Best Black Girls Lit Podcasts (2025)

1
The Eleventh Pour: Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris 47:18

19d ago47:18

47:18

The eleventh hour is when everything you’ve been holding finally breaks through. In our 11th episode, we sit with Long After We Are Gone—a novel that doesn’t just tell a story, it demands that you feel it. And we did. Every one of us. Natasha, Lex, Stephanie, and Star came into this conversation carrying more than just thoughts—we brought our full …

1
How a Gratitude Practice Can Reset Your Writing Life 13:48

1h ago13:48

13:48

Could a gratitude practice be the reset your writing life needs? Gratitude can shift your mindset, ease the pressure you put on yourself, and bring you back to the heart of why you write. You’ll hear how a simple practice helped me reconnect with my creative life, why it matters specifically for writers, and a challenge to help you create your own …

1
Proof Writing Dreams Have No Expiration Date: A Conversation with Jean Ende 41:43

1h ago41:43

41:43

In this episode, I chat with debut author Jean Ende, who published her first novel, Houses of Detention, at seventy-nine. Jean shares what inspired her to start writing, how she mined her family history for fiction, and what she’s learned about persistence, rejection, and finding community along the way. It’s an honest, uplifting reminder that it’s…

1
Special Announcement: Black Friday Book Coaching Sale 2:49

1d ago2:49

2:49

Special Offer: Mini-Blueprint Strategy Session Author Accelerator is running a Black Friday Book Coaching Sale, and I’m one of 80 certified coaches offering a limited-time Mini Blueprint Strategy Session to help 100 writers get unstuck before the year ends. If you’ve been spinning your wheels or second-guessing your story, this session is designed …

1
How to Give Your Character Agency and Why It Matters 11:46

8h ago11:46

11:46

Ever get feedback that your main character feels flat, reactive, or like things just happen to them? That’s because they lack agency, one of the main ingredients in narrative drive — the force that makes readers keep turning the pages and engage with the story. In this episode of the Write It Scared podcast, we’re digging into what real agency look…

1
From “Am I Good Enough?” to “I Believe in My Work” with Book Coach Karmen Špiljak 36:11

20d ago36:11

36:11

Struggle to believe your work is good enough? Yeh. Me too. We all do. Ever wonder what it takes to write in a language that isn’t your first—and still sound like you? In this episode, I sit down with writer and book coach Karmen Spiljak to talk about what it really means to write without borders. Karmen shares her journey from Slovenia to indie pub…

1
How Fantasy Author Michelle Miles Built a Thriving Indie Publishing Career 50:52

29d ago50:52

50:52

What does it really take to write and publish more than forty books—and still love the process? In this episode of Write It Scared, I sit down with fantasy author Michelle Miles, who’s done exactly that. Michelle pulls back the curtain on the realities of indie publishing—how to manage burnout, balance creativity with deadlines, and build systems t…

1
Narrative Drive: The Secret to Story Momentum and Reader Engagement 14:46

1M ago14:46

14:46

If you’ve ever worried your story feels flat or stalled, this one’s for you. Today, we’re digging into one of the trickiest but most essential tools in your writer’s toolbox: narrative drive. This is the force that makes your reader lean in, turn the page, and stay invested in your character’s journey. I’ll break down what narrative drive actually …

1
Messy Girls Changing the World with Kid-Lit Author Ali Terese 39:09

1M ago39:09

39:09

Today I’m chatting with middle-grade and YA author Ali Terese, author of Free Period and Vote for the G.O.A.T. Ali shares her journey to becoming a published author, the challenges of writing for kids, and the joy of tackling tough topics with humor. We discuss current word count trends in middle-grade literature, working with critique groups, conn…

1
From Quitting All Together to Finishing: How Bruce Buchanan Wrote His Debut Fantasy Novel 31:54

2M ago31:54

31:54

Feeling like giving up on your novel? Don’t. In this episode, I talk with fantasy author Bruce Buchanan about how he went from years of false starts to giving up entirely to finally publishing his debut novel, The Blacksmith’s Boy. Bruce shares what finally broke through his mental blocks, how community kept him going, and the role of process in qu…

