Jaquira Díaz Discusses Trust and Creativity in New Podcast Episode

A recent episode of the podcast “First Draft: A Dialogue of Writing,” hosted by Mitzi Rapkin, features an in-depth discussion with acclaimed author Jaquira Díaz. The episode highlights Díaz’s insights into the themes of trust in both the self and the creative process, as well as her latest novel, This Is the Only Kingdom.

Exploring the Nature of Trust

During the conversation, Rapkin posed a thought-provoking question to Díaz: “What’s your relationship with trust?” This inquiry opened a dialogue about the cyclical nature of creativity. Díaz reflected on her initial excitement when starting a new project, saying, “I trust that this will be what it needs to be.” However, she also candidly shared her struggles with self-doubt throughout the writing process, expressing moments of despair where she questioned the value of her work.

Díaz articulated a common experience among writers, noting, “Somewhere in that writing process, I’m like, This is terrible. This is the worst thing I have ever written.” She emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating that trusting in her abilities as an artist is crucial not only for herself but also for gaining the trust of her readers. “I think I have to trust myself before anyone else will trust me,” she explained.

Díaz’s Literary Journey

Jaquira Díaz, who was raised between Humacao and Fajardo in Puerto Rico and Miami Beach, is known for her poignant writing style. Her memoir, Ordinary Girls, has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Whiting Award and a Florida Book Awards Gold Medal. It was also recognized as a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards and selected by the American Booksellers Association as an Indies Introduce title.

Her writing has appeared in notable anthologies, including The Best American Essays and The Pushcart Prize anthology. Díaz’s debut novel, This Is the Only Kingdom, has been longlisted for the Center for Fiction 2025 First Novel Prize, further establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

Currently residing in New York, Díaz also shares her expertise by teaching at Columbia University. This podcast episode serves as a reminder of the emotional and intellectual complexities involved in the writing process, as well as the vital role that trust plays in creating meaningful literature.

Listeners can subscribe to “First Draft” to hear the full conversation, which not only offers a glimpse into Díaz’s creative mind but also explores the broader implications of trust in artistic endeavors.