Reed, Write, and Create
If you are a BIPoC writer, Reed, Write, & Create, is the podcast you need to stay motivated and inspired to write. Award-winning author, educator, and creative writing coach, Lori L. Tharps ( ”Hair Story,” ”Kinky Gazpacho,” and ”Substitute Me”) knows how hard it is to stay committed to your writing projects - whether you’re working on that debut novel, a gut-wrenching memoir, or an essay about your trip around the world. Writing can be your passion, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Even if you’re a seasoned author. On the show, Lori is here to serve as your creative-writin...
Mon, February 10, 2025
What's Happening with the Reed, Write, & Create Podcast in 2025?
Tune in to this brief episode for updates about the Reed, Write, and Create podcast, and some exciting news from host, Lori L. Tharps. Links for more resources and information. The Reed, Write, and Create Website Find Out More about The Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary for BIPOC women writers. Apply to The Sanctuary HERE The Blog Post About Lori's Upcoming Trip to Ghana The Literary Lori YouTube Channel . Don't forget to subscribe by February 13.
Mon, December 23, 2024
Ignore the Experts: You Can Write All the Things with Jabari Asim
On episode 46 of the podcast, I’m replaying my inspiring, 2023 conversation with award-winning author, journalist, professor, and poet, Jabari Asim. Jabari Asim is the Distinguished Professor of Multi-Disciplinary Letters at Emerson College. He is the author of 23 books, including Yonder, the essay collection We Can’t Breathe , and Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis . His awards include a Guggenheim fellowship and a Pushcart Prize. His work has been included in Best American Essays and Best American Poetry . The former editor-in-chief of the NAACP’s Crisis magazine, he has published journalism in The Washington Post , The New York Times , The New Republic , American Prospect , Essence , and elsewhere. Forthcoming books include Wall of Respect , a picture book, and American Struggle: Essays on Race, Culture, and Imagination . Jabari lives in the Boston area and has 5 adult children. On the show Jabari shares: How an encounter with the poet Gwendolyn Brooks inspired him to be a writer. The practical reasons why he is so prolific. Why it’s important for writers to write in multiple genres. The best education for aspiring and working writers. (Hint: It’s not an MFA) How to stay motivated in the face of rejection. The advice he has for BIPOC writers who want to be published by one of the big five publishers. It’s an inspiring interview full of actionable advice, writing tips and a little-known fact about Langston Hughes! You don’t want to miss it. So press play. To learn more about Jabari Asim, visit his website . If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create website. If you would like a literary pep talk + resources carefully curated for BIPOC authors delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. No spam, just inspiration and resources to uplevel your literary life. Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel. Support this independent, award-winning podcast by making an easy one-time donation via Buy Me a Coffee, or in Lori’s case Buy Me a Book.
Mon, December 16, 2024
Telling Black Women's Stories across Platforms with Rebecca Carroll
This is our last episode of Season 4! On episode 46 of the podcast, I am so excited to share my conversation with Rebecca Carroll, whose new book, I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like: The Voice & Vision of Black Women Writers ( Haymarket ) was re-released on December 3, 2024. Rebecca is a writer, cultural critic, and host of the podcasts Come Through with Rebecca Carroll and the award-winning Billie Was a Black Woman . Her 2021 memoir, Surviving the White Gaze , where she shares her experiences about growing up in New Hampshire as a Black adoptee with white parents, was called “gorgeous and powerful” by the New York Times Book Review. During our conversation, Rebecca shares why she calls herself a storyteller rather than a writer; she offers advice on writing difficult memoirs with compassion; and then we dig into the incredible work that is, I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like , a collection of interviews with famous Black women writers including June Jordan, Pearl Cleage, Rita Dove, and Lorene Cary, among others. First we talk about how Rebecca wrote the book as a young twenty-something just out of college, and then we discuss how she got the book reissued 30 years later, with up-and-coming authors like Safiya Sinclair adding their voices to the collection. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear how you can win a free copy of Red Clay. To keep in touch with Rebecca Carroll, follow her on Instagram @rebeljunemarie To purchase a copy of I Know What the Red Clay Looks Like , please consider supporting the Reed, Write, & Create bookshop and independent bookstores everywhere. If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create website. If you would like a literary pep talk + resources carefully curated for BIPOC authors delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. No spam, just inspiration and resources to uplevel your literary life. The doors are now closed to the Reed, Write and Create Sanctuary, our private community for BIPOC women writers who take their writing seriously. But you can still add your name to the waiting list so you’ll be the first to know when we’re taking new applications in 2025. If you’re feeling generous and would like to support this award-winning, Black-woman created podcast, pl
Mon, December 09, 2024
Write Yourself Into History with Arturo Schomburg
On episode 45 of the podcast, I’m giving you a pep talk about writing as resistance. About how you can push back against oppressive systems, defy stereotypes and limitations, and leave a lasting legacy, all with the power of the written word. And I will be using the life and work of literary ancestor, Arturo Schomburg as my source material. Arturo Schomburg is most known as the founder of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City, but he was also a writer, a revolutionary thinker, and activist, who used books and the written word to defy white supremacy and glorify Black excellence and achievement. During the show you’ll learn: How one racist teacher in Puerto Rico gave Schomburg his life purpose. How Schomburg used other people’s racism to help amass his incredible collection of Black memorabilia. Why Schomburg became a writer and a collector of the written word. Why sometimes it’s necessary to tear down other people’s heroes to make a point. If you’d like to read more about the fascinating life and work of Arturo Schomburg, get your hands on a copy of Diasporic Blackness: The Life and Times of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg by Vanessa K. Valdés If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create website. If you would like a literary pep talk + resources carefully curated for BIPOC authors delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. No spam, just inspiration and resources to uplevel your literary life. Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel. Support this independent, award-winning podcast by making an easy one-time donation via Buy Me a Coffee, or in Lori’s case Buy Me a Book.
Mon, December 02, 2024
How We Fight White Supremacy with Journalists Akiba Solomon & Kenrya Rankin
As much as it pains me to write this, I decided now is the right time to revisit this episode of the podcast featuring two dynamic journalists, Akiba Solomon and Kenyra Rankin. Akiba and Kenrya are the co-authors of the book, How We Fight White Supremacy . How We Fight White Supremacy was published in 2019, at the tail end of the first Orange Dust presidency and it was a balm for the soul. The book is an anthology of essays, illustrations, comics and stories about how to fight white supremacy without losing your life or your sanity. I’m so sad that I have to pull this episode out of the archives for round two, but I am also relieved to have it as a valuable resource for my audience of BIPOC scribes. During the episode, not only do we have an excellent conversation where Kenrya and Akiba break down the different ways writers and regular folks can fight white supremacy, but they also share very candidly how they got a book deal from a major publisher for a book that unapologetically centers Black resistance and revolution. If you’re a nonfiction writer, who writes about social justice issues, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. If you’re looking for more inspiration and information to optimize your writing life, visit the Reed, Write, & Create website . While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get writing inspiration and resources right in your inbox. One more thing, the doors are now closed to the Reed, Write and Create, Sanctuary , our private community for BIPOC women writers who take their writing seriously. But you can still add your name to the waiting list so you’ll be the first to know when we’re taking new applications in early 2025. Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel. If you’re feeling generous and would like to support this award-winning, Black-woman created podcast, please consider a small, one-time donation via our new Buy Me a Coffee/Book link . Thank you!
Mon, November 25, 2024
How Oral Storytelling Can Make You a Better Writer with N. Scott Momaday
On episode 43 of the podcast, I’m going to be giving you a pep talk about how BIPOC writers can use Oral Storytelling traditions to up-level their writing practice. And I’m going to use the life and work of award-winning poet and author, N. Scott Momaday as my source material. N. Scott Momaday was the first Native American to ever win a Pulitzer Prize when he won the award for his 1968 novel, House Made of Dawn . During this episode you’ll learn: Why N. Scott Momaday is considered the founder of the Native American Writers Renaissance. Why Native Americans are the true founders of American literature. How Oral Storytelling can be a useful tool for your written work. Why BIPOC storytellers have an advantage and an obligation when it comes to Oral Storytelling. How telling the stories of your people can lead to mainstream publishing success. If you’d like to learn more about N. Scott Momaday, check out the PBS Documentary, “Words from a Bear.” If you’d like to learn more about oral storytelling, check out these resources: The Moth StoryCorps & Brightness in Black Learn Oral Storytelling from LeVar Burton If you’re looking for more inspiration and information to optimize your writing life, visit the Reed, Write, & Create website . While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get writing inspiration and resources right in your inbox. One more thing, the doors are now closed to the Reed, Write and Create, Sanctuary , our private community for BIPOC women writers who take their writing seriously. But you can still add your name to the waiting list so you’ll be the first to know when we’re taking new applications in early 2025. Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel. If you’re feeling generous and would like to support this award-winning, Black-woman created podcast, please consider a small, one-time donation via our new Buy Me a Coffee/Book link . Thank y
Mon, November 18, 2024
Laila Lalami Had to Decolonize Her Language In Order to Write Her Stories
On episode 42 of the podcast, we have award-winning author Laila Lalami on the show, discussing her powerful novel, The Other Americans . The Other Americans was a finalist for the National Book Awards. Laila is the author of several award-winning novels including, The Moor's Account and Secret Son . A native of Morocco, Laila is a professor of creative writing at the University of California Riverside. On the show Laila talks about her rigorous research and writing process for her novels, why she had to decolonize her writing voice, immigration, and who belongs in America. This episode was originally recorded when The Other Americans first debuted in 2019, but since the book is about an unsolved murder of an immigrant man in America, and the story delves into the dynamics of small town-America in flux, we decided this was the perfect time to rerun this riveting episode. It's the perfect book for the moment we're in now. Lit Links for More To learn more about Laila Lalami, visit her website at LailaLalami.com . Her new novel, due out in March 2025 is called The Dream Hotel . If you’re interested in buying a copy of The Other Americans , consider purchasing at the Reed, Write, & Create online bookshop to support our show and your favorite independent booksellers. If you’re looking for more inspiration and information to optimize your writing life, visit the Reed, Write, & Create website . While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get writing inspiration and resources right in your inbox. One more thing, the doors are now closed to the Reed, Write and Create, Sanctuary , our private community for BIPOC women writers who take their writing seriously. But you can still add your name to the waiting list so you’ll be the first to know when we’re taking new applications. If you’re feeling generous and would like to support this award-winning, Black-woman created podcast, please consider a small, one-time donation via our new Buy Me a Coffee/Book link . Thank you!
Mon, November 11, 2024
Writers: You Need a Reading Habit, Not Just a Reading Hobby
On episode 41 of the podcast, I’m going to be giving you a quick but important pep talk about reading, because you may be doing it all wrong. You see, writers, need an intentional reading habit, not just a reading hobby. I’m going to break down the important difference between the two, and then share five easy steps, and a message from James Baldwin, to help you cultivate a sustainable reading habit that I promise will make you a better writer. RESOURCES FOR YOU: If you're looking for a inexpensive notebook/journal to use to track your reading habit, I like t his one, available on amazon . If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create website. If you would like a literary pep talk + resources carefully curated for BIPOC authors delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. No spam, just inspiration and resources to uplevel your literary life. The doors are now closed to the Reed, Write and Create Sanctuary, our private community for BIPOC women writers who take their writing seriously. But you can still add your name to the waiting list so you’ll be the first to know when we’re taking new applications in 2025. Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel. If you’re feeling generous and would like to support this award-winning, Black-woman created podcast, please consider a small, one-time donation via our new Buy Me a Coffee/Book link . Thank you!
Mon, October 28, 2024
Stay Ready, So You Don't Have to Get Ready: Writing Advice You Need Now from Tracey Lewis-Giggetts
Press play on this fan-favorite, rewind episode with award-winning author, Tracey Lewis-Giggetts. Tracey Lewis-Giggetts has written over 30 books in multiple genres. She writes fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenplays. She is the author of the award-winning, Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration and Then They Came For Mine: Healing from the Trauma of Racial Violence . Tracey is also an award-winning, celebrity ghostwriter and has penned best-selling books for several public figures including Tabitha Brown, Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five, and Dr. Joy Harden Bradford of Therapy for Black Girls. During our inspiring conversation, Tracey revisits her 30+ year career as a writer and writing instructor, to share the nuggets of wisdom she’s gleaned along the way. We discuss: how she keeps going in the face of rejection, how she managed to quit her job in academia to write full time why it’s okay to write in more than one genre. Most importantly, Tracey talks about how and why she is so prolific, why she makes no apology for centering her stories around Black people and Black culture, and why it is so important to stay ready so you can be ready when opportunities arise. BTW, we’re re-airing this episode this week, because Tracey has a new book coming out on October 29, 2024. If you’re listening in real time, that’s tomorrow! The book is called The Black Joy Playbook: 30 Days of Intentionally ReClaiming Your Delight. It’s a guided journal and devotional that includes thirty reflective entries on themes like the power of our laughter, the weight of joy in the midst of grief, and embracing our everyday delights. Each section provides meditations, prompts, and actionable steps to help you unearth or reclaim joy in your life. It is a companion title to Black Joy , which we discuss in the episode. Get one for yourself and grab one for a friend for the holidays! To learn more about Tracey, please visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Tracey mentioned the following useful resources for writers: The Hurston Wright Writers Workshop is an excellent resource for Black writers. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamontt is a book for writers about writing that Tracey recommends. If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create we
Mon, October 21, 2024
Veronica Chambers Shares the Secrets of Her 30+ Years of Literary Success
On episode 39 of the podcast, I am so excited to share my conversation with memoirist, journalist, editor, celebrity collaborator, novelist and all around literary icon, Veronica Chambers. Based in London, Veronica Chambers is a New York Times best selling author of over 25 books, and is currently the editor of narrative projects at The New York Times . Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, her work often reflects her Afro-Latina heritage. Her first book, the acclaimed memoir, Mama’s Girl is read in hundreds of high schools and colleges throughout the country. Veronica has also worked on several celebrity collaboration projects, she has edited popular anthologies about Beyoncé and Michelle Obama, and she has written both adult and teen novels. During our conversation, Veronica pulls back the curtain on what has worked and what has not worked over the course of her 30+ year career. She talks candidly about money, time management and failure. She also shares useful tips and ideas about all the important, in-between actions and activities that writers can do to build a successful and sustainable literary career. We also spend time talking about the subject of Veronica’s latest book, Ida in Love and Troubl e, a fascinating historical novel about the early life of Ida B. Wells. Press play to hear incredible stories, get loads of useful advice, and be inspired by Veronica’s incredible, literary life. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW If you want to keep in touch with Veronica Chambers and see what she’s up to, follow her on IG @VVChambers and/or check out her website at VeronicaChambers.com. Veronica mentioned Res Artis , a database of artist residencies to check out. You can also check out our listing of writing retreats specifically for BIPOC writers. If you want to snag a copy of Veronica’s new book, Ida in Love and Trouble , visit your favorite independent bookseller. For example, The Reed, Write, & Create bookstore . Just check the virtual shelf where we highlight books by authors who appear on this show. You can also support Veronica’s favorite bookstore in Hoboken, NJ, Little City Books. Some of the books Veronica mentioned in the episode; The Artist’s Way , Big Magic , When and Where I Enter , and <a hre
Mon, October 14, 2024
How Tembi Locke Turned Her Greatest Loss Into A Bestselling Memoir, From Scratch
Are you trying to write a memoir and don’t know where to start? Are you worried about oversharing, or writing about people you know and love getting mad at you for spilling their secrets? Is the idea of getting the essence of your own life down on paper overwhelming? Then stick around for this inspiring and informative rewind episode with actress-turned-author, Tembi Locke. Tembi wrote the best-selling, Reese Witherspoon anointed, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home . During our conversation recorded right after the book debuted, Tembi and I talk about the reasons she decided to write this searing love story about life before and after her Italian husband’s death from cancer; her writing process as a new author; how she protected the privacy of her family members while writing this touching family story; why writing a story shrouded in grief, could still be a beautiful experience; and why she chose to include recipes from her Italian in-laws as part of the story. Tembi is a generous storyteller and she shares a lot about her writing journey - starting from scratch as a writer - in this delightful interview. I hope you enjoy it. Stick around to the end of the episode to hear all kinds of wonderful personal and professional updates that transpired after this interview originally aired. If you’d like to purchase a copy of From Scratch, consider buying from The Reed, Write, & Create online bookstore . We carry a diverse selection of books by BIPOC authors, for adults, teens, and kids. Check to see if the Netflix version of From Scratch is in your area. Find all things Tembi at her website TembiLocke.com If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create website. If you would like a literary pep talk + resources carefully curated for BIPOC authors delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. No spam, just inspiration and resources to uplevel your literary life. The doors are now closed to the Reed, Write and Create Sanctuary, our private community for BIPOC women writers who take their writing seriously. But you can still add your name to the waiting list so you’ll be the first to know when we’re taking new applications. Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel.
Mon, October 07, 2024
Would You Give Up Your Freedom to Be a Writer? Meet Sor. Juana Inés de la Cruz, Mexico's First Feminist Writer and Nun
On episode 37 of the 'Reed, Write & Create' podcast, you’re getting a pep talk about what can happen when we truly commit ourselves to our writing life. And I am using the life and work of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a renowned 17th-century Mexican nun, as my source material. Be clear, Sor Juana was no ordinary nun. She was a renegade and a revolutionary who used #NunLife to create the literary life she desperately desired. Sor Juana, known for her poetic prowess, and advocacy for the education of women, gained fame through her literary salons and social commentary, despite facing societal and church opposition. Her writings, which spanned poetry, plays, and social critiques, continue to inspire today, and she is a pivotal literary figure we can all learn from and admire. I know this episode and the legacy of Sor Juana will inspire all of you BIPOC writers to pick up your pens and create new narratives that can change the world. If you want to read a full biography about Sor Juana, check the biography by Octavio Paz called, Sor Juana. If you’d like to read a lovely collection of Sor Juana’s most popular poems and writings, including her feminist manifesto, try this collection titled, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz . Read one of Sor Juana’s most popular poems in translation, “ You Foolish Men.” The meaning behind this poem still rings true today. If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create website. If you would like a literary pep talk + resources carefully curated for BIPOC authors delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. No spam, just inspiration and resources to uplevel your literary life. Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel. If you’re feeling generous and would like to support this award-winning, Black-woman created podcast, please consider a small, one-time donation via our new Buy Me a Coffee/Book link . Thank you!
Mon, September 30, 2024
Marita Golden on How to Prioritize Your Health, Wealth & Community for a Productive Literary Life
On episode 36 of the podcast, get the actual blueprint for a happy, healthy, productive literary life. Enjoy this episode from our archives with Marita Golden, award-winning author, journalist, writing coach, and living, literary legend. Marita Golden is an award-winning author of over twenty works of fiction and nonfiction. Her books include the novels The Wide Circumference of Love, and After and the memoirs Migrations of the Heart, Saving Our Sons and Don’t Play in the Sun One Woman’s Journey Through the Color Complex. Her most recent work of nonfiction is The New Black Woman Loves Herself Has Boundaries and Heals Every Day . Marita is the Co-founder and President Emerita of the Zora Neale Hurston/ Richard Wright Foundation. Marita is the recipient of numerous awards including the Writers for Writers Award presented by Barnes & Noble and Poets and Writers, the Fiction Award for her novel After awarded by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, and she is a two-time NAACP Image Award nominee. During our conversation, Marita gives a masterclass on what it takes to create a sustaining and sustainable literary life over 40 years! She talks about the importance of health, wealth, and community for writers, and more importantly, she offers actionable advice for you to put into practice right now. Besides the fact that this episode is so jam packed with information and inspiration, I also wanted to re-run it because Marita Golden has a new book coming out titled: How to Become a Black Writer: Creating & Honoring Black Stories That Matter . The book will be released in February 2025, but it is available for pre-order now. ********************* More #Lit Resources If you’re looking for more resources and literary inspiration, visit the Reed, Write, & Create website and sign up for our bimonthly newsletter. Follow ReedWriteandCre8 on Instagram Follow LoriLTharps on Instagram Subscribe to Lori’s New YouTube channel @LiteraryLori If you’re feeling generous and would like to support this award-winning, Black-woman created podcast, please consider a small, one-time donation via our new Buy Me a Coffee/Book link . Thank you!
