Beth Brown Preston’s journey as a writer began with a fifth-grade poem—an early spark that would kindle a lifelong passion for language, self-expression, and truth-telling. In this conversation, Preston reflects on her evolution as a poet, novelist, and memoirist, sharing how her art has grown from youthful curiosity into a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the Black female experience.

Daithí Kearney grew up in southwest Ireland before going to university in Cork. As a boy, he enjoyed music and dance and gained a lot of experience in the theatre. These remained important to him at university and still have to this day. After qualifying as a teacher of English and Geography, he completed a PhD and quickly gained a position as a lecturer in music at Dundalk Institute of Technology on the east coast. Here, he met his now wife. They have two wonderful sons.