The Pen Game with William Person https://thepengame.podbean.com The Pen Game Podcast | Writing, Storytelling & Creative Disciplines Hosted by William Person, The Pen Game is a storytelling podcast dedicated to exploring the art, craft, and business of writing across all disciplines. From screenwriters and novelists to poets, rappers, journalists, and speech writers, this show highlights the voices, processes, and perspectives behind powerful storytelling. Each episode dives into how stories are created, structured, and delivered—covering topics like screenwriting, creative writing, songwriting, narrative development, dialogue, and story structure. Whether you're an aspiring writer, seasoned storyteller, or creative entrepreneur, The Pen Game offers insights, interviews, and practical lessons to help you sharpen your craft and elevate your voice. The Pen Game, where story is everything and everything is story. Tue, 05 May 2026 12:00:00 -0600 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en us © 2026 2026 Wild Cabbage Studios Arts:Books 1440 episodic William Person William Person No false https://feed.podbean.com/thepengame/feed.xml https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/22411985/podcast_import_artwork_20260508-249-a59b35.jpg The Pen Game with William Person https://thepengame.podbean.com 144 144 Toni Ann Johnson on “But Where’s Home?” | Writing Black Family Stories & Historical Fiction Toni Ann Johnson on “But Where’s Home?” | Writing Black Family Stories & Historical Fiction https://thepengame.podbean.com/e/toni-ann-johnson-on-but-where-s-home-writing-black-family-stories-historical-fiction/ https://thepengame.podbean.com/e/toni-ann-johnson-on-but-where-s-home-writing-black-family-stories-historical-fiction/#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 12:00:00 -0600 2c781b5a-c3ee-4460-bad1-40c0acf48089 In this episode of The Pen Game, host William Person sits down with acclaimed author Toni Ann Johnson to discuss her latest novel, "But Where’s Home?"—the third installment in her compelling Arrington family series.

Set in 1960s upstate New York, But Where’s Home? follows a Black family navigating identity, belonging, and community during a time of social change. Johnson shares her approach to crafting multi-generational characters, building authentic historical settings, and exploring themes of race, family, and resilience through fiction.

From character development and dialogue to world-building and emotional truth, this conversation highlights how powerful stories are shaped and why they matter. Whether you're an aspiring author, a screenwriter, poet, or creative writer, this episode of The Pen Game expands your understanding of narrative craft through the lens of Black literature and long-form storytelling.

Show Notes: We dive into a compelling conversation with writer Toni Ann Johnson as she unpacks the layers of her series about the Arrington family, exploring themes of race, belonging, and personal growth. This episode offers insights into her storytelling techniques, character development, and the intricate reflections on her own experiences that shape her work.

In this episode:

  • The origins of Johnson’s series and her personal journey in writing about her family and community

  • How her characters reflect diverse perspectives on race, class, and identity

  • Techniques of narrative voice, including the use of first, second, and third person

  • The structural choices behind the series’ storytelling styles and point of view shifts

  • The role of Monroe’s setting as both a reflection and critique of societal comforts and prejudices

  • How childhood experiences of racism and family dynamics inform Johnson’s character arcs

  • The evolution of characters like Maddie, Livia, Velma, and Phil, and their internal conflicts

  • The thematic exploration of assimilation, black identity, and the pursuit of the ‘white ideal’

  • Johnson’s future projects and her approach to balancing humor and heartache in storytelling

 

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Toni Ann Johnson and the central themes of her series 01:27 - The personal roots behind the stories of race and family in Monroe 02:44 - How literary collections influenced Johnson’s approach to narrative structure 04:43 - The story behind Maddie and the emotional impact of childhood racism 06:08 - Exploring the characters' perspectives and their perceptions of Monroe 07:07 - How character points of view expanded the series beyond Maddie’s story 08:29 - Initial impressions of the series' characters—author’s insights into their complexity 09:35 - Deeper character analysis: Phil’s motivations and Velma’s emotional dysregulation 11:15 - Maddie’s loneliness and emotional needs within her family environment 13:13 - The creation of Livia and her resilient, adjusted outlook 15:39 - Dissecting Livia’s observations and her versus Maddie’s experiences 17:46 - Narrative style: The interplay of first, second, and third person techniques 20:04 - How the use of second person enhances character interiority and relatability 22:34 - The influence of literary techniques like close third-person and framing 23:14 - The role of absorbing diverse stories in Johnson’s MFA and writing craft 24:43 - Insights into the self-critical voice of Maddie and the narrative’s emotional honesty 27:43 - The reflective, outsider perspective on Monroe—villain versus victim 30:04 - How characters envy and idealize different aspects of their upbringing and community 33:20 - The impact of neighborhood dynamics and racial identity on character development 36:08 - The critique of materialism and the illusion of the ‘white life’ 38:05 - What drew Phil and Velma to Monroe? A look at aspirations versus reality 39:40 - The town of Monroe as a complex space: a reflection of societal contradictions 44:21 - Personal experiences versus community narratives: contrasting perspectives on Monroe 45:48 - The recurring theme of childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects 48:12 - Future directions for Johnson’s writing, focusing on Maddie’s solo life and relationships 50:44 - Possible exploration of Maddie’s marriage and romantic pursuits in upcoming stories 51:42 - Final thoughts and encouragement for writers to continue their craft

Resources & Links:

Connect with Toni Anne Johnson:

 

Notes: This episode’s rich storytelling emphasizes the importance of nuanced characters and the ways personal history influences fiction. If you're interested in exploring narrative techniques and authentic portrayals of race and family, this conversation offers invaluable insights for writers and enthusiasts alike.

