Member Spotlights Member Spotlight: Shirley Neal December 5, 2024 Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab) on Facebook (opens in a new tab) on Linkedin (opens in a new tab) via email Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? I cut my teeth writing film and TV scripts—mostly focused on pop culture and Black identity. But my passion has always been writing books. All writing is important because it offers fresh perspectives to familiar or new ideas, events, and subjects. What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? When I get writer’s block, I pray for the direction I want to take and then let it go. Usually, within 24 hours, the ideas flow. What is your favorite time to write? My favorite time to write is during the day but when it’s quiet. What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? When considering the design for your book cover, visit bookstores—don’t just look at books online. Seeing how other book covers look when displayed in a retail store is nice. The creative juices start flowing when you can touch and feel other samples. What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? There was a time that authors marketed to narrow demographics, but in today’s age, the skies the limit. I have interest in my book AfroCentric Style from all ages and varying ethnicities. I’m a happy camper! Shirley Neal’s AfroCentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture is out now with Amistad.