1
You Don’t Need a Literary Background to Write Your Novel 7:57

2M ago7:57

7:57

Today we’re busting one of the sneakiest myths out there: that you need a literary background to write a great novel. Spoiler—you don’t. In this episode, I share a story from a coaching call, plus my own late start as a novelist, to remind you that credentials matter far less than persistence, passion, and the willingness to keep learning by doing.…

1
The Tenth Pour: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones 47:44

2M ago47:44

47:44

Ten episodes in—and this one’s a celebration. Black Girls Lit! has officially reached double digits, and we’re raising a glass to the journey. Through every laugh, debate, page-turn, and pause for refills, we’ve built something rooted, reflective, and here to stay. For this milestone moment, we chose An American Marriage by Tayari Jones—a story tha…

1
Mining Everyday Life for Storytelling Gold with Christine Ma-Kellams 36:07

2M ago36:07

36:07

Debut author Christine Ma-Kellams talks about her novel The Band, a story that mixes psychology and K-pop. We dig into how real-life experiences can shape your fiction, what it takes to move through self-doubt, and why chasing perfection is the fastest way to stall your draft. Christine shares her perspective on trusting your subconscious, embracin…

1
Reframing the Dreaded “How’s Your Book Coming?” Question 11:25

2M ago11:25

11:25

Nothing cuts quite like that dreaded question: “So… how’s your book coming?” In this episode of Write It Scared, I dig into why it stings, how to answer without spiraling, and how to reframe it into an empowering moment. Because progress isn’t about speed or polish—it’s about staying true to what you value and what you’re making meaning of in your …

1
The Ninth Episode: The Butcher's Game by Alaina Urquhart 33:03

3M ago33:03

33:03

The Butcher is back—and not everyone wanted to follow him. In Episode 9, Lex, Star, and Natasha continue the twisted ride with The Butcher’s Game by Alaina Urquhart. Stephanie gracefully bows out (because one killer was enough!), leaving the rest of us to chase this psychopath across state lines to Massachusetts. What we found? A book that was fast…

1
Stan Yan on Writing Graphic Novels, Creativity, and Authentic Storytelling 46:00

3M ago46:00

46:00

Award-winning graphic novelist Stan Yan joins me to talk about his debut late middle-grade graphic novel, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang (out September 30, 2025). We dig into his creative journey, the highs and lows of publishing, and what it really takes to bring a graphic novel to life. Stan also shares how embracing authenticity fuels his …

1
Season 3 Kickoff: 8 Prompts to Set Effective Writing Intentions and Goals 12:55

3M ago12:55

12:55

In this kickoff episode, I’m talking about what it means to set intentions for your writing life—without the pressure of perfection. I’ll walk you through eight prompts to help you set meaningful goals, reflect on what’s been working (and what hasn’t), and move into the next season of your writing with more clarity and less self-doubt. You’ll also …

1
The Eighth Pour: The Butcher and The Wren by Alaina Urquhart 40:17

3M ago40:17

40:17

In Episode 8, the crew goes way into the mind of madness with The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart. This psychological thriller had us digging deep into the chilling mind games of a serial killer who toys with more than just his victims. The hosts—Natasha, Lex, Star, and Stephanie—unpack what it means to walk through a killer’s thoughts and …

1
The Seventh Pour: The Children of Anarchy and Anguish by Tomi Adeyemi 51:00

3M ago51:00

51:00

We’ve come to the end—but this one didn’t go quietly. In the final episode of our Legacy of Orïsha series, we dive into Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi—and it’s a whirlwind from beginning to end. From explosive pacing to emotional swings, Book 3 pushed us all in different directions. Some of us closed the book... let’s just say, wit…

1
The Sixth Pour: The Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi 46:11

4M ago46:11

46:11

The revolution isn’t over—but the vibes have definitely shifted. In this sixth episode of Black Girls Lit!, the hosts return with our special guest and now rotating co-host, Stephanie, to continue unraveling Tomi Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha series. After falling hard for Children of Blood and Bone, our follow-up read—Children of Virtue and Vengeance…

