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Shaunna J. Edwards & Alyson Richman
Co-Authors of The Thread Collectors
Shaunna J. Edwards & Alyson Richman
Co-Authors of The Thread Collectors
Biography
Richman is an internationally bestselling author of several novels and Edwards is a former corporate attorney who now leads Global Talent and DEI for an international law firm. Fueled by their decade-long friendship, they came together in 2020 to write the internationally bestselling, historical novel entitled The Thread Collectors that centers around two couples during the Civil War, one Black and enslaved and one Jewish. These four individuals find unexpected friendship and a sense of purpose during one of history's darkest times. The novel is loosely inspired by the authors' family histories.
Shaunna J. Edwards has a BA in literature from Harvard College and a JD from NYU School of Law. A former corporate lawyer, she now works in diversity, equity and inclusion. She is a native Louisianian, raised in New Orleans, and currently lives in Harlem with her husband. The Thread Collectors is her first novel.
Alyson Richman is the #1 international bestselling author of several novels including The Velvet Hours and The Lost Wife which is currently in development for a major motion picture. She graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in Art History and Japanese Studies. She herself is an accomplished painter and her novels combine her deep love of art, historical research and travel. Her novels have been published in over twenty-five languages and have reached the bestseller lists both in the United States and abroad.
Speaker Videos
Meet the Author Shaunna J. Edwards & Alyson Richman 'The Thread Collectors'
Speech Topics
The Threads that Bind Us
Shaunna J. Edwards and Alyson Richman are the co-authors of the internationally bestselling novel The Thread Collectors. They have toured extensively throughout the United States speaking about the inspiration and research behind the novel, and the lessons of allyship, shared sisterhood and transracial friendship they learned through their collaboration. They have also appeared on nationally-syndicated and local television, radio and spoken at corporations, private educational institutions, museums and community events around the country.
Their presentations and fireside chats focus on:
- The power of language in creating connection and true allyship
- Finding connection and friendship across difference through creativity and shared purpose
- Channeling passion and purpose into writing
- The unique message of The Thread Collectors as it highlights the complex relationship between the Jewish and Black communities.
- Leveraging historical fiction to examine and discuss challenging and charged issues (e.g., racism, colorism, antisemitism, motherhood)
- Embracing opportunities and confronting challenges of relationships between women of color and White women
In particular, the speakers’ presentations are well-suited to Black History and Women’s History Month events. Key topics are tailored with client collaboration depending on audience makeup and preferences. At client’s preference, presentations can also include visual aids related to research.
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