Maya Johnson, a recent graduate of UCSB’s College of Creative Studies, is gaining recognition for her memoir, “Searching for a Black Writer,” which has recently been launched to audiences both familiar and new. Published in June, the memoir stemmed from her Senior Capstone project and was self-published with the assistance of the RAAB Writing Fellowship. The memoir’s journey began with an intimate book launch on the CCS patio, where Maya shared her work with friends and professors, and continued with an engaging event at Chaucer’s Books in November, which included a talk and Q&A session.
At Chaucer’s Books, Johnson was accompanied by her advisor, professor Ellen O’Connell Whittet, who emphasized the importance of perseverance in writing. Maya’s memoir provides a candid look at her college experiences at UCSB, addressing themes of identity, self-discovery, and her reflections on the vibrant yet challenging environment of college life.
The book’s description paints a vivid picture of UCSB as a party town and contrasts the expectations placed on students with the complexities of their true experiences. In her reading, Maya shared an excerpt from a chapter titled “To Render,” which highlights the evolving nature of her interactions with a once-encouraging professor, exposing the vulnerabilities and insecurities that writers often face.
Maya described writing as a healing process, revealing the challenges she encountered while self-publishing, including navigating the technical aspects and seeking the right publishing platform. Discussing the vulnerability of her writing, she expressed gratitude for the connections made through shared experiences, a sentiment echoed by her supportive audience, which included friends, professors, and newcomers to her work.
Looking to the future, Johnson is already embarking on her next writing project—a speculative fiction piece that will explore identity in the context of modern technology. Her story serves as an inspiring example of resilience in the literary world, especially for young, queer, Black female writers navigating the complexities of self-expression and industry challenges.
For those interested, “Searching for a Black Writer” can be found on platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and recordings of Johnson’s book talk are available on Chaucer’s Books’ YouTube channel.
This narrative showcases not only Johnson’s personal journey and achievements but also reflects broader themes of identity, healing, and the power of storytelling, promising a hopeful outlook for diverse voices in literature.