Mon, September 23, 2024
Turn Your Pain Into Art with Chester B. Himes, The Father of African-American Crime Fiction
Get ready for a pep talk that explains how perseverance, persistence and pain can lead to productivity, fame and fortune in a writer's life. When you hear about the life and work of African-American crime writer, Chester B. Himes, you will overstand what’s possible for a writer, even when confronting the worst things life can throw at you. Racism, violence, prison, poverty, chronic pain. Chester Himes experienced all of those things and more, and yet still managed to write award-winning novels, searing social commentary, short stories, and two memoirs. Press play to learn all about this inspiring yet under-appreciated writer who spent the latter years of his life in a small, seaside town in Spain, writing through his pain. MORE CHESTER HIMES If you’d like to learn more about Chester Bomar Himes, you can read his memoirs: The Quality of Hurt and My Life of Absurdity You can also read the critically acclaimed biography, Chester B. Himes , by Lawrence P. Jackson. If you'd like to see some videos and images showcasing where Chester Himes spent his final years in Spain, check out my YouTube channel @LiteraryLori because I have a video there showing my recent literary pilgrimage to Moraira, Spain where Chester Himes spent his final years. ********************** ******* If you’re looking for more resources and literary inspiration, visit the Reed, Write, & Create website and sign up for our bimonthly newsletter. Follow ReedWriteandCre8 on Instagram Follow LoriLTharps on Instagram If you’re feeling generous and would like to support this award-winning, Black-woman created podcast, please consider a small, one-time donation via our new Buy Me a Coffee/Book link . Thank you!
Mon, September 09, 2024
Season 4 Preview: What's Coming up on the Podcast and for "Literary Lori"
We’re back for the fourth season of the Reed, Write and Create podcast! On this short episode, find out what you can expect on this season of the podcast, and some exciting personal and professional updates about the literary life of your host, Lori L. Tharps. ******************************** If you want more information, inspiration and resources for your literary life, visit the Reed, Write, and Create website. If you would like a literary pep talk + resources carefully curated for BIPOC authors delivered to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. No spam, just inspiration and resources to up-level your literary life. Speaking of up-leveling your literary life…The doors to The Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary are opening for new members, September 15 - 27, 2024. The Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary is a private, global membership community for BIPoC women writers who take their writing life seriously. We bring together BIPoC women writers who are ready to dedicate themselves to achieving their writing goals, so they can get paid, get published, and make an impact with their words. We support and celebrate our writers through the entire process of the publication journey – writing, publishing and promotion – with the resources they need to achieve success. Add your name to the Tell Me More mailing list to find out when applications go live. Subscribe to @LiteraryLori on YouTube and help Lori launch her new channel.
Mon, June 17, 2024
Bonus Episode with Black & Published: Vanessa Riley Writes Regency Romance with Black People in the Starring Roles
SURPRISE! It’s a Bonus Episode. Yes, I am officially on summer vacation, working on my novel, and the podcast is on a summer hiatus. So, why am I back in your podcast feed? Because I have a special bonus episode for you! I want to introduce you to a literary podcast I love to listen to called Black & Published . Hosted by author Nikesha Elise Williams, Black & Published features interviews with novelists, nonfiction writers, poets and playwrights every week. For today’s bonus episode, I’m running a recent episode from Black & Published that I loved. This episode features an interview with award-winning author, Vanessa Riley. An engineer turned historical romance writer who always centers women of color in her best-selling books, Vanessa Riley has an incredible story of how she started her writing career, and an even more impressive story of how she got the mainstream publishing industry to take her historical romance stories seriously. This episode centers on her recently released novel about Haiti’s only queen, Marie-Louise Christophe. The book sounds amazing, and this episode is equally amazing. I hope you enjoy and continue listening to Black & Published wherever you listen to podcasts . If you want to learn more about Vanessa Riley, visit her website . If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, visit ReedWriteandCreate.com. Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right to your inbox. Don’t buy your books on Amazon, support indie booksellers and shop online at the Reed, Write, & Create bookshop for a list of curated titles by BIPOC authors. If you’re looking for a better way to organize your writing manuscripts, fiction and nonfiction, consider trying Scrivener. I’ve recently become a Scrivener fan and am using it to write my current novel. Feel free to use my affiliate link to purchase Scrivener and receive 20% off by using the code REEDWRITE.
Mon, June 10, 2024
Busting the Myth of The Solitary Writer: Virginia Woolf Got it Wrong
On episode 32 of the podcast, our final episode of Season 3, I’m going to share a final pep talk meant to get you to stop thinking that you have to do this writing thing all alone. On today's show, I’m going to dispel the myth of the solitary writer, sharing why it’s a myth, how it got started, why it’s a dangerous myth, who the myth actually benefits, and how we should be handling our writing lives instead. My hope is that by breaking down the faulty logic behind the solitary writer myth, you writers start to think of your writing practice in new and more expansive ways. During the episode, you’ll hear how world-famous writers, from Socrates to Shakespeare, were perceived as solitary writers, but they really weren’t. Same story for contemporary writers from Hemingway to Zora Neale Hurston. So, tune in and enjoy the episode. This will be our last lit pep talk before we go on summer hiatus. We’ll be back with new episodes in September. Until then, keep writing. ********** If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, visit ReedWriteandCreate.com. Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right to your inbox. Don’t buy your books on Amazon, support indie booksellers and shop online at the Reed, Write, & Create bookshop for a list of curated titles by BIPOC authors. If you’re looking for a better way to organize your writing manuscripts, fiction and nonfiction, consider trying Scrivener. I’ve recently become a Scrivener fan and am using it to write my current novel. Feel free to use my affiliate link to purchase Scrivener and receive 20% off by using the code REEDWRITE. Write On!
Mon, May 27, 2024
"Pursue Your Writing Life Like a Dog Pursues a Bone" with Bernice L. McFadden
On episode 31 of the podcast, I have saved the best for last. Our final author interview this season is with the incomparable, American-Book-Award-winning author, Bernice L. McFadden. Bernice L. McFadden is the author of over a dozen books, including Sugar and Glorious . Her latest novel, Praise Song for the Butterflies , was long listed for the 2019 Women's Prize in Fiction. McFadden’s novel, The Book of Harlan won the 2017 American Book Award and the 2017 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. The New York Times selected her novel Gathering of Waters as one of the 100 Notable Books of 2012 and as an Editor's Choice pick. Glorious was a finalist for the NAACP Image Award and featured in O, The Oprah Magazine. Currently, McFadden is an Assistant Professor of English at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. During our conversation, Bernice and I discuss: The highs and lows of her decades-long literary career. How she kept writing when faced with multiple rejections and editors telling her that there was no market for Black authors writing literary fiction. Why she decided to start writing “humorous erotica” under the pen name Geneva Holliday. How Toni Morrison impacted her early career. The roles spirit and synchronicity have played in her writing practice. If you’re looking for a dynamite episode that will keep you motivated to keep writing, then press play and enjoy! To learn more about Bernice McFadden, follow her on Facebook and Instagram . Her website is currently under construction, in anticipation of her new memoir, First Born Girls due on shelves in 2025. ********** If you are a BIPOC woman writer looking for even more literary inspiration and motivation, not to mention a highly supportive community of BIPOC sister scribes, then you should apply to be a member of the RWC Sanctuary . The Sanctuary is a private writing community specifically for BIPOC women writers, who take their writing seriously. Novelists, poets, memoirists, short story writers and nonfiction writers, are welcome to apply. Inside the Sanctuary we help our members get paid, get published, and reach all of their writing goals. For more information, visit The Sanctuary page on the Reed Write and Create website . If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, visit Ree
Mon, May 13, 2024
Why BIPOC Writers Should Consider a Life Abroad: Lessons from James Baldwin
On episode #30 of the Reed, Write, & Create podcast, we’re doing two things; we’re honoring the late, great James Baldwin, who would be turning 100 years old in 2024, and I'm giving you a pep talk about being an American writer abroad. Yes, I’m sharing the life and times of Mr. James Baldwin to offer you the opportunity to consider what travel can mean for your writing life. And by the way, if you think we’re going to mostly be talking about Baldwin’s life in Paris, think again. On this episode, we’re talking Turkey. Istanbul, that is. Yes, the country where Baldwin wrote the majority of his most important works, and the country that he said on more than one occasion “saved him,” was none other than Turkey. During this inspiring episode you’ll hear: Why James Baldwin left the United States to write. Why Baldwin spent a decade living and writing in Turkey. What made Baldwin an “American writer” despite his many years abroad. Multiple reasons why BIPOC writers should consider traveling or living abroad to enhance their writing life. What a writer should look for in a location when trying to find a new country where she can write. MORE BALDWIN Try reading The Fire Next Time , it’s quintessential Baldwin, and a perennial bestseller. There are many organizations and institutions celebrating the life and work of James Baldwin this year in honor of his 100th birthday. Here are some for your consideration: Morgan State University is having a year-long celebration of Baldwin’s life. Even in the UK, they’re celebrating Baldwin. Check out Baldwin in Bristol Check out La Maison Baldwin , an American-led organization based in France. They are planning a big centennial celebration honoring Baldwin in September of 2024, but they have programming for writers all year long. ******************************** More Writing Resources BIPOC women writers, come join us at our upcoming Open House for The Sanctuary, on May 19, 2024. ( Please RSVP for the Open House here. ) The fun starts at 3pmEST and you’ll learn all about what we offer our members; community, accountability, professional development, and resources to help you get published and get paid for your work. Our members are both emerging writers and authors with multiple titles published. At the Open House, you’ll get to hear from current members who are crushing their writing goals, and we’re going to play #Lit game of literary trivia. With Prizes! Visit the <a href='https://reedwritea
Mon, April 29, 2024
From Self-Published to New York Times Bestseller: Sadeqa Johnson Shares Her Story of Success
On episode #29, New York Times bestselling author Sadeaqa Johnson is on the show sharing her inspiring author journey and her practical strategies to living a successful literary life. Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of five novels, including Yellow Wife and her latest, The House of Eve , which was the February 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick. Sadeqa’s accolades include being a NAACP Image Award nominee, a 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, and the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner. She is a Kimbilio Fellow and teaches in the M.F.A. program at Drexel University. Originally from Philadelphia, she currently lives near Richmond, VA with her husband and three teens. Before she was topping the bestseller charts, Sadeqa was hand-selling her self-published novel, determined to prove herself to a publishing industry who wouldn’t give her a book deal. During our conversation, Sadeqa shares how she went from that frustrating place, to where she is today, working on her sixth novel, winning multiple literary awards, and teaching in a MFA program, all with no signs of slowing down. This is the episode you need to listen to for inspiration, actionable strategies for your writing life, and motivation to keep writing! ** To learn more about Sadeqa Johnson, visit her website at Sadeqa.net To follow Sadeqa on Instagram, her favorite online hangout, find her @Sadeqasays Purchase your copy of Sadeqa’s latest book, the New York Times bestseller, The House of Eve from the Reed, Write, & Create Bookshop. You’ll be supporting this podcast and Sadeqa! ** BIPOC women writers, come join us at our upcoming Open House for The Sanctuary, on May 19, 2024. The fun starts at 3pmEST and you’ll learn all about what we offer our members; community, accountability, professional development, and resources to help you get published and get paid for your work. Our members are both emerging writers and authors with multiple titles published. At the Open House, you’ll get to hear from current members who are crushing their writing goals, and we’re going to play #Lit game of literary trivia. Please RSVP for the Open House here. If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, visit ReedWriteandCreate.com. Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right to your inbox. If you’re a B
Mon, April 15, 2024
The Paradox of Jessie Redmon Fauset: The Harlem Renaissance's Most Prolific Novelist that You Don't Know
Episode #28 of the podcast is dedicated to the literary life and legacy of Jessie Redmon Fauset, the most prolific novelist of the Harlem Renaissance, and also, sadly, the most overlooked and under-appreciated. On this episode of the Reed, Write, & Create podcast, I will be sharing Fauset’s fascinating life story, as well as four reasons why she is often sidelined and left in the shadows when it comes to conversations about the literary greats of the Harlem Renaissance. Spoiler alert: Having an affair with W.E.B. Dubois, may or may not have had something to do with it. (I'm pouring the tea, so be ready.) Tune in for a little literary history, some literary lessons you can apply to your own writing life, and the pep talk you need right now. ************* BIPOC women writers, come join us at our upcoming Open House for The Sanctuary, on May 19, 2024. The fun starts at 3pmEST and you’ll learn all about what we offer our members; community, accountability, professional development, and resources to help you get published and get paid for your work. Our members are both emerging writers and authors with multiple titles published. At the Open House, you’ll get to hear from current members who are crushing their writing goals, and we’re going to play #Lit game of literary trivia. Please RSVP for the Open House here. Visit the Reed, Write, & Create blog for more content and resources to up-level your writing life. If you’re a BIPOC woman writer who is looking for community and accountability to help you get published and get paid, apply to join the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary . Our members stay winning. Don’t support an online retailer who doesn’t support writers or the longevity of the publishing industry. Buy your books from independent bookstores. You can support this podcast and independent bookstores everywhere, by making your online book purchases at the Reed, Write, & Create bookstore . If you want to be the first to know what new classes, retreats, and workshops I’m offering, plus other literary opportunities to brighten your life, sign up for the monthly Reed, Write, & Create newsletter. Please don't forget to spread the word about the Reed, Write, & Create podcast. Rate & Review too.
Mon, April 01, 2024
Being a Writer is Hard Work:A Masterclass in Creative Writing with Phillip B. Williams
On episode 27 of the podcast, award-winning poet and debut novelist, Phillip B. Williams, is on the show. You might have heard about Williams because his brand new novel, Ours , was one of Oprah’s most anticipated books for 2024. Ours is an epic story about a conjure woman named Saint, who goes around destroying plantations in the south, and then freeing the enslaved workers. She then creates a magical world called Ours where the newly emancipated can live in peace because white people can neither see, nor access Ours. And if they try, they meet with a gruesome ending! It’s an epic story of Black resistance. During our conversation, Phillip delivers a full masterclass on creative writing essentials.Topics covered include: How to use poetry to write better prose. What MFA programs are actually good for and who should apply Why writers shouldn’t be worried about word count What you should be reading to improve your writing Why we should be reading the works of our literary ancestors And… Why He Views Ours as Black Surrealism rather than Magical Realism Grab your pen and get ready to take notes, because this is an episode with lessons you’ll want to apply to your writing life today! To learn more about Philip B. William, visit his website and find him on Instagram Buy a copy of Ours from The Reed, Write, & Create Bookshop . Phillip has also written two books of award-winning poetry. Check out Thief in the Interior . One of Phillip’s early poetry influences is the legendary Sonia Sanchez. Try her American Book Award winning collection, Homegirls and Hand Grenades to inspire your poetry and prose. ********* If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content at ReedWriteandCreate.com. Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right to your inbox. If you’re a BIPOC woman writer looking for a supportive writing community to join, where you’ll find accountability partners, BETA readers for your work, and opportunities to get published and get paid, <a href='https://reedwri
Mon, March 18, 2024
How Do You Make a Living as a Writer in Hard Times? Ask Langston Hughes!
On episode #26 of the podcast, I’m using the life of the illustrious Langston Hughes, to give you a pep talk on how to make a living with your writing. Even in hard times. Did you know that Langston Hughes is recognized as the first African-American writer to make a living solely from his writing? Yes, Langston Hughes was definitely the hardest working writer in Harlem, and throughout his life before and after the renaissance. So studying his success and strategies can give us some excellent ideas about crafting a successful writing life. Stay tuned for some innovative, actionable tips and motivation for your writing life. To learn more about Langston Hughes, especially his life in Spain, enjoy this blog post I wrote for ReedWriteandCreate.com. Read Langston’s wonderful autobiography (the one I read from during the episode) I Wonder as I Wander to stay motivated throughout your writing life. You might also enjoy this collection of Langston’s short stories called, The Short Stories of Langston Hughes . If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content at ReedWriteandCreate.com. Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right to your inbox. If you’re a BIPOC woman writer looking for a supportive writing community to join, where you’ll find accountability partners, BETA readers for your work, and opportunities to get published and get paid, apply to join the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary . When you’re buying new books, don’t support a massive online retailer that doesn’t pay authors or publishes their fair share, and puts indie booksellers out of business. Shop indie bookstores like the Reed, Write, & Create Bookstore powered by Bookshop.org.
Mon, March 04, 2024
How to Bring History's Hidden Figures to Life on the Page with New York Times Bestselling Author, Ilyon Woo
On episode 25 of the podcast, my guest is New York Times Bestselling author, Ilyon Woo. Ilyon is the author of the new book, Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom and The Great Divorce: A Nineteenth-Century Mother’s Extraordinary Fight Against Her Husband, the Shakers, and Her Times. Her writing has also appeared in The Boston Globe , The Wall Street Journal , Time , and The New York Times . During our delightful conversation Ilyon shares: When she fell in love with storytelling. Why she’s obsessed with the Shakers. Her secrets to writing thrilling, jump-off-the-page nonfiction. How being Korean-American has impacted her career as a writer. What the descendants of Willam and Ellen Craft, the subjects of Master, Slave, Husband, Wife, think of her portrayal of their famous relatives. Her advice for other BIPOC writers who want to write beyond their own cultural stories. It’s another informative, inspiring and fun conversation with an award-winning BIPOC writer. I hope you love it! To learn more about Ilyon Woo, visit her website: IlyonWoo.com and/or find her on Instagram @ilyonwooauthor. Buy a copy of the incredible, Master Slave, Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom from The Reed, Write, & Create Bookshop. To learn more about William and Ellen Craft, follow the Instagram account started by their descendants to share their story with the world. @WilliamandEllenCraft If you want to read the book, Woo referenced during the conversation, it was Tiya Miles’ All that She Carried: The Journey of Ashley’s Sack, A Black Family Keepsake . Check out Ilyon’s first book, the fascinating, The Great Divorce: A 19th Century Mother’s Extraordinary Fight Against Her Husband, The Shakers, and Her Times. If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content at ReedWriteandCreate.com. Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right to your inbox. If you’re a BIPOC woman writer looking for a supportive writing community to join, whe
Mon, February 19, 2024
Art, Activism, and Audre Lorde: How to Use Your Words to Change the World
On episode 24 of the podcast, you’re getting a pep talk about art and activism, using the life and times of the incredible Audre Lorde as our role model. We’re talking about the intersection of identity, writing, and making the world a better place. Audre Lorde was a Black feminist writer and activist who authored several books of poetry, essays, and memoir. Some of her most popular titles include, Sister Outsider , Zami: A New Spelling of My Name , and The Cancer Journals . This episode will leave all my BIPOC writers motivated and inspired to change the world with their words. So, let’s go! To Learn More about the Incredible Audre Lorde Visit: T he AudreLordeProject.com Read: Warrior Poet: A Biography of Audre Lorde by Alexis de Veaux Read: Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde Read: Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde Read: The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content at ReedWriteandCreate.com. Sign up for the monthly, Reed, Write, & Create newsletter for literary resources and opportunities delivered right to your inbox. If you’re a BIPOC woman writer looking for a supportive writing community to join, where you’ll find accountability partners, BETA readers for your work, and opportunities to get published and get paid, apply to join the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary . Don’t buy your books on Amazon, support indie booksellers and shop online at the Reed, Write, & Create bookshop for a list of curated titles by BIPOC authors.
Mon, February 05, 2024
Writing Romance, Race, and Ricki Wilde with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Tia Williams
We’re back with season 3 of the Reed, Write, and Create Podcast! On episode 23 of the podcast, my guest is New York Times best-selling author, Tia Williams. Tia is an author of both YA titles and adult fiction. She wrote the bestselling debut novel The Accidental Diva and then penned two young adult novels, It Chicks and Sixteen Candles . Her award-winning novel, The Perfect Find is currently a Netflix movie starring Gabrielle Union. Her next novel, Seven Days in June was a New York Times bestseller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, and her new novel, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde , will be published by Grand Central on February 6, 2024. During the episode, Tia gets real about the challenges of writing while Black in the mainstream publishing industry. She speaks openly and honestly about the obstacles she faced getting her second adult novel published, even after the success of her former titles. She tells us what race had to do it, and most importantly, how and why she never gave up on her writing dreams. In the episode we also cover: The fun and not so fun parts about writing romance. How to write a good sex scene. Why BIPOC writers shouldn’t feel obliged to center trauma in their stories. It’s a great episode to kick off Season 3, Black History Month, and Valentine’s Day. I hope you enjoy our conversation. To learn more about Tia Williams, visit her website, TiaWilliams.net Find Tia on the socials. On Instagram On Facebook On Twitter/X To purchase a copy of Tia's delightful new novel, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde , visit the Reed, Write, & Create Online Bookshop and support independent bookstores. BIPOC woman writers: We have a supportive and active writing community where we provide you with the resources, accountability, and opportunities you need to get published and get paid. Visit ReedWriteandCreate.com and click on the The Sanctuary to learn more. Emerging and Seasoned writers are welcome. S ign up for the Reed, Write and Create newsletter Visit R eedWriteandCreate.com for more resources and inspiration on the writing life. Please leave a rating and review
Fri, January 05, 2024
A Short But Important Announcement about the Podcast!
Lori is taking a break from her winter break to share an update about the future of the podcast. The podcast is getting a new name! Find out what it is and what caused the change on this short but important episode. New Links for all things Reed, Write, & Create. The Reed, Write, & Create website . Reed, Write, & Create on Facebook . Reed, Write, & Create on Twitter @ReedWriteCre8 Reed, Write, & Create on IG @readwritecre8 To learn more about the fascinating history of the Papyrus plant and the origin story of the book, check out the amazing book called, Papyrus: The Invention of the Book in the Ancient World . by Irene Vallejo.
Mon, December 18, 2023
How to Make a Living Writing YA Fiction: A Conversation with Ibi Zoboi
On episode 22 of the podcast, award-winning author, Ibi Zoboi is my guest. Ibi is the New York Times Bestselling author of the YA novel, American Street, which among other distinctions, was a National Book Award finalist. Ibi is the editor of the anthology Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America . She co-authored the Walter Award and L.A. Times Book Prize-winning novel-in-verse, Punching the Air , written with Exonerated Five member, Yusef Salaam. Her debut picture book, The People Remember , received a Coretta Scott King Honor Award. And her most recent books include Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butle r, Okoye to the People: A Black Panther Novel for Marvel, and her new novel, Nigeria Jones. During our conversation, Ibi shares her unique journey to publishing success, as well as the sacrifices and compromises she had to make in order to get her foot in the door of the mainstream publishing industry. She also shares her experiences writing for a book packaging company early on in her career. If you’re a fiction writer looking to break into the mainstream publishing industry, this is an important and informative episode to listen to and take notes. Writing Resources Mentioned in this Episode Ibi mentioned a lot of great resources within this episode. Here are a few you might want to check out. Ibi Zoboi’s website VONA Writing Workshop Clarion Workshop for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Writers Forbidden Planet Comic Bookstore in New York City Nikki Giovanni’s iconic poem Ego Trippin Alloy Entertainment If you want to learn more about Octavia Butler and her work, listen to our episode of the podcast on Octavia Estelle Butler . It’s really great. BIPOC Writers, We Got You! If you are a BIPOC woman writer looking for a supportive and active writing community, where we support and celebrate BIPOC women writers who want to get published and get paid, visit ReadWriteandCreate.com and click on the The Sanctuary tab . You can also sign up for the Read, Write and Create newsletter , which is the first place where you’ll find out about my latest classes and creative offerings. Sign up on the Read, Write and Cre
Mon, December 04, 2023
It’s All About The Sanctuary: A Membership Community for BIPOC Women Writers
On episode 21 of the podcast, I’m taking you on a tour of The Sanctuary, the new private membership community we’re launching at Read, Write, and Create headquarters. The Sanctuary is a private community for BIPOC women writers who want to get their work out into the world and who want to get paid for doing it. I’m going to share the origin story of The Sanctuary, but I’m also going to share why writing communities are gaining in popularity, even though they are far from a new idea. So, even if you’re not a BIPOC woman writer or The Sanctuary isn’t for you, I urge you to stick around and listen anyway to find out how writing communities can help you optimize your writing life. And of course we’ll dip back into history for a minute to learn how our literary ancestors used official writing communities to help get their work into the world. On the show, you’ll learn: Why I Created the Sanctuary Who Belongs in The Sanctuary What Goes on Behind the Doors of the Sanctuary and Why it is a Private Community How Communities Like the Harlem Writers Guild and the South Side Writers Group Inspired the Creation of The Sanctuary Why The Sanctuary is for BIPOC Women only The episode is short and sweet, but I hope it answers all of your questions about The Sanctuary. If you’d like to learn more about our community, including how to apply, visit the new Sanctuary page on the Read, Write, and Create website . For more resources, recommendations and inspiration to help you optimize your writing life, visit ReadWriteandCreate.com . While you’re there, be sure to sign up for the RWC newsletter. The holidays are coming! Whether you celebrate Hannakah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or all three, you’ll be sure to find a great gift for the literature lovers in your life on the first ever RWC Holiday Gift Guide . Curated specifically for BIPOC readers and writers, there is something for everyone – even you - in our guide. And trust, it’s not an overwhelming list, so you can quickly find just the right gift and then get back to writing! If you prefer to just gift everyone on your shopping list with books, be sure to visit T he Read, Write and Create online bookshop , where you’ll find a whole shelf of books that make great gifts . Remember a purchase from our bookshop goes to support this podcast and independent booksellers everywhere. If you enjoyed this episode or any of our other episo
Mon, November 20, 2023
Greenlight Your Own Projects: Self-Publishing Without Apology with Dr. Tamara Pizzoli
On episode #20 of the Read, Write, and Create podcast, my guest is Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, who shares her unconventional success story as an independent children’s book author and publisher. Dr. Pizzoli is an African-American author, curator, producer and publisher. Originally from Texas, she is the mother of four children and has resided in Rome, Italy for over fifteen years. In 2013, she opened a boutique English-language school for kids in Rome called The English Schoolhouse, which she later converted into an independent publishing house. In just under a decade, Dr. Pizzoli has published over sixty books, with many more currently in development. Her most popular books include The Ghanaian Goldilocks , Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO , and K is for Kahlo . After gaining international attention in print and media for her diverse children’s books, Dr. Pizzoli was approached by Farrar Straus and Giroux in early 2017 and offered a book deal for Tallulah the Tooth Fairy CEO which was then released in 2019. Film rights for Tallulah the Tooth Fairy were later acquired by the actress, Gabrielle Union. During our conversation she shares: Her unconventional path to literary success. Why she chose to self publish her own books. Why she likes to find and contract her own illustrators. How she handles publishing deals with major publishers, on her own terms. Not to mention the movies and licensing agreements she’s also negotiating. FOR MORE INFORMATION If you want to learn more about Dr. Tamara Pizzoli or to purchase her books, visit TheEnglishSchoolhouse.com If you want to follow Dr. Pizzoli on Instagram, follow her @tamarapizzoli and to learn more about her books @theenglishschoolhouse . Check out the original Kickstarter campaign that launched The Ghanaian Goldilocks . Dr. Pizzoli referenced KDP as the platform she uses for self-publishing, that is Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing . If you are enjoying the Read, Write, and Create podcast, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show on Apple podcasts , or your favorite podcast platform. For more resources, recommendations and inspiration to help you optimize your writing life, visit ReadWriteandCreate.com . While you’re there, be sure to sign up for the RWC newsletter because I send out a monthly
Mon, November 06, 2023
Writing Retreats are Not Bougie: Why Writing Retreats Should be a Part of Your Regular Writing Practice
On episode 19 of the podcast, I’m giving a pep-talk on the importance of writing retreats for your regular writing practice. Yes, I just ran my first writing retreat, so I’m still glowing from that amazing experience, but this pep talk isn’t about me. It’s about you and all the benefits you will gain from adding writing retreats to your writing life. Some of the benefits of attending writing retreats include: Increased productivity in your writing Improved self-confidence as a writer Access to a wider writing network Increased creativity energy Even our literary ancestors knew how beneficial it was to run away and write, so of course I’ll be bringing their perspective to my pep talk as well. By the way, I’m making a big announcement at the end of the episode, so be sure to listen all the way to the end! Links You Need from the Show Learn more about The Renaissance House and their residence for BIPOC writers. If you want to read Zora Neale Hurston’s autobiography/memoir that she wrote while on “retreat” consider buying your copy of Dust Tracks on the Road at Bookshop.org so you can support this podcast and independent booksellers everywhere. If you want to start planning which retreat you’d like to attend in 2024, check out this list of retreats for BIPOC writers I created. It will be updated for 2024 soon. If you need ideas on how to plan your own writing retreat, check out this post I wrote about the DIY writing retreat . If you’d like more information about The Sanctuary, the new membership community exclusively for BIPOC women writers who want to get their work into the world, please use this link to join the I Want to Know More List. For more resources, recommendations and inspiration to help you optimize your writing life, visit ReadWriteandCreate.com . While you’re there, be sure to sign up for the RWC newsletter because I send out a monthly list of opportunities for BIPOC writers that include jobs, open submissions, residencies, grants, fellowships and more. You know you want some of that good stuff, don't you?
Mon, October 23, 2023
How to Have a 40-Year Literary Career with Award-Winning Author and Literary Activist Marita Golden
On episode 18 of the podcast, the amazing Marita Golden is my guest. Marita Golden is an award-winning author of over twenty works of fiction and nonfiction. Her books include the novels, The Wide Circumference of Love, and After and the memoirs Migrations of the Heart, Saving Our Sons, and Don’t Play in the Sun: One Woman’s Journey Through the Color Complex. Her most recent work of nonfiction is The New Black Woman Loves Herself, Has Boundaries and Heals Every Day . Marita is also the Co-founder and President Emerita of the Zora Neale Hurston/ Richard Wright Foundation. Over the years, Marita’s life and work as an author and literary activist has served as both personal and professional inspiration to me and countless other writers. During our interview, we discuss: The secrets and strategies Marita has used over the years to have a successful, diverse and long-lasting literary career. Time management skills. Why writers shouldn’t feel guilty about the need to make money from their writing. The need for self-care for writers and why it’s not just a trending buzzword. The importance of community for BIPOC writers. I guarantee this episode with Marita Golden will leave you inspired, well-informed, and ready to write. To learn more about Marita Golden and to find out about her classes and coaching, visit her website at MaritaGolden.com To buy some of Marita’s most iconic books, visit the Read, Write, and Create bookshop and support Marita, this podcast, and independent bookstores everywhere. To hear an interview I did with Marita Golden about her anthology and novel on Alzheimer's, have a listen here . To learn more about the incredible Hurston/ Wright foundation, visit their website at HurstonWright.org . For more literary resources to help you love your writing life, please visit the Read, Write, and Create website and blog . If you’re looking for opportunities to get your work published, to get paid for your writing, and/or retreats and residencies where you can deep dive into the writing world, be sure to subscribe to the Read, Write and Create newsletter. Follow @ReadWriteandCre8 on Instagram for more lit news, views, tips,
Mon, October 09, 2023
Find Your Passion and Your Purpose as a Writer with Maya Angelou
On episode 18 of the podcast, I’m sharing a lively pep-talk using the life and times of the incredible Dr. Maya Angelou to inspire you to tap into your purpose and passions as BIPOC writers. One little programming note, make sure you stick around all the way to the end of the episode because I’m launching a new segment of the show called, Read Like a Writer , where I will be sharing a book recommendation for a book that is delightful to read and will help you improve your craft. The topics we cover in this Maya Angelou inspired pep talk include: Why writers have to live life and embrace new opportunities. How to launch your writing career by starting with what you love. The sacrifice and struggle required if you want to be a writer. How writers can heal the world with their words and why BIPOC writers especially have an obligation to do so. Why Maya Angelou never used the words “writer’s block.” Read Like a Writer Selection: The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras. You can purchase a copy at the Read, Write and Create online bookshop and support this podcast, Ingrid, and independent booksellers across the United States. Thank you for listening to this award-winning podcast. If you are looking for more resources, recommendations and inspiration to help you optimize your writing life, please visit ReadWriteandCreate.com . While you’re there, be sure to sign up for the RWC newsletter because I send out a monthly list of opportunities for BIPOC writers that include jobs, open submissions, residencies, grants, and fellowships. Find out what amazing award the Read, Write, and Create podcast won in September. We also now have a dedicated Instagram account @ReadWriteandCre8 . Be sure to follow that account because it's where all things Read, Write and Create will be announced. Please don’t forget to leave a rating and/or a review for the show on Apple podcasts or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. I'll see you in two weeks on Monday. Keep writing!
Mon, September 25, 2023
New York Times Best-Selling Author, Denene Millner Shares Her Story and Her Strategies for a Prolific Literary Career
On episode 16 of the podcast, I am joined by the incredible Denene Millner. Denene is truly a powerhouse in the publishing world. She is an author, editor, television and podcast host, and journalist. She has authored more than 30 books, including six New York Times best sellers. She is the creator and director of Denene Millner Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, and MyBrownBaby.com, a critically acclaimed blog that examines the intersection of parenting and race. Millner has written and collaborated on books of fiction, non-fiction, and youth literature including co-authoring Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man , and Straight Talk, No Chaser both with comedian Steve Harvey. On September 5 of 2023, Denene’s debut solo novel, One Blood was released to rave reviews. During our interview, Denene walks us through how she went from being a journalist for the Associated Press, to running her own imprint at Simon & Schuster and the strategies and mindset she used to accomplish her writing goals. Other things we discuss include: The benefits of being able to write across genres. Denene’s secrets for productivity as a writer. The physical toll writing takes on the body and what to do to protect ourselves. Why it’s important to have your literary sisters in your life when you’re writing. Why you should never apologize for centering your people in your writing and how doing so can actually become your professional claim to fame. What literary ancestors Denene looks to for inspiration for her writing life. Her answers may surprise you! Get ready to be inspired and to take notes because Ms. Milner is ready to school you. Grab a copy of Denene’s epic new novel, One Blood at the Read, Write, and Create online Bookshop and support Denene, this podcast, and independent bookstores everywhere. To learn more about Denene and all of her books and contributions to the literary world, visit DeneneMillner.com . To find some of the best books written for young people by Black authors and illustrators, visit DeneneMillnerbooks.com . For more literary resources to help you love your writing life, please visit the Read, Write, and Create website and blog . If you’re looking for opportunities to get your work published, to get paid for your writing, and/or retreats and residencies where you can deep div
Mon, September 11, 2023
The Sisterhood and Why Writers Need a Writing Community
It was Virginia Wolf who said, “a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” And it’s true, when we write, particularly if we’re working on creative work, we need peace and quiet so we can sink into our imagination. But writers are human too. And that means we are social beings. We crave connections. We need our tribe. But not just any tribe, we writers need fellow writers who understand the nuances of a literary life and will help us stay committed to our craft. Episode 15 of the podcast is all about why writers need writing communities. And I'm using the legendary writing group known as The Sisterhood to prove my point. In case you didn't know, The Sisterhood was a famous writing group for Black women in the late 1970s. Members included the likes of Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and June Jordan, and there was gumbo and champagne involved. On the show, I explain: Why writing groups are just as important as a room of one's own for writers. What writing groups can do for your writing career and output. How to start your own writing group. Why BIOPC writers need their own writing groups Links from the show you may need: The Read, Write and Create Blog offers more resources for BIPOC writers. If you'd like to pre-order the new book about The Sisterhood , you can do that at the RWC Bookshop. Follow the new Read, Write and Create Instagram account @ReadWriteandCre8 Please don't forget to leave a rating or review of the podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Mon, July 17, 2023
Best of Author Series with Kaitlyn Greenidge: Real Talk about What it Takes to Be a Writer
On episode 14, I have another episode from my “Best of…Author Interviews.” This week I am sharing my 2021 interview with award-winning novelist, Kaitlyn Greenidge. Kaitlyn Greenidge's debut novel We Love You, Charlie Freeman (Algonquin Books), was one of the New York Times Critics' Top 10 Books of 2016. She is currently Features Director at Harper’s Bazaar as well as a contributing writer for The New York Times. Her second novel, Libertie , was published by Algonquin Books and it had just come out at the time of our interview. Liberite is an exquisite novel about a young Black woman, the title character Libertie, who is coming of age during the era of reconstruction. She has never known the personal sting of slavery yet she yearns to be truly free. The novel begins in upstate New York, but the story makes its way to Haiti and beyond. And believe it or not, Libertie is actually based on real-life characters. In addition to discussing Kaitlyn’s experience writing Liberite , we also dive deep into the writing life and how to make it work. We talk about: How to balance writing with a full time job and motherhood. The truth about writer’s block and how to overcome it. Why writers don’t need solitude to create. The importance of writing Black characters who are not exceptional. A missive from Alice Walker that inspires Kaitlyn’s work. The fascinating real-life characters Libertie and her mother are based on . This is an insightful and inspiring episode, with lots of actionable advice for writers to use in their own writing practice. I hope you enjoy it. Links from the Show If you want to know more about Kaitlyn Greenidge, visit her website at KaitlynGreenidge.com . You can also follow Kaitlyn on Instagram . If you’d like to buy a copy of Libertie , please consider purchasing it from the Read, Write and Create Online bookstore . By doing so, you’re supporting Kaitlyn, the production of our show, and independent booksellers everywhere. Don’t forget you can find the full show notes for this episode as well as a heap of useful and fun literary resources including all the info and updates about our first writing retreat for BIPOC women writers on the Read, Write and Create website at
Mon, July 03, 2023
Best of Author Series with Dr. Yaba Blay: Why Self Publishing is a Revolutionary Act
On episode 13, I have another episode from my “Best of…Author Interviews.” My guest is Dr. Yaba Blay, author of the groundbreaking book, One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race . On the show we talk about how One Drop went from being a self-published labor of love and resistance, to arriving on bookshelves with a major publisher seven years later. Dr. Blay talks about what she had to sacrifice to get One Drop out into the world, and why she refused to compromise on her vision for her book. Dr. Blay is a scholar-activist, public speaker, and cultural consultant whose scholarship, work and practice centers on the lived experiences of Black women and girls, with a particular focus on identity/body politics and beauty practices. Lauded by O Magazine for her social media activism, she has launched several viral campaigns including Locs of Love , #PrettyPeriod , and #ProfessionalBlackGirl, her multi-platform digital community. Topics we cover in this episode: The pros and cons of self-publishing Why self-publishing has always been a necessary option for Black writers and other writers from marginalized communities. How self-publishing can be seen as a revolutionary act. How One Drop went from self-published to traditionally published with rave reviews The difference between colorism and skin color politics The origins of the one-drop rule and who it truly benefits Why, in the 21st century, are we still policing Blackness? This is an insightful and inspiring episode, and I’m sure Dr. Blay’s story of perseverance and believing in the merit of her work will leave you #Lit. Plus, there is a happy ending for One Drop! Links from the Show If you want to support this show and Dr. Blay, please consider buying a copy of One Drop from the Read, Write and Create online bookstore. If you’re in the Philadelphia area, please visit Uncle Bobbie’s Cafe and Books to purchase One Drop and show some love to Dr. Blay’s favorite independent Black-owned bookstore. Lori L. Tharps’ book on colorism and skin color politics, mentioned on the show: Same Family, D
Mon, June 12, 2023
”Best of ...Author Series:” Lauren Francis-Sharma + Book of the Little Axe
On episode 12 of the podcast, I’m dipping into my podcast archives to bring you one of my favorite author interviews. My guest is novelist Lauren Francis-Sharma. Lauren is a child of Trinidadian immigrants, and is the author of Till the Well Runs Dry and Book of the Little Axe . Lauren’s most recent writings can be found in The Lily , Electric Literature , Barrelhouse , Salon , as well as Marita Golden’s anthology, Us Against Alzheimer’s: Stories of Family Love and Faith . Lauren is also the Assistant Director of Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference at Middlebury College, and she is a book reviewer for the San Francisco Chronicle . This episode was originally recorded in 2020, just a couple of months after the debut of Book of the Little Axe . Book of the Little Axe takes place at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century and tells the story of Rosa Rendon, a Black Trinidadian woman who flees her island home and finds herself living among the Crow Nation in what is now Bighorn, Montana. She becomes the wife of a Crow chief and raises three mixed-race children with the nation. When her son begins to struggle with his identity, Rosa is forced to reckon with her past and so the story unfolds. During our conversation, Lauren shares how and why she left her career in corporate law to become a novelist, the 10-year journey to getting her first book published, why Trinidad is always a character in her work, and everything that went into writing the epic masterpiece that is, Book of the Little Axe . She also shares the painful truth of what it was like to launch a novel in the early stages of the pandemic. This is an insightful and inspiring episode, and I’m sure Lauren’s story of perseverance and pushing through life’s challenges to come out triumphant as an award-winning novelist, will leave you #Lit! ************************* Just because I’m taking a podcast break for the summer, I still want you to stay inspired to write. So, please enjoy these “Best of… Author Interviews” and keep writing. Links from the show: To learn more about Lauren Francis-Sharma, visit her website at LaurenFrancisSharma.com To purchase a copy of Book of the Little Axe , visit the Read Write and Create online bookstore powered by Bookshop.org. A purchase from our bookstore supports the production of thi
Mon, May 29, 2023
Get Your Writing Life on Track with the NBA
On episode 11 of the podcast, our last episode of the season, I am giving you a pep talk that will leave you truly lit. Before signing off for the summer, I want to get you fired up and inspired to write, but also give you a source of inspiration you can always go back to when you need that little pick me up. So, I decided to share my secret source for writing inspiration and guidance. It’s the NBA! Yes, I’ve been fashioning my writing career based on the lives and lessons learned from basketball greats like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant. On this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing three key lessons from these legendary basketball players that every writer should learn. How Should A Writer Care for their Body How to Level Up Against the Competition How to Handle Rejection and Bad Reviews Tune in so you can hear these lessons and more about the connections between writing and basketball. Literary Links from the Show For more writing resources and inspiration, don’t forget to visit the Read, Write and Create blog and while you’re there, sign up for the Read, Write and Create newsletter . In honor of this being our last episode of the season, please leave us a rating or a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. The Read Write and Create Retreat is open for registration and there are still a few spots left! The retreat takes place October 8 - 14, 2023 in Sevilla, Spain. This retreat has been specifically curated and created for BIPOC women writers who have a writing project they are working on in either fiction or creative nonfiction. We’re staying in a gorgeous country estate, and we’ll be pulling inspiration from Spain’s multicultural history including their hidden Black history. Delicious food, writing instruction, and community awaits you. To find out more and to register, follow this link. Let’s stay in touch over the summer: Find me on the socials where I will continue to share my literary life on Instagram and writing opportunities and resources on Twitter . If you plan on buying some extra good books this summer by BIPOC authors and you want to support this podcast and platform, you can do both things by shopping online at the Read, Write and Create Booktore , powered by Bookshop.org. We have a wonderful selection of diverse books for adults and children, fiction and nonfiction, that will leave you #Lit! See you in September! Keep writing!
