The Washington Post called Dionne Ford’s 2023 memoir Go Back and Get It “tenacious, openhearted, ultimately transcendent,” and the Chicago Review of Books raved “Ford’s willingness to stare down her, her family’s, and this country’s painful history makes this book extraordinary, alongside her openness about her path to healing.” We were so delighted Dionne joined us for StoryBoard 2025, and just as delighted she was willing to answer a few questions about her experience. Here’s the conversation.
- What inspired you to apply for StoryBoard?
When my friend Ananda Lima told me about the StoryBoard conference and I saw that Deesha Philyaw was teaching in fiction, I knew I had to apply.
- What type of creative writing project were you working on (and how’s it going now?!) and what aspects of StoryBoard week helped you move that project forward?
I was working on a novel and Deesha’s excellent prompts and craft lectures as well as the insightful responses from my cohort recharged and refreshed me.
- Tell us about the social aspects of the StoryBoard week. How did these complement the workshop components?
I was in dire need of an injection of levity and connection, so it was great getting to know my cohort through their work but outside of the workshop as well. StoryBoard provided just the right amount of activities and I had a chance to go to readings with my fellow writers and check out the fine city of Chicago (who knew you all had pristine beaches?) at my own pace. Our cohort even had a mini reunion of sorts at AWP Baltimore.
- What was one thing about StoryBoard that absolutely blew your mind and you’ve been telling other writers about all year?
The entire staff and faculty are pretty amazing. I still can’t believe I got to be Deesha Philyaw’s fellow. Both she and my fellow writers had excellent feedback. This was the exact support I didn’t even realize I needed to get my next draft of my novel done.
