On episode 62 of the podcast we’re rewinding to listen to debut author and actress,Tembi Locke, talk about writing her brilliant memoir about love and loss, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily and Finding Home. In our conversation, Tembi and I talk about the reasons she decided to write this searing love story about life before and after her Italian husband’s death from cancer; her writing process as a new author; why writing memoir is so powerful; what life is like for a Black-American woman living in Sicily; raising confident multiracial children; and the healing power of food. Yes, we covered just about all of my favorite things in this one brilliant conversation.  At the end of the conversation, I share some exciting news and updates about Tembi and From Scratch, regarding her connections with Reese Witherspoon and some other Hollywood-based projects. Personal News on the Meltingpot Minute Speaking of multicultural memoirs, during the Meltingpot Minute, I share some exciting news about my own life. Like Tembi, who is a Black woman who found lasting love while studying abroad, and then wrote all about it, I wrote a memoir too. My memoir is called Kinky Gazpacho and takes place in Spain instead of Italy. Tune in to hear my exciting news and what it has to do with writing, memoir and Spain. Literary Links from the Show To follow Tembi Locke, please visit her website where you can also find all of her social media handles. To keep track of when From Scratch the Netflix series, visit the From Scratch page on Netflix. To find out more about the Waiting to Exhale Series on ABC, check out this article about the Locke sisters on LitHub. If you haven't read Terry McMillan's classic, Waiting to Exhale, get your copy wherever you like to buy books. If you haven't read any books by Tembi's talented sister, Attica Locke, you might want to start with The Cutting Season. I loved it. Tembi is as much a grief activist as she is a writer. If you're looking for resources to help you move through grief, visit her platform, The Kitchen Widow for help or inspiration. If you're interested in reading my memoir about my complicated love affair with Spain, you can find Kinky Gazpacho anywhere you buy books. ****************************** How to Support the Show Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts Do your online book shopping on the My American Meltingpot Bookstore Leave us a tip via paypal on the My American Meltingpot Website. Thank you!