The world can learn a lot from Tembe Denton-Hurst—like how to tell a story and, perhaps more importantly, how to tell the truth. She does this and more in her stunning debut novel, Homebodies, which “is a testament to those trying to be heard and loved in a world that refuses to make space.”

In this electric story, readers follow Mickey Hayward, a writer in New York navigating the crossroads of personal, professional, and romantic tumult. After an unjust, devastating job loss, Mickey takes the reigns by crafting a letter detailing the racism and sexism she's faced as a Black woman in media. But when the letter goes unanswered, in tandem with rising tensions in her relationship, Mickey finds herself paralyzed with doubt and uncertainty. Seeking reprieve, the mounting pressure culminates in Mickey's return to her hometown.

Page after page, Tembe takes us through Mickey's past and present milestones, and as we get to know Mickey's world, readers can't help but wonder: What does it mean to truly feel at home in our lives—and ourselves? 

In this interview, Tembe shared more about her life as a writer, her evolving definition of ambition, and the idea of legacy on and off the page. This episode also opens with a story by Emma Leokadia of Girls on the Page.

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Episode Transcript: https://slowstoriespodcast.com/tembe-denton-hurst 

Learn more about Tembe's work: https://tembedentonhurst.com/ 

Follow Tembe: https://instagram.com/tembae/ 

Purchase Homebodies: https://bookshop.org/p/books/homebodies-tembe-denton-hurst/19218543?ean=9780063274280/  

Learn more about Emma's work: https://www.girlsonthepage.com/ 

Follow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/girlsonthepage/