Bernice McFadden Writer’s Clinic

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF), through its Literary Arts Desk, continues its commitment to developing Barbados’ literary talent with the upcoming Writers’ Clinic session titled “Writing Character Arcs”, featuring internationally acclaimed author Bernice L. McFadden. 

Meet Bernice L. McFadden

The session will take place on Friday, May 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. via Zoom, and is free and open to the public. 
 

Writers’ Clinic is a monthly tutorial series designed to support writers at all levels by providing practical guidance on key aspects of the craft. Each session is led by experienced industry professionals and focuses on strengthening the technical and creative skills needed to produce compelling work.
 

In this instalment, participants will explore the art of developing meaningful character arcs—an essential element of storytelling that shapes how characters evolve throughout a narrative and connect with readers on a deeper level. 
 

McFadden brings a wealth of experience to the session. She is the author of ten critically acclaimed novels, including The Warmest December, Gathering of Waters—a New York Times Editors’ Choice and one of the publication’s 100 Notable Books of 2012—and The Book of Harlan, which earned both the American Book Award and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, Fiction. A four-time Hurston/Wright Legacy Award finalist, she has also received multiple honours from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA).

The Book of Harlan by Bernice L. McFadden

Her body of work often explores themes of history, identity, and resilience. Her novel Glorious traverses the Jim Crow South, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights era, offering a powerful exploration of self-discovery and redemption. More recently, her memoir Firstborn Girls: A Memoir (2025) examines inherited trauma, family dynamics, and the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters. 
 

Beyond her literary achievements, McFadden is also an essayist and short story writer and has written a series of humorous erotica novels under the pseudonym Geneva Holliday. 

Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden

Persons interested in participating in this Writers’ Clinic session are encouraged to register by emailing Cultural Officer Karra Price at karra-price@ncfbarbados.org or calling 417-6610. 
 

The NCF remains committed to creating opportunities for Barbadian writers to learn, grow, and engage with leading voices in the global literary community. (PR)