Your BIPOC Writing Coach

Lori L Tharps
  • 4.9 (69)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

If you are a Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, or any other Writer of Color, and you're looking for your own personal writing coach - to help you stay motivated to write that book, get it published and promoted -  then this is the podcast for you.  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. And let's not forget about the path to getting published and the non-stop journey of promotion. It's a lot! Especially for BIPoC writers in a publishing industry that is still overwhelmingly centered on whiteness. On the podcast, Lori is here to serve as your creative-writing coach, and her goal is to help you love your literary life by giving you the tools and motivation to write, publish, and promote your work with purpose and joy. You’ll get inspiring pep talks and literary life lessons based on the lives of our BIPoC literary ancestors. Think Toni Morrison, Sor Juana de la Cruz, Phillis Wheatley e.t.c. AND ...You’ll hear inspiring interviews with best-selling, BIPoC authors and publishing professionals who share actionable writing tips and advice to help improve your craft, and better understand the business of writing and the publishing industry.  New episodes of Your BIPoC Writing Coach are released on Mondays. Subscribe to the show and find more writing resources for BIPOC writers and the readers who love them at ReedWriteandCreate.com.

  1. 4D AGO

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

    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 successful and satisfying career as an author. My guest on the show is Tamela J. Gordon. Tamela Gordon is a literary activist, the author of the critically acclaimed 2024 memoir, Hood Wellness, and she is an acquisitions editor at Row House Books. She is also a book critic, self-care coach, and performer. Online, she uses the handle, She Writes to Live to share her wisdom and advice for writers.  This isn’t a conversation about algorithms and social media. Expensive publicists and bestseller lists aren’t part of the discussion. You are going to hear about a paradigm-shifting way to view book selling, book marketing, and finding the readers who will support you and read your books.  Get ready to lean in and learn. Welcome to Your Famous Author Era.   Lit Links to Learn More   Follow Tamela Gordon at She Writes to Live on Instagram and Threads.   Buy Tamela’s book, Hood Wellness at the Reed, Write, & Create bookshop.    WE’RE OPENING THE DOORS TO The Sanctuary at the end of November. If you’ve been looking for a supportive writing community to join, and you are a BIPoC woman who takes your writing seriously, then make sure you’re on the Tell Me More Wait List so you’ll be the first to know when the applications go live. Inside The Sanctuary we provide everything writers need to succeed and thrive in their writing life. Check out the website for more details on all of the resources and activities we offer inside The Sanctuary. If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.    For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori   Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

    1 hr

  2. NOV 3

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

    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 when it comes to sales and marketing, but it’s something authors need to think about as well.  Therefore, in this episode we’re going to talk about: Why authors should be searching for fans not audiences or followers. How to figure out who your real fans are. Where to find your fans. How to nurture your fans once you find them. This isn’t going to be a theoretical pep talk.  I’m sharing facts and figures from the publishing industry to support why having 1000 true reader fans would significantly move the needle on your career and longevity as an author.  Grab a pencil and get ready to take notes. This is a good one.   LINKS TO LEARN MORE If you want to start your own book club and/or find your readers online try: Fable: A Social App for readers The Storygraph: An alternative to Goodreads created by a Black woman.    Bindery is a start-up publisher relying on author fandoms to drive publishing decisions.  The Black British Book Festival recently announced their new partnership with Pan MacMillan.    WE’RE OPENING THE DOORS TO The Sanctuary at the end of November. If you’ve been looking for a supportive writing community to join, and you are a BIPoC woman who takes your writing seriously, then make sure you’re on the Tell Me More Wait List so you’ll be the first to know when the applications go live. Inside The Sanctuary we provide everything writers need to succeed and thrive in their writing life. Check out the website for more details on what we offer.   If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.    For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter   Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

    29 min

  3. OCT 27

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

    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) book that will set you on the road to literary success.  My guest on the show, Nadia Alexis, is a poet and writer who created a launch plan and book tour that is still going strong ten months after her debut poetry collection hit the market in March 2025. Nadia Alexis is a poet, writer, and photographer born to Haitian immigrants in Harlem. She is the author of the hybrid poetry and photography collection Beyond the Watershed, which was a finalist for the Ghost Peach Press Prize. You don’t have to be a poet to use the ideas, resources and strategies Nadia shares during this exciting episode. But you do have to be willing to do the work if you want to see the unbelievable results Nadia has seen and continues to see, including getting a second print run on her book before the launch date, and finding her book in the most incredible places that even her publisher couldn’t believe.  Press play, get ready to learn, and lean into your Famous Author Era.   LIT LINKS FROM THE SHOW Check out Nadia’s comprehensive website  ByNadiaAlexis.com Find Nadia on Instagram and Threads at NadiaLovestoCreate The Publicity Incubator Nadia attended is hosted by Poets & Writers. Author Patrice Gopo’s website was an inspiration for Nadia when making her own author website.   DOORS ARE OPENING TO THE SANCTUARY AT THE END OF NOVEMBER 2025. Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the most amazing private community for BIPoC women writers who take their writing seriously. If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.  For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