1
The Fifth Pour: The Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi 1:02:18

4M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Magic has a price. And in our fifth episode, we begin to understand just how high that cost can be. The Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi is the first book of the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy that we ever cracked open—and it did not hold back. This West African-inspired fantasy pulled us into a world that felt both mythical and mirror-like, re…

1
Season 2 Wrap-up: Reflections, Encouragement, Permission. 16:05

5M ago16:05

16:05

The final episode of Season 2 is a love letter to all fiction writers. We’ve covered nearly 30 episodes this season, from character arcs to worldbuilding to the emotional ups and downs of putting your work into the world. Before we break for summer, I wanted to leave you with something real: a mix of reflection, encouragement, and a few favorite mo…

1
Worldbuilding and the Power of “What If” with Fantasy Author A.M. Deese 33:59

5M ago33:59

33:59

Grab my free Worldbuilding Simplified guide. Fantasy author A.M. Deese (aka Alexis Marrero Deese) joins me to talk about her immersive Dance of the Elements series, how she builds layered magical worlds, and what it really looks like to write through fear, doubt, and procrastination. We dive into the challenges of writing a dynamic fantasy series, …

1
How to Trust the Process and Stick with Your Story with Author Kristin Offiler 43:16

5M ago43:16

43:16

What if your novel isn’t broken—just still becoming? I’m joined by debut author Kristin Offiler, whose psychological suspense novel The Housewarming is the result of years of slow, steady work—and a whole lot of revision. But the thing is? She almost gave up on it. Kristin talks openly about her journey from MFA grad to published novelist, includin…

1
The Fourth Pour: Wish You Had Told Me by Zina Patel 1:01:02

5M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

In this week’s Black Girls Lit! pour, your favorite lit crew — Lex, Natasha, and Star — crack open Wish You Had Told Me by Zina Patel, and whew… the silence speaks loud in this one. This episode is a toast and a warning — because sometimes it’s not the knife in your back that hurts, it’s the friend holding it. The ladies dive deep into the novel’s …

1
Letting Go of Perfectionism and Portraying Anxiety in Middle Grade Fiction with Gloria Huang 32:51

5M ago32:51

32:51

If perfectionism has ever kept you stuck or made you question whether you’re cut out for this whole writing thing, this episode is for you. Gloria Huang, author of the stunning middle grade fantasy Kaya and the Ocean, joins me to talk about: Letting go of perfectionism Writing through self-doubt Revisiting your work with compassion We dive into how…

1
Finding the Right Writing Community For You 14:50

5M ago14:50

14:50

Details on Group Book Coaching with Write It Scared Today, I’m getting personal about one of the biggest game-changers in my writing life: finding the right writing community. We’re talking about why community matters so much (especially when the writing gets hard), how to figure out what kind of group actually supports your goals, and why patience…

1
Writing Brave with Brooke Adams Law 46:54

6M ago46:54

46:54

In this episode, I’m joined by Brooke Adams Law—award-winning author, book coach, and founder of the Writing Brave Movement—for a heartfelt conversation on writing with emotional honesty and trusting your inner voice. Brooke gets real about her own writing journey, from rejection to publication, and offers encouragement for navigating perfectionism…

1
How to Choose the Right Point of View For Your Novel 22:41

6M ago22:41

22:41

Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Point of view is one of the most important craft decisions you’ll make as a writer—and one of the easiest to get tangled up in. In this episode, we’re breaking down what POV actually is, why it matters, and how to use it with intention. You’ll learn: The pros and cons of first, second, and third person PO…

1
The Third Pour: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah 51:15

6M ago51:15

51:15

This pour hits different. We’re diving into The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah—a story of two sisters just trying to survive Nazi-occupied France in their own powerful (and very different) ways. In this episode, we’re talking about quiet strength, the weight of sacrifice, and how women have always been the backbone of resistance—even when nobody was…

