Merky Books Festival Aims to Inspire a New Generation of Diverse Authors

It's important that we as professionals talk about our roles or functions and how we are part of the process," said Fiona Lamptey, director of UK features at Netflix.

on Apr 24, 2023

Merky Books Festival Aims to Inspire a New Generation of Diverse Authors

Aiming to cultivate and produce diverse storytelling, the rapper and Penguin Random House UK founded the label #Merky Books in 2018.

Malorie Blackman, Wretch 32, and John Agard were among the event's featured speakers, and it was intended to demystify the creative professions and inspire a new generation of authors.

Taylor-Dior Rumble told the BBC that the festival "makes the world of publishing feel a lot more accessible" and that her book The Situationship was the first romantic comedy to be signed by Merky Books.

It's relatively upper middle class, pretty wealthy, and very white. And for me, it seems like a very different world from what I'm accustomed to and where I grew up.

"It's important that we as professionals talk about our roles or functions and how we are part of the process," said Fiona Lamptey, director of UK features at Netflix. It's about information sharing so individuals may comprehend the abilities required if they're thinking about a job in the creative business.

It's not about sticking out; she continued when asked for advice for aspiring authors. Being authentic to who you are is essential. Finding an audience for your project is important if you have a concept since I emphasize passion and purpose.

"I've had jobs when I'm the only black lady there. But I was aware of the rationale for my placement there, and I was aware that I wanted to pave the road for others.

#Merky Books, according to award-winning author John Agard, "is essential for young people in their reading environment, to hear other viewpoints. Additionally, it's a highly admirable project because it gives aspiring authors more opportunities.

He claims that to attract authors from all backgrounds, "it's important to instill in them from early years the joy of language, and how words are empowering."