I’ve had the honor of being interviewed by several notable media outlets on the web the past couple of months. Anytime I get to talk about my books I’m happy, but the hosts of the following podcasts really asked probing questions and got me thinking about my role as a writer and editor, and made me feel like I was being heard.
It was a thrill to talk with Mitchell Kaplan from Books & Books, an independent bookstore in Miami. Mitchell is much more than just a bookseller though. He really knows how to build community and is one of the founders of the Miami Book Fair International. You can check out my interview with Mitchell at The Literary Life. We talk about my journey to becoming a writer and my book Badass Black Girl, about the Covid crisis and security in Haiti, why I immigrated to the United States, the importance of books in my upbringing, how I transitioned from being a reader to actually writing, and my first book. We also talked about what it’s like to publish in Haiti and who I was reading at the time. Then, the conversation shifted and we talked about the impetus for the Badass Black Girl books, my work as an editor at Mango, and Haitian writers publishing today. We ended the conversation with a selection of poetry from my book of poems, Happy, Okay?
I was also featured on the Creative Drive podcast with host J. Alejandro and reader Brenda Zamora. I talked about Empowered Black Girl, self-love and affirmations and Brenda Zamora read some poetry from my book of poems, Happy, Okay? on the podcast episode. You can listen to the podcast here.
On Dr. Frances Richard's podcast The Black Entrepreneur Experience, I talked about writing your way through trauma, building community, and creating social change. Dr. Richards and I discussed my journey to becoming a writer and my evolution as a writer who began with horror and moved to nonfiction, self-help and poetry. We talked about my book recommendations. I gave advice to parents educating their children during the pandemic, and the children themselves. I explained how listeners to the program could support me and network with me. Dr. Richards asked me about advice I wish I had taken, my self-care routine, and equality. I talked about a person who had impacted me, and discussed the worst moment of my life. I talked about my role as an Acquisitions Editor at Mango. We ended the hour with a fun facts lightning round. Black Entrepreneur Experience uncovers the brilliance, boldness, and business acumen behind successful entrepreneurs across the globe from the Black and African Diaspora. You can check out the podcast here.
I also had a chat with Marjy Marj on her podcast, Humanity Chats with Marjy, which is listened to in 26 countries and more than 280 cities. We talked about the assassination of President Moise in Haiti and why I wrote the Badass Black Girl books. Marjy read an excerpt from Badass Black Girl and we discussed creating social change and how it ties into my work. We also talked about the importance of gratitude. Marjy has a long archive of interesting guests on her website such as E.J. Offori Deku and Dr. Kimmery Martin. It was exciting to be included with them. You can check out my interview here.
Alongside writer Qiana Davis, an early childhood educator and author, I was interviewed by host LaShaunda Hoffman on her podcast, SORMAG’s Writer’s Café. It was a pleasure to be featured on her podcast and I learned something new about myself while chatting with her and Qiana. We talked about our decision to become writers, the hardest thing about writing our books, the toughest criticism we’ve received since publishing and the biggest surprise we encountered after becoming published authors. We also discussed book marketing on social media, how we get book reviews, and gave advice to aspiring authors. The podcast is archived here on YouTube. Check it out!
I had the pleasure of talking with Scotty Reid from Black Talk Radio Network recently. He’s a charismatic host. We discussed my inspiration to become a writer, my writer role models, and representation in publishing. We also discussed the Badass Black Girl book series, Naomi Osaka’s decision to take time off for her mental health, racism in Japan, and the difficulties of maintaining mental health when you are Black. We also talked about President Moise’s assassination in Haiti. You can check out our conversation here.
Each of these interviews were such a pleasure, and I look forward to more to come!
Kenbe,
MJ
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A creator of safe spaces, and an initiator of difficult conversations, M.J. Fievre, B.S. Ed, spent much time building up her Black students, helping them feel comfortable in their skin, and affirming their identities. Her close relationships with parents and students led her to look more closely at how we can balance protecting our child’s innocence with preparing them for the realities of Black life. When―and how―do you approach racism with your children? How do you protect their physical and mental health while also preparing them for a country full of systemic racism? She began to research the issue and speak to school counselors and psychologists to find (and apply!) strategies parents and teachers can use with their children to broach uncomfortable but necessary topics.
M.J. is the author of Badass Black Girl, a daily dose of affirmations for Black Girls
“You'll come away from Badass Black Girl feeling as if you've known the author your entire life, and it's a rare feat for any writer.” ―“Mike, the Poet,” author of Dear Woman and The Boyfriend Book
#1 Gift Idea in Teen & Young Adult Cultural Heritage Biographies, Publishers Weekly Select Title for Young Readers
Affirmations for strong, fearless Black girls. Wisdom from Badass Black female trailblazers who accomplished remarkable things in literature, entertainment, education, STEM, business, military and government services, politics and law, activism, sports, spirituality, and more.
Explore the many facets of your identity through hundreds of big and small questions. In this journal designed for teenage Black girls, MJ Fievre tackles topics such as family and friends, school and careers, body image, and stereotypes. By reflecting on these topics, you will confront the issues that can hold you back from living your best life and discovering your Black girl bliss.
Embrace authenticity and celebrate who you are. Finding the courage to live as you are is not easy, so here’s a journal designed to help you nurture creativity, positive self-awareness and Black girl bliss. This journal honors the strength and spirit of Black girls.
Change the way you view the world. This journal provides words of encouragement that seek to inspire and ignite discussion. You are growing up in a world that tries to tell you how to look and act. MJ Fievre encourages you to fight the flow and determine for yourself who you want to be.
Badass Black Girl helps you to:
Build and boost your self-esteem with powerful affirmations
Learn more about yourself through insightful journaling
Become comfortable and confident in your authentic self
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