1
How to Build a Magic System That Serves Your Story with Gina Kammer 38:22

6M ago38:22

38:22

Enter the WIS Podcast Anniversary Giveaway! Win Book Coaching Sessions + More Prizes! This week is all about writing fantasy and building magic systems! We cover: What a magic system is designed to do The difference between soft vs. hard and low vs. high magic systems (and why knowing the difference matters) Practical ways to ground readers in the …

1
How to Use Genre to Structure Your Novel 13:29

6M ago13:29

13:29

Grab Your Free Ticket to The 2025 Spark To Story Summit (MAY 27-29) Struggling to figure out where your story is going? In this episode, we break down how understanding your content genre can give you a built-in structure for your novel, shaping your plot, character arc, and emotional payoff. We’ll explore the difference between marketing and conte…

1
Learning to Dance with Self-Doubt as a Writer with Amy L. Bernstein 38:49

7M ago38:49

38:49

Have you ever felt like self-doubt was holding your writing dreams hostage? Oh friend, you’re definitely not alone. In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I had an incredible chat with the wonderful Amy Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears and Finding Inspiration. We got real about the ways self-doubt creeps int…

1
One Year Anniversary + Writing, Perimenopause, Procrastination, and Giving Yourself Grace 17:24

7M ago17:24

17:24

ENTER THE 1 YEAR Anniversary Celebration to WIN a FREE 90-MIN PLOT STRATEGY SESSION! DOWNLOAD "THE WRITE MINDSET" FREE WORKBOOK from Write It Scared! Writing is challenging enough without beating ourselves up along the way, right? In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m getting personal—celebrating the podcast’s one-year milestone (wooh…

1
Building Your Author Platform Without the Overwhelm with Nicole Meier & Gretchen Schaffer of Bookworks.co 26:56

7M ago26:56

26:56

Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide Let’s talk about author platforms—and before you groan, I promise this isn’t scary or overwhelming! In this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m chatting with two industry experts, Nicole Meier (multi-published author and book coach) and Gretchen Schaffer (marketing and PR strategist), the brilliant te…

1
The Second Pour: The Other Side of the Pillow by Zane 57:19

7M ago57:19

57:19

Pour something silky and press play, because this 57-minute ride is draped in satin and soaked in real talk. Zane’s no-holds-barred tale of passion, power plays, and second chances has the Black Girls Lit! crew in their feelings—and their fantasies—as they dissect how love and lust can cradle the heart or crush it. Lex, Natasha, Nicole, and Star wa…

1
3 Revision Mistakes You're Probably Making (And How to Avoid Them!) 14:21

7M ago14:21

14:21

Download your step-by-step self-editing guide with checklist here! Revision can feel like staring into an abyss. Where do you even start? What if you mess up your story? I get it—the revision stage can feel pretty overwhelming. But in this solo episode of Write It Scared, I'm here to help you tackle it head-on. I'll walk you through three big revis…

1
Dual POV’s and Writing Despite Rejection with Author Alexandria Faulkenbury 32:19

8M ago32:19

32:19

Writing your first novel is a rollercoaster—exciting, overwhelming, and, let's be honest, a little terrifying. But when you finally reach that finish line? It’s incredible. In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m joined by debut author Alexandria Faulkenbury. Her debut novel, Somewhere Past the End, will be released in May 2025. Alexandria generous…

1
Understanding the Flat Character Arc: A Case Study with Katniss Everdeen 23:15

8M ago23:15

23:15

Not every compelling character needs a massive transformation. Sometimes the most powerful stories come from characters who don’t change—but instead, they change the world around them. That’s what we call a flat character arc, and on this episode of The Write It Scared Podcast, I’m breaking down exactly what that means. I know—a “flat” arc might so…

1
How Writing Short Stories Can Make You a Stronger Novelist with Demi Michelle Schwartz 41:35

8M ago41:35

41:35

If you're a novelist, you might think short stories aren’t “your thing,” but let me tell you—they can be an incredible tool. In this conversation, Demi Michelle Schwartz—author, editor, podcaster, and all-around creative powerhouse— and I dive into how writing short stories can help you: Stay creatively engaged between big projects Sharpen your sto…

