Best Lori L Tharps Podcasts (2025)

1
Get Ready for Something New! On Season 5 We're Going Behind the Book 17:39

3d ago17:39

17:39

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 a sneak peek into what we have planned for this special season of the podcast. For Season 5, we’re going Behind the Book, bringing you interviews and stories about people who depend on the free circula…

1
What's Happening with the Reed, Write, & Create Podcast in 2025? 11:09

3M ago11:09

11:09

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 U…

1
Ignore the Experts: You Can Write All the Things with Jabari Asim 53:39

5M ago53:39

53:39

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 …

1
Telling Black Women's Stories across Platforms with Rebecca Carroll 53:21

5M ago53:21

53:21

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…

1
Write Yourself Into History with Arturo Schomburg 34:58

5M ago34:58

34:58

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 …

1
How We Fight White Supremacy with Journalists Akiba Solomon & Kenrya Rankin 1:04:41

5M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

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 p…

1
How Oral Storytelling Can Make You a Better Writer with N. Scott Momaday 26:35

6M ago26:35

26:35

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 Pr…

1
Laila Lalami Had to Decolonize Her Language In Order to Write Her Stories 42:36

6M ago42:36

42:36

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 creat…

1
Writers: You Need a Reading Habit, Not Just a Reading Hobby 25:09

6M ago25:09

25:09

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 Baldwi…

1
Stay Ready, So You Don't Have to Get Ready: Writing Advice You Need Now from Tracey Lewis-Giggetts 1:02:17

6M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

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 Min…

1
Veronica Chambers Shares the Secrets of Her 30+ Years of Literary Success 1:04:47

7M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

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 Ti…

1
How Tembi Locke Turned Her Greatest Loss Into A Bestselling Memoir, From Scratch 50:53

7M ago50:53

50:53

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-t…

1
Would You Give Up Your Freedom to Be a Writer? Meet Sor. Juana Inés de la Cruz, Mexico's First Feminist Writer and Nun 31:43

7M ago31:43

31:43

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 revoluti…

1
Marita Golden on How to Prioritize Your Health, Wealth & Community for a Productive Literary Life 45:14

7M ago45:14

45:14

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 n…

1
Turn Your Pain Into Art with Chester B. Himes, The Father of African-American Crime Fiction 28:53

8M ago28:53

28:53

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, …

1
Season 4 Preview: What's Coming up on the Podcast and for "Literary Lori" 10:48

8M ago10:48

10:48

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 …

1
Bonus Episode with Black & Published: Vanessa Riley Writes Regency Romance with Black People in the Starring Roles 51:42

11M ago51:42

51:42

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 Willia…

1
Busting the Myth of The Solitary Writer: Virginia Woolf Got it Wrong 21:25

11M ago21:25

21:25

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 benef…

1
"Pursue Your Writing Life Like a Dog Pursues a Bone" with Bernice L. McFadden 50:38

12M ago50:38

50:38

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…

1
Why BIPOC Writers Should Consider a Life Abroad: Lessons from James Baldwin 24:42

12M ago24:42

24:42

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 …

1
From Self-Published to New York Times Bestseller: Sadeqa Johnson Shares Her Story of Success 52:52

1y ago52:52

52:52

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 Wit…

1
The Paradox of Jessie Redmon Fauset: The Harlem Renaissance's Most Prolific Novelist that You Don't Know 25:30

1y ago25:30

25:30

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…

1
Being a Writer is Hard Work:A Masterclass in Creative Writing with Phillip B. Williams 58:43

1y ago58:43

58:43

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 fr…

1
How Do You Make a Living as a Writer in Hard Times? Ask Langston Hughes! 22:59

1y ago22:59

22:59

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 wor…

1
How to Bring History's Hidden Figures to Life on the Page with New York Times Bestselling Author, Ilyon Woo 56:38

1y ago56:38

56:38

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…

1
Art, Activism, and Audre Lorde: How to Use Your Words to Change the World 18:59

1y ago18:59

18:59

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, a…

1
Writing Romance, Race, and Ricki Wilde with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Tia Williams 44:17

1+ y ago44:17

44:17

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-…

1
A Short But Important Announcement about the Podcast! 6:22

1+ y ago6:22

6:22

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, & C…

1
How to Make a Living Writing YA Fiction: A Conversation with Ibi Zoboi 1:07:33

1+ y ago1:07:33

1:07:33

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 a…

1
It’s All About The Sanctuary: A Membership Community for BIPOC Women Writers 19:58

1+ y ago19:58

19:58

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 o…

1
Greenlight Your Own Projects: Self-Publishing Without Apology with Dr. Tamara Pizzoli 47:20

1+ y ago47:20

47:20

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, Ital…

1
Writing Retreats are Not Bougie: Why Writing Retreats Should be a Part of Your Regular Writing Practice 22:43

1+ y ago22:43

22:43

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 lif…

1
How to Have a 40-Year Literary Career with Award-Winning Author and Literary Activist Marita Golden 46:04

1+ y ago46:04

46:04

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 Col…

1
Find Your Passion and Your Purpose as a Writer with Maya Angelou 23:00

1+ y ago23:00

23:00

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…

1
New York Times Best-Selling Author, Denene Millner Shares Her Story and Her Strategies for a Prolific Literary Career 1:09:44

1+ y ago1:09:44

1:09:44

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 o…

1
The Sisterhood and Why Writers Need a Writing Community 16:51

1+ y ago16:51

16:51

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.…

1
Best of Author Series with Kaitlyn Greenidge: Real Talk about What it Takes to Be a Writer 49:11

2y ago49:11

49:11

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’…

1
Best of Author Series with Dr. Yaba Blay: Why Self Publishing is a Revolutionary Act 57:13

2y ago57:13

57:13

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. B…

1
”Best of ...Author Series:” Lauren Francis-Sharma + Book of the Little Axe 55:35

2y ago55:35

55:35

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 Litera…

1
Get Your Writing Life on Track with the NBA 24:58

2y ago24:58

24:58

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…

1
How to Launch, Sell, and Market Your Book: A Masterclass with Mr. Ernest Owens 54:06

2y ago54:06

54:06

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…

1
How to Leave a Literary Legacy with Lorraine Hansberry 26:13

2y ago26:13

26:13

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…

1
You’re Never Too Old to Start Writing or Keep Writing: Dorothy West 15:22

2y ago15:22

15:22

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 st…

1
The Secret to a Productive and Prolific Literary Life with Jabari Asim 53:39

2y ago53:39

53:39

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, whe…

1
The pen is mightier than the sword. Lessons learned from Ida B. Wells 32:32

2y ago32:32

32:32

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 …

1
Should Writers Only ’Write What They Know?”: Mark Twain and Toni Morrison Have the Answers 25:03

2y ago25:03

25:03

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? A…

1
For Writers: Perseverance is More Important than Talent + Octavia E. Butler 22:22

2y ago22:22

22:22

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 …

1
How to Have a Long-Lasting Literary Career with Tracey Lewis-Giggetts 1:01:04

2+ y ago1:01:04

1:01:04

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 Ca…

1
Why BIPOC Writers Must Get their Stories Into the World + Zora Neale Hurston 22:58

2+ y ago22:58

22:58

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 edificat…

1
How to Find the Time to Write + Phillis Wheatley 17:05

2+ y ago17:05

17:05

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 master…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Lori L Tharps Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen