RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_d9305abd-aad7-4de7-84b8-a3f794215b39 -- Rendered At Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:02:19 +0000 The Pen Game with William Person https://redcircle.com/shows/the-pen-game-with-william-person en Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. William Person The Pen Game Podcast | Writing, Storytelling & Creative Disciplines Hosted by William Person, The Pen Game is a storytelling podcast dedicated to exploring the art, craft, and business of writing across all disciplines. From screenwriters and novelists to poets, rappers, journalists, and speech writers, this show highlights the voices, processes, and perspectives behind powerful storytelling. Each episode dives into how stories are created, structured, and delivered—covering topics like screenwriting, creative writing, songwriting, narrative development, dialogue, and story structure. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, seasoned storyteller, or creative entrepreneur, The Pen Game offers insights, interviews, and practical lessons to help you sharpen your craft and elevate your voice. The Pen Game, where story is everything, and everything is story. d9305abd-aad7-4de7-84b8-a3f794215b39 episodic no William Person noreply@getredcircle.com https://feeds.redcircle.com/d9305abd-aad7-4de7-84b8-a3f794215b39 false full From Handwritten Poems to Scholarship Wins a conversation with Sidda Abell: The Pen Game: From Handwritten Poems to Scholarship Wins a conversation with Sidda Abell: The Pen Game: 2 1 William Person In this episode of The Pen Game, host William Person sits down with Sidda Labell, a creative writing student at Guilford College. Sidda opens up about her lifelong love for storytelling, from making handmade books back in kindergarten to recently winning the Anderson Creative Writing Scholarship for her short story, Atlantic. She chats about why she prefers writing by hand, the recurring themes of water and cleansing in her work, and her strong feelings against using AI in creative writing. Looking to the future, Sidda shares her plans to revise Atlantic and hopes to build a career close to literature—maybe as a librarian or editor, while keeping writing as her personal passion rather than a profession. Hey everyone, 

This week on The Pen Game, I sat down with Sidda Abell, a creative writing student who is wise beyond her years. She recently won a major writing scholarship for her short story, Atlantic, and her journey is fascinating. We talked about everything from the magic of a good pen to the future of creativity.

I left the conversation feeling so inspired, and I think you will too. Here are a few things that really stuck with me:

Writing for Joy, Not for a Job

Sidda has been writing her whole life—poetry, short stories, even 30-page "books" when she was seven! But she has no plans to make it her career. She’s worried the pressure would kill the fun. It got me thinking: Is the best way to protect our passion to not make it our job? We get into the pros and cons.

A Hard Stance on AI

In a world where everyone is talking about AI as the next big tool, Sidda’s take was refreshingly direct. She’s completely against using it for creative work, arguing that the whole point of creativity is the human element—the struggle, the process, the personal touch. It’s a bold perspective that sparked a fantastic debate.

The Birth of an Award-Winning Story

Sidda’s story, Atlantic, started as a simple 15-minute writing exercise in class. With a two-week deadline for a scholarship, she turned that small spark into a 17-page story that won. It’s a perfect example of how the smallest ideas can grow into something incredible if you just give them a little attention.

This was such a genuine and insightful chat. Sidda’s passion for the craft is contagious, and her story is a testament to what happens when you follow your curiosity.

If you want to hear more about her creative process and why she thinks reading is even more important than writing, you won’t want to miss this one.

Listen to the full conversation with Sidda LaBell wherever you get your favorite podcast. 

 

Happy listening,

William Person  

]]> <p>Hey everyone, </p> <p>This week on The Pen Game, I sat down with Sidda Abell, a creative writing student who is wise beyond her years. She recently won a major writing scholarship for her short story, Atlantic, and her journey is fascinating. We talked about everything from the magic of a good pen to the future of creativity.</p> <p>I left the conversation feeling so inspired, and I think you will too. Here are a few things that really stuck with me:</p> <p>Writing for Joy, Not for a Job</p> <p>Sidda has been writing her whole life—poetry, short stories, even 30-page &#34;books&#34; when she was seven! But she has no plans to make it her career. She’s worried the pressure would kill the fun. It got me thinking: Is the best way to protect our passion to not make it our job? We get into the pros and cons.</p> <p>A Hard Stance on AI</p> <p>In a world where everyone is talking about AI as the next big tool, Sidda’s take was refreshingly direct. She’s completely against using it for creative work, arguing that the whole point of creativity is the human element—the struggle, the process, the personal touch. It’s a bold perspective that sparked a fantastic debate.</p> <p>The Birth of an Award-Winning Story</p> <p>Sidda’s story, Atlantic, started as a simple 15-minute writing exercise in class. With a two-week deadline for a scholarship, she turned that small spark into a 17-page story that won. It’s a perfect example of how the smallest ideas can grow into something incredible if you just give them a little attention.</p> <p>This was such a genuine and insightful chat. Sidda’s passion for the craft is contagious, and her story is a testament to what happens when you follow your curiosity.</p> <p>If you want to hear more about her creative process and why she thinks reading is even more important than writing, you won’t want to miss this one.</p> <p>Listen to the full conversation with Sidda LaBell wherever you get your favorite podcast. </p> <p> </p> <p>Happy listening,</p> <p>William Person  </p> thepengame.podbean.com/a6573d1e-5d91-313c-a345-d4d19f5f7467 https://thepengame.podbean.com/e/the-pen-game-from-handwritten-poems-to-scholarship-wins-a-conversation-with-sidda-labell/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:59:27 +0000 2630 false full Toni Ann Johnson on “But Where’s Home?” | Writing Black Family Stories & Historical Fiction Toni Ann Johnson on “But Where’s Home?” | Writing Black Family Stories & Historical Fiction 1 William Person In this episode of The Pen Game, host William Person sits down with acclaimed author Toni Ann Johnson to discuss her latest novel, "But Where’s Home?"—the third installment in her compelling Arrington family series. Set in 1960s upstate New York, But Where’s Home? follows a Black family navigating identity, belonging, and community during a time of social change. Johnson shares her approach to crafting multi-generational characters, building authentic historical settings, and exploring themes of race, family, and resilience through fiction. From character development and dialogue to world-building and emotional truth, this conversation highlights how powerful stories are shaped and why they matter. Whether you're an aspiring author, a screenwriter, poet, or creative writer, this episode of The Pen Game expands your understanding of narrative craft through the lens of Black literature and long-form storytelling. Show Notes: We dive into a compelling conversation with writer Toni Ann Johnson as she unpacks the layers of her series about the Arrington family, exploring themes of race, belonging, and personal growth. This episode offers insights into her storytelling techniques, character development, and the intricate reflections on her own experiences that shape her work. In this episode: The origins of Johnson’s series and her personal journey in writing about her family and community How her characters reflect diverse perspectives on race, class, and identity Techniques of narrative voice, including the use of first, second, and third person The structural choices behind the series’ storytelling styles and point of view shifts The role of Monroe’s setting as both a reflection and critique of societal comforts and prejudices How childhood experiences of racism and family dynamics inform Johnson’s character arcs The evolution of characters like Maddie, Livia, Velma, and Phil, and their internal conflicts The thematic exploration of assimilation, black identity, and the pursuit of the ‘white ideal’ Johnson’s future projects and her approach to balancing humor and heartache in storytelling   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Toni Ann Johnson and the central themes of her series 01:27 - The personal roots behind the stories of race and family in Monroe 02:44 - How literary collections influenced Johnson’s approach to narrative structure 04:43 - The story behind Maddie and the emotional impact of childhood racism 06:08 - Exploring the characters' perspectives and their perceptions of Monroe 07:07 - How character points of view expanded the series beyond Maddie’s story 08:29 - Initial impressions of the series' characters—author’s insights into their complexity 09:35 - Deeper character analysis: Phil’s motivations and Velma’s emotional dysregulation 11:15 - Maddie’s loneliness and emotional needs within her family environment 13:13 - The creation of Livia and her resilient, adjusted outlook 15:39 - Dissecting Livia’s observations and her versus Maddie’s experiences 17:46 - Narrative style: The interplay of first, second, and third person techniques 20:04 - How the use of second person enhances character interiority and relatability 22:34 - The influence of literary techniques like close third-person and framing 23:14 - The role of absorbing diverse stories in Johnson’s MFA and writing craft 24:43 - Insights into the self-critical voice of Maddie and the narrative’s emotional honesty 27:43 - The reflective, outsider perspective on Monroe—villain versus victim 30:04 - How characters envy and idealize different aspects of their upbringing and community 33:20 - The impact of neighborhood dynamics and racial identity on character development 36:08 - The critique of materialism and the illusion of the ‘white life’ 38:05 - What drew Phil and Velma to Monroe? A look at aspirations versus reality 39:40 - The town of Monroe as a complex space: a reflection of societal contradictions 44:21 - Personal experiences In this episode of The Pen Game, host William Person sits down with acclaimed author Toni Ann Johnson to discuss her latest novel, "But Where’s Home?"—the third installment in her compelling Arrington family series.

Set in 1960s upstate New York, But Where’s Home? follows a Black family navigating identity, belonging, and community during a time of social change. Johnson shares her approach to crafting multi-generational characters, building authentic historical settings, and exploring themes of race, family, and resilience through fiction.

From character development and dialogue to world-building and emotional truth, this conversation highlights how powerful stories are shaped and why they matter. Whether you're an aspiring author, a screenwriter, poet, or creative writer, this episode of The Pen Game expands your understanding of narrative craft through the lens of Black literature and long-form storytelling.

Show Notes: We dive into a compelling conversation with writer Toni Ann Johnson as she unpacks the layers of her series about the Arrington family, exploring themes of race, belonging, and personal growth. This episode offers insights into her storytelling techniques, character development, and the intricate reflections on her own experiences that shape her work.

In this episode:

  • The origins of Johnson’s series and her personal journey in writing about her family and community

  • How her characters reflect diverse perspectives on race, class, and identity

  • Techniques of narrative voice, including the use of first, second, and third person

  • The structural choices behind the series’ storytelling styles and point of view shifts

  • The role of Monroe’s setting as both a reflection and critique of societal comforts and prejudices

  • How childhood experiences of racism and family dynamics inform Johnson’s character arcs

  • The evolution of characters like Maddie, Livia, Velma, and Phil, and their internal conflicts

  • The thematic exploration of assimilation, black identity, and the pursuit of the ‘white ideal’

  • Johnson’s future projects and her approach to balancing humor and heartache in storytelling

 

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Toni Ann Johnson and the central themes of her series 01:27 - The personal roots behind the stories of race and family in Monroe 02:44 - How literary collections influenced Johnson’s approach to narrative structure 04:43 - The story behind Maddie and the emotional impact of childhood racism 06:08 - Exploring the characters' perspectives and their perceptions of Monroe 07:07 - How character points of view expanded the series beyond Maddie’s story 08:29 - Initial impressions of the series' characters—author’s insights into their complexity 09:35 - Deeper character analysis: Phil’s motivations and Velma’s emotional dysregulation 11:15 - Maddie’s loneliness and emotional needs within her family environment 13:13 - The creation of Livia and her resilient, adjusted outlook 15:39 - Dissecting Livia’s observations and her versus Maddie’s experiences 17:46 - Narrative style: The interplay of first, second, and third person techniques 20:04 - How the use of second person enhances character interiority and relatability 22:34 - The influence of literary techniques like close third-person and framing 23:14 - The role of absorbing diverse stories in Johnson’s MFA and writing craft 24:43 - Insights into the self-critical voice of Maddie and the narrative’s emotional honesty 27:43 - The reflective, outsider perspective on Monroe—villain versus victim 30:04 - How characters envy and idealize different aspects of their upbringing and community 33:20 - The impact of neighborhood dynamics and racial identity on character development 36:08 - The critique of materialism and the illusion of the ‘white life’ 38:05 - What drew Phil and Velma to Monroe? A look at aspirations versus reality 39:40 - The town of Monroe as a complex space: a reflection of societal contradictions 44:21 - Personal experiences versus community narratives: contrasting perspectives on Monroe 45:48 - The recurring theme of childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects 48:12 - Future directions for Johnson’s writing, focusing on Maddie’s solo life and relationships 50:44 - Possible exploration of Maddie’s marriage and romantic pursuits in upcoming stories 51:42 - Final thoughts and encouragement for writers to continue their craft

Resources & Links:

Connect with Toni Anne Johnson:

 

Notes: This episode’s rich storytelling emphasizes the importance of nuanced characters and the ways personal history influences fiction. If you're interested in exploring narrative techniques and authentic portrayals of race and family, this conversation offers invaluable insights for writers and enthusiasts alike.

Click here to view the episode transcript. 

Connect with the host: William Person: 

Connect with the producer: Tiffani Rozier

]]> <p>In this episode of The Pen Game, host William Person sits down with acclaimed author Toni Ann Johnson to discuss her latest novel, &#34;But Where’s Home?&#34;—the third installment in her compelling Arrington family series.</p> <p>Set in 1960s upstate New York, But Where’s Home? follows a Black family navigating identity, belonging, and community during a time of social change. Johnson shares her approach to crafting multi-generational characters, building authentic historical settings, and exploring themes of race, family, and resilience through fiction.</p> <p>From character development and dialogue to world-building and emotional truth, this conversation highlights how powerful stories are shaped and why they matter. Whether you&#39;re an aspiring author, a screenwriter, poet, or creative writer, this episode of The Pen Game expands your understanding of narrative craft through the lens of Black literature and long-form storytelling.</p> <p>Show Notes: We dive into a compelling conversation with writer Toni Ann Johnson as she unpacks the layers of her series about the Arrington family, exploring themes of race, belonging, and personal growth. This episode offers insights into her storytelling techniques, character development, and the intricate reflections on her own experiences that shape her work.</p> <p>In this episode:</p> <ul> <li><p>The origins of Johnson’s series and her personal journey in writing about her family and community</p> </li> <li><p>How her characters reflect diverse perspectives on race, class, and identity</p> </li> <li><p>Techniques of narrative voice, including the use of first, second, and third person</p> </li> <li><p>The structural choices behind the series’ storytelling styles and point of view shifts</p> </li> <li><p>The role of Monroe’s setting as both a reflection and critique of societal comforts and prejudices</p> </li> <li><p>How childhood experiences of racism and family dynamics inform Johnson’s character arcs</p> </li> <li><p>The evolution of characters like Maddie, Livia, Velma, and Phil, and their internal conflicts</p> </li> <li><p>The thematic exploration of assimilation, black identity, and the pursuit of the ‘white ideal’</p> </li> <li><p>Johnson’s future projects and her approach to balancing humor and heartache in storytelling</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Toni Ann Johnson and the central themes of her series 01:27 - The personal roots behind the stories of race and family in Monroe 02:44 - How literary collections influenced Johnson’s approach to narrative structure 04:43 - The story behind Maddie and the emotional impact of childhood racism 06:08 - Exploring the characters&#39; perspectives and their perceptions of Monroe 07:07 - How character points of view expanded the series beyond Maddie’s story 08:29 - Initial impressions of the series&#39; characters—author’s insights into their complexity 09:35 - Deeper character analysis: Phil’s motivations and Velma’s emotional dysregulation 11:15 - Maddie’s loneliness and emotional needs within her family environment 13:13 - The creation of Livia and her resilient, adjusted outlook 15:39 - Dissecting Livia’s observations and her versus Maddie’s experiences 17:46 - Narrative style: The interplay of first, second, and third person techniques 20:04 - How the use of second person enhances character interiority and relatability 22:34 - The influence of literary techniques like close third-person and framing 23:14 - The role of absorbing diverse stories in Johnson’s MFA and writing craft 24:43 - Insights into the self-critical voice of Maddie and the narrative’s emotional honesty 27:43 - The reflective, outsider perspective on Monroe—villain versus victim 30:04 - How characters envy and idealize different aspects of their upbringing and community 33:20 - The impact of neighborhood dynamics and racial identity on character development 36:08 - The critique of materialism and the illusion of the ‘white life’ 38:05 - What drew Phil and Velma to Monroe? A look at aspirations versus reality 39:40 - The town of Monroe as a complex space: a reflection of societal contradictions 44:21 - Personal experiences versus community narratives: contrasting perspectives on Monroe 45:48 - The recurring theme of childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects 48:12 - Future directions for Johnson’s writing, focusing on Maddie’s solo life and relationships 50:44 - Possible exploration of Maddie’s marriage and romantic pursuits in upcoming stories 51:42 - Final thoughts and encouragement for writers to continue their craft</p> <p>Resources &amp; Links:</p> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://amazon.com/author/kimcolemansfoote" rel="nofollow">Kim Coleman Foote’s Coleman Hill</a> - For her innovative use of multiple narrative points of view</p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://amazon.com/Girls-Guide-Hunting-Fishing-Melissa-Banks" rel="nofollow">Melissa Banks’ The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing</a> - For her light, humorous style that inspired Johnson</p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://amazon.com/author/kimcolemansfoote" rel="nofollow">Kim Coleman Foote on Amazon</a></p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://amazon.com/Melissa-Banks/e/B001LHFITQ" rel="nofollow">Melissa Banks on Amazon</a></p> </li> </ul> <p>Connect with Toni Anne Johnson:</p> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/treeladytoniann/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://toniannerjohnson.com/" rel="nofollow">Official Website</a></p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230597332-but-where-s-home?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FR6UGNwwEU&rank=2" rel="nofollow">Goodreads</a></p> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Notes: This episode’s rich storytelling emphasizes the importance of nuanced characters and the ways personal history influences fiction. If you&#39;re interested in exploring narrative techniques and authentic portrayals of race and family, this conversation offers invaluable insights for writers and enthusiasts alike.</p> <p><a href="https://share.transistor.fm/s/65897293/transcript" rel="nofollow">Click here to view the episode transcript.</a> </p> <p>Connect with the host: William Person: </p> <ul><li><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/braveheartis1/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></p> </li> </ul> <p>Connect with the producer: Tiffani Rozier</p> <ul> <li><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thetiffaninicole/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://www.tiffanirozier.com" rel="nofollow">Website</a></p> </li> <li><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanirozier/" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a></p> </li> </ul> 2c781b5a-c3ee-4460-bad1-40c0acf48089 https://thepengame.podbean.com/e/toni-ann-johnson-on-but-where-s-home-writing-black-family-stories-historical-fiction/ Tue, 05 May 2026 18:00:00 +0000 3132 false