Jaquira Díaz Discusses Trust and Creativity in New Podcast Episode

The latest episode of the podcast “A Dialogue of Writing,” hosted by Mitzi Rapkin, features an insightful conversation with author Jaquira Díaz. The discussion delves into Díaz’s novel, This Is the Only Kingdom, as well as her personal relationship with trust in both herself and the creative process.

In the episode, which is now available for download on various platforms, Rapkin prompts Díaz to reflect on her journey as a writer. Díaz shares her experience of fluctuating confidence during the writing process. She describes the initial excitement that accompanies new projects, stating, “Oh, I’m so excited for this new project. I’m making art. This is so much fun.” However, this enthusiasm often gives way to self-doubt.

“Somewhere in that writing process, I’m like, This is terrible. This is the worst thing I have ever written,” Díaz admits. This cycle of doubt and renewed determination is a common struggle for many creatives. She emphasizes the need to push through these challenges, trusting that the final product will reflect her journey as an artist.

Díaz articulates a profound connection between her creative process and her love of reading. She explains how literature has always provided her with comfort and a sense of grounding. “I have to remember what made me love reading in the first place,” she notes. This passion fuels her writing and instills a belief that her work will resonate with readers.

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in both Humacao and Miami Beach, Jaquira Díaz is recognized for her contributions to literature. Her memoir, Ordinary Girls, has garnered several accolades, including a Whiting Award and a Florida Book Awards Gold Medal. Furthermore, her work has been featured in prestigious anthologies such as The Best American Essays and The Pushcart Prize anthology.

Díaz’s debut novel, This Is the Only Kingdom, was recently longlisted for the Center for Fiction 2025 First Novel Prize, showcasing her evolution as a novelist. She currently resides in New York and imparts her knowledge to students at Columbia University.

In this engaging episode, Díaz’s candid reflections on trust and creativity offer valuable insights for aspiring writers and readers alike. The full interview is available for those interested in exploring her journey and the broader implications of the writing process.