Mon, May 15, 2023
How to Launch, Sell, and Market Your Book: A Masterclass with Mr. Ernest Owens
On episode 10 of the Read, Write, and Create podcast, award-winning journalist and author Ernest Owens joins me on the show to provide a masterclass on how to launch, market and sell your book. The author of the new book, The Case for Cancel Culture , Ernest brings his wit and wisdom to the topic of book marketing, and provides actionable advice for authors at all stages of their career. This is an episode where knowledge is dropped, the truth is shared, and tips and tricks come at your fast. If you have a book that’s about to come out, or one you want to relaunch, be sure to press play and take notes. Ernest Owens is the CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. He is the Editor at Large for Philadelphia Magazine and President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. As an openly gay, Black journalist, he has made headlines for speaking frankly about intersectional issues in society regarding race, LGBTQIA issues, and pop culture. Ernest is the executive producer and host of the hit podcast “Ernestly Speaking!” and his work has been featured in The New York Times , The Washington Post , CNN , NPR , Rolling Stone and other prominent media outlets. In 2019, Fobes magazine included Ernest in their annual 30 under 30 list for his journalism work. Ernest received his B.A. in communication from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s degree in communication management from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. He’s an adjunct professor at Cheyney University, the nation’s first Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Links from the Show If you want to know more about Ernest Owens, visit his website at ErnestOwens.com . You can also follow him on Twitter and Instagram . To purchase a copy of Ernest’s fascinating new book, The Case for Cancel Culture, you can support the Read, Write, and Create podcast by purchasing from the RWC online bookshop . Ernest mentioned an exciting new venture he’s involved in, The Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl. It’s taking place on August 26, 2023 in Philadelphia. Check out The Philadelphia Bookstore Crawl website for details. You can also follow the crawl on Twitter and Instagram . In honor of our 10th episode,
Mon, May 01, 2023
How to Leave a Literary Legacy with Lorraine Hansberry
On episode nine of the podcast, I’m sharing a pep talk meant to encourage you to seize your moment to write. You must get your stories out into the world, so that you can leave a legacy of your words, your wisdom, and your dreams behind. Writing is such a powerful tool to leave a lasting legacy for our loved ones and for the world. Just look at the work our literary ancestors have left behind for us to learn from and love. To drive home my point, I’m going to be sharing the life and times of the award-winning playwright, Lorraine Hansberry who died at age 34, but whose work continues to impact the world today. Lorraine Hansberry was a writer and racial justice activist. She wrote articles, essays and plays, in her abbreviated lifetime, but she is most well-known for her groundbreaking and award-winning play, A Raisin in the Sun . During the episode you’ll learn: How a horrible childhood experience for Lorraine Hansberry inspired A Raisin in the Sun. The awards and accolades, A Raisin in the Sun brought to Hansberry’s life. What role Langston Hughes played in Lorraine Hansberry’s creative life. The surprising connection between Nina Simone and Lorraine Hansberry. What it means to be, “young, gifted and Black,” according to Lorraine Hansberry. What lessons can we learn from Lorraine Hansberry about leaving a literary legacy? Links from the Show To learn more about Lorraine Hansberry, read Dr. Imani Perry’s new-ish, award-winning biography, Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry Langston Hughes poem Harlem/ A Dream Deferred can be read here . Don’t forget, I am hosting a one- day intensive workshop on Sunday May 7 on How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal, open to any and all writers working on a nonfiction book, including memoir. If you want to sell a nonfiction book to a publisher, you have to write a proposal first. So, if you’re ready to start pitching agents with your nonfiction book, you should register for my workshop because you’ll leave the workshop with a template and a working outline for your proposal. Follow this link to register for the workshop . If you haven’t already, sign up for the RWC newsletter so you’ll be the f
Mon, April 17, 2023
You’re Never Too Old to Start Writing or Keep Writing: Dorothy West
On episode # 8 of the podcast, I’m giving you a quick pep talk about the perfect age to become a literary star. Spoiler alert: There isn’t one. The truth is, age is completely irrelevant in the writing game. You never know when your big literary break is going to come, you’re never too old to pick up the pen, and it’s never too late to tell your story. Rather than worrying about your age, you should be working on your words. To prove this point, I’m going back to the ancestors, and I’m sharing about the literary life and times of Ms. Dorothy West, who officially became literary famous when she was 88 years old. Dorothy West was considered one of the youngest members of the Black literati of the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Boston, she is most known for her critically-acclaimed novel about a wealthy Black family, The Wedding . So, check your ageism and your doubts at the door, and tune in to this powerful episode of the show. Links from the Show: If you haven’t already, read The Wedding by Dorothy West. It’s a beautiful book. You can also watch this amazing documentary about West, called As I Remember It . The interview I referenced with author Laura Warrell, who wrote the new novel, Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm was on the Black and Published podcast . Jocelyn Johnson was the other author I mentioned, whose critically acclaimed, debut novel, My Monticello came out when Johnson was 50 years old. I am hosting a one day intensive workshop on Sunday May 7 on H ow to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal , open to any and all writers working on a nonfiction book, including memoir. If you want to sell a nonfiction book to a mainstream publisher, you have to write a proposal first. You need a proposal to get an agent and the proposal is needed to get the book deal. So, if you’re ready to start pitching agents with your nonfiction book, you should register for my workshop because you’ll leave the workshop with a template and a working outline for your book proposal. There’s still room in the Creative Writing Workshop for BIPOC writers . If you’re looking for a creative writing workshop that will have you generating new work in every class, help improve your creative writing skills, and offer a supportive BIPOC centered writing community, then please join us. The class meets Saturdays online at 12:pmEST through June 3, 2023. If
Mon, April 03, 2023
The Secret to a Productive and Prolific Literary Life with Jabari Asim
On today’s episode of the podcast, award-winning author, journalist, professor, and poet, Jabari Asim, joins me on the show, to share his advice and experiences maintaining a productive, prolific, and eclectic literary career for more than thirty years. Jabari Asim is the Distinguished Professor of Multi-Disciplinary Letters at Emerson College, where he also directs the MFA Program in Creative Writing. He is the author of 23 books, including Yonder, the essay collection We Can’t Breathe , and Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis . His awards include a Guggenheim fellowship and a Pushcart Prize. Jabari lives in the Boston area and has 5 adult children On the show Jabari shares: How an encounter with the poet Gwendolyn Brooks inspired him to be a writer. The practical reasons why he is so prolific. Why it’s important for writers to write in multiple genres. The best education for aspiring and working writers. (Hint: It’s not an MFA) How to stay motivated in the face of rejection. The advice he has for BIPOC writers who want to be published by one of the big five publishers. It’s an inspiring interview full of actionable advice and writing tips. You don’t want to miss it. So press play. “Artists are here to disturb the peace.” -James Baldwin. To learn more about Jabari Asim, visit his website . Jabari’s most recent novel, Yonder should be on your TBR list now. And if you have little people in your life, get them a copy of Whose Knees are These and Whose Toes are Those ? Jabari mentioned the inspiring and instructional example of how the author Ann Napolitano queried 80 agents before finding one who would work with her. You can read her story in this article in The New York Times . I will be teaching a Creative Writing Workshop specifically for BIPOC writers who are looking to develop a creative writing habit, improve their creative writing skills, and share their work in a safe and supportive writing workshop. We will be working with creative nonfiction, fiction and poetry. The class meets Saturdays online from 12:00pm - 1:30pmEST. You don’t have to be a published writer or be trying to write a book, this class is truly for those who want to engage in the act of writing and develop their skills in a BIPOC centered workshop. The class will meet online from April 15 - June 3.
Mon, March 20, 2023
The pen is mightier than the sword. Lessons learned from Ida B. Wells
On today’s episode of the podcast, I’m giving you a pep talk on the power and the potential of the written word to change the world. Yes, the pen is mightier than the sword, and I want all of my BIPOC writers to wield this powerful weapon with intention and agency. And because you know I like to give you role models to emulate, I’ll be sharing the inspiring story of how Ida B. Wells weaponized her words in order to make miracles happen. This is a pep talk you don’t want to miss. “ The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them .” Ida B. Wells To learn more about Ida B. Wells, check out all the resources in the show notes for this episode on the Read, Write and Create blog . If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, writing prompts and useful resources for your literary life, visit ReadWriteandCreate.com. Sign up for the Read, Write and Create newslette r if you want writing inspiration, resources, and paid writing opportunities to show up in your inbox twice a month. Thank you for listening, if you enjoy the podcast, please rate and review the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Mon, March 06, 2023
Should Writers Only ’Write What They Know?”: Mark Twain and Toni Morrison Have the Answers
On episode 5 of the Read, Write and Create podcast, get ready for an epic battle between two literary lions, Mark Twain and Toni Morrison. The battle is over whether writers should write what they know, or write what fascinates them. Mark Twain said, “write what you know.” Toni Morrison said, “please do NOT write what you know.” So who was right? And what useful writing advice can all storytellers take from these two literary legends on this topic? The answers may surprise you, so listen up and take notes. This is a pep-talk and lesson you don’t want to miss. -- If you crave more words of advice from Saint Toni Morrison on writing, you can find a list of Toni Morrison's best quotes for writers on this post from the Read Write and Create blog. To get a taste of what it takes to research a novel about a topic you “don’t know,” check out this inspiring interview I did with author Lauren Francis Sharma and hear her fascinating journey writing The Book of the Little Axe. You can buy a copy of Book of the Little Axe from the Read Write and Create Bookshop and support this podcast, Lauren Francis Sharma, and independent bookstores everywhere! And if you want to read a book from an author who successfully 'wrote what she knew' in a novel that did so well it was turned into a popular film, then check out Terry McMillan’s, How Stella Got Her Groove Back . It’s a classic. -- BIPOC writers, please follow me on Instagram so you can leave me a DM if you’d be interested in participating in a writing retreat with me in the south of Spain later this year. I’m in the planning process now and would love to hear what kind of writing you'd like to do with me in sunny Spain. Gracias! If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, writing prompts and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content on ReadWriteandCreate.com . While you’re there, you can also sign up for the Read, Write and Create bimonthly newsletter . Don’t forget to rate and review this podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you!
Mon, February 20, 2023
For Writers: Perseverance is More Important than Talent + Octavia E. Butler
On today’s episode of the podcast, I’m sharing a pep talk about perseverance. The truth is, perseverance is the most important habit, or superpower, a writer must have, even more than talent. You can be the most talented writer in the room, but if you can’t figure out how to keep writing in the face of hardship and adversity, then you’re not going to succeed in this game. To help explain the importance of perseverance in a literary life, I’m sharing the incredible true story of how Ms. Octavia Estelle Butler went from being a poor, young, Black girl with a dream, to a multiple-award-winning literary superstar. More than just a celebrated science-fiction writer though, Octavia Butler’s career is a master class in perseverance and what it can get you. Listen in to hear the extraordinary story behind Octavia Butler’s success as a Black woman writer in a white-male dominated field. Be inspired by her unwavering perseverance. And get actionable ideas to incorporate into your own writing practice to help you stay writing even when life gets in the way. Links from the Show. Watch Ta-Nehiesi Coates’ short but inspiring video on the importance of perseverance in a writing career. If you’re looking for a beautiful book about Octavia Butler’s early years, consider Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi . Technically it is a middle-grade book, but it is so gorgeous and brings Butler to life through poetry, prose and photographs. If not for yourself, consider getting it for a young person in your life. Please follow me on Instagram so you can leave me a DM if participating in a writing retreat in the South of Spain with me, sounds like fun. There's no obligation if you send a DM, I'm just in the planning process and would like to hear what sounds good to prospective attendees. Let me know what you'd like in a creative writing retreat for BIPOC writers. Gracias! If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, writing prompts and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content on ReadWriteandCreate.com . While you’re there, be sure to sign up for the Read, Write and Create bimonthly newsletter so you can be the first to know when I'll be hosting my workshops, classes and retreats. Don't forget to leave a rating or a review of the RWC podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you like to listen. Thank you!
Mon, February 06, 2023
How to Have a Long-Lasting Literary Career with Tracey Lewis-Giggetts
On episode #3 of the podcast, the incredible Tracey Lewis-Giggetts joins me to talk about her literary life and experiences as an African-American writer and author of over 20 books! Tracey writes fiction, nonfiction, poetry and screenplays. Her two most recent books are Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration and Then They Came For Mine: Healing from the Trauma of Racial Violence . Tracey also works as a ghostwriter and has penned best-selling memoirs for several public figures and celebrities including, Tabitha Brown and Yusef Salaam, of the Exonerated Five. On the show, I’m interviewing Tracey to ask her all about the lessons learned on her literary journey, including how she started, and how she managed to build and sustain a career that has spanned more than 20 years. Tracey has so much wisdom to share – from how she keeps going in the face of rejection, to how she managed to quit her job in academia to write full time to why it’s okay to write in more than one genre. Most importantly, Tracey talks about how and why she is so prolific, why she makes no apology for centering her stories around Black people and Black culture, and why it is so important to stay ready so you can be ready when opportunities arise. Tracey drops some real gems, tips, tricks and actionable advice for writers at all stages of their journey. I hope you find her words inspiring for your own writing practice. To learn more about Tracey, please visit her website . To get a copy of her book, Black Joy , which was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award, consider purchasing it from the Read Write and Create bookstore. Tracey mentioned the following useful resources for writers: The Hurston Wright Foundation is an excellent resource for Black writers. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a book for writers about writing that Tracey recommends. If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, writing prompts and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content on ReadWriteandCreate.com . While you’re there, you can also sign up for the Read, Write and Create bimonthly newsletter . Don't forget to share this episode with other BIPOC writers who might need a creative pep-talk!
Mon, January 23, 2023
Why BIPOC Writers Must Get their Stories Into the World + Zora Neale Hurston
On episode number two of the Read, Write and Create Podcast, I give BIPOC writers their marching orders for their literary lives I explain why the world needs writers of BIPOC heritage to pick up their pens and write their stories; why we have to write like our lives depend on it; and why we have to write for ourselves. For inspiration and edification, I’m using the literary life and times of Zora Neale Hurston to help make my case. In the episode I will be sharing: The grim statistics about the lack of diversity in the books published by mainstream publishers. Why books are powerful weapons in the fight against white supremacy and oppression. Who needs more books by and about BIPOC people and why. Why should we look at the courage and conviction of Zora Neale Hurston when searching for a role model for our writing lives as BIPOC writers. What lessons Zora Neale Hurston can teach us about centering Black lives in our work. Links from the Show If you haven’t listened to the first episode of the show, where I coach writers on how to find the time to write and talk about the life and times of Phillis Wheatley, do yourself a favor and have a listen. If you’re interested in learning more about the incredible and inspiring life of Zora Neale Hurston, I highly recommend reading Valerie Boyd’s masterful biography of Zora, titled, Wrapped In Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston . Also, earlier this month, PBS released a new documentary about Zora Neale Hurston called Zora Neale Hurston Claiming A Space . Check PBS.com to find air times in your city. The Read Write and Create Podcast is produced by Lori L. Tharps. Our editor is Brad Linder And our theme music is by Wataboi. Be sure to subscribe to the show on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or Audible podcasts, so you won’t miss a single episode. If you’re looking for more creative writing inspiration, writing prompts and useful resources for your literary life, be sure to check out all of the amazing content on ReadWriteandCreate.com . While you’re there, you can also sign up for the Read, Write and Create bimonthly newsletter . Don't forget to keep writing.
