In a recent episode of the podcast A Dialogue of Writing, host Mitzi Rapkin engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with author Jaquira Díaz, delving into the complexities of trust in the creative process. The episode centers on Díaz’s latest novel, This Is the Only Kingdom, and her reflections on the challenges writers face during their artistic journeys.
Díaz, who grew up between Humacao and Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and Miami Beach, shared insights into her fluctuating relationship with trust as a writer. She described the initial excitement that accompanies a new project, stating, “I’m so excited for this new project. I’m making art. This is so much fun.” Yet, this enthusiasm often gives way to self-doubt, leading her to question her abilities. “This is terrible. This is the worst thing I have ever written,” she recounted. In these moments, she grapples with feelings of inadequacy, worrying that no one will want to read her work.
Finding Strength Through Reading
Despite these challenges, Díaz emphasizes the importance of perseverance. She believes that trusting in her identity as an artist is crucial to overcoming self-doubt. “I have to trust myself before anyone else will trust me,” she noted. This trust, she explained, is intertwined with her love of reading, which serves as a foundation for her creative expression. “I have to remember what made me love reading in the first place,” she said, highlighting how reading provides comfort and connection to the world.
Díaz’s literary achievements bolster her credibility as a voice in contemporary literature. Her memoir, Ordinary Girls, won the prestigious Whiting Award and was recognized with a Florida Book Awards Gold Medal. It was also a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards and received various accolades, including being selected for the American Booksellers Association Indies Introduce program. Additionally, her work has appeared in esteemed anthologies such as The Best American Essays and The Pushcart Prize anthology.
A New Chapter in Literature
Her debut novel, This Is the Only Kingdom, has garnered attention, being longlisted for the Center for Fiction 2025 First Novel Prize. Currently residing in New York, Díaz shares her insights with students at Columbia University, shaping the next generation of writers.
Listeners can subscribe to A Dialogue of Writing to explore more conversations that celebrate the art of writing and the experiences of authors like Díaz. The episode offers a candid look at the emotional landscape of creativity, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the literary arts.