    49 min

  4. OCT 20

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

    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 want to be on. Well, on today’s episode of the podcast, I’m going to offer a different, better measure for success. And this isn’t just my opinion, this is what agents, publishers and savvy authors know is true. The backlist is where you want to be if you want a long career as an author.   Tune in to hear: Why it doesn’t make mathematical sense to aim for a bestseller's list. The difference between the front list and the backlist. The truth about how many authors actually earn out their advance. The lifetime financial benefits of being on a publisher’s backlist. LINKS to get LIT If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.    For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter   Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary, our private membership community for BIPOC women who take their writing seriously.    Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori   Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

    21 min

  5. OCT 13

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

    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 candidly shares everything - from finances to fashion - about how she managed her launch. Robin is an Emmy award-winning producer based in Paris, France. Experienced in all forms of media, she has over 15 years of producing and scriptwriting experience, including a News & Documentary Emmy Award. Her book, Surviving Paris: A Memoir of Healing in the City of Light, was published by HarperCollins/Amistad in September 2025.   During our conversation, we discuss: The logistics of how Robin planned book events in France and the USA simultaneously. The financial requirements to launch a book in today’s market, including the extra expenses you might not be aware of but really matter. How to stand out as a memoirist when you’re not a celebrity. The joys and challenges of launching a book with a traditional publisher.  And more! Get ready to take notes because this episode is full of tips and advice that can be used by any author getting ready to launch their first (or second) book!   LINKS FROM THE SHOW Find all of Robin’s information on her website, RobinADavis.com Follow Robin on Instagram at Robinista. Check out Robin’s Substack and follow all things Surviving Paris: On the Other Side with Robin Allison Davis A fellow 2025 memoirist Robin recommends, Rachel Phan. Her promo plan was fire.  Black Women Writers in Europe The Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary for BIPOC Women Writers Try Rent the Runway for your Book Tour Wardrobe in the United States. For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the monthly Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter   Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary.  Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

    52 min

  6. OCT 6

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

    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 Douglass.  Forget everything you think you know about Frederick Douglass the historical figure, and get ready to learn about Frederick Douglass the bestselling author who sold over 30,000 copies of his debut memoir in less than five years, and made over $150,000 on his first book tour.  In this eye-opening episode, you’ll learn how Douglass stood out amongst other authors of the time, and his seven top tips to reach literary super-stardom.  Grab your pencils and get ready to take notes, because these tips still work in today’s literary world.  If you want to read the best biography of Frederick Douglass, check out David Blight’s Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.   If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.    For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter   Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary, our private membership community for BIPOC women who take their writing seriously.    Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori   Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

    24 min

  7. SEP 29

    How to Market Your Nonfiction Book with Mr. Ernest Owens

    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 masterclass on book promotion with journalist and author, Ernest Owens.  Ernest Owens is an award-winning journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. He is the Editor of Eater Philly, Political Writer at Large for Philadelphia Magazine, President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, and Regional Vice President of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (Mid-Atlantic Chapter). He is also the executive producer and host of the hit podcast Ernestly Speaking!  Ernest’s book, The Case for Cancel Culture was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2023. On the show, Ernest shares his brilliant strategy for marketing and promoting The Case for Cancel Culture including:  Critical mindset tips  Strategies any author can use to get their book seen by more people,  Who to make friends with to sell more books Why your loudest critics can be a boon to book sales Why travel is a necessary part of the promotion process When to cash in your personal IOUs (Note: This episode originally aired during Season two of the podcast.) If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.    For literary inspiration and opportunities delivered right to your inbox, sign up for the monthly Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter   Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary.    Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori   Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

    52 min

  8. SEP 22

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

    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, what you can expect this season on the show (Think, Famous Author Era!), and a quick pep talk for the moment we’re in right now.    Press play to get inspired and get ready for another season of your favorite literary podcast.    If you're looking for more creative writing inspiration, and useful resources for your literary life, check out the Reed, Write, & Create website at ReedWriteandCreate.com.    Sign up for the Reed, Write, & Create monthly newsletter.   Join the Tell Me More email list to be the first to know when we start taking new applicants to the Reed, Write, & Create Sanctuary.    Follow Lori on YouTube at LiteraryLori   Please feel free to show your love and support for this podcast by making a small donation via Buy Me A Coffee.

    14 min
See All (100)

4.9
out of 5
69 Ratings

About

If you are a Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, or any other Writer of Color, and you're looking for your own personal writing coach - to help you stay motivated to write that book, get it published and promoted -  then this is the podcast for you.  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. And let's not forget about the path to getting published and the non-stop journey of promotion. It's a lot! Especially for BIPoC writers in a publishing industry that is still overwhelmingly centered on whiteness. On the podcast, Lori is here to serve as your creative-writing coach, and her goal is to help you love your literary life by giving you the tools and motivation to write, publish, and promote your work with purpose and joy. You’ll get inspiring pep talks and literary life lessons based on the lives of our BIPoC literary ancestors. Think Toni Morrison, Sor Juana de la Cruz, Phillis Wheatley e.t.c. AND ...You’ll hear inspiring interviews with best-selling, BIPoC authors and publishing professionals who share actionable writing tips and advice to help improve your craft, and better understand the business of writing and the publishing industry.  New episodes of Your BIPoC Writing Coach are released on Mondays. Subscribe to the show and find more writing resources for BIPOC writers and the readers who love them at ReedWriteandCreate.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Lori L Tharps
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2018 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Your BIPOC Writing Coach

You Might Also Like