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.Alex 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.During this conversation:Step 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.Join 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.Embark 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.Immerse 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.Join host Rob Lee as he delves into the creative mind of writer Alex Jennings. From comics to music, they discuss the influences behind his debut novel on The Truth in This Art podcast!Twitter: (@magicknegro)Instagram: (@magicknegro)🎧🌟 Don't forget to rate and review this episode to support the best in podcasting! 🌟🎧 Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis. Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcast The Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★