{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter","title":"Magical Creativity: Alex Jennings and the Ballad of Perilous Graves","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2567,"description":"Alex Jennings is a writer, editor, teacher, and poet living in New Orleans. He is the author of the debut novel \"The Ballad of Perilous Graves\" and is known for his love of music, film, and comics.\n\nAlex shares how his father's wish for a fantasy novel with a black hero influenced his writing. Alex describes his debut novel, \"The Ballad of Perilous Graves,\" a black exploitation Pippi Longstocking adventure set in a version of New Orleans where music is a kind of sorcery. He talks about the writing process and the challenges he faced in bringing the novel to life. Alex also discusses the importance of representation in his work, including a trans character with powerful magic. He shares how living in New Orleans has influenced his creativity and helped him understand the importance of community in his work.\nDuring this conversation:\n\nStep into the captivating narrative of \"The Ballad of Perilous Graves,\" Alex Jennings' debut novel that fuses the vibrancy of black exploitation with the enchantment of Pippi Longstocking, creating an uncharted adventure in a New Orleans world where music wields magical powers.\nJoin the exploration of the novel's rich tapestry as we delve into its profound examination of representation, guided by the journey of a trans character wielding formidable magic and navigating themes that resonate with today's discourse.\nEmbark on a literary journey as Alex Jennings unveils the intricate evolution of his writing process, inspired by his father's longing for a fantasy novel with a black hero, and follow the decade-long path to crafting a story that merges imagination with cultural significance.\nImmerse yourself in the vibrant heart of New Orleans through Alex's lens, as we delve into how the city's sense of community has become a wellspring of inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on his creative identity and influencing the narratives he weaves.\n\nJoin host Rob Lee as he delves into the creative mind of writer Alex Jennings. From comics to...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/JOa6JbGOYOtDQMaChk3GEjdMaqieN4aTVZIMSZjm84c/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS85Y2U0/ZjJkMjUzNTFiYjlh/NTNkMDAxNzg0Y2Iy/ZWI5My5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}