your dreams a reality lies less in the what you do and so much in deciding on and committing to your vision of life. She shares so much great advice for budding writers and all the reasons you may feel like you “cannot” be the writer you want to be. They share deep discussion about the lack of diversity in bookstores and publishing, how this has created an expansion of self publishing and what you can do to be part of the change.
In this episode we chat about:
Safiya’s incredible journey from Barbados, to UK dentist and storytelling coach
How being a “technophobe” held her back
Shifting from dentistry into writing coaching
Committing to what you want and not worrying about the “how”
The “writer myth” and how you get to overcome it
Common writing misconceptions
“Lowering the stakes” to get your creations out into the world.
The lack of representation of subcultures in publishing and in local bookstores
And so much more!
Safiya Robinson is a storytelling coach, author, blogger, editor and storylistener, and an island girl from Barbados, and the human behind the the #WritingBlackJoy project to centre and celebrate the joyful stories of Black authors.
Her books include Everything is a Thing - my journey to leading a truly authentic life, Lessons in Love and Wellbeing for Dentists - thrive in your practice and every area of your life, available through my shop and a twice monthly newsletter that you can sign up for here.
As a coach and editor, she helps clients create content that connects with their audience right where they are. And she loves working with Black writers to bring their joyful stories into the world.
In addition, she is a keen world traveller who uses her writing to explore her experiences and philosophy on life, sprinkled with fun, humour and big love from a small island.
In her spare time you’ll find her enjoying island sunsets, baking delicious treats, spending time with friends or family, and making corny jokes.
Connect with Safiya!
www.instagram.com/safiyarobinson77
Read the article Safiya mentions about mothers and writing here.
Take the “What is your writing style?” quiz here.
Find out more about Writing Black Joy here.
Learn more about Safiya and her work here.
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Check out Paula’s recommended resources HERE!
If you’re interested in working with Paula, send her an email paula@thecourageblueprint.com
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Timestamps:
(01:33) Paula introduces Safiya Robinson, the storytelling coach, author, blogger, editor and storylistener, and an island girl from Barbados, and the human behind the the #WritingBlackJoy project to centre and celebrate the joyful stories of Black authors.
(03:40) Safiya shares her journey from dentist to author, from reading Enid Blyton books and a scholarship to study dentistry in the UK. She began writing to share the stories from her travels as a teenager.
(09:30) Safiya shares how her “technophobia” initially stopped her from starting her blog and podcast.
(13:10) Safiya continued as a dentist while travelling, working for charity organizations and writing multiple books.
(13:55) Writing a book for dentists that shared her knowledge about managing other people and taking care of themselves. Partnered with a yoga therapist to include stretches.
(15:20) Safiya shifted into coaching and writing coaching.
(17:01) Creating your priorities around your wants and passions not worrying about the how.
(18:30) Deciding and committing even when you are afraid.
(20:34) The social media echo chamber.
(21:05) The “writer myth” and how you get to overcome it because the important part is the decision!
(23:44) Common writing misconceptions - length, time, pages and words. Why short books can be the most powerful.
(29:11) Are you seeking structure in your writing or are you finding a reason to self sabotage?
(30:05) “Lowering the stakes” to get your creations out into the world.
(33:12) The writing industry is a very white industry that lacks representation and how the web series Writing Black Joy was born.
(36:56) The lack of representation of subcultures in publishing and in local bookstores.