Podcast
...But Make It Books
Hosted by ...But Make It Books · EN
Join Niccara, host of ...But Make It Books features candid conversations with authors, bookstore owners, and literary figures—bookishly healing through life, one story at a time. Explore the creativity and passion behind the books and people shaping the literary world. Because everything's better when you make it books.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What We Pass Down: A Conversation with Nikesha Elise Williams on Seven Daughters of Dupree
2w ago00:54:39Tap to summarizeJoin Niccara as she welcomes award-winning author, journalist, and two-time Emmy Award-winning television producer Nikesha Elise Williams to the pod! We talk about her sweeping debut with Simon & Schuster, Seven Daughters of Dupree: a multigenerational saga tracing seven generations of Black women from 1860 to the present day, bound together by legacy, love, loss, and a curse that only a daughter can break. We get into the enslaved ancestor whose story sets everything in motion, why hair is both inheritance and survival in this novel, what secrecy truly costs the women of this bloodline, the intimacy Black people have always had to carry about white folks just to stay safe, and the quiet call of the land pulling Black people back to the South. Plus Nikesha reads from the prologue and we spiral beautifully into hot combs, Saturday nights, and every Black girl's sensory memory.Perfect for readers who love multigenerational Black family sagas, stories rooted in the Black South, and honest reckoning with what we carry, what we keep secret, and what we dare to pass on differently. Make sure you pick up The Seven Daughters of Dupree wherever you get your books, and run it up!Follow & Find Nikesha Elise Williams: @nikesha_elise | newwrites.com | Black & Publish PodcastFollow Us: @butmakeitbookspod | @thebookishhottie | bookishlyhealing.comShop With Us: Use our Mahogany Books link with code BMIBThe Seven Daughters of DupreeDon't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Keeping it real...but make it books. Peace y'allMentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African Ancestry
Transcribe →The Concessions We Make: A She Well Read x But Make It Books Collab
4w ago00:57:20Tap to summarizeJoin Niccara as she links up with Lana and Samra of She Well Read for a conversation that starts with a book and ends up saying everything. We dig into Amy DuBois Barnett's If I Ruled the World — a 90s New York story following a Black editor navigating ambition, power, and survival at the intersection of hip hop and high fashion — and we don't let it go without pulling the thread all the way through. We talk about what it costs Black women to be seen in industries that were never built for them, the misogyny baked into hip hop then and now, how we were raised on shame instead of power, and the quiet ways we make concessions just to stay in the room. Plus: natural hair, predators with platforms, men crashing out, and why Nikki at the end of the book is absolutely who you want to have brunch with.Perfect for readers who love stories about Black women's ambition and self-discovery, and for anyone reckoning with the 90s: nostalgia, rose-colored glasses and all. Make sure you pick up "If I Ruled the World" from where you get your books and stay tuned because it's becoming a TV show!Follow & Find She Well Read: @shewellread | TikTok, Instagram & ThreadsFollow Us: @butmakeitbookspod | @thebookishhottie | bookishlyhealing.comShop With Us: Use our Mahogany Books link with code BMIBIf I Ruled the World Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Keep healing...but make it books. Peace y'allMentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African Ancestry
Transcribe →We Built Different: A Refined & Ratchet x But Make It Books Collab
Apr 1600:54:19Tap to summarizeSeason 3 is officially HERE, and we are opening the doors with the collab you didn't know you needed. Join Niccara as she welcomes the dynamic duo behind Refined & Ratchet — Charlee and Nisha — to the pod for a conversation that's equal parts unfiltered and essential. We get into what it really means to be a reader in the age of the algorithm, the real difference between community building and networking (because they are NOT the same thing), and why the book community is sometimes harder on itself than it is on anyone else. Plus, hot takes, book recs, and a rapid-fire round that reveals who's a dog-earer and who absolutely is not.Perfect for readers who are deeply invested in Black book culture, content creation, authentic community, and the love of the game — especially when the algorithm isn't on your side. If you've ever asked yourself why you're in this space, this episode is your mirror.Follow & Find Refined & Ratchet: @refinedandratchet | YouTube: Refined & RatchetFollow Charlee: @ohcharleeplease Follow Nisha: @nextchapternishFollow Us: @butmakeitbookspod | @thebookishhottie | bookishlyhealing.comShop With Us: Use our Mahogany Books link with code BMIBDon't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Keeping healing...but make it books. Peace y'allMentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African Ancestry
Transcribe →We Are Coming Back for Season 3
Apr 200:04:19Tap to summarizeShe's back. We're back. And this season? We are not playing around.Welcome to Season 3 of ...But Make It Books — the podcast that makes reading cool, celebrates diverse voices, and brings the culture to the literary world. This trailer gives you a taste of everything we've been cooking up, and the lineup is stacked.This season we're sitting down with authors, podcasters, and creatives including She Well Read, TL Martin, BNB Book Designer, Sedona Rose, Leslie Street, Kehinde Winful, Nikesha Elise Williams, Dr.Jenn Jackson, Refined & Ratchet, and more — and every single conversation is one you are going to want to share.New episodes drop biweekly on Thursdays starting April 16th.Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and tag us when you're listening — we love to see it.📖 Follow us:Instagram: @butmakeitbookspodWebsite: bookishlyhealing.comMentioned in this episode:The Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryAfrican AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African Ancestry
Transcribe →Hypervisible and Invisible: Paula Chase on The Heights and Who Gets to Be Human
