Prompt to Page With Mariama J. Lockington

Each month, we interview a published writer who shares their favorite writing prompt. Whether you’re just getting started or have written for years, you’ll find ideas and advice to inspire you and help you become a better writer.

Prompt to Page is brought to you in partnership with the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning.

Listen to Episode 6

Photo of Mariama J. Lockington, an African American woman with long braids. She has a big smile and is wearing black and gold cat-eye glasses and large gold earrings.

For our sixth episode, we talk to Mariama J. Lockington, author of For Black Girls Like Me. Mariama discusses the process of writing and publishing her debut novel, shares two of her favorite writing prompts, and offers advice for adults who are writing for young readers.

Mariama recommends that writers engage with their communities. “Part of being a writer is also experiencing the world around you and also engaging with it,” she says. “So, you know, it’s not just being a siloed writer, tortured writer in a tower, but the more you engage with people and arts and things that you’re not familiar with, the more powerful your writing is going to be.”

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About Our Guest

Mariama J. Lockington is a transracial adoptee, author, and educator. She has been telling stories and making her own books since the second grade, when she wore shortalls and flower leggings every day to school. Her debut middle grade novel For Black Girls Like Me (FSG BYR 2019) is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard title and has earned five-starred reviews.

Mariama’s second middle grade novel In the Key Of Us (FSG BYR) will be out April 26, 2022, and her debut YA novel Forever is Now (FSG BYR) is also forthcoming. Mariama calls many places home, but currently lives in Kentucky with her partner and her little sausage dog, Henry. You can find her on Twitter @marilock and on Instagram/TikTok @forblackgirlslikeme.

Join the Prompt to Page Writing Group

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6:00 PM

Spend time working on this month’s Prompt to Page podcast writing prompts, get feedback, and share writing tips with a community of other writers. Open to all writing levels.

Registration is required.

Submit Your Writing

We’d love to see what you’re writing! Submit a response to the episode prompt for a chance to have it read on a future episode of the podcast.