1
The First Pour: Let Them by Mel Robbins 40:30

8M ago40:30

40:30

In our very first pour, we’re diving into Let Them by Mel Robbins — a short but powerful read that had us all rethinking how we respond to judgment, rejection, and other people’s opinions. With cocktails in hand and truth on our tongues, we’re talking boundaries, freedom, and what it really means to let go and live unbothered. Tune in for laughs, r…

1
How to Craft a Compelling Corruption Arc with Case Study: Walter White From Breaking Bad 17:06

8M ago17:06

17:06

Not every character arc leads to redemption—some lead to ruin. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. This week we’re talking about the corruption arc—the dark, compelling journey where a character doesn’t just make mistakes... they choose the wrong path and double down on it. These arcs are all about moral compromise, self-dece…

1
Live Pitching vs. Cold Querying: Insights from Author and Agent Amy Nielsen 41:09

9M ago41:09

41:09

Querying is hard. Sending email after email, waiting for months (or forever) for a response—it’s enough to make any writer scream. But what if you could skip the inbox slush pile and pitch your book directly to an agent? That’s precisely what Amy Neilsen—author, literary agent, and freelance editor—joins me to talk about in this episode. Amy has be…

1
Planning Your Novel: From Idea to Outline 46:55

9M ago46:55

46:55

Download Your Free Novel Planning Guide! In this episode of Write It Scared, I’m sharing my interview from the Be a Bestseller 6.0 Back to Basics Summit hosted by Emma Dhesi and we discuss practical strategies for planning and outlining your novel in a way that works for you. The highlights: 📌 The fundamentals of storytelling—character, conflict, p…

1
Poli-Fi Author, Michael Fedor on Writing, Rewriting, and Never Giving Up 35:31

9M ago35:31

35:31

Writing a novel is never a straight path. But what happens when that journey takes 20 years? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Fedor, an award-winning independent author, to talk about the long, winding road to publishing his debut novel, What It Takes to Kill a Bull Moose, a political science fiction thriller with deep themes and sharp comm…

1
Crafting the Tragic Falling Character Arc 24:14

9M ago24:14

24:14

The Falling Arc isn’t about a villain—it’s about a character who could have chosen differently but instead becomes consumed by their worst impulses. Their story isn’t just dark—it’s unsettling, raw, and real. This character starts with potential, but instead of rising to the occasion, they spiral downward—deeper into moral corruption, delusion, or …

1
Tips on Writing Historical Fiction with Author Susanne Dunlap 38:27

9M ago38:27

38:27

What does it take to bring history to life on the page? In this episode of Write it Scared, I’m sitting down with Susanne Dunlap—acclaimed historical fiction author, writing mentor, and all-around storytelling powerhouse. Susanne’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. She went from earning a PhD in music history to publishing her first novel at 5…

1
Essentials of Crafting Negative Character Arcs + Deep Dive into the Disillusionment Arc 24:00

10M ago24:00

24:00

Not every character’s journey leads to triumph—some lead to harsh truths and shattered illusions. In this episode we do an overview the negative character arcs and then focus on the specifics of the Disillusionment Arc. Unlike positive arcs where characters grow and overcome their flaws, disillusionment arcs are about painful realizations. These ch…

1
Valentine’s Special! Crafting Authentic Romance with Trisha Jenn Loehr 45:17

10M ago45:17

45:17

FREE Romance Story Structure & Beat Guide From Write It Scared Love is in the air! In this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Write it Scared podcast, I’m thrilled to be joined by the amazing Trisha Jenn Loehr, a romance expert and Author Accelerator Certified Fiction Book Coach. Together, we’re diving headfirst into the art (and heart) of writ…

1
On Wise Productivity and Building Positive Character Arcs 25:26

10M ago25:26

25:26

Download the Understanding Story Structure and Character Arcs PDF GUIDE. Learn the art of crafting positive character arcs and tackling the realities of time management. I kick things off by sharing some eye-opening insights inspired by Oliver Burkman’s 4,000 Weeks, Time Management for Mortals, a must-read for anyone rethinking how to make the most…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Black Girls Lit Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide