Toni kinda made fun of Oprah for saying it takes several reads to understand Toni’s work “that, my dear, is called reading.” But Toni is haaaaard to read. It’s ok to acknowledge that.

Watching #PiecesIAm reminded me of how PERFECT a reread of Paradise would be as I’m working on my latest script. I’m literally on page 5 after 30 mins. You can’t breeze through Toni. She’s not easy. But the language makes you want to push through, and she rewards you if you do.

No shade, but this also reminded me about the fundamental problem with some people’s storytelling...they’re very J Cole to prepping for a screenplay. No reading, just vibes. It shows.

Read books from Black authors who LOVE Black people, who are talking to Black people PRIMARILY as their audience. It will help storytelling about / to Black people tremendously. Find the writers who love us and show it in the work. Learn what love of Black ppl looks/feels like

See now @RadhaMUSprime got me thinking abt Toni's opening lines! "124 was spiteful." (Beloved) "Quiet as it's kept, there were no marigolds in the fall of 1941." (The Bluest Eye) "They shoot the white girl first." (Paradise) Whew! To read Toni is to reread & reread & reread Toni!

This also reminds me of my conversation with @octarell and @Oprah the day that Toni died about Toni's influence on #DavidMakesMan! I don't think it's a coincidence that my fave screenwriters have a deep relationship with Toni's work https://shadowandact.com/oprah-tarell-mccraney-talk-toni-morrisons-impact-on-david-makes-man