In an age where authentic voices are often overshadowed, Lavada Talley is breaking through the noise with her unique creations—the Boozy Book Tour and the Negro in Distress: BlackGirlTiredBooktalk podcast. Born from personal experiences and a desire for more intimate connections within the literary community, these projects celebrate indie authors while addressing the social anxieties that can make traditional book events daunting. Lavada’s journey is a testament to resilience and creativity, fueled by her own challenges, including long-haul COVID and military PTSD. In this interview, we’ll explore how she navigates obstacles, nurtures community, and continues to uplift others through her passion for literature. Join us as we dive into Lavada’s inspiring story of empowerment and connection, one book at a time.
1. What inspired you to start the Boozy Book Tour and the Negro in Distress: BlackGirlTiredBooktalk podcast?
The Boozy Book Tour was started by Shannon & myself due to our social anxiety from being around large crowds and wanting events to be less crowded and more personal. The Negro in Distress: BlackGirlTiredBooktalk podcast was inspired from becoming a reader of indie books with so much to discuss in the books, but also wanting to uplift indie authors presence with the amazing writing the give readers. So Instead of just speaking to author via a DM message or group page posts I wanted to really dig deeper to speak to them in a space that is directly about them.
2. How did the concept of the Boozy Book Tour evolve, and what were some initial challenges you faced in making it a reality?
After meeting Shannon and we brainstormed for months we took our own experience and of those readers we heard speaking about book events they attended. We realize there was a lot of readers who were socially awkward and had social anxiety in large crowds, but want the one on one time with authors. We noticed that a lot of cities weren’t reached in regards to book events and cause many readers hardship to travel to events across the country. We wanted to combine these issue and add our personal touch. The initial challenges were the cliques within the book community and being in the “IT” crowd…we are outsiders due to not keeping to the popular indie books and because we wanted to celebrate all indie authors. So we dealt with individuals basically using the term “little” event as an insult. It was a lot of false narratives and pushback plus the immediate talk of us failing before it became a reality.
3. What motivated you to create a podcast focused on indie authors, and how has it helped you connect with the book community?
I was in need of something to feed my soul because mentally and emotionally numb. Finding indie books brought me into a world that amazed and motivated me to break out my shell. I wanted to tell people what I read and I wanted to pay the Autho back for reigniting my passion for life. The video book reviews and interviews brought the community that was vocal more vocal in finding indie authors who were new or new to them by way of my interviews. That brought me into a community that’s called the Boozy Book Baddies of 80+ members women and men.
4. How have you navigated the challenges of being an outsider in the book event community, and what strategies have you used to persevere?
I stay true to who I am and never change to fit in. I’ve received DM’s calling me ghetto, my video reviews are too in depth, and even nobody wants you here, but I’m a firm believer if they take the time to hate on you…you’re doing something right.
5. Can you share a specific instance where you faced resistance or negativity, and how you managed to stay authentic despite it?
I watched my content be copied word for word via an interview from a group that follows me…but dub it just more palatable because they were more the girls girls type of group. I have watched people send their followers to attack me and I have seen people judge me due to my chill personality of having a drink and smoking cigars with authors and chatting and call me ghetto or feeding into the ghetto stereotypes. But I have my moments of I want to give it because I get tired of people’s judgement without knowing my character. I come off as very strong, but mentally it was a lot and having the boozy book baddies community they keep my humbled and uplifted always.
6. What role has community support played in your journey, and how have you built and nurtured your own network?
Honestly it’s been a lot of trial and error, but for someone like me a loner to have people who’ve come together who are the outsiders of the mean girl clique stand together to love and uplift so many including myself has made me push pass my comfort zone to be a better version of myself. I can now authentically pour the love back into them.
7. How do you handle the pressure and stress associated with running multiple projects and dealing with negative feedback?
Well of course a lot of sleepless night lol… but really meditation, weightlifting, and talking to my community about my concerns.
8. What are some of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced through the Boozy Book Tour and the podcast?
The first stop this year for The Boozy Book Tour was Chicago my home town and the fact I was apart of bringing something that I love to my city and it being successful was the highlight of my year. Watching the readers and authors drink, laugh, eat and talk about books like it was a family dinner was worth all the craziness going into this venture. The podcast has been going for a year now and having the opportunity to interview an actor who’s writing a book and being reached out by major movie studios to review their movies online was worth the hard work.
9. How do you maintain your mental well-being while managing the demands of your creative projects and personal challenges?
A lot of journaling and affirmations to myself. I also reread emails, DM’s and text messages from people who don’t know me well or do know me personally tell me how I created a space for them when they needed it most.
10. What advice would you give to other women who are pursuing their passions but facing obstacles and doubts?
Be encouraged because even when it seems like your world is in utter chaos there is someone that needs you for what yo do and it will help them to push through.
11. How do you balance the creative aspects of your projects with the practicalities of running a business?
Making sure I give myself grace and just like we live in imperfect world I’m not perfect and will stumble, but I remember to stay true to my core and my why.
12. Can you discuss any specific practices or routines that help you stay grounded and motivated?
I record my mental health checkin every month being open and honest with myself and those who watch my videos. I want to always put my best foot forward so meditation and self care plays a big role in being healthy.
13. What insights or lessons have you learned from your experiences that you would want to share with aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs?
When a thought gives you pause and you put that idea out continue because things that are easy aren’t worth the time and energy. Believe in yourself more than anyone else can believe in you.
14. How do you envision the future of the Boozy Book Tour and the podcast, and what are your long-term goals for these projects?
My vision for the Boozy Book Tour is to become a 2 day event that is twice a year which also includes a once a year Indie Literary Awards and Melanin Ball that one day is as big as the NAACP awards. I want to have a indie book list that rivals the New York Times and USA Today bestselling list that solely focuses on Indie authors…they deserve it. As far the podcast I will work hard to eventually get a podcast show on a network that will become a household name for all things indie literary.
TikTok: @blackgirltiredbooktok
Instagram: @blackgirltiredbooksanddrinks
Threads: @blackgirltiredbooksanddrinks
TikTok: @boozybookbaddies
Instagram: @boozybookbaddies
Instagram: @boozybooktour
Website: boozybooktour.square.site