Mon, January 09, 2023
How to Find the Time to Write + Phillis Wheatley
This is the very first episode of the Read, Write, and Create podcast! Each episode of the show will include a pep-talk for BIPOC creative writers, inspired by the lives of our literary foremothers and forefathers of color. These pep talks will be short, sweet, and to the point, so you can get off the couch and back to your desk, writing the masterpiece you were meant to write. On this first episode of the Read, Write and Create podcast, host Lori L. Tharps tackles an issue that vexes almost every writer: “How do I find the time to write?” Tune in to hear how Lori uses the inspiring life and times of poet and author, Phillis Wheatley to answer that critical question. If you want to learn more about the life and writings of Phillis Wheatley, a woman whose story deserves a million more podcast episodes, please check out the following books by BIPOC authors: The Age of Phillis by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers The Trials of Phillis Wheatley: America's First Black Poet and Her Encounters with the Founding Fathers by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Phillis Wheatley: Complete Writings by Phillis Wheatley If you’re looking for more inspiration, resources and advice for your writing life, check out the Read, Write and Create blog at ReadWriteandCreate.com . Follow Lori L. Tharps on Instagram @LoriLTharps, and/or check out our selection of books on writing at the Read, Write and Create independent online bookstore . The Read, Write, and Create podcast is a biweekly podcast for BIPOC writers. New episodes are released every other Monday. The show is hosted and produced by author, journalist, and creative writing coach, Lori L. Tharps. The show is edited by Brad Linder. Our theme music is by Wataboi.
Mon, December 05, 2022
Introducing the Read, Write & Create Podcast
It's been a while since a new episode of the MAMP podcast dropped, and sadly there won't be anymore new episodes. However, I am launching a brand new, bimonthly podcast called Read, Write & Create and on this short little episode, I'm going to tell you all about it. Think bite-sized creative pep talks for BIPOC writers. The new podcast officially launches in January 2023 and I hope if it sounds like something you need in your life, you'll tune in and subscribe. Until then, Write On!
Fri, April 16, 2021
One Last Thing About the Future of the Show
This is the final episode of season six of the podcast and it’s going to be a short one. I have a few important announcements about the future of the show to share, some personal updates, and of course, some multicultural book news. One of the big announcements I'll be sharing is that I am launching a new podcast called, Meltingpot Stories. Yes, the podcast that will be all about multicultural books. Please follow me on IG @LoriLTharps and visit the My American Meltingpot website to know when the new show will officially launch. Thank you all for listening. I appreciate you!
Fri, April 09, 2021
Author Kaitlyn Greenidge Talks Freedom and "Libertie"
On episode 68 of the podcast, author Kaitlyn Greenidge joins me to talk about freedom and Libertie . Kaitlyn’s debut novel was the critically acclaimed, We Love You, Charlie Freeman . Her writing has also appeared in Vogue , Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, Elle.com, Buzzfeed, and the Virginia Quarterly Review . She was a contributing editor for LENNY Letter , is currently a contributing writer for The New York Times a nd recently became the Features Director of Harper’s Bazaar magazine . I invited Kaitlyn to talk about her stunning new novel, Libertie , which was just released on March 30, 2021. Libertie is a coming-of-age story that begins in the second half of the 19th century in New York. It is about a free-born Black woman named Libertie Sampson, who is the dark-skinned daughter of a light-skinned mother, who also happens to be a doctor. Libertie’s mother raises her daughter expecting her to follow in her footsteps into medicine as well. But after the Civil War is fought and the promises of Reconstruction beckon, Libertie imagines a different future for herself. So, when the opportunity to move to Haiti - where Black people are truly free - comes up, she takes it. During our illuminating conversation, where I promise there are no spoilers about the novel, Kaitlyn shares the real story Liberite was inspired by; why she wanted to write Black historical fiction that wasn’t about Black exceptionalism; what she thinks freedom is; and why her female characters are so powerful. We also talk about the writing life; Kaitlyn explains why she doesn’t believe in writer's block, and why she doesn’t think writers should hide from real life. This is a wonderfully inspiring episode with a brilliant and down-to-earth author. I hope you love it. Literary Links from the Show To learn more about Kaitlyn Greenidge, visit her website . You can purchase Libertie on bookshop.org or Amazon . During the episode, Kaitlyn mentioned the book, 1 00 Essays I Don't Have Time to Write by Sarah Ruhl. You might want to check it out. Both the Well Read Black Girl Book Club and Roxanne Gay have chosen Libertie as their May book read. Maybe you want to read along with them. If you loved this episode of the podcast, you might also love my interview with author Lauren Francis Scharma , whose historical novel, Book of the Little Axe , is
Fri, April 02, 2021
Children's Book Author, Zetta Elliott, Wants to Decolonize Your Imagination
On episode 67 we’re going back into the Meltingpot archives to listen to an interview with award-winning children’s book author and indie publisher, Zetta Elliott. Zetta has written over 30 books for children, teens and young adults and is committed to telling stories featuring Black characters in the most unexpected places. From sci-fi, to fantasy, to haunted historical fiction, Zetta has written it all and shows no signs of stopping. She is on a mission to decolonize all of our imaginations when it comes to storytelling for young people. During this episode, Zetta shares her inspiring journey to becoming a writer and indie publisher; how the move from her native Canada to the United States helped her find her voice as a Black woman; why she unapologetically centers the lives of Black and brown children in her stories; and why and how she continues to self publish even though many of her books are published by major houses. Black and Brown Children Want to Play with Dragons Too! For anyone interested in children's book creation, from the writing to the publishing, I guarantee you will get a lot of truth nuggets and advice in this episode. And everyone will be moved by Zetta's willingness to face racism head on in the publishing industry, and by her determination to get her books into the hands of the children who need them most. Links to #GetLit with Zetta Elliott You can learn more about Zetta Elliott and her work on her website . You can also find contact information there if you want to write to Zetta for information about self-publishing. Before you hit Zetta up for self-publishing advice though, you might want to read one of these thoughtful essays she's already written about the practice. What’s LOVE got to do with it?” Self-publishing as a Black feminist act of radical self-care 7 Tips for Self-Published Authors Zetta Elliott on Starting Her Own Imprint & Character Development in Children’s Fiction How to Decolonize Your Imagination My favorite Zetta Elliott book that was mentioned at the top of the show is: A Wish After Midnight (The one about time traveling to pre-civil war era Brooklyn.) You also might want to check out her Dragons in a Bag series. If you're a self-proclaimed history geek, like Zetta Elliott, and are looking for inspiration
Fri, March 26, 2021
The Multicultural History of Witchcraft in America with Author Via Hedera
On episode 66 of the podcast we’re going to talk about witches. Why? Because there is a growing number of women who are practicing witchcraft in the United States. And because this is America, there is a racial divide in this increasingly popular witching community. Apparently, Black witches and white witches just can’t get along. Cries of cultural appropriation, questions of who gets to call themselves a witch, and how witches are portrayed in popular media are all discussions that are happening in the witching world and they are all discussions that require a multiracial perspective. They are also discussions that require an understanding and knowledge of the multicultural roots of witchcraft in America. That is why I’m so excited to have Via Hedera as my guest for today’s show. Via is a sculptor, folklore enthusiast, writer and occult practitioner operating a blog dedicated to folkloric witchcraft in the Americas, modern animism and sacred art. Growing up in a multicultural and spiritually diverse community, she dedicates her time to the study of traditional witchcraft practices, ancestor veneration, and all things magical. Via is also the author of the just released book, Folkloric American Witchcraft and the Multicultural Experience and she is an expert in the multicultural history of witchcraft and witchlore in the United States. It’s a history that includes African, Indigenous and European cultures and it is fascinating. If you never stopped to think how witchcraft, magic and spirituality were part of the fabric of this country, prepare to have your mind blown. During our conversation, Via explains the multicultural roots of American witchlore, how her own multiracial background inspired her to investigate magic, folklore and witchcraft, and who gets to call themselves a witch in America today. Warning, I think I use the word "fascinating" at least 10 times over the course of this episode and I apologize in advance, but have a listen and you'll see, the whole show really is fascinating. Literary Links from the Show What I'm Reading Now: Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge The delicious novel that sparked my interest in the multicultural roots of witchcraft in America: T he Once and Future Witches by Alix Harrow Multicultural Witchcraft Resources To keep up with Via Hedera, or to order one of her statues like the ones pictured in the image above, visit her blog, ViaHedera.com Grab a copy of Via's book Folkloric American Witchcraft and the Multicultural Experience either on Amazon or on Bookshop.org Books that Via recommended to further your journey into witchcraft Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Pe
Fri, March 19, 2021
Children's Book Author Joanna Ho Writes to Change the World
On episode 65 of the podcast, I’m joined by children’s book author, educator, and activist Joanna Ho. Joanna is the New York Times bestselling author of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners , a beautiful picture book that tells the story of a little Asian girl who learns to love and appreciate the shape of her eyes. Joanna holds a BA in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a master’s from the Principal Leadership Institute at Berkeley. She has been an English teacher, a dean, the designer of an alternative-to-prison program, and a professional development mastermind. She is currently the vice principal of a high school in the Bay Area. Joanna Ho Wants to Change the World with her Writing During our conversation, which felt like a chat with an old friend, Joanna shares how writing for young people is part of her anti-racism activism; why it makes her sad that so many Asian women love her book; how she reacted when her first attempts at writing picture books were rejected; and why she’s not interested in leaving her day job to pursue writing full time, despite the fact that she has three other books already in the works! Joanna Ho is an absolute delight and I hope you enjoy the show! A Meltingpot Minute About Multicultural Witches During the Meltingpot Minute, I take a moment to preview next week's episode and to share my review for the amazing new novel, The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow. Literary Links from the Show Grab your copy of Eyes that Kiss in the Corners To keep up with all of the amazing content Joanna puts out in the world, visit her website at JoannaHowrites.com . While you wait for Joanna's book about YoYo Ma at the border, check out this article from Time magazine about some of his humanitarian work. Joanna just finished reading Punching the Air by Yusef Salem and Ibi Zoboi. You might want to read it too. You might also like American Street by Ibi Zoboi. I reviewed it a few years ago on the blog. If you'd like to take some classes or learn more about writing for children, do what Joanna did and check out the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Buy yourself some beautiful pajamas or a lovely nightgown, so you can read in bed in style...like me. Visit the Printfresh online store and use the promocode LORILTHARPS for 15% off your order. By the way, the
Fri, March 12, 2021
Writing Wisdom: You Must Believe You Can Write
On episode 64 of the podcast, I’m introducing a new segment called Writing Wisdom with Lori. On these mini-episodes, I’ll be sharing actionable inspiration for writers, aspiring writers and creative folks looking to put pen to paper. I want to give you a jolt of what you need to live your best literary life. Think tips, hacks and mindset motivation to get you going, or keep you going on your writing journey. For this very first writing wisdom segment, I'm talking about the most important lesson all writers must learn, and that is that anybody can write. If you can follow a recipe, then you can learn to write. During this brief episode, I'm sharing how new writers and seasoned writers alike, can look at their writing practice like a person who is learning to bake. We start with a recipe, follow the steps, then begin to experiment until we can successfully execute a beautiful cake – or novel – from scratch. Listen to the show for actionable inspiration and writing wisdom that will hopefully help you believe in your right to write. Literary Links for more Writing Wisdom If you're looking for a good no-nonsense (recipe) book on writing, I love Stephen King's On Writing . I re-read it whenever I need inspiration and tips on writing fiction. If you love podcasts as much as I do, and would like to listen to an inspiring podcast on writing, try the Write-Minded Podcast . Hosted by the director of NaNoWriMo Grant Faulkner and the publisher of She Writes Press, Brooke Warner, the show offers interviews with stellar writers on specific craft-focused topics. If you want to take a writing class - anything from memoir to screen writing - consider Gotham Writers Workshop . They are based in New York City, but with online classes, you can live anywhere and take one of their courses. If you want to hear how some badass women use their writing to change the world, for some added inspiration for your writing practice, listen to the How to Be a Revolutionary Writer episode from the MAMP podcast. (It will definitely get you fired up and ready to write.) And if after listening to this episode, you just want to bake a cake from scratch, try this recipe for Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake . It's the same one that appears on the back of the Hershey's cocoa tin and it is delicious. Do you have any questions about your writing practice? Are you struggling with some part of your journey? Are you seeking permission to write? Leave me you questions and comments on the show notes page for this episode on the My American Meltingpot blog , and I'll try to answer them on my n
Fri, March 05, 2021
Telling Global Stories with Jennifer Steil, Award-Winning Author of Exile Music
On episode 63 of the podcast, I’m joined by award-winning author, Jennifer Steil, to talk about her brilliant new novel, Exile Music . Exile Music tells the remarkable story of an Austrian Jewish family who has to flee Nazi occupied Vienna during WWII, and then finds themselves living as refugees in La Paz, Bolivia. Jennifer stumbled upon this fascinating and mostly unknown piece of history – European Jewish refugees living in Bolivia – when she was living in La Paz with her diplomat husband, and was inspired to write a novel about it. During our conversation, in addition to getting the story behind Exile Music , Jennifer and I talk about her life as a journalist turned creative writer; how a job opportunity in Yemen inspired her first book, a memoir called The Woman Who Fell from the Sky ; we talk about the time she was kidnapped while pregnant, and how that harrowing experience inspired her first novel, The Ambassador’s Wife ; and we talk about the #OwnVoices movement and who has the right to tell whose stories. Jennifer Steil is an award-winning author, journalist, and teacher who lives in many countries (currently Uzbekistan). Her new novel, Exile Music , released by Viking in May, won the Grand Prize in the international Eyelands 2020 Book Awards, and was chosen by Art in Fiction as one of the best novels about art in 2020, and by Book Authority as one of 16 Best New Music Books to Read in 2021. It has received stunning reviews, including a starred Booklist review, and was chosen by Good Morning America as one of the 25 Novels You'll Want to Read This Summer. Her novel, The Ambassador’s Wife , published by Doubleday in 2015, won the 2013 William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition Best Novel award and the 2016 Phillip McMath Post Publication Book Award. The novel, which explores white savior complex, freedom of expression, art, terrorism, and parenthood, was shortlisted for both the Bisexual Book Award and the Lascaux Novel Award, and has received considerable critical acclaim, notably in the Seattle Times , Publishers Weekly , Booklist , and The New York Times Book Review . It has been published in several other languages, including Italian, Bulgarian, Greek, and Polish. This is a riveting episode that goes way beyond the book and digs deep into the writing life. I hope you enjoy it! **************** Get #Lit with these Links about Jennifer Steil and More... To read more about Jennifer Steil and to keep up with her work, visit her online home at Jennifer Steil.com. To purchase a copy of Exile Music , and/ or any of Jennifer's other books, visit the <a href='https://b
Fri, February 26, 2021
Love, Loss and Writing Memoir with Tembi Locke
On episode 62 of the podcast we’re rewinding to listen to debut author and actress,Tembi Locke, talk about writing her brilliant memoir about love and loss, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily and Finding Home . In our conversation, Tembi and I talk about the reasons she decided to write this searing love story about life before and after her Italian husband’s death from cancer; her writing process as a new author; why writing memoir is so powerful; what life is like for a Black-American woman living in Sicily; raising confident multiracial children ; and the healing power of food. Yes, we covered just about all of my favorite things in this one brilliant conversation. At the end of the conversation, I share some exciting news and updates about Tembi and From Scratch , regarding her connections with Reese Witherspoon and some other Hollywood-based projects. Personal News on the Meltingpot Minute Speaking of multicultural memoirs, during the Meltingpot Minute, I share some exciting news about my own life . Like Tembi, who is a Black woman who found lasting love while studying abroad, and then wrote all about it, I wrote a memoir too. My memoir is called Kinky Gazpacho and takes place in Spain instead of Italy. Tune in to hear my exciting news and what it has to do with writing, memoir and Spain. Literary Links from the Show To follow Tembi Locke, please visit her website where you can also find all of her social media handles. To keep track of when From Scratch the Netflix series, visit the From Scratch page on Netflix . To find out more about the Waiting to Exhale Series on ABC, check out this article about the Locke sisters on LitHub . If you haven't read Terry McMillan's classic, Waiting to Exhale, get your copy wherever you like to buy books. If you haven't read any books by Tembi's talented sister, Attica Locke , you might want to start with The Cutting Season . I loved it. Tembi is as much a grief activist as she is a writer. If you're looking for resources to help you move through grief, visit her platform, The Kitchen Widow for help or inspiration. If you're interested in reading my memoir about my complicated love affair with Spain, you can <a href='h
Fri, February 19, 2021
Talking "One Drop," Blackness, and Publishing with Dr. Yaba Blay
On episode 61 of the show, we’re talking about Blackness, Identity Politics and self-publishing as a form of activism with Dr. Yaba Blay, author of the just released book, One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race . Dr. Blay’s book, One Drop is a gorgeous coffee table book filled with beautiful full-color portraits of people who identify as Black. The people are divided in groups: Mixed Black, American Black and Diaspora Black and each portrait is accompanied by a personal essay about the person’s racial background and lived identity experience. But this is not just a book of pretty pictures, One Drop also has a deeply researched explanation of the history of Blackness, the history of whiteness and the significance of the one-drop rule in America. Some of the faces in the book are recognizable, like journalist Soledad O’Brien, but the majority are the faces of ordinary people with extra-ordinary stories to tell. During our conversation, Dr. Blay and I discuss the origin story for One Drop , why she chose to self-publish the book after mainstream publishers rejected it, and how she felt when a mainstream publisher decided to re-publish the book now in 2021, seven years after its original publication. We also talk about colorism, how annoying and counter-productive it is to question someone’s Blackness and who the one-drop rule really benefits? We had a passionate conversation that went way beyond the book! Literary Links from the Show During the Meltingpot Minute, I reviewed the book, Good Talk by Mira Jacob. Good Talk is a graphic memoir about coming of age as an Indian American woman, marrying a white man and raising brown children in the age of Trump. To learn more about Good Talk and Mira Jacob, please visit her website . To learn more about Dr. Yaba Blay, visit her website and catch her on the gram where she posts regularly about her many projects and passions. To buy your copy of One Drop: Shifting the Lens on Race , please consider purchasing from Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books or your favorite Black-owned bookstore. We mentioned author Zetta Elliott during the episode. Zetta is a prolific children's book and YA author, who has a lot to say about equity and the publishing industry. Listen to Zetta's episode on the podcast for an inspiring conversation about writing and self-publishing. To support the show, remember to do your book shopping at the My American Meltingpot Online bookstore . If you're interested in reading more about skin color politics, check out my book, Same Family, Dif
Fri, February 12, 2021
White Like Her: Stories of Race and Racial Passing
On episode 60 of the podcast, we’re digging into the Meltingpot vault and replaying an episode that was inspired by the book, White Like Her: My Family’s Story of Race and Racial Passing (Skyhorse) by Gail Lukasik. The book is all about racial passing and family secrets in Gail’s family. I’m joined on the show by Gail Lukasik and Philadelphia journalist, Shannon Wink. Like Gail, Shannon was raised to believe she was white, but when she was doing some genealogical research for her job, she discovered some colorful family secrets of her own. During this lively conversation we talk about that moment when both women found out that their relatives had been passing, how their own racial identities have shifted from white to not white, but not Black either, and the toll of family secrets. I loved this conversation and it really made me rethink my own definitions of Black and white here in the United States. At the end of the episode, I have some exciting updates to share from Gail and Shannon. Elizabeth Gilbert is Listening to Black Women Authors Did you know that Elizabeth Gilbert has started a book club called the Onward Book Club ? She launched it after the murder of George Floyd in an effort to do something about racial injustice in this country. Listen in to hear what it's all about and how you can get involved. Literary Links from the Show You can buy a copy of the paperback version of White Like Her on Amazon or from Bookshop.org Elizabeth Gilbert's book club, Onward, can be found on her website, ElizabethGilbert.com You can read Shannon Wink's original story (and see photos of her family) about finding her roots on her website . And if you like books about racial passing, consider Brit Bennett's , The Vanishing Half . SUPPORT THE SHOW Please visit the My American Meltingpot online bookstore when making book purchases. You get great discounted books and the show gets a small commission. Please rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts Consider a monetary donation via PayPal on the My American Meltingpot website . Look for the yellow button on the lower right-hand side of the blog.
