Jaquira Díaz Discusses Trust in Writing on First Draft Podcast

The latest episode of the podcast First Draft features a compelling dialogue between host Mitzi Rapkin and acclaimed author Jaquira Díaz. They delve into the theme of trust, exploring its significance in both personal creativity and the writing process. This episode highlights the struggles and triumphs that writers face as they navigate their artistic journeys.

Díaz, known for her memoir Ordinary Girls, shared her complex relationship with trust in her craft. She expressed the excitement that comes with starting a new project and the overwhelming self-doubt that often follows. “I go through cycles in the very beginning, like, Oh, I’m so excited for this new project. I’m making art. This is so much fun,” she explained. However, she also acknowledged the dark moments where she questions her abilities: “This is terrible. This is the worst thing I have ever written. I should give up.”

Amid these challenges, Díaz emphasized the importance of perseverance. She stated that trusting in her skills is essential for her growth as a storyteller. “I think I have to trust myself before anyone else will trust me,” she remarked. This self-trust is intertwined with her passion for reading, which she credits as a source of inspiration and comfort.

Díaz’s journey as a writer has been marked by significant achievements. Raised between Humacao and Fajardo in Puerto Rico and Miami Beach, she has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Whiting Award and the Florida Book Awards Gold Medal. Her works have been featured in several notable anthologies, including The Best American Essays and The Pushcart Prize anthology.

Her debut novel, This Is the Only Kingdom, has also gained recognition, being longlisted for the Center for Fiction 2025 First Novel Prize. As she continues to teach at Columbia University in New York, Díaz remains dedicated to her craft, aiming to create stories that resonate deeply with readers.

Listeners can subscribe and download the episode of First Draft wherever they access their podcasts. The conversation not only offers insights into Díaz’s creative process but also serves as a reminder of the universal challenges that writers encounter. In navigating trust—both in themselves and in the creative process—Díaz exemplifies the resilience that defines successful authors worldwide.