How to Be Heard

Roxane Gay (@rgay) is one of the most-listened to young cultural observers. She has become an important voice for a generation, writing about the urgent issues of the day, from feminism and modern marriage, to television and police brutality. No matter the topic, her voice is clear, powerful and always honest. How to Be Heard is full of advice that anyone pursuing a creative life will find fascinating and useful: *You can be a writer if you want to (as long as you actually write). *If you're a woman, gay or a person of colour, there are probably more barriers. Know this. Be relentless any way. Strive for excellence. Learn how to kick the shit out of those barriers but don't assume every failure is about your identity because it isn't. *Accept that sometimes cream does rise to the top and hard work will eventually get noticed. *Learn to deal with rejection. You don't have to like it. The creative life involves rejection far more than acceptance. It's easier if you can accept that early on. After delving into the writing life, Gay looks at what is required to succeed in any creative endeavour. Woven throughout are her personal anecdotes and insights on using your voice, being heard and knowing how to listen. How to Be Heard is about finding a voice that is uniquely yours and making sure you are heard when it truly matters.