Fri, February 05, 2021
Untangling the History of "Hair Story" with authors Ayana Byrd + Lori Tharps
On episode 59 of the podcast, we’re having a birthday party for a very special book. And that book is, Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America . Hair Story is the first book that I ever wrote, with my good friend, the journalist and author, Ayana Byrd. Hair Story covers the history, politics, business and culture of Black hair from 15th century Africa to modern-day America. And today, we're going behind the scenes and looking back at how Hair Story came to be. Ayana and I birthed Hair Story 20 years ago and it debuted on February 1, 2001. Our publisher, St. Martin’s press, re-released the book in 2014 when we added two additional chapters and updated the text to incorporate all of the massive changes that had happened in the decade since the book’s debut. Namely the Internet became a thing in the world of Black hair and the Natural Hair Movement exploded. Ayana Byrd joins me on the show as we look back at the journey to get this groundbreaking book into the world and the massive impact Hair Story has had in its two decades of life. From college syllabi to high school classrooms, from beauty salons to documentary films, Hair Story has gone global. Literary Links from the Show You can buy Hair Story anywhere books are sold, including Bookshop.org and Amazon.com . To find out more about Ayana Byrd, visit her website . Listen to the audio documentary recently produced by the Canadian Broadcast Company about the history of Black hair where I was interviewed. To order your copy of Cicely Tyson's memoir, Just As I Am, check to see if Amazon has them back in stock. Or try Bookshop.org . Check out debut author J. Elle's exciting new YA novel called Wings of Ebony . Please remember to Rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts . You can also leave a tip on PayPal to help cover the costs of the show. You can find the link to donate on My American Meltingpot.com.
Fri, January 29, 2021
A Big Announcement about the Future of this Podcast
Welcome to 2021. It's a new year and I'm ready for something different. Not just for this world and the United States, but for this podcast. So, I'm making a change. I don't want to talk about racism anymore. What do I want to talk about? Something that lights me up. Something that makes me excited. Something that I wake up thinking about and fall asleep dreaming about. Something I really and truly love. Books! Yes, books. Multicultural books to be specific. Books written by authors of color, books that center the experiences of people of color. Books that share the stories of different cultures colliding or collaborating. Be clear, I still want to be an anti-racism warrior, but rather than dissect the damage racism imparts, I want to show people what's possible through stories. And I want to inspire people of diverse backgrounds to write their own stories. Because multicultural stories matter and they can be the thing that sparks the change we're all still waiting for. On episode 58, I'm sharing how this is all going to play out on the podcast. I'll talk about the guests who are coming on the show, the topics we'll be discussing and I'll be asking for your input on a new name for the show. I'm so excited for this change and I hope you'll continue to tune in to the Meltingpot so you can enjoy the literary love fest for multicultural books that I am creating. For complete show notes and some extra colorful literary links, visit the website MyAmericanMeltingpot.com
Fri, December 18, 2020
Is Christmas for white people with Dr. Marc Lamont Hill
On episode 57 of the podcast, we’re replaying our Christmas show from 2019 because it's still very relevant today. Maybe even more so. On that episode, I set out to answer the question, "Is Christmas for white people?" Now, I’m not white and I’ve been celebrating Christmas with my very Black family for more than 40 years, so clearly Christmas isn’t intrinsically a white people’s holiday, but there are plenty of people of color in America who don't deck the halls or jingle any bells on December 25. Considering the fact that 2020 has been a banner year for people to start paying attention to issues of racial injustice, white supremacy, and the whitewashing that permeates just about every facet of American culture, I thought this was the perfect time to revisit this episode. It’s a really good one and I promise it’s not all bah humbug! Joining me on the show for this racial rehash of Christmas, is Dr. Marc Lamont Hill. Dr. Hill is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. He is the author of several books, including his latest book that just came out in November, 2020, We Still Here: Pandemic, Policing, Protest, and Possibility . A public intellectual and an award-winning journalist, Dr. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Dr. Hill is also the owner of the Philadelphia based bookstore Uncle Bobbies Coffee and Books. During our conversations, Dr. Hill and I discuss the immigrant experience and Christmas. We talk about the actual multicultural origins of Christmas. We explore some of the alternative celebrations folks have come up with that feel more in line with their cultural and ethnic heritage. And we consider the idea that celebrating Christmas as a person of color, could be considered a radical act of redefinition. This conversation will definitely have you thinking differently, and maybe a bit more colorfully, about Christmas. * * * * * * * * To keep up with Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, visit his website where you can read his full bio and find all of his social media links. If you live in the Philadelphia area, check out Dr. Hill's awesome bookstore, Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books . Please show them some love through the pandemic. Check out this blog post I wrote about whitewashing Christmas i n America, specifically about Santa Claus vs. the Three Kings. Please leave a gift for the podcast in the form or a rating or a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. And
Fri, November 20, 2020
Rethinking Race + Thanksgiving
November is National Native American Heritage Month and it’s the month we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. On episode 56 of the podcast, we’re going talk about both of these so-called holidays and how and what we should be doing to celebrate. Clearly Thanksgiving 2020 is going to look a lot different than years past. You may be alone or far away from extended family for the first time. Some people may not have the funds to pay for an extravagant Turkey dinner this year. Some people may be mourning the loss of loved ones to Covid-19 this holiday season. Overall, I think it’s safe to say that Thanksgiving is not going to be “normal” for anyone, so what better time than to rethink the reason and purpose of this All-American holiday. Back in 2018, for our very first episode in fact, I was joined by Dr. Crystal Fleming, a sociologist based at Stony Brook University and the author of How to Be Less Stupid about Race . Dr. Fleming and I talked about the inherent problems in celebrating a holiday that both downplays the real contributions of Native American people to that first Harvest celebration, and erases the legacy of brutal atrocities committed against Native people by European colonizers. It’s an important conversation that we're replaying because there are so many truth bombs people should hear, especially before celebrating Thanksgiving this year. Stay in Touch I’d love to hear how you’re going to honor the Thanksgiving holiday Meltingpot community. Please feel free to tell me your plans by leaving me a comment on IG @LoriLTharps or in the comments on the My American Meltingpot blog. And if you’d like to keep up with Dr. Crystal Fleming, check out her website at Crystalflemming.com or follow her on Twitter at alwaystheself . I’ll add the links to the show notes. This is the end of Season 5. I'll be back in your ears in early 2021. Until then, check out the My American Meltingpot Facebook page for new and colorful content!
Fri, November 13, 2020
Don't be Racist: Celebrate the Wins, But Keep Fighting
This is episode 55 of the podcast and the seventh and final episode of the ' Don’t Be Racist Series. ' Think of it as the recap episode. I’ll be reviewing all of the anti-racism lessons learned over the last several weeks, and I’ll be reviewing the momentous presidential election that just happened as well. And at the end of the episode, I’ll be giving you some final words of advice to take with you as you continue your journey to be committed anti-racism warriors. I hope you remember those simple lessons as you go about your daily life, and if you do, I guarantee your journey to being an anti-racism warrior will be a successful and satisfying one. I won’t say it’s going to be easy, but I also don’t want you to think it has to be hard. Quite frankly, I think it’s a lot harder to be a racist than it is to be an anti-racist. Harder, lonelier, and far less sweet. I believe in you anti-racism warriors. Thank you for listening! Thank you for showing up for this series! Thank you for doing the work. Resources to Continue on with Your Anti-Racism Journey Black Lives Matter: It's not just a slogan or an important truth. Black Lives Matter is an active social justice organization with supporters and activities that span the globe. Check them out for resources for further learning and for opportunities to volunteer your time, talents and money. The My American Meltingpot bookstore on Bookshop.org : Don't forget you can find all of your anti-racism literature and other great books by authors of color in my carefully curated list of books on Bookshop.org The Obama Foundation: The Obama Foundation's mission is to "inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world." Check them out to find out ways you can get involved. Colorlines.com : If you haven't checked out this daily news site that centers the voices and perspectives of people of color and other marginalized groups, then you should. It's an excellent resource published by the racial justice organization, Race Forward. EmbraceRace.org : For parents and educators looking for resources on how to raise anti-racist children and children of color who are resilient and proud of their identities, EmbraceRace.org is a wonderful resource that offers webinars, teaching tools and community. And you can always find more information and inspiration on the My American Meltingpot blog !
Fri, October 30, 2020
Don't Be Racist: Time to Divorce Your Trump-Supporting Friends
On episode 54 of the podcast – number six in our Don’t Be Racist Series – I'm sharing a tough but necessary lesson. We’re going to be talking about what to do when friends and family members are Trump supporters. I’m not going to teach you how to talk to them or how to get them to change their ways. Nope, today’s lesson is all about disengaging. I’m going to tell you why you should disengage with these Trump supporting friends and family members and how to do it. Now, there are many reasons why you should divorce your Trump-supporting family members and friends? But here are three: 1) Because their crazy can be contagious. 2) Because trying to reason with them doesn't work and it leaves you frustrated and angry. And 3) Because if you maintain a relationship with these people in your life, you are exposing yourself to potential harm. You wouldn't engage with members of a doomsday cult, so why engage with members of the cult of Donald Trump ? Even if it is your cousin? Listen in to hear how to disengage with family and friends, including my personal experience divorcing two of my own family members. No, it's not easy, but it's also not as hard as you think. And ultimately, it's the best thing to do for your own peace of mind. Think of it as a form of self care for you, the anti-racist warrior. (Side note, if you have children, it's very important that you keep them safe from people who think Donald Trump is a decent human being.) And if you think this message is important, like I do, please forward or share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it. And please, don't forget to vote !
Fri, October 23, 2020
Don't be Racist: You Can't Say That
Last week on the podcast, we talked about the importance of using your voice to confront racist behavior. On today's episode, we're flipping the script to discuss what NOT to say as an anti-racist warrior. In other words, how to avoid ever having someone say to you, 'You can't say that, that's racist.' Listen in to hear my list of questions, sentences and phrases you should remove from your vocabulary and why…if you want to be a good anti-racist warrior. Note, white people, this episode really is for you. Clearly this episode would take hours if I actually covered every single word or phrase that could be considered racist. So, I don't do that. Instead, I’m sharing a short list of common phrases, questions and sentences that people say, that for the most part are considered racist or racially insensitive when uttered by white people. Of course, there is always an exception to the rules I'm sharing – and nuance and context matter too – but if you remove these phrases from your daily chatter, I promise it will aid you on your journey to being a good anti-racist. Links and Additional Resources on What Not to Say The racist history of mispronouncing and renaming people of color. Teen Vogue explains why 'Black on Black crime' is a racist phrase that falsely pathologizes the Black community. A hilarious video that demonstrates why you shouldn't ask Asian Americans and Latinos where they are from . A heartfelt column from the Chicago Tribune that explains why we should make the shift from 'slave' to 'enslaved' when referencing African Americans in antebellum America. Proof, that hard shell tacos with tomatoes and cheddar are not Mexican food. You can grab a copy of Anti-Racist Baby for yourself or a friend on the My American Meltingpot online bookstore . And don't forget to visit My American Meltingpot for more resources and inspiration.
Fri, October 16, 2020
Don't Be Racist: Use Your Voice
Did you realize you can live your whole entire life and never say a single racist thing or have a single racist thought, but if you’re not using your voice to speak out against racism, then you're not an anti-racist? In fact, some might even say you’re an accomplice or at least complicit in the crime of maintaining a racist system. On episode 52 of the podcast, the fourth lesson in our Don't Be Racist series , we're going to be talking about using your voice as an anti-racist warrior. So far, we’ve spoken about mindset and taking action. On this episode, we’re going to deep-dive into taking action by using your voice to call out racism when you see it. On the show, I break down how and why anti-racism warriors must do this. “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” Don't Forget Vote!: There’s still time in many states to register, request a mail-in ballot and to participate in early voting. The Republicans would love a close race and we can’t let that happen. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris need a decisive win in November. Please vote like your life depended it. Because mine sure does. Shop the My American Meltingpot online bookshop: You will find a delightful – and newly updated – collection of books for kids and adults with a multicultural focus. Every purchase you make on the My American Meltingpot online bookshop, supports the production of the podcast and independent bookstores all over the country. Read: This list of inspirational quotes from some of our greatest leaders and thinkers about the importance of using your voice in the face of racism, oppression and injustice.
Fri, October 09, 2020
Don't Be Racist - Decolonize Your Mind
This is our third episode in the Don’t Be Racist Series on the My American Meltingpot podcast. Last week we spoke about taking action . This week, we're going to work on decolonizing our minds. In order to be a true anti-racism warrior, decolonizing and unlearning many of the untruths we’ve been taught our whole lives is essential. So, today’s lesson is all about how and why decolonizing your mind is a must. This episode is just the beginning of a process because decolonizing your mind is a lifelong pursuit. Opening up to the idea that you need to unlearn and relearn American history is the first step. And then you must keep educating yourself with resources that are not written by the so-called winners of history. During the show, I share seven decolonized truth nuggets that will jump start your decolonized education. Resources to Help You Decolonize Your Mind For teachers and educators, a great article on decolonizing your history classroom with additional resources. A moving essay by a young Black woman who explains what decolonizing her mind and life looks like. A great list of book titles from bookship.org to help decolonize your mind . A short Ted Talk to watch called: Decolonization is for Everyone . People of color might want to follow @decolonizingtherapy on IG . Educators and Parents might want to check out @decolonizeliteracy on IG for resources related to Black and Native experiences. Thank you for listening. Please stay motivated and don't forget to vote. A vote for Joe Biden is a vote against four more years with an openly racist, dangerous president. Thank you for listening and please be sure to check out the show notes on the My American Meltingpot blo g, where you can also leave me a comment about how you're enjoying the show and/or what lessons you'd like to learn in the series.
Fri, October 02, 2020
Lesson 2: Don't Be Racist: Take Action
On episode 50 of the podcast, we're continuing our "Don't Be Racist" series . And the lesson for this episode is all about taking action. Do Take Action to be an anti-racism warrior. Don’t sit on the sidelines and wait for someone else to do the work. Last week we talked about mastering your mindset. Finding your why for doing this work. Hopefully, it is now clear in your mind why you need to become an anti-racism warrior. So, the next step is to take action to bring about the change we want and need in this country. During the episode, I break down how to get yourself motivated to take action as an anti-racism warrior, and the types of actions you can take, especially if you're just getting started as an activist. I don't want anyone to feel overwhelmed or get burned out too fast, so take my advice to heart. We need our warriors in the game for all four quarters. Do This: To Be An Anti-Racism Warrior in Action Here's what you should remember about taking action as an anti-racism warrior: Start small - Don’t overwhelm yourself. But keep in mind that little actions can have big results. Find your zone of genius to make it easier to get in the game. Use the skills you have in the area where it is most needed. Find a friend to do the work together. Anti-racism work is more fun with a friend. Don’t reinvent the wheel, you can just help roll the wheel up the hill. There are hundreds of local and national organizations doing anti-racism work and they need help. Volunteer for one of these organizations instead of trying to think up something new to do. I would love to hear what kind of action you’re taking on your journey to become an anti-racist warrior. Please leave a comment on the show notes page on the My American Meltingpot blog and tell me what you're up to! You'll also find more resources to help you take action. *This episode is sponsored by a new course on Teachable called, “Finding Your Role in this Moment of Social Change.” This course is ideal for anyone who wants to make a change in the world but doesn’t know how or where to start. This self-paced, 90-minute course will help you figure out the role you want to play in social movements and how you can make effective, lasting change. If you're looking for more instruction and a deeper understanding of how activists really make change with their work, definitely check out this course - taught by author and and activist Eileen Flanagan . You may remember Eileen from the moving essay she wrote about <a href='https://myamericanmeltingpot.com/2019/01/28/racism-clim
Fri, September 25, 2020
Lesson #1: Master Your Mindset to be an Anti-Racism Warrior
Episode 49 of the podcast is our first official lesson in the "Don’t Be Racist Series." And the first lesson is all about Mindset. In order to be an anti-racist warrior, you have to master your mindset. On the show I share why this is necessary, and how to get it done. Research shows that the difference between those who succeed with their goals and those who fail, often comes down to mindset. But the good thing is, we control our mindset. So, essentially, we are in control of whether we’re going to be successful at something or not. And because I want everyone who listens to this podcast to become confident and successful anti-racism warriors, then we have to make sure we're coming to anti-racist work with the right attitude, energy and purpose. For the record, anti-racism work isn't about saving the colored people and it shouldn't be approached out of sense of guilt or ancestral obligation. Listen in as I break down why white people should be embracing anti-racism work and how to get in the right frame of mind for something that may seem scary or intimidating. It's a short but useful episode, so listen in and take notes. Useful Links + Resources I wrote a blog post about the importance of a mindset change for white America as they approach anti-racism work. It should be helpful as you contemplate this work. Check out the My American Meltingpot Bookstore on Bookshop.org for anti-racism titles and great multicultural fiction and nonfiction. Homework Assignment to Help Master Your Mindset Watch one documentary about racial injustice. Here are three offerings on Netflix you might want to check out: 13th -This award-winning documentary by Ava DuVernay is about the criminal justice system and its treatment of African Americans. Immigration Nation - This new docu-series takes a deep look at immigration in the United States today. The Two Killings of Sam Cooke - "While Sam Cooke rose to stardom as a soul singer, his outspoken views on civil rights drew attention that may have contributed to his death at age 33." Thank you for listening!
Fri, September 18, 2020
Welcome to the "Don't be Racist" Series
On Season five of the podcast, we’re doing something a little different. From now until the end of November, we’re running a special series called, “Don’t Be Racist.” On each episode, I’ll be sharing short, actionable, bite-sized lessons on how to be an anti-racist. New episodes will appear every Friday. On episode 48, I'm sharing my reasons for launching this series and explaining what you can expect from me, your favorite anti-racism educator. In a nutshell, I plan to show up to make this series as pleasant and invigorating as anti-racism work can be. I'm giving you real-life lessons that you can start applying to your daily life right away. I’m not here to guilt you into doing better, or to beat you up for your ancestors' crimes. I just want to be the spark that inspires you to embrace an anti-racist attitude and take action. America needs you. The world needs you. I need you. So, tune in next Friday and be ready to work. Also, tell your friends about the series. Remember, sharing is caring. In the meantime, if you want some homework, go listen to a few of our past podcast episodes that will help get you thinking about anti-racism work, white supremacy and how to have conversations about race. This post offers a list of episodes to get you started. Finally, be sure to follow me on Instagram where I will be sharing additional content meant to inspire you on your anti-racism journey. Let's do this!
Fri, August 07, 2020
Author Lauren Francis-Sharma and the Book of the Little Axe
On episode 47 of the podcast I sit down with Lauren Francis-Sharma, the author of the My American Meltingpot Summer Book Club selection, Book of the Little Axe . Book of the Little Axe takes place at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century and tells the story of Rosa Rendon, a Black Trinidadian woman who flees her island home and finds herself living among the Crow Nation in what is now Bighorn, Montana. She becomes the wife of a Crow chief and raises three mixed-race children with the nation. In addition to Book of the Little Axe , Lauren is the author of the novel, Til the Well Runs Dry , which was awarded the Honor Fiction Prize by the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Lauren is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Michigan Law School. She is also a MacDowell Fellow and the Assistant Director of Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference at Middlebury College. During our conversation, we talk about how Lauren came up with this epic story idea; the real life characters that populate the pages of Book of the Little Axe; why it's important to tell the stories of people of color in a historical context; and how Stephen King inspired Lauren to leave her corporate career and pursue writing! I promise it is an inspiring conversation all around. For full show notes, please visit, My American Meltingpot.com .
