Your BIPOC Writing Coach

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 The 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 episodes, please be sure to leave a rating or a review on your favorite podcast platform. Keep Writing.

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 list of opportunities for BIPOC writers that include jobs, open submissions, residencies, grants, fellowships and more. 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.

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?

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, tricks, giveaways, and opportunities. 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. Thank you!

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!

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 dive into the writing world, be sure to subscribe to the Reed, Write and Create bimonthly newsletter. Follow @ReadWriteandCre8 on Instagram for more lit news, views, tips, tricks, giveaways, and opportunities. If you're enjoying this award-winning podcast, please take a moment to leave us a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform.

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.

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 ReadWriteandCreate.com We have only two spots left and registration is ending on July 31 2023. So, if you want to come write with me in the South of Spain in October 2023, get all the details , including how to register, on the RWC website. Sign up here for the new and improved Read, Write and Create newsletter. In addition to my monthly updates and resources, once a month you’ll get a curated list of contests, grants, jobs, submission requests and more, targeted for BIPOC writers to help you get your words out into the world. Please don’t forget to leave us a rating or a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you like to listen to podcasts so more people can find all the literary goodness on this show. Remember, this is the last episode for the summer. I’ll be back in September. Until then, keep writing.

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, Different Colors: Confronting Colorism in America’s Diverse Families. To keep up with Dr. Blay, visit her website YabaBlay.com and follow her on Instagram @YabaBlay For more information about the first annual Read, Write and Create writing retreat for BIPOC women writers, visit this page on the website. But don’t delay because doors for registration are closing soon. Sign up here for the new and improved Read, Write and Create newsletter. Once a month you’ll get a curated list of contests, grants, jobs, submission requests and more, targeted for BIPOC writers to help you get your words out into the world. Please don’t forget to leave us a rating or a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you like to listen to podcasts so more people can find all the literary goodness on this show. Thank you!

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 this podcast and independent booksellers everywhere. For more literary resources and inspiration, visit ReadWriteandCreate.com and follow me on Instagram @LoriLTharps and Twitter @ReadWriteCre8.

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!

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, would you be so kind as to take a moment to rate and review the show on Apple podcasts or your own favorite podcast platform? 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 the Read, Write, and Create website at ReadWriteandCreate.com. For example, check out my list of writing retreats taking place in 2023 or my list of BIPOC writing festivals also taking place this year. Keep Writing!

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 first to know about all of my upcoming workshops, classes, retreats and other writing opportunities that I share, including writing contests and calls for work from presses all over the world. 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 at ReadWriteandCreate.com. And follow Read,Write, and Create on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest. You can also follow me, LoriLTharps on Instagram, where I’m always sharing #Lit content. Please don’t forget to rate and review the podcast on your favorite podcast app. Thank you!

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 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 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 you promised yourself that 2023 was the year you were going to write more, then this is a great way to make good on that promise. You can register here. If you haven’t already, you should sign up for the RWC newsletter, so you’ll be the first to know about all of my upcoming workshops, classes and other writing opportunities that I share, including writing contests and calls for work from presses all over the world. 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 the Read, Write, and Create website at ReadWriteandCreate.com. Just as an example, I recently posted an amazing list of upcoming BIPOC Book festivals. You can plan your summer vacation based on what lit literary festivals you want to attend! Remember, a #Lit life is the best life. P.S. Don’t forget to rate and review the podcast.

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. ( (note I accidentally said June 10 on the episode.) Class size is limited. For more information and to register, visit the classes and workshops page on the Read, Write, and Create website. I am also teaching a one- day intensive workshop on Sunday, May 7, 2023 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 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. Space is limited so sign up soon. For more information and to register visit the classes and workshops page on the Read, Write, and Create website. If you haven’t already, you should sign up for the RWC newsletter so you’ll be the first to know about all of my upcoming workshops, classes, retreats and other writing opportunities that I share, including writing contests and calls for work from presses all over the world. You can sign up for the newsletter here. 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 the Read, Write, and Create website. Thank you for supporting the show with a rating, review or a share on any of your favorite social hangouts.

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 newsletter 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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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 and 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, 100 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 also about a Black woman in search of true freedom. How to Support the Podcast Subscribe, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts. Share a link or our logo with your book-loving friends on social media. If you want to support the podcast financially, please shop for books on the My American Meltingpot online book store. Or you can leave me a tip via Pay Pal on the My American Meltingpot website. Thank you!

