Ep 40: A Conversation On Writing In The Key Of Black With Jayne Allen, Author Of The Black Girls Must Die Exhausted Trilogy

Jayne Allen

Author, Black Girls Must Die Exhausted & Black Girls Must Be Magic

Myriha is joined in conversation by Jayne Allen, Harvard-trained attorney and engineer, and author of the Black Girls Must Die Exhausted novel trilogy. Listen as they discuss Jayne’s journey to published author, the makings of her novel protagonist Tabitha Walker, and what she hopes Black women will take away from this trilogy that has been embraced by women all over the world.

Conversation Highlights

Myriha (Host): What is the significance of the Black Girls Must title theme?

Jayne Allen (Guest): For the first book, the title came first. I wanted a title that would have meaning on it own and could also be transmuted through the story. And I thought that was a very cultural thing; to be able to take something that may not have started off with the best of meaning or the best of feeling, and to change it into the best because of the artistry, the joy, and the soul that's brought into it.

My word at the time of writing the first book was exhausted. It was exhausting just being with all the layers of intersectionality. And I felt like I heard that word echoed to me from a lot of Black women, non-Black women, and just people in general.

So I thought, this is a human concept, but the perspective of a Black woman is really important to give on this on this topic. If I can take this word and authentically show this woman finding her joy, finding the the bright side of this experience and the value in herself, and make this word serve as a reminder to thrive, I could do something with this. So that was what I challenged myself to do. And hopefully, most people feel that way in the journey of the story.

I like that the titles can also mean multiple different things. If you put a question mark at the end of each of the titles, the story is an examination of that concept. It gives you a context to think about, to examine, to discuss, and to go along with Tabby as she's answering those questions in each of the installments of the of the trilogy.

Myriha (Host): I know the third book of the trilogy, Black Girls Must Have It All, comes out this spring*.* Anything you can give us on what readers can expect in this third novel?

Jayne Allen (Guest): I will say there is a huge theme of mothering; motherhood by a definition that you wouldn't expect, inclusive of mothering yourself, being mothered, and it doesn't always mean mothering a person. It could be mothering your dreams.

I can't wait to see the conversations unfold from this. It's just an incredibly deep and profound examination. Writing this book was more than I expected it was going to be. It just brought me a feeling of, not pride, but just deep deep appreciation for myself and the women around me.

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Myriha Burce