“Accompanied by simple yet expressive illustrations, this is a loving and much-needed story that encourages kids to make a difference… Empowerment to children to be the change they wish to see in the world.” ― Kirkus Reviews

Nyasha Williams, a passionate social justice griot, has a unique background of living intermittently between the United States and South Africa. This diverse experience has deeply influenced Nyasha’s mission to decolonize literature, minds, and spiritual practices using words and stories.

Nyasha firmly believes that the story lives within each of us and that our mission is to use stories to spread understanding, healing, and empowerment. Through her work, Nyasha encourages us to uncover and share our stories so that we can all learn, grow, and create meaningful change.

Nyasha’s writing is rooted in her understanding of stories’ powerful potential to transform and reveal truths that have been hidden for too long. She strives to use her words to ignite new conversations, inspire action, and ultimately help create a more equitable and just world.

“As BIPOCs, we are operating and navigating harmful systems that weren’t made for us and are actively working against us,” says Williams. “My efforts as a creator, author, and activist are to combat the systems of White supremacy, colonization, and the patriarchy, working towards decolonizing, liberating, and indigenizing our minds and world.”

Writing to Change the Narrative is Nyasha’s way of bringing her passion for storytelling to life and helping us all to write our own stories. With her help, we can all find our voices and use them to write a better world.

She has eleven children’s book titles published or in the publishing process, along with a Tarot deck and Oracle deck, each with journal accompaniments. Nyasha is the founder and creative director of Fire + Honey Press, a digital publishing honeycomb created toward collective liberation.

Nyasha's Featured Titles

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Author Talk: My Why

Introduction Session with Nyasha Williams. Nyasha shares her story, why she started writing and her creative process. Students will learn all about her favorite part of bringing a book to life.

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LITERATURE & MEDIA AS VEHICLES FOR CHANGE

Lesson 1: Then & Now – Our Evolution
Lesson 2: Equality + Equity (Diversity/Inclusion/Belonging)
Lesson 3: Visual Equity Examination of Illustrations in Author Nyasha’s Books

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FANTASY WRITING MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES

Lesson 1: Creature Creation
Lesson 2: World for Your Creation
Lesson 3: A Day with Your Creation

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WRITING OUR DREAMS

Lesson 1: Books About Dreams
Lesson 2: Importance of Dreams
Lesson 3: Creating Your Dreams

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IMPACT OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Lesson 1: Power in Images
Lesson 2: The Role of Illustrations in Books
Lesson 3: Show It To Tell the Story
Lesson 4: Picking an Illustrator
Lesson 5: Art Notes
Lesson 6: Imagining Illustrations

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Author Talks: Seasons of Black Tarot

Join us in celebrating the current (season) by celebrating a written and illustrated Tarot deck centered around ancestral connection. During this sacred gathering we will connect with the creators and welcome (season) using the deck. Nyasha Williams, a passionate social justice griot, grew up living intermittently between the United States and South Africa. Nyasha’s mission is to use words and stories to decolonize literature, minds, and spiritual practices.

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Co-Authoring a Book

Co-Author of four, two published and two in progress books, join Nyasha Williams describe her journey of co-creating various projects with thirteen different authors she has co-written with in total.

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Showing up! Allyship as a Creative: Social Justice on the Page

Dive into the intersection of allyship, social justice, and creativity as a creative- writing and illustrating. Explore how to authentically incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into your storytelling while engaging young readers. This session welcomes creators at all levels passionate about using their craft as a platform for positive change. Discover strategies for crafting impactful narratives that resonate with audiences and empower own voices.

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Breaking the Rules on Picture Books: New Approaches to an Old Form

Explore innovative techniques and unconventional storytelling methods with Nyasha Williams toward getting noticed by agents and publishers. This breakout session challenges the taught conventional norms and encourages participants to push boundaries creatively. Suitable for writers and illustrators seeking fresh perspectives on getting your work out into the world.

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The Creative Playground with Nyasha Williams

Nyasha’s Events

Honors, Awards & Recognition

2024 Silver Nautilus Book Award in the Children’s Picture Book category for Keep Dreaming, Black Child

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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