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 on social media, follow Zetta or Medivevalpoc on Instagram for visual evidence of Black people in medieval times. And speaking of history, here's the true story behind that 9th century ring that is the inspiration for Zetta's Afro-Viking story in progress. I hope you find something in this list that leads you down a colorful rabbit hole of your own imagination! How to Support the Show Subscribe, rate and review the show on Apple podcasts Tell somebody about the show, either online, offline, or both. Visit the My American Meltingpot Bookshop the next time you’re buying books online. You’ll find books by all of our guests on the show, as well as a curated collection of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children who love multicultural books. Buy yourself some beautiful pajamas from Printfresh.com so you can look beautiful and feel comfortable when you read in bed. Use this link and the code LoriLTharps at checkout and you’ll get 15% off anything you order. Follow me on IG @LoriLTharps

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: The 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 Personal Charms and Practical Rituals Working the Roots by Michele E. Lee Healing with Herbs and Rituals: A Mexican tradition Black Magic: Religion and the African American Conjuring Tradition Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston How to Fight White Supremacy In light of the recent increase of violence against Asian Americans, I promised to share some books specifically meant to help white people dismantle white supremacy. Here are some options that come highly recommended. If you don't think you need these books yourself, buy one for a friend. 1. Me and White Supremacy 2. How to Be an Anti-Racist 3. Lies My Teacher Told Me 4. An Indigenous People's History of the United States 5. What White People Can Do Next MAMP Podcast Episodes to Listen to Help You Fight White Supremacy Don't Be Racist, Use Your Voice Don't Be Racist, Decolonize Your Mind Don't Be Racist, Take Action Way to Support the Podcast Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts Tell your book-loving friends about the podcast Do your online book shopping on the MAMP bookstore. You'll find the books of all of our guests, plus a curated collection of multicultural books for adults and children.

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, they also have beautiful writing journals as well. ********************************* How to Support the Show 1. Subscribe or Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform. 2. Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts 3. Do your online book shopping on the My American Meltingpot Bookstore 4. Make a donation via paypal on the My American Meltingpot Website. Thank you!

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 next "Writing Wisdom" episode. ******************************** How to Support the Show 1. Subscribe to the show on your favorite platform. 2. Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts 3. Do your online book shopping on the My American Meltingpot Bookstore 4. Make a donation via paypal on the My American Meltingpot Website. Thank you!

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 My American Meltingpot online bookstore. Check me out on the Printfresh Pajamas blog where I share my thoughts on books by Black authors to read beyond Black history month. Don't forget, if you want to buy a pair of beautiful PJs from Printfresh, use the code LORILTHARPS at check out for 15% off your purchase. Don't forget Printfresh sells stylish journals too. If you're interested in reading more about the two new memoirs penned by biracial Black women, check out the article in the New York Times. And/or go buy a copy of Surviving the White Gaze and Raceless at the My American Meltingpot Bookshop. To read more about the #ownvoices movement, check out this article on the OwnVoices movement from Read Brightly To get a summary of Colson Whitehead's speech that Jennifer referenced during our conversation about cultural appropriation in writing, you can get a good summary of Whitehead's speech here. ************************************** How to Support the Show 1. Subscribe to the show on your favorite platform. 2. Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts 3. Do your online book shopping on the My American Meltingpot Bookstore 4. Leave me a tip via paypal on the My American Meltingpot Website. Thank you!

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 find Kinky Gazpacho anywhere you buy books. ****************************** How to Support the Show Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts Do your online book shopping on the My American Meltingpot Bookstore Leave us a tip via paypal on the My American Meltingpot Website. Thank you!

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, Different Colors: Confronting Colorism in America's Diverse Families. Beacon Press is the progressive and innovative publisher who picked up Yaba's book, One Drop. Check out Beacon's amazing catalog of diverse books. ******************* Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. And feel free to leave us a tip via PayPal on the homepage of the MAMP website. Thank you!

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.

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.

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

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 in 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 please don't forget to subscribe to the show so you'll know when we we're back with fresh new episodes in early 2021. Happy Holidays.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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 blog, 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.

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 the connections between racism and climate change on the MAMP blog. She is the real deal and an excellent teacher.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.