Fri, July 31, 2020
How to be a Revolutionary Writer
On episode 46 of the podcast, I want to encourage everyone to pick up their pens and fight. Yes, become a revolutionary writer. We can all put pen to paper and write for our lives. You don’t need permission to write. You don’t need fancy tools or equipment. You simply must write. You can write newspaper articles, blog posts, poems and manifestos. You can write novels, comic books, biographies and letters to your congressperson. You can write pamphlets, plays, memoirs and letters to your younger self. You can write text books and guide books and an entire magazine if you’re up for it. You can write song lyrics, movie screenplays, and letters to your racist uncle. Join me as I share how revolutionary writers are born and stick around to hear from three extraordinary revolutionary writers – Tracey Lewis-Giggets , Kenrya Rankin and Zetta Elliott – who are all busy creating revolutionary works right now. By the end of the show, I hope everyone is inspired to write! For full show notes and links to the work of our guests, please visit My American Meltingpot.com .
Fri, July 24, 2020
Title: All Hail The Queens of the Resistance
On episode 45 of the podcast, I'm talking about a brand new book series called The Queens of the Resistance . A perfect collection for any wanna-be Revolutionary Reader, The Queens of the Resistance series is a group of four biographies saluting four of the most beloved boss ladies in Congress: Maxine Waters, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nancy Pelosi and Elizabeth Warren. Written by Brenda Jones & Krishan Trotman, these easy-to-read, illustrated biographies are super inspiring and informative. Also, the books themselves are absolutely beautiful to look at and would make a welcome addition to any bookshelf or coffee table. It's another mini Revolutionary Readers episode, but we still get to hear from one of the co-authors of The Queens of Resistance series, Krishan Trotman. Also, because self-care is also revolutionary, I also take a moment on the show to share my definition of a perfect summer beach read and two options for you to consider reading. If you feel inspired by this episode and now you want to be a revolutionary reader, please share this episode with a friend or tell a lot of friends by leaving us a rating or review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. For full show notes with links for resources mentioned in this episode, please visit My American Meltingpot.com.
Fri, July 17, 2020
How to Raise a Revolutionary Reader
On episode 44 of the podcast we're continuing with our Revolutionary Readers summer series . The topic? We’re going to be talking about how to raise young revolutionary readers, with the hope that the young people in our lives go from being revolutionary readers, to revolutionary leaders. Think about it, reading can be the spark that leads young people to do great things. Keeping in mind of course, that 'great things' could be defined as becoming the first female president of the United States, or it could mean starting a food drive for those in need in one’s community. In addition to my suggestions for raising revolutionary readers, I also share my latest book crush, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet. This book incorporates all the elements I love to read about from Black identity, to family bonds, to colorism. You'll probably want to read it too! Be sure to check the show notes at My American Meltingpot for a full recap of the show and for additional book recommendations for the young revolutionaries in your life.
Fri, July 10, 2020
Revolutionary Readers Book Club: Exile Music
I'm baaaack...for a special summer series on My American Meltingpot. Normally, I would have taken the summer off from the podcast, to relax and refresh, but I just couldn’t put down the mic when there is just so much to talk about. But rather than rehash the day’s news, respond to every new event, or simply continue producing regular full-length episodes about race and real life, I decided to do something a little different. For the next five weeks, I’m going to be hosting the Revolutionary Readers Summer Book Club here on the podcast. I’m going to be sharing some reviews, recommendations, and interviews with authors. These are going to be short episodes that will hopefully inspire you to read and learn and take action in these crazy times we’re living in. I’ll be talking about fiction, non-fiction, books for kids and teens. I’ll be sharing about the books I’m reading and why. I’ll offer suggestions for books to help you cope and even books to make you laugh when everything else seems to be falling apart. Basically, I'm going to be talking about how books and reading can be part of the revolution. The book I'm talking about on this episode, is called Exile Music by Jennifer Steil. For full show notes and links to books and resources, visit My American Meltingpot.com . P.S. I hope you LOVE our new logo as much as I do!
Fri, June 19, 2020
Why Colorism Matters at this Moment
On episode 42 of the podcast (the final episode of Season 4 by the way), I’m giving a lesson on colorism - that is the preferential treatment given to others based on the color or shade of their skin. At this pivotal moment in American society, as people grapple with dismantling racism, it is critical that folks understand that racism has a crafty cousin named colorism. And the truth is, if we don’t recognize the role colorism plays in maintaining a white supremacist society, then the fight to dismantle racism will never be won. If you want to slay the dragon, you have to kill all her helpers too. So, stay tuned for my primer on colorism, taught in five easy lessons that will help everyone be a better warrior in the fight against racism and discrimination. But before we get to the conversation on colorism, I'm taking a meltingpot minute to honor Juneteenth Day, aka, Black America’s Independence Day. For additional resources on colorism and/or Juneteenth Day, please visit the My American Meltingpot blog . Don't forget to leave a review and/or a rating of the My American Meltingpot Podcast on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. I'll be back for the summer season of the podcast in July.
Fri, June 12, 2020
A Loving Day Message for Today's Turmoil
Happy Loving Day! Do you know what Loving Day has to do with today's current racial justice moment? Listen in to this inspirational Meltingpot Minute to hear how a supreme court decision in 1967 paved the way for people of different races to legally marry in all 50 states, AND dealt a serious blow to white supremacy. I hope this episode enlightens you about our history, and inspires you to keep fighting for our future. For more information about Loving Day and how you can celebrate it with your family and community, visit MyAmericanMeltingpot.com .
Tue, June 02, 2020
A Message for Today: How We Fight White Supremacy
I know it's not Friday, but I wanted to launch this special Rewind episode of the podcast – with a new intro – as soon as possible. This moment that we're in right now as a nation, demands it. Back in April 2019, journalists Akiba Solomon and Kenrya Rankin joined me on the show to talk about their new book, How We Fight White Supremac y. While I knew at the time how powerful the episode was, today I am convinced that this episode was made for this moment. Not only do Akiba and Kenrya break down exactly what white supremacy is and what it looks like in our daily lives, we also talk about the many ways we all can participate in the fight to dismantle this pernicious and multi-layered system of oppression. The episode is extremely informative and enlightening, but more importantly, it is encouraging. Yes, there are tears on this episode, but I promise there is laughter too. My hope is that all who listen will understand why we have to fight white supremacy and how to get started. Nobody is promising a simple or easy battle, but it is possible once you understand that white supremacy is a lie and a distraction that harms us all. Even if you listened to this show when it first aired in 2019, I beg you to listen again with fresh ears. Considering what is happening in America right now, I guarantee this conversation will resonate deeply. For More Information Please buy a copy of How We Fight White Supremacy for yourself and a friend. On Amazon , or an indie bookseller . To keep up with journalist Akiba Solomon, follow her on Twitter at @akibasolomon . Update: At the end of 2019, Akiba left Colorlines to become Senior Editor at The Marshall Project . To keep up with journalist Kenrya Rankin, visit her website, Kenrya.com . Update: At the end of 2019, Kenrya became Editorial Director of Colorlines . For more resources on how to fight white supremacy and racism, please visit the Resources page on My American Meltingpot . If you want to join the My American Meltingpot book club, we're doing a diverse reading challenge for 2020 . Remember that one of the easiest things you can do in this fight is to bring someone else along who needs to get to work but doesn't know where or how to start. Please share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Peace!
Fri, May 29, 2020
Dear White People, You Have to Fix Your Racism Problem
On Episode 39 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, I explain my agenda for white America in light of recent events in New York City and Minneapolis. Essentially, it's time for white people to fix America's race problem. Here's a taste of what you'll hear on this incredibly important Meltingpot Minute. Black Lives Matter "Black people have been marching, protesting and reminding the public that Black Lives Matter for centuries, but it hasn’t really moved the needle in ending racism. We’ve changed laws, yes, but we haven’t dismantled racism. We haven’t been able to convince white and white adjacent people that Black lives are as inherently worthy as their own. Racism is Like an Addiction But We All Feel the Pain Racism is an illness that white people suffer from. All white people. Even the white people who don’t feel like they caught the racism. Trust me, they have it. But let’s just say, you’re one of the white people who might consider themselves super woke and not racist . I’m proud of you and happy for you. But you still have to do the work that Black people cannot do. You must be the doctors that help your fellow racist white brothers and sisters out. Racism is like an addiction. And like anyone who suffers from an addiction, you can’t solve the problem for the addict. They have to do the work themself. First they have to admit that they have a problem and then they have to be willing to do the work to rid themselves of the problem. Black people could have the definitive 12-step Racists Anonymous guidebook or even the racism equivalent of methadone and it wouldn’t help if white people won’t accept the fact that they are in fact sick. #FixYourselves White people, this is your problem to solve. And here’s the thing. You’re not solving the racism problem to make Black people feel good. You’re curing yourself from an insidious affliction that hurts you just as much as it hurts people of color. Just like a drug addict may feel good when he inhales, or shoots up, we all know he’s killing himself. The same is true for racism. And just like second hand smoke, your addiction hurts all of us too. So, white people get to work. Fix yourselves. Fix your families. Fix your kids. Make this your number one issue. Talk about it at book club. Pray on it at church. Have conferences. Go on retreats and meditate on it. I believe in you. I know you can do it. I mean, if you can put a man on the moon, you can definitely rid yourselves of racism. People of color want you to do this for yourselves. We know you’ll feel so much better when you’ve rid yourself of racism. And we will certainly feel better too." Resources for Further Study Teaching Tolerance - An educational organization that provides social justice resources for parents a
Fri, May 22, 2020
Author Erin Entrada Kelly talks Diversity and Dreaming of Space
On episode 38 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, I am excited to have award-winning author, Erin Entrada Kelly join me to talk about her brand new book, We Dream of Space , her impressive career writing middle grade novels, and why she's so committed to including (truly) diverse characters in all of her work. Since Erin is also a Filipina-American, and it’s the middle of May, we also take time to chat about being Asian American in the age of Covid-19, and how celebrating Asian-American Heritage Month can help combat some of the discrimination we're seeing against this community. Erin Entrada Kelly is a New York Times bestseller whose book, Hello, Universe won the Newbery Medal in 2018. Her 2017 fantasy novel, Lalani of the Distant Sea received six starred reviews and was named one of the best books of the year by the New York Public Library, The Horn Book , Booklist , BookPage , and others. Erin is the author of six books in total, all of which are Junior Library Guild Selections. Her latest book, We Dream of Space , is her first work of historical fiction. It’s set in January 1986, in the weeks leading to the Challenger disaster. We Dream of Space Giveaway! If you’d like to win a free copy of Erin Entrada Kelly's newest book, We Dream of Space , simply follow My American Meltingpot on Instagram and leave a comment on our post for this episode with the hashtag #WeDreamofSpace. Everyone who follows MyAmericanMeltingpot and leaves a message with the #WeDreamofSpace hashtag by Monday May 25 2020, 8pmEST, will be entered to win. The winner will be announced on Instagram on Tuesday and the book will be sent directly from the publisher. Note: Only people living in the United States are eligible to enter because of limitation on shipping due to #TheRona. For complete show notes, please visit, My American Meltingpot.com .
Fri, May 15, 2020
A Meltingpot Book Review: Girl, Woman, Other
Episode 37 of the podcast is a quick Meltingpot Minute. Yes, it's a short episode, but it's long enough for me to share my honest review of the 2019 Booker Prize winning novel, Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo. The book is a delightful invitation into the lives of a diverse group of Black British women. Spoiler Alert: I loved it. Girl, Woman, Other is the perfect pandemic read. Why? Because the book is actually more like a collection of connected short stories than a novel, so even when my brain was fried, which it has been a lot thanks to our lockdown lifestyle, I could easily read a chapter of the book, and feel like I’d just read a great short story. Then the next time I picked the book up, whether it was one, or two, or three days later, I didn’t have to remember what I’d read the day before, because I’d be introduced to a brand-new character with a brand-new story to dive into. Listen to the episode to hear all of my thoughts about Girl, Woman, Other , and who I think will also enjoy this massive, but also massively readable, tome. And then please let me know if you too liked the book. Also, let me know if there are other books by Bernadine Evaristo that you think I should read next. For complete show notes, please visit My American Meltingpot.com . Episode 37 of the podcast was sponsored by the My American Meltingpot store .
Fri, May 08, 2020
How to Raise a Bilingual child
On episode 36 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, we’re talking all about what it takes to raise our children to be bilingual. What’s the best approach to take? When is the right time to start? Do parents have to be bilingual in order to raise children who speak more than one language? What are the challenges and benefits involved? To help answer these questions and more, Manuel Malia joins me on the show. Manuel is a Spanish Lecturer at Princeton University and has over 20 years of experience teaching in colleges, high schools and elementary schools. A native of Spain, he is also pursuing his doctorate in Spanish linguistics with a focus on second-language acquisition at Temple University. The father of three bilingual children, Manuel is also my husband. In addition to Manuel, I've asked three different moms to share their unique experiences raising their children with more than one language. So, during the show, you'll also get to hear how different people approach this bilingual journey, in French, Chinese and Spanish. This is a really inspirational and informative episode and I hope people listen and get encouraged to bring a second language into their home. Episode 36 of the podcast is sponsored by Booklandiabox.com . Booklandia is a monthly subscription service that delivers Spanish and bilingual children’s books to your door. Find them on social media @Booklandiabox and online at Booklandiabox.com . Be sure to listen to the episode to hear how you can get a special discount when you order from Booklandia . For full episode show notes, visit My American Meltingpot.com . And please remember to leave a rating or review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Fri, May 01, 2020
#BooksAreEssential in a Global Pandemic
Episode 35 is a quick Meltingpot Minute dedicated to spreading the word about the new #BooksareEssential campaign. Publisher’s Weekly , the publishing industry trade magazine, launched the #BooksareEssential campaign to raise awareness of the need for books in society in general, but even more so during the Covid-19 pandemic. It seems pretty obvious that people need distractions when locked inside their homes 24/7, and books provide myriad ways of escape. But also, for all the parents who are suddenly thrust into the role of homeschooling teacher, books are the new essential tools of the trade. And let’s not forget that books can also provide us with coping strategies for living in small spaces, dealing with unruly children, recipes for baking bread, and many of the other things we’re all dealing with for the first time during the pandemic. Tune in to hear how you can help participate in this campaign and help save the book industry - from authors to booksellers – from collapsing. For full show notes, visit the My American Meltingpot blog . To purchase books online, consider buying from Barnes & Noble , Powell’s Books or Bookshop.org . Be Well!
Fri, April 24, 2020
DNA Travel, Multiracial Identity and Adoption
On episode 34 of the My American Meltingpot podcast we’re talking about travel, family and finding self. Yes, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic and travel is probably the last thing on anyone’s mind right now, but this episode isn’t about planning the perfect cruise or finding cheap flights. My guest on the show is Lisette Austin, and she shares how travel helped her find herself as a mixed-race Black woman who also happens to be adopted. And then we dive into this new trend in the travel world called DNA travel and how it connects with identity, family and finding self. Yes, these are our favorite things to talk about here on the Meltingpot . Lisette Austin is an award-travel expert and is the host of the Globetrotter Lounge podcast where she interviews women who have found creative ways to travel more. She is also the creator of the online course: Jet Set 101 - Becoming a Travel Hacker . When Lisette is not talking travel, she is a web designer who also spent years working in university research. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and teenage son. Topics Discussed on the Show: Multiracial Identity politics Traveling while Black and Brown Why DNA Travel is a great option for adoptees and Black Americans How to DIY your own DNA Travel experience How travel can help you find your authentic self Why Lisette fell in love with Brazil and subsequently became a "Brazil nut." For complete show notes, please visit the My American Meltingpot blog . Thank you for listening and always remember to live your life in color.
Fri, April 17, 2020
How to Be a Meltingpot Mom During a Global Pandemic
Episode 33 is a quick Meltingpot Minute episode where I'm sharing some tips and suggestions on how to be a Meltingpot Mom during a global pandemic. As mothers during these unprecedented times of social isolation, lockdown, fear and homeschooling(!!!), we are tasked with not only managing the worries and concerns of our children, we also have to keep them safely occupied, and supposedly teach them things that they will need to be successful members of society. I don't have any downloadable worksheets, nor am I going to suggest you do anything that would require you or your children to change out of your jammies. No, my easy tips and no-stress suggestions are for ways you can bring some multicultural magic and sprinkles of diversity into your current lockdown lifestyle as a parent. As always, I hope they inspire. For complete show notes, more resources, and links from the show, please visit the My American Meltingpot blog . Episode 33 was sponsored by the My American Meltingpot store , where you can now by Same Family, Different Colors T-shirts and sweatshirts for your entire family.
Fri, April 10, 2020
How to Move Abroad as a Multiracial Family
(Note: This episode was recorded before the outbreak of the Corona Virus.) On episode 32 of the podcast, my guest is chef and educator, Karen M. Ricks. Karen is the founder and owner of the online cooking school, Our Kitchen Classroom. Karen is a Black American woman, married to a white man, and together they have a nine-year-old son. Karen and her family currently live in Tirana, Albania, but Karen considers herself a global citizen. Before moving to Albania, Karen and her family lived in Italy, and before that, Japan. On the show, Karen shares how a plan to spend one year teaching in Japan, turned into 10 years of living in Japan (where she also founded a Montessori school), followed by training as a chef in Italy, and finally to a nomadic lifestyle that involves a lot of good food and exciting adventures. During our conversation Karen shares: -What it was like to be an interracial couple in Japan -What her husband learned about being a minority for the first time in his life -How she is raising her multiracial son to embrace his unique identity outside of the United States -How surviving the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan inspired her to open a school in Japan -Why cooking is the perfect tool to teach children of all ages -What world schooling is really about -How following your passions can be done anywhere in the world -Why she wants more multiracial families to travel, see the world and share their experiences Plus a whole lot more. Karen's life is so full of exciting surprises, I guarantee this interview will leave you inspired to do more, wherever you are in the world. For full show notes for this episode, please visit the My American Meltingpot blog . Follow Karen Ricks on Instagram ,
Fri, April 03, 2020
Stop Mis-Using the Word Multicultural!: A Rant
This is not a Corona virus related Meltingpot Minute. On episode 31, host Lori L. Tharps has a quick something to say about the misuse (or is it abuse) of the word multicultural. Businesses, marketers, podcast hosts and your friend Karen, are all using the word multicultural to describe anything that's not white. And that's not fair. Nor is it accurate. Listen in for this quick lesson/rant where Lori breaks down what multicultural really means and why we should care that people are hiding behind the multicultural label instead of standing up for their own cultural communities. It's a Meltingpot Minute you don't want to miss. **** Episode 31 is sponsored by the new My American Meltingpot store where you can buy clothing that allows you to tastefully wear your identity. Check out our t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags and coffee mugs for kids and adults. Buy something for the diversity diva in your life and support the Meltingpot at the same time!
