A Reintroduction: I’m still here, writing through it all
A New Chapter: Well-Read Black Girl Books presents THE CATCH
Hey friends,
It’s been a minute, hasn’t it?
Time, as we know, is slippery. Whether you’ve been here since the first post or just recently found your way to this corner of the internet, I wanted to pause and say HELLO. I’m Glory, and this Substack is where I explore the beauty, complexity, and brilliance of Black creativity; through essays, books, conversations, and quiet revelations. Think of this as my public book journal.
I also want to share something I’m incredibly proud of: the very first NOVEL of the Well-Read Black Girl Books imprint — THE CATCH by Yrsa Daley-Ward.
The Catch is a darkly whimsical tale of women daring to live and create with impunity. It’s a beautiful declaration of what it means to be whole.
When I first read the manuscript I was completely hooked. I knew it had to launch my imprint!
Beyoncé Collaborator Yrsa Daley-Ward's Debut Novel The Catch Kicks Off Well-Read Black Girl Series
Yrsa’s writing is sharp and each chapter hits with an emotional force. There’s a rhythm to the story of Clara and Dempsey. It all feels playful, unpredictable, and pulsing with energy. Seriously, once you pick up this book, you won’t put it down!
About the Book: “Twin sisters Clara and Dempsey have always struggled to relate, their familial bond severed after their mother vanished into the Thames. As infants they were adopted into different families, Clara sent to live with a successful, upper-class couple, and Dempsey with a sullen, unaffectionate city councilor. In adulthood, they are content to be all but estranged, until Clara sees a woman who looks exactly like their mother on the streets of London. The catch: this version of Serene, aged not a day, has enjoyed a childless life - the very life, it seems, she might have had if the girls had never been born.”
Okay, I have A LOT to share about editing, writing, and what it means to build something lasting and liberatory! So this newsletter will be a space where I’ll share behind-the-scenes updates from the imprint, reflections on our authors' work, and personal thoughts on my creative practice. You can also expect:
Essays on creativity, Black literature, and cultural memory
Notes from the editorial desk - basically what I’m reading, wrestling with, and celebrating
Community-centered conversations * check out Close Read
The messy, beautiful process of writing, building, and dreaming
This is still a work in progress, as am I. But I’m here, writing through it all and I’m so glad you’re here too. ** And if you’ve been here, thank you. If you’re new, I’m so glad you found your way to this space.
I can’t wait for you to read THE CATCH and see Yrsa on tour !!! Make sure to preorder her book TODAY. Let’s keep turning pages and making space for each other to grow!
With book-ish love,
Glory
Founding Editor, Well-Read Black Girl Books 🖤