Attica Locke

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Award-Winning Author, Screenwriter, and Film & TV Producer
Known for 'When They See Us', 'Empire', 'Little Fires Everywhere', and 'From Scratch'
New York Times Bestselling Author, 'Blackwater Rising', 'Pleasantville', and More
Winner of Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, a LA Times Book Prize, and Others

Acclaimed and award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and producer Attica Locke is an unparalleled storyteller whose uplifting delivery resonate with audiences of all kinds. A New York Times bestselling author, Locke’s novels include: Heaven, My Home, sequel to the Edgar Award-winning Bluebird, Bluebird; Pleasantville, winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and longlisted for the Bailey’s Prize for Women’s Fiction; The Cutting Season, winner of the Ernest Gaines Award for Literary Excellence; and her debut Black Water Rising, which was nominated for an Edgar Award, an NAACP Image Award, as well as a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and was short-listed for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Her books have appeared on countless Best Book of the Year lists including The New York Times, Washington Post, Financial Times, and receive glowing praise by critics and devoted readers alike. As she does in her creative work, Locke offers a powerful experience for audiences, leaving them feeling more motivated, connected, and hopeful than before.

Locke is also an award-winning screenwriter and producer for TV and film. A former fellow at the Sundance Institute’s Feature Filmmaker’s Lab, she wrote and produced on Ava Duvernay’s Netflix miniseries When They See Us, Fox’s Empire, and Hulu’s Emmy-nominated limited series Little Fires Everywhere – for which she won an NAACP Image Award. Locke co-created and executive produced an adaptation of her sister Tembi Locke’s bestselling memoir From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home for Netflix, which was a top 10 hit in 50+ countries during its first weeks on air. In her delightful and engaging talks, Locke shares insights about authenticity, transformation, leadership, and teamwork that resonate with audiences across industries.

In Conversation - From Scratch: A cultural love story and a black woman's journey of self discovery through grief | MVAAFF [17:17] - Get Sharable Link

In Conversation - From Scratch: A cultural love story and a black woman's journey of self discovery through grief | MVAAFF [17:17]

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Virt. Discussion - Katie Couric talks love and grief with the creators of From Scratch on Netflix | Katie Couric [23:51]

Virt. Keynote and Discussion - Attica Locke on power, property and prejudice | Noirwich 2020 [1:26:53]

Book talk and Reading - Attica Locke: Black Water Rising | Kansas City Public Library [40:40]

Virt. Discussion - Attica Locke: A Voice of America | Granite Noir / Aberdeen Performing Arts [58:32]

In Conversation - A love of crime fiction, writing about Texas and Los Angeles, and raising teenage daughters | Pasadena Literary Alliance [1:07:37]

Morning Show - Attica and Tembi Locke share real-life story that inspired the series "From Scratch" | CBS Mornings [6:46]

Talks & Conversations with Attica Locke

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The Stories We Tell Ourselves, About Ourselves, Shape Our Lives

Acclaimed author and gifted storyteller Attica Locke explores how the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves shape our lives, having a major impact on our ideas of happiness and success. These stories can get in the way of our growth, and Locke reveals how taking hold of these stories – and getting in touch with our authentic goals – can lead to transformation. As the New York Times bestselling author shares, “Life is too short to pretend to want things you don’t really want,” and audiences will be left feeling uplifted and inspired to go after their dreams.

Lessons in Leadership and Teamwork: Making a TV Show All Over the World

Award-winning screenwriter and bestselling author Attica Locke is the co-Creator and Executive Producer of From Scratch – a wildly popular Netflix series based on her sister’s memoir. In this motivational and entertaining talk, Locke shares what she learned about leadership and teamwork by making a TV show on two continents, in 5 cities, in 3 languages, with a crew from all over the world.

The Key to Collaboration is Conflict

Acclaimed writer and producer Attica Locke has had enormous success with her multiple award-winning bestselling novels and talked-about TV and film projects. One of the major lessons she’s learned through her career is that conflict is vital to collaboration. In this riveting talk, Locke shares how audiences can overcome the fear of conflict, learn to release perfectionism, and make room for unexpected magic in their work and lives.

Why Every Office, Church Group, Bowling League, and Athletic Team Should Have a Book Club

New York Times bestselling author Attica Locke illuminates why every place should have a book club: because literature is how we’re all going to make it on this planet. And P.S., Locke says, it doesn’t matter what you read! The chance to sit inside the psyche and experience of another human being increases our compassion, builds positive community, and improves collaboration. This delightful and inspiring talk resonates with audiences across industries.