Aftershocks: How Personal and Historical Tremors Shape Us with Nadia Owusu

Beyond the Bestseller

What if the stories of our past—both personal and historical—shape our lives more than we realize? In this episode of Beyond the Bestseller, I sit down with Nadia Owusu, author of Aftershocks, to discuss her deeply personal and beautifully written memoir that explores identity, loss, and the ways history lives within us.

Nadia shares her experiences growing up in multiple countries, navigating maternal estrangement, and grappling with the grief of losing her father at a young age. We explore how personal stories are intertwined with historical forces, how trauma leaves aftershocks in our lives, and why memoirs are about more than just recounting life events—they're about making meaning from them.

We dive into:

• The inspiration behind Aftershocks and why she structured it around the stages of an earthquake.
• How history and identity shape the way we move through the world.
• The process of writing a memoir—not as a life story but as a journey of self-discovery.
• How writing helped her process estrangement, grief, and reconciliation.
• Her insights into storytelling, authenticity, and the power of personal narrative.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Grab a copy of Aftershocks: https://amzn.to/430CURb (affiliate link)
• Learn more about Nadia’s work: nadiaaowusu.com
• Follow Nadia on social media for more of her insights on writing and identity

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who would love this conversation. For more resources to help you write and market your book, visit kellyschuknecht.com.