When it comes to our literary dialogue, Kiese Laymon stands unaffected:

The problem with our national lit isn’t just that it’s often written from the same voice; it’s written often to the same listeners. But if you changed the listeners, you change the art. Literally.

The conversation goes on at Vol.1 Brooklyn; Laymon touches on his novel, the essays, and the necessary pleasure of penning multiple pieces (and if you haven’t seen it already, catch his conversation with The Rumpus).