Click here to view the episode transcript. 

Connect with the host: William Person: 

Connect with the producer: Tiffani Rozier

]]> In this episode of The Pen Game, host William Person sits down with acclaimed author Toni Ann Johnson to discuss her latest novel, "But Where’s Home?"—the third installment in her compelling Arrington family series.

Set in 1960s upstate New York, But Where’s Home? follows a Black family navigating identity, belonging, and community during a time of social change. Johnson shares her approach to crafting multi-generational characters, building authentic historical settings, and exploring themes of race, family, and resilience through fiction.

From character development and dialogue to world-building and emotional truth, this conversation highlights how powerful stories are shaped and why they matter. Whether you're an aspiring author, a screenwriter, poet, or creative writer, this episode of The Pen Game expands your understanding of narrative craft through the lens of Black literature and long-form storytelling.

Show Notes: We dive into a compelling conversation with writer Toni Ann Johnson as she unpacks the layers of her series about the Arrington family, exploring themes of race, belonging, and personal growth. This episode offers insights into her storytelling techniques, character development, and the intricate reflections on her own experiences that shape her work.

In this episode:

  • The origins of Johnson’s series and her personal journey in writing about her family and community

  • How her characters reflect diverse perspectives on race, class, and identity

  • Techniques of narrative voice, including the use of first, second, and third person

  • The structural choices behind the series’ storytelling styles and point of view shifts

  • The role of Monroe’s setting as both a reflection and critique of societal comforts and prejudices

  • How childhood experiences of racism and family dynamics inform Johnson’s character arcs

  • The evolution of characters like Maddie, Livia, Velma, and Phil, and their internal conflicts

  • The thematic exploration of assimilation, black identity, and the pursuit of the ‘white ideal’

  • Johnson’s future projects and her approach to balancing humor and heartache in storytelling

 

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Toni Ann Johnson and the central themes of her series 01:27 - The personal roots behind the stories of race and family in Monroe 02:44 - How literary collections influenced Johnson’s approach to narrative structure 04:43 - The story behind Maddie and the emotional impact of childhood racism 06:08 - Exploring the characters' perspectives and their perceptions of Monroe 07:07 - How character points of view expanded the series beyond Maddie’s story 08:29 - Initial impressions of the series' characters—author’s insights into their complexity 09:35 - Deeper character analysis: Phil’s motivations and Velma’s emotional dysregulation 11:15 - Maddie’s loneliness and emotional needs within her family environment 13:13 - The creation of Livia and her resilient, adjusted outlook 15:39 - Dissecting Livia’s observations and her versus Maddie’s experiences 17:46 - Narrative style: The interplay of first, second, and third person techniques 20:04 - How the use of second person enhances character interiority and relatability 22:34 - The influence of literary techniques like close third-person and framing 23:14 - The role of absorbing diverse stories in Johnson’s MFA and writing craft 24:43 - Insights into the self-critical voice of Maddie and the narrative’s emotional honesty 27:43 - The reflective, outsider perspective on Monroe—villain versus victim 30:04 - How characters envy and idealize different aspects of their upbringing and community 33:20 - The impact of neighborhood dynamics and racial identity on character development 36:08 - The critique of materialism and the illusion of the ‘white life’ 38:05 - What drew Phil and Velma to Monroe? A look at aspirations versus reality 39:40 - The town of Monroe as a complex space: a reflection of societal contradictions 44:21 - Personal experiences versus community narratives: contrasting perspectives on Monroe 45:48 - The recurring theme of childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects 48:12 - Future directions for Johnson’s writing, focusing on Maddie’s solo life and relationships 50:44 - Possible exploration of Maddie’s marriage and romantic pursuits in upcoming stories 51:42 - Final thoughts and encouragement for writers to continue their craft

Resources & Links:

Connect with Toni Anne Johnson:

 

Notes: This episode’s rich storytelling emphasizes the importance of nuanced characters and the ways personal history influences fiction. If you're interested in exploring narrative techniques and authentic portrayals of race and family, this conversation offers invaluable insights for writers and enthusiasts alike.

Click here to view the episode transcript. 

Connect with the host: William Person: 

Connect with the producer: Tiffani Rozier

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