161. Building a Sanctuary for BIPOC Writers - Lori Tharps

2025-08-12

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What does it take to leap into the unknown for the sake of your creative calling? In this episode, I talk with Lori Tharps, a writer, educator, and creative catalyst who did just that. Lori shares the powerful story behind her decision to leave a tenured professorship at Temple University to start a new life in Southern Spain. We explore her journey to create The Sanctuary, a vital community for BIPOC women writers, and dig into her profound belief that storytelling is a tool with the power to change the world. This conversation is a moving testament to the magic that unfolds when you h...

What does it take to leap into the unknown for the sake of your creative calling? In this episode, I talk with Lori Tharps, a writer, educator, and creative catalyst who did just that.

Lori shares the powerful story behind her decision to leave a tenured professorship at Temple University to start a new life in Southern Spain.

We explore her journey to create The Sanctuary, a vital community for BIPOC women writers, and dig into her profound belief that storytelling is a tool with the power to change the world. This conversation is a moving testament to the magic that unfolds when you have the courage to build the life you've always imagined.

Chapters

00:00 - Introducing Lori L. Tharps
02:52 - The Childhood Friendship That Sparked a Creative Life
07:25 - From "Lying" to Storytelling: The Gift of a Typewriter
09:47 - What Truly Makes a Good Story?
16:04 - "Watch Me": Defying the Myth That Motherhood and Writing Don't Mix
17:47 - The Physical Feeling of Purpose: Flow vs. Frustration
21:17 - The Leap of Faith: Why She Left a Tenured Professorship for Spain
28:28 - Making Time to Create, Inspired by Our Literary Ancestors
32:53 - The Birth of The Sanctuary for BIPOC Women Writers
37:04 - The Myth of the Solitary Writer and the Power of Community
47:17 - What Does a Real Writing Practice Look Like? (It's More Than Just Writing)
53:34 - The Gospel of Storytelling: How New Narratives Can Save the World

Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel!

https://youtu.be/2mwUOzh-wGk

Connect with Lori:

Follow Lori on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriltharps/?hl=en

Lori's Website: https://www.loriltharps.com/

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This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.