On Writing, Resistance, and Choosing the Right Publisher: Reflections from a Writer’s Panel
This past week, I had the honor of speaking on a writer’s panel alongside two other authors and a publisher at a dynamic event designed for current business owners. We explored the power and process of writing, particularly in anthologies—a form that has not only shaped my own voice but continues to serve as a platform for resistance, reflection, and radical belonging.
As an anthropologist and writer, I find myself constantly navigating the intersection between lived experience and the written word. During the panel, I shared insights from two anthologies I’ve contributed to: Rebel With a Cause and Against the Grain: Finding Belonging In A World of Resistance. Both projects offered space to explore themes of identity, disruption, and the power of speaking truth within systems not built for us.
We also dug into the often-unseen side of writing—process, discipline, and the deeper questions of who gets to tell the story and how. I touched on my experiences with academic writing during my master’s program, where rigor meets creativity, and where our work often feels like a bridge between theory and lived community.
A key moment of the discussion centered on the importance of discernment in publishing. I offered a word of caution to aspiring authors: Be mindful of who you get in bed with when it comes to publishers. The allure of being published can sometimes overshadow the critical need to retain ownership of your story, your time, and your values. Not all publishers are created equal—some empower, others exploit.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that I’ll be part of another upcoming anthology set to release next month. Each project is an opportunity to expand, to collaborate, and to contribute to a broader literary landscape shaped by resistance, healing, and truth-telling.
Speaking to a room full of entrepreneurs reminded me just how much writers and business owners have in common: We build from nothing, we face rejection, we fight for our voices to be heard. And most importantly—we create something that can’t be undone.
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