Fri, March 27, 2020
How to Live a Boldly Multicultural Life
On episode 30 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, meet serial entrepreneur and activist, Sonia Smith-Kang. Sonia is a multicultural advocate who draws from her rich cultural heritage as an Afro-Latina and proud military brat born in Puerto Rico and stationed on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu. She has dedicated her life to amplifying the voices of the underrepresented and is the founder and designer of Mixed-Up Clothing, co-founder of Culturas , MulticultiCorner and Mixed Heritage Day. A thought leader, community activist and expert in diversity, Sonia also serves as president of Multiracial Americans of Southern California. A graduate of the University of San Francisco, Sonia is a registered nurse based in Los Angeles where she lives with her Korean-American husband and four multicultural, multiracial and multilingual children. On this episode, Sonia shares how she grew up proud of, and comfortable with, her African-American and Mexican-American heritage, but still found herself struggling with her Mixed-Race identity until she was an adult. She also talks about marrying her Korean-American husband and the challenges they faced with their union and raising their children. From focusing on the family, our conversation turns to all of the entrepreneurial activities Sonia has engaged in to continuously amplify the voices of the Mixed-Race community. We begin with her unique children's clothing line, Mixed-Up Clothing, and move on to her recent venture, Culturas , a website that brings together all of her multicultural services and products. It's a wonderful conversation that hopefully will inspire people to boldly live their own multicultural lives, and find ways to combine their passions with their purpose – and maybe even profits! For complete show notes and more Meltinngpot content, visit: MyAmericanMeltingpot.com .
Fri, March 20, 2020
Coronavirus Isn't an Excuse to be Racist and Stupid
Episode 29 of the podcast is our first stand-alone Meltingpot Minute. Starting in Season 4, the Meltingpot Minute will be a bite-sized episode where host Lori L. Tharps shares the latest news, views and pop culture reviews, all from a multicultural perspective. Even though it's not what we wanted to do, our first Meltingpot Minute is all about the Corona Virus. Like all things relating to this global pandemic, this episode wasn't exactly planned. In fact, it was recorded in Lori's bedroom closet, late at night, instead of at our usual NPR studio. Listen in to hear what multicultural messages we can all learn from Corona 2020 as Lori speaks from the heart about where we are now as a society in the face of this unprecedented scenario. And if you want to read more of Lori's thoughts about why being racist and stupid in the face of the Corona virus is a bad idea, check out her recent blog post on the topic.
Wed, March 11, 2020
Guess Who's Afraid of Interracial Relationships?
On episode 28 of the podcast we are going to be talking about interracial relationships in the 21st century. More specifically, we're going to discuss why, 53 years after the Loving decision made interracial marriage legal in all 50 states, we are still divided over interracial unions. On the one hand, studies show that more people support interracial relationships than in the past. But on the other hand, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent interracial union proved that a lot of people just aren't ready to accept love across the color line. Joining me today to chop it up about where we stand as a culture on interracial relationships, is TaRessa Stovall. TaRessa is a mixed-race author, journalist, and identity rights rabble-rouser who works to evolve the conversations around identity and challenge racism. She is a Seattle-native now based in Atlanta. Her new memoir, Swirl Girl: Coming of Race in the USA is coming out this spring. Here's some of the things we talk about in this episode. • Why Black/White interracial relationships are the most controversial in the United States. • Who really has a problem with interracial relationships. Hint: It's not just white people. • Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's interracial relationship made people uncomfortable and angry. • The painful history of anti-Blackness in the United States • The untold history of interracial mixing in the United States •Why interracial relationships aren't the answer to America's race problem • How we make progress as a nation towards the acceptance and respect of interracial relationships. Resources from the Show To learn more about TaRessa Stovall and her new book, Swirl Girl , visit her website . To follow TaRessa on Instagram, find her @Taressatalks You can also follow TaRessa on Facebook For more information about the supreme court decision that legalized interracial marriage in all 50 states, visit Loving Day.org and / or watch this beautiful Loving documentary . Please don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Apple podcasts . And for complete show notes, visit My American Meltingpot.com.
Fri, February 28, 2020
Rewind Episode: The Challenges of Traveling as a Multiracial Family
On episode 27 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, we're talking about the joys and challenges of travel when you're part of a multiracial family. What makes traveling as a multiracial family unique and different? Tune into this honest and fact-filled episode to find out. Be warned, we're talking about more than hair products and sunscreen...although those multicultural essentials do come up in our conversation. My guest on the show is Carmen Sognonvi from the luxury travel blog, Top Flight Family . Not only is Carmen a family-travel expert, she also has a background in racial justice work. Bonus, Carmen is a Mixed-Race, Asian woman, married to an African-American man, raising two beautiful, brown daughters, so the wisdom she shares on this episode is both professional and personal. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode to hear all of Carmen's tips, tricks and resources to make your next family trip - foreign or domestic – more memorable, meaningful and fun! For show notes and more meltingpot content, visit My American Meltingpot.com . And don't forget we'll be back with all new podcast episodes in Season 4, starting on March 13, 2020.
Fri, February 14, 2020
Rewind: How to Raise Confident Mixed-Race Kids
On episode 26 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, we're talking about parenting confident Mixed-Race children with educators, Ridvan Foxhall and Sharon H. Chang. This is our second rewind episode and it's a good one. As parents of Mixed kids, Sharon, Ridvan, and I all share personal experiences and practical tips and resources for raising Mixed Race children who are confident in their multi-ethnic identity. We cover everything from colorism to traveling to ancestral homelands. We know this parenting journey isn't always easy. Hopefully this episode will help pave the way. Sharon H. Chang is an award-winning author, photographer and activist with a lens on racism, social justice and the Asian-American diaspora. She is the author of the critically acclaimed academic book, Raising Mixed Race: Multiracial Asian Children In a Post-Racial World . Ridvan Foxhall is an occupational therapist and certified Positive Discipline parent educator and coach. In 2006, Ridvan founded the Peekskill chapter of the Children’s Theatre Company which is dedicated to building character on stage by instilling in children a sense that they can be a voice of positive change in the world. For the full show notes from this episode, please visit My American Meltingpot.com . Please don't forget to rate and review the My American Meltingpot podcast on Apple Podcasts so we can be found and heard by even more people.
Fri, January 31, 2020
Rewind Episode: Can Technology be Racist?
On Episode 25 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, we have the first of a series of rewind episodes. I am joined by author and journalist, Meredith Broussard to talk about the bias baked into our technology. Yes, we are talking about racist technology. From self-driving cars to soap dispensers, we discuss all of the different forms of technology that have been created without taking into consideration the diversity of the consumers using said technology. Meredith Broussard, the author of the award-winning book, Artificial Unintelligence: How Computers Misunderstand the World , breaks down how and why most technology is racist (hint: part of the reason why is because the tech field is woefully white and homogenous), but she also gives us ideas about how we consumers can fight back against the bias. It's a fascinating deep dive into the world of tech and will leave you feeling a whole lot smarter than you did before tuning in, but this conversation might leave you feeling freaked out about self-driving cars too. Check the show notes on My American Meltingpot.com for links to all of the books and references mentioned on the episode.
Fri, December 13, 2019
Is Christmas for white people?
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? On episode 24, of My American Meltingpot, we’re talking all about Christmas. More specifically, we’re going to be interrogating the idea that Christmas is for white people! Now, I’m not white and I’ve been celebrating Christmas with my very Black family for more than 40 years, so clearly Christmas isn’t by definition a White People’s holiday, but there are plenty of people of color in America who do not deck the halls or jingle any bells on December 25th. On this episode we try to get to the bottom of why some people of color don’t feel like Christmas is their holiday, even if they are Christians. We also explore the immigrant experience with Christmas, the actual multicultural origins of Christmas, and some ethnic alternatives to a "white" Christmas. Joining me for this racial rehash of Christmas is Dr. Marc Lamont Hill. Dr. Hill is the Steve Charles Professor of Media, Cities, and Solutions at Temple University. He is the author of several books, including Nobody ; Gentrifier; and Beats, Rhymes and Classroom Life . A public intellectual and an award-winning journalist, Dr. Hill has received numerous prestigious awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, GLAAD, and the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Most recently Dr. Hill opened a bookstore and a community based education center in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. This episode will have you rethinking the reason for the season in a totally Meltingpot way! For show notes and additional resources about the December holidays, please visit My American Meltingpot.com .
Fri, November 29, 2019
The Anniversary Episode!
On episode 23, I'm celebrating the one year anniversary of the My American Meltingpot podcast! After one year, 22 episodes and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, I've really learned a lot. Not just about launching a podcast, but about all of the ways race intersects with real life. Thanks to the fact that I've had really amazing guests on the show, I feel like I've learned just as much as all of you. So, listen in as I recap my top 10 meltingpot lessons learned after 22 exciting episodes. Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the episode, when I announced a trivia question relating to the show. Whoever gets the answer correct will be added to a drawing for a My American Meltingpot gift bag o' goodies. Thank you for listening and thank you for your support! And don't forget you can always find more Meltingpot content and all of the show notes at My American Meltingpot.com .
Fri, November 15, 2019
Alzheimer's Doesn't Discriminate
On episode 22 of My American Meltingpot, we’re going to be talking about the sixth leading cause of death in America, Alzheimer’s. After all, November is National Alzheimer's Awareness Month. And yes, we’re going to talk about statistics and studies, but because this is the Meltingpot, what we're really going to focus on is the impact Alzheimer’s has in communities of color, the toll of Alzheimer’s on families and caregivers, and what we can all do to help bring more attention to finding a cure for this tragic disease that kills our loved ones, not once, but twice. Joining me for this important conversation is journalist, award-winning author and self-proclaimed Alzheimer’s activist, Marita Golden. Golden, a literary legend, is the author of 17 works of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent books both deal with Alzheimer’s; The Wide Circumference of Love is a novel and Us Against Alzheimer’s is an anthology of essays and stories written by a multicultural collection of authors. Us Against Alzheimer's was just released in September of this year. There’s so much to learn about Alzheimer's and believe it or not, it’s not all bad news. I hope you listen to this important episode. For show notes please visit MyAmericanMeltingpot.com .
Fri, November 01, 2019
Laila Lalami & The Other Americans
On episode 21 of My American Meltingpot, listen in on my conversation with author, Laila Lalami. Laila is the author of the book, The Other Americans , our fall book club pick in the My American Meltingpot book club . She is also the author of three other award-winning novels including, The Moor's Account and Secret Son . A native of Morocco, Laila is a professor of creative writing at the University of California Riverside. The Other Americans begins with the mysterious death of a Moroccan immigrant, but is so much more than a murder mystery or a thriller. A perfect fit for the MAMP book club, The Other Americans is a rumination on family, belonging, love and who gets to call America home. It is so good, and in this episode we get to hear what inspired Laila to write the book, how she got in the headspace of the rainbow coalition of characters that narrate the story, and why she had to decolonize her own language in order to find her true writing voice. For the full show notes, with links to the resources mentioned in the episode, please visit the My American Meltingpot blog.
Fri, October 18, 2019
To Be Black in Spain (Part II)
On episode 20 of the podcast, we’re going back to Spain for Part II of my audio memoir. Just to recap, on the last episode, it was all about Spain’s hidden Black history. Or rather, how Spain’s hidden history of over 400 years of African slavery was coming out of the closet and is now being examined and shared by academics, artists and authors all around Spain. For Part II, we’re leaving history behind and stepping into contemporary society. In chapters 3, 4 and 5, you’ll hear about what life is like for Black people living in Spain today. That is, Black Africans, Afro-Spanish people and African Americans. Needless to say, just because Spain is learning to embrace her Black past, doesn’t mean she is eager to embrace all of her Black citizens. For more resources about life in Spain today for Black people, please check the show notes on the My American Meltingpot website .
Fri, October 04, 2019
Black in Spain (Part I)
Episode 19 is a little different from previous episodes. At the end of Season 2, I announced that I was heading to Spain for the summer to rekindle my romance with this country that had been my first true love. I was going back after 10 years away because I discovered that Spain was starting to come to terms with her own Black history. This was inspiring for me to hear because previously, Spain had kept her Black history hidden, which in turn led to our break up. At the time, being Black in Spain didn't seem like a viable option for me or for my Black and Spanish children. But things they are a changing. Spain's Black history is finally coming out of the closet. So, on the show, you’re going to hear what I’m calling an audio memoir of my return to Spain after almost a decade away. You can think of it as a follow-up to my 2008 memoir, Kinky Gazpacho . This audio memoir is divided into 5 chapters. On episode 19, you'll hear chapters one and two, where I revisit Spain's Black history and all of the ways this history is seeping into contemporary Spanish culture. In two weeks, on episode 20, you'll hear chapters three, four and five, where I will be exploring what life is like for Black people – African immigrants, Afro-Spanish people and African Americans – living in Spain today. Ultimately, I'll be trying to answer the question: Is Spain a place where Black people can be free? The answer will probably surprise you. Check the show notes on MyAmericanMeltingpot.com for more sources about Spain's Black history.
Fri, September 20, 2019
Talking to Kids about Race
On episode 18 of My American Meltingpot, we’re talking about how and when to talk to our children about race. Let's be clear, we're not going to give you a color-by-numbers script on how to talk to your children about race because, first of all, we don’t know your children. We don’t know what race you or your children are. We don’t know how old your children are. We don’t know if your children already have their own ideas about race, and we certainly don’t know what your ideas are about race. And all of those factors matter when we strike up a conversation about race with our children. On this episode, we discuss how to talk to our kids, when to talk our kids and most importantly, what the heck we should actually be sharing when it comes to race. Spoiler alert: This isn't a one-and-done conversation. Joining me for this important discussion are three amazing women who are all really smart, really accomplished and are all mothers and educators. They also each represent different racial and ethnic backgrounds. They are, Lisa Nelson-Haynes, Eileen Flanagan and Homa Sabet Tavangar. If you are an educator or you have children, you don't want to miss this episode. For all of the useful resources mentioned in the episode, please visit My American Meltingpot.com .
Fri, September 06, 2019
"The Intersection of Race and Real Life"
Welcome back to Season 3 of the My American Meltingpot Podcast! Do you like our colorful new logo? Episode 17 is a little bit different and a whole lot of fun. I recorded this episode in front of a live audience at the Respect Women's Podcast Festival in Philadelphia on August 25, 2019. The festival was held at Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse – the only comic book shop owned by a Black woman on the East Coast – and was a celebration of female podcasters. It was all the way amazing. Here's what you'll hear on the episode: Since we were in a (very cool) comic book shop, and because I knew this would be the first episode of Season 3, I decided to share the My American Meltingpot origin story. I broke down the who, what and whys of our title, and what I hope people walk away with after listening to the show. (If I'm wrong, and you're not getting that at all, please leave me a message and tell me what YOU think this show is really about or what you'd like to see more of.) I also explained why I added the tagline – Stories at the Intersection of Race and Real Life to our podcast title. At the end of the episode, there is some audience participation. We played the game, "Stump the Diversity Diva." I challenged the audience to name any aspect of real life and I would then explain how that aspect could be connected to race. Spoiler alert: Nobody could best me! And just because we were live, doesn't mean we didn't take a break for a Meltingpot Minute. The Meltingpot Minute for episode 17 is all about the lack of respect in the New York Times' #1619 project. Note: It's not what you think. Admittedly, with all the fun and games being had in this episode, I thought it might be important to reveal my sources mentioned in our riveting game of Stump the Diversity Diva. Visit MyAmericanMeltingpot.com to see how I fact checked myself. Also, I just announced the fall book pick for the MAMP Book Club. Check the blog for details.
Fri, June 28, 2019
MAMP in Spain - A Preview
Episode 16 of the My American Meltingpot podcast is a preview of what we're working on this summer: I'm going to the south of Spain to report on Spain's connection to Blackness. It all started with a book I wrote 10 years ago called Kinky Gazpacho: Life, Love & Spain . I'm going back to Spain this summer to find out what has changed for Black people living in Spain today and for the artists and academics studying Spain's Black history. To find out more about my trip to the Iberian peninsula, check out the details on the My American Meltingpot blog . There won't be any new episodes of the podcast in July and August while I'm no assignment in Spain, so be sure to listen to the rest of the episodes in the archives and follow me on social media. And don't forget to subscribe. Gracias and Hasta luego! (The beautiful music played in this episode is by Gnawledge and is called Flamencología under a creative commons agreement .)
Fri, June 14, 2019
"Fried Chicken is a Unifying Food"
On episode 15 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, we're getting out of the studio and hitting the streets of Philadelphia to find out who owns fried chicken. That's right, fried chicken. In the United States, fried chicken is most often associated with African Americans. Sometimes that association is a positive one, other times it is simply a racist trope. But the reality is, fried chicken is a culinary delight enjoyed by different cultures and communities all over the world. In this episode, we're deep diving into the world of fried chicken in Guatemala, South Korea and in the African American community. We're challenging fried chicken stereotypes and learning how deep-fried poultry pulled one country out of an economic downturn. I promise, after listening to the episode, you'll never think about fried chicken the same way again. You're also going to be really hungry before we're done. Let's dig in. Check the shownotes on the My American Meltingpot blog for even more fun facts about fried chicken.
Fri, May 31, 2019
Food, Family and Finding Home with "From Scratch" author, Tembi Locke
On episode # 14 of the MAMP podcast, I get to chat with debut author and actress, Tembi Locke about her beautiful new book, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily and Finding Home . From Scratch is the first selection for the My American Meltingpot Book Club . In our conversation, Tembi and I talk about the reasons she decided to write this searing story about life after her husband's death from cancer; her writing process as a newbie author; what life is like for a Black-American woman in Sicily; raising multiracial children; and the healing power of food. We also chat about the Reese Witherspoon effect on Tembi's book, since Reese also selected From Scratch for her book club to read. Trust, it's all good things. Find the show notes for this episode and more about Tembi Locke on MyAmericanMeltingpot.com .
Fri, May 17, 2019
In Defense of Diversity with Lori L Tharps
On episode 13 of My American Meltingpot, I’m doing my first solo show in defense of diversity. I felt I needed to take this opportunity to defend my favorite word, "diversity," because right now it seems like it's the word everybody loves to hate. I want to drag diversity out of the mud and restore it to its rightful place in our social activism lexicon. Here's what I share in this episode: • How I became diversity’s biggest fan, • Who hates diversity and why? • My personal definition of diversity. • And finally, my two versions of the future; In version A, we continue to dismiss diversity and it doesn't end well. In version B, we learn to embrace diversity and live happily ever after. Or something like that. To find the show notes for this episode and for all of our previous episodes, please visit My American Meltingpot.com/podcast
Fri, May 03, 2019
Raising Healthy Mixed-Race Kids
On episode 12 of My American Meltingpot, we’re having a conversation about how to raise healthy Mixed-Race children. That is, how do we make sure our children who are more than one race, and possibly more than one culture as well, grow up feeling confident with their sense of identity? How do we prepare them to confront a world that still only seems to see people in Black and white? Joining me for this diverse discussion are two mothers of Mixed-Race kids, who are also parenting experts. Sharon H. Chang is an award-winning author, photographer and activist with a lens on racism, social justice and the Asian-American diaspora. She is the author of the critically acclaimed academic book, Raising Mixed Race: Multiracial Asian Children In a Post-Racial World. Ridvan Foxhall is an occupational therapist and certified Positive Discipline parent educator and coach. In 2006, Ms. Foxhall founded the Peekskill chapter of the Children’s Theatre Company which is dedicated to building character on stage by instilling in children a sense that they can be a voice of positive change in the world. Have a listen if you're a parent raising a Mixed-Race child or you are part of a transracially adoptive family. And check out the show notes on the My American Meltingpot blog for even more resources.
Fri, April 19, 2019
How We Fight White Supremacy
On episode 11 of the My American Meltingpot podcast, we're dissecting and deconstructing white supremacy with the brilliant authors of the new book, How We Fight White Supremacy: A Field Guide to Black Resistance. Akiba Solomon and Kenrya Rankin, both editors at the news and culture website, Colorlines , join me for a profound discussion about the pervasiveness and pain of white supremacy in American society. We also talk about the myriad ways folks can resist and fight in every day life without losing their lives or their minds. Plus, we take time to imagine what the world would look like without white supremacy, a freedom dream indeed. Without a doubt, this is the most powerful episode of the podcast to date. Prepare yourself for cheers, tears and an action plan to dismantle this most pressing problem. After listening, check out our show notes on the MAMP blog for resources for real life to help you fight white supremacy.
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