Your BIPOC Writing Coach

Season Finale - Your Famous Author Era

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 70 of the podcast, we’re finishing the Your Famous Author Era season. For the last three months, we’ve  talked about how to promote yo...

The Three Stages of Book Marketing with Jenn de Paula

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 69, which is our final guest interview for the Your Famous Author Era season, my guest is Jen dePaula, a veteran in the book marketing spac...

The Secret Life of A Book Influencer with Jananie K. Velu

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

THE DOORS TO THE REED, WRITE, & CREATE SANCTUARY ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN: NOV. 21 - 28, 2025. GET ON THE LIST TO GET AN APPLICATION. On episode 68, ge...

How to Find a Community to Support Your Famous Author Era

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 67, get ready for a pep talk about the importance of community when it comes to stepping into your Famous Author Era.  Tune in to learn: ...

How to Use 'Conscious Marketing' to Sell More Books with Tamela J. Gordon

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 66, we're talking about how to use the power of community, connection, and conscious marketing to sell more books and have a more successfu...

Fans not Followers: Ditch Social Media and Start Your Author Fan Club

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 65, I am giving you a pep talk about finding your 1000 true reader fans. This is a term that is often thrown about in entrepreneur spaces w...

How to Strategize, Plan, and Execute a Book Tour that Guarantees Success

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 64 of the podcast, you’re going to learn how to successfully strategize, plan and execute a book tour for your first (...second, or third...

Backlist vs Bestseller List: Why Smart Authors Aim for the Backlist

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Statistically speaking, a book’s chance of making The New York Times bestseller list is less than one percent. But that’s the list most authors wa...

How to Launch a Debut Memoir in Paris and the United States at the Same Time!

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 62, we’re talking about how to launch a debut memoir in two different countries with journalist and author, Robin Allison Davis. Robin ca...

Frederick Douglass was the 19th Century Beyoncé of Bookselling: Steal his Strategy

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 61 of the podcast, it’s time to learn a thing or two about book promotion from the 19th century Beyoncé of bookselling, Frederick Dougla...

How to Market Your Nonfiction Book with Mr. Ernest Owens

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When is the right time to start planning your nonfiction book launch? The answer is yesterday, but you can also start today after listening to this ma...

Season 6 Trailer: The How to Be a Famous Author Era

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Season Six of the Your BIPoC Writing Coach podcast. On this short intro episode, we’re sharing why we changed the name of the podcast, wh...

From Wartime to Story Time: Two Spanish Speaking Literary Activists You Should Know

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 58 is the final episode of our special Behind the Book season. And we're going out with an inspirational bang. In order to inspire you to rise...

Behind the Book with Literary Agent Regina Brooks: Owner of the Largest African-American Literary Agency in the US

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 57 we’re going Behind the Book with legendary literary agent, Regina Brooks. Regina is the founder and CEO of Serendipity Literary Agency...

Behind the Book with Publisher Stephanie Lim: On a Mission to Bring More Asian American Stories into the World

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 56 of the podcast, we’re going Behind the Book with Stephanie Lim. Stephanie is the co-founder of Third State Books, a new publishing hou...

Writers: Do You Have a Reading Habit or a Reading Hobby?

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re going Behind the Book with someone who plays a critical role in the literary ecosystem, you! On episode 55 we’re replaying my short but impo...

Behind the Book with Bookseller Jeannine A. Cook: Founder of Harriett's Bookshop in Philly

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 54 we’re going Behind the Book with bookseller Jeannine A. Cook, founder of Harriett’s Bookshop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Jeanni...

Behind the Book with David Ruggles: The First Black Man in America to Open a Bookstore

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 53 of the podcast, we’re going Behind the Book and back in time, to meet David Ruggles, the first Black American to own and operate a boo...

Behind the Book with Sylvia Arthur, Founder of the the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 52 we’re going Behind the Book with Sylvia Arthur, the founder of the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora in Accra, Ghana. Remembe...

Behind the Book with Bad-Ass Bibliophile Arturo Schomburg

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For Season Five of the podcast, we’re going behind the book and talking to people and reviewing the lives of our literary ancestors whose livelihood...

Behind the Book with Bibliotherapist Emely Rumble

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For Season Five of the podcast, we’re going behind the book to talk to people whose livelihood and careers depend on the free flowing circulation of...

Get Ready for Something New! On Season 5 We're Going Behind the Book

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Season 5 of the Podcast! On this brief episode, Loril will provide  a quick recap about her time living in a library in Ghana, followed by...

What's Happening with the Reed, Write, & Create Podcast in 2025?

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 mo...

Ignore the Experts: You Can Write All the Things with Jabari Asim

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 46 of the podcast, I’m replaying my inspiring,  2023 conversation with award-winning author, journalist, professor, and poet, Jabari Asi...

Telling Black Women's Stories across Platforms with Rebecca Carroll

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 K...

Write Yourself Into History with Arturo Schomburg

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 st...

How We Fight White Supremacy with Journalists Akiba Solomon & Kenrya Rankin

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How Oral Storytelling Can Make You a Better Writer with N. Scott Momaday

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Laila Lalami Had to Decolonize Her Language In Order to Write Her Stories

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ame...

Writers: You Need a Reading Habit, Not Just a Reading Hobby

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Stay Ready, So You Don't Have to Get Ready: Writing Advice You Need Now from Tracey Lewis-Giggetts

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Press play on this fan-favorite, rewind episode with award-winning author, Tracey Lewis-Giggetts.    Tracey Lewis-Giggetts has written over 30 books...

Veronica Chambers Shares the Secrets of Her 30+ Years of Literary Success

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 39 of the podcast, I am so excited to share my conversation with memoirist, journalist, editor, celebrity collaborator, novelist and all ar...

How Tembi Locke Turned Her Greatest Loss Into A Bestselling Memoir, From Scratch

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Would You Give Up Your Freedom to Be a Writer? Meet Sor. Juana Inés de la Cruz, Mexico's First Feminist Writer and Nun

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 writi...

Marita Golden on How to Prioritize Your Health, Wealth & Community for a Productive Literary Life

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 36 of the podcast, get the actual blueprint for a happy, healthy, productive literary life. Enjoy this episode from our archives with Marit...

Turn Your Pain Into Art with Chester B. Himes, The Father of African-American Crime Fiction

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 yo...

Season 4 Preview: What's Coming up on the Podcast and for "Literary Lori"

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Bonus Episode with Black & Published: Vanessa Riley Writes Regency Romance with Black People in the Starring Roles

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Busting the Myth of The Solitary Writer: Virginia Woolf Got it Wrong

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

"Pursue Your Writing Life Like a Dog Pursues a Bone" with Bernice L. McFadden

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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-win...

Why BIPOC Writers Should Consider a Life Abroad: Lessons from James Baldwin

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 turnin...

From Self-Published to New York Times Bestseller: Sadeqa Johnson Shares Her Story of Success

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On episode #29, New York Times bestselling author Sadeaqa Johnson is on the show sharing her inspiring author journey and her practical strategies to ...

The Paradox of Jessie Redmon Fauset: The Harlem Renaissance's Most Prolific Novelist that You Don't Know

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Being a Writer is Hard Work:A Masterclass in Creative Writing with Phillip B. Williams

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

How Do You Make a Living as a Writer in Hard Times? Ask Langston Hughes!

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 wri...

How to Bring History's Hidden Figures to Life on the Page with New York Times Bestselling Author, Ilyon Woo

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Art, Activism, and Audre Lorde: How to Use Your Words to Change the World

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Writing Romance, Race, and Ricki Wilde with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Tia Williams

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

  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 autho...

A Short But Important Announcement about the Podcast!

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How to Make a Living Writing YA Fiction: A Conversation with Ibi Zoboi

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Stre...

It’s All About The Sanctuary: A Membership Community for BIPOC Women Writers

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Greenlight Your Own Projects: Self-Publishing Without Apology with Dr. Tamara Pizzoli

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 c...

Writing Retreats are Not Bougie: Why Writing Retreats Should be a Part of Your Regular Writing Practice

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 firs...

How to Have a 40-Year Literary Career with Award-Winning Author and Literary Activist Marita Golden

23 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Find Your Passion and Your Purpose as a Writer with Maya Angelou

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 y...

New York Times Best-Selling Author, Denene Millner Shares Her Story and Her Strategies for a Prolific Literary Career

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, ed...

The Sisterhood and Why Writers Need a Writing Community

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, particu...

Best of Author Series with Kaitlyn Greenidge: Real Talk about What it Takes to Be a Writer

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Best of Author Series with Dr. Yaba Blay: Why Self Publishing is a Revolutionary Act

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Dro...

”Best of ...Author Series:” Lauren Francis-Sharma + Book of the Little Axe

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Fr...

Get Your Writing Life on Track with the NBA

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 sum...

How to Launch, Sell, and Market Your Book: A Masterclass with Mr. Ernest Owens

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

How to Leave a Literary Legacy with Lorraine Hansberry

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

You’re Never Too Old to Start Writing or Keep Writing: Dorothy West

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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. Th...

The Secret to a Productive and Prolific Literary Life with Jabari Asim

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

The pen is mightier than the sword. Lessons learned from Ida B. Wells

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Should Writers Only ’Write What They Know?”: Mark Twain and Toni Morrison Have the Answers

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

For Writers: Perseverance is More Important than Talent + Octavia E. Butler

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 superpo...

How to Have a Long-Lasting Literary Career with Tracey Lewis-Giggetts

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 wri...

Why BIPOC Writers Must Get their Stories Into the World + Zora Neale Hurston

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

How to Find the Time to Write + Phillis Wheatley

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

Introducing the Read, Write & Create Podcast

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

One Last Thing About the Future of the Show

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

Author Kaitlyn Greenidge Talks Freedom and "Libertie"

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On episode 68 of the podcast, author Kaitlyn Greenidge joins me to talk about freedom and Libertie. Kaitlyn’s debut novel was the critically acclaim...

Children's Book Author, Zetta Elliott, Wants to Decolonize Your Imagination

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 publishe...

The Multicultural History of Witchcraft in America with Author Via Hedera

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Children's Book Author Joanna Ho Writes to Change the World

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 aut...

Writing Wisdom: You Must Believe You Can Write

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 in...

Telling Global Stories with Jennifer Steil, Award-Winning Author of Exile Music

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 te...

Love, Loss and Writing Memoir with Tembi Locke

26 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

Talking "One Drop," Blackness, and Publishing with Dr. Yaba Blay

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

White Like Her: Stories of Race and Racial Passing

12 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Fam...

Untangling the History of "Hair Story" with authors Ayana Byrd + Lori Tharps

05 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 Hai...

A Big Announcement about the Future of this Podcast

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

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 m...

Is Christmas for white people with Dr. Marc Lamont Hill

18 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 episo...

Rethinking Race + Thanksgiving

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

November is National Native American Heritage Month and it’s the month we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. On episode 56 of the podcast, we’re go...

Don't be Racist: Celebrate the Wins, But Keep Fighting

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 rev...

Don't Be Racist: Time to Divorce Your Trump-Supporting Friends

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 talkin...

Don't be Racist: You Can't Say That

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 scrip...

Don't Be Racist: Use Your Voice

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 you...

Don't Be Racist - Decolonize Your Mind

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Lesson 2: Don't Be Racist: Take Action

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 Actio...

Lesson #1: Master Your Mindset to be an Anti-Racism Warrior

25 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Welcome to the "Don't be Racist" Series

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Author Lauren Francis-Sharma and the Book of the Little Axe

07 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 L...

How to be a Revolutionary Writer

31 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Title: All Hail The Queens of the Resistance

24 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 Rev...

How to Raise a Revolutionary Reader

17 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Revolutionary Readers Book Club: Exile Music

10 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 refres...

Why Colorism Matters at this Moment

19 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...