Includes bibliographical references

Foreword -- Introduction -- Chapter one: the girl who flew on the winds of words -- Chapter two: pride, power, passion--the tree of knowledge -- Chapter three: biting the big apple -- Chapter four: coming home -- Chapter five: making it real -- Chapter six: witness, witness -- Chapter seven: teaching -- Chapter eight: a calling, not a career -- Appendix -- Resource guide -- About the author.

"How Black Stories Shaped My Own. Award-winning author Marita Golden explores her writing career and how the igniting power of storytelling is still inspiring generations of Black authors today. A lifetime of stories to tell. Growing up, Marita would listen to bedtime stories of Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, and many other champions of Black history. Now a champion herself in the literary world, she shares her story in a motivational autobiography you will never forget. How to Become a Black Writer details Marita Golden's life, career, and the most cherished memories she made along the way. From nurturing her passions during the civil rights movement to celebrating her 40th writing anniversary in D.C., Marita shows that every dreamer can inspire others with their story. A love letter to Black authors and readers. How to Become a Black Writer is not only just Marita's story, but can also be the start of yours. Inside, you'll find lessons and instructions based on her experiences during the renaissance of Black literature to help you cultivate your voice. Featuring timeless knowledge that helped not only Marita, but bestselling storytellers like Nzotake Shange and Toni Morrison, you, too can make a big change in the book publishing world. Discover meaningful events and the people behind them that helped Marita Golden to become the leading icon she is today, such as: How she was mentored under feminist poet Audre Lorde. Life as a groundbreaking journalist at Essence Magazine. Co-founding and leading the Hurston-Wright Foundation to help publish Black stories"-- Amazon.com