Jan 800:51:25Tap to summarizeJoin Niccara as she welcomes Paula Chase, co-founder of The Brown Bookshelf and author of the Heights series, to the pod! We talk about her novel The Balancing Act, the power of reclaiming language around grief, and how young people navigate invisibility within communities fighting over scarce resources in their own neighborhoods.Perfect for readers who appreciate stories centered on Black youth, community resilience, grief and healing, institutional critique, and the courage it takes to be truly seen. Make sure you pick up The Balancing Act from where you get your books!Follow Us:@butmakeitbookspod | @thebookishhottie | bookishlyhealing.comFollow & Find Paula Chase:paulachasewrites.com | @paulachaseauthorShop With Us:Use our Mahogany Books link with code BMIBDon't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Keeping it real...but make it books. Peace y'allMentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African Ancestry
Transcribe →Stewards of the Wilds: How Analeigh Sbrana Empowers Through Fantasy
Dec 2500:46:36Tap to summarizeJoin Niccara as she welcomes Sunday Times Bestselling author Analeigh Sbrana to the pod! We talk about her duology "Lore of the Wilds" and "Lore of the Tides", the power of Black heroines discovering their own magic, and how courage, stewardship of the land, and community create opportunities for freedom and belonging. Fantasy and romantasy lovers, especially those who appreciate stories centered on Black girlhood, identity, and representation, this episode is for you! Lore of the WildsLore of the TidesMake sure you pick up the Lore duology from where you get your books! Follow Us:@butmakeitbookspod | @thebookishhottie | bookishlyhealing.comFollow & Find Analeigh Sbrana: analeighsbrana.com | @analeighsbranaShop With Us:Use our Mahogany Books link with code BMIBDon't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Mentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African Ancestry
Transcribe →"You Wanted a Worshipper, Not a Wife": Dominion with Addie E. Citchens
Dec 1100:53:17Tap to summarizeJoin Niccara as she welcomes Addie E. Citchens, inaugural recipient of the Farrar, Straus and Giroux Writer's Fellowship and debut author, to the pod! We talk about her novel Dominion, the cost of maintaining false narratives, and how women become the custodians of family reputation and community silence in the Black church.Perfect for readers who appreciate stories centered on Black womanhood, Southern life, faith, complicity, and the courage it takes to choose yourself. Make sure you pick up Dominion from where you get your books!Follow Us:@butmakeitbookspod | @thebookishhottie | bookishlyhealing.comFollow & Find Addie E. Citchens:addiecitchens.com | @addiecitchensShop With Us:Use our Mahogany Books link with code BMIBDon't forget to rate, subscribe and review! Keeping healing...but make it books. Peace y'allMentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryAfrican AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.
Transcribe →Under the Neon Lights: Big Names, Belonging, and Black Girlhood with Arriel Vinson
Oct 900:44:58Tap to summarizeJoin Niccara as she welcomes Arriel Vinson, Reese's Book Club LitUp Fellow and debut author, to the pod! We talk about her novel-in-verse, "Under the Neon Lights", the power of Black girls with big names, and how change—whether it's gentrification, divorce, or growing up—creates opportunities for freedom and belonging.YA lovers, especially those who appreciate stories centered on Black girlhood, identity, and community, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Under the Neon Lights" from where you get your books!Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Arriel Vinson: arriwrites.com & @arriwritesUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Mentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African Ancestry
Transcribe →Where There's Smoke, There's Love...(w/ Aricka Alexander)
Sep 1100:41:12Tap to summarizeJoin Niccara as she welcomes Aricka Alexander, Young Adult Romance & Queer Adult Romance writer, to the pod! We talk about her newest release, "Where There's Smoke", growing up in the South, and how love is driving force for what we do and inspiration that we find right in front of us.Romance lovers, especially my sapphic romance lovers, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Where There's Smoke" from where you get your books!Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find Aricka Alexander: instagram & websiteUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Mentioned in this episode:African AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryAfrican AncestryWe are the pioneers of genetic ancestry tracing for Black people globally, reconnecting you to your specific African roots–the country and the people. Our scientists compare your DNA markers to the largest African reference database in the world in order to find your African origin up to 2000 years ago.African AncestryThe Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.
Transcribe →Villains, Heroes, and Last Women Standing... w/K.Powell
Aug 2900:35:44Tap to summarizeJoin Niccara as she welcomes K.Powell, a thriller writer you need to know about! We talk about her newest release, Say I Do and explore the lines between love, obsession, possession, and what it means to be the last woman standing.Thriller lovers, this episode is for you! Make sure you pick up "Say I Do" from where you get your books!Follow us at: @butmakeitbookspod @thebookishhottieFollow & Find K.Powell: instagram & websiteUse my Mahogany Books link here using code BMIB.Don't forget to rate, subscribe and review!Mentioned in this episode:The Seven Daughters of Dupree Pre-Order Offer Nikisha Elise Williams, the host of the Black and Published podcast, is celebrating the release of her forthcoming novel, The Seven Daughters of Dupree. This historical fiction novel is about the secrets kept between mothers and daughters over the course of seven generations and is told backwards in time from 1995 to 1860. The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released on January 27th, 2026, but is available for pre-order now at MahoganyBooks.com. Please consider pre-ordering The Seven Daughters of Dupree today.
Transcribe →