stop explaining what it’s like to be you in your writing

You’re proud to be Asian, Black, Latinx, Indigenous, LGBTQ

(i.e., not the status quo)

Why should your writing be any different?

Do you side-eye those top ten book lists where the all characters are cis, white, and heteronormative? Me, too.

You’re sick of books where the characters don’t look like you. Or if the characters look like you, their story only focuses on your culture’s pain and trauma.

You want to publish a book with characters that don’t cater to the white gaze.

You want to share your essays that don’t flinch about your personal experiences as a queer person or a person of color.

You don’t want to explain what it’s like to be you in your book.

You shouldn’t have to. You and your characters are multi-dimensional, not stereotypes.

You’re ready to embrace your voice unapologetically so others can see themselves when they read your book.

Because you know that representation matters.

YOU MATTER.

You have a story worth telling

Yes, you can write and publish a book

But you don’t have to do it alone.

I help BIPOC writers like YOU finish and publish your books.

About Thien-Kim
Thien-Kim Lam holding a copy of Happy Endings

Hi, I’m Thien-Kim Lam, author of Happy Endings  & Full Exposure, both published by Avon Books, one of the biggest publishers of romances!

Happy Endings debuted in May 2021 during the pandemic. 💰AND the book has earned out its advance! 💰

If only they sent a paper royalty check instead of direct deposit so I could frame it! 

I’m a Southern Asian American, y’all! I was born and raised in Louisiana. I’m happily married to a wonderful Black man and together we have the joy of raising two amazing mixed race teenagers (whew!), one of whom wants to be writer because she sees me as role model. *sniff* It’s getting a little dusty in here.

I write Vietnamese American characters who live and love unapologetically. I sold my first book to Avon (imprint of Harpercollins) as part of their first ever #OwnVoices competition for novels where the characters represented the author’s lived experiences. 

I’ve had the privilege of mentored aspiring and emerging authors through programs and on a one-on-one basis. I’ve been an instructor at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. I’ve been a panelist and taught workshops for Romance Writers of America programs and conferences, both at national and chapter levels. 

I do a happy dance whenever I help writers like you!

When you’re battling internalized racism and imposter syndrome on the way to your dreams, I can help.

WHAT IF YOU HAD

A way to organize your late night ideas from all your notetaking apps into a marketable book?

I have the experience to guide your idea into a publishable book that readers can’t put down. Yes, your insomnia-induced ideas are really good.

write a book you’re proud of

As your book coach and story strategist, I’ll stand by you and support you as you finish your book.

Here’s what you’ll get when we work together:

A Sustainable Plan to Finish Your Book

We’ll work together to create step-by-step guide for your writing career that’s sustainable and allows your creativity to flourish.

Live 1-on-1 Calls

We’ll have 2 one-hour coaching calls each month to go over your progress and help you get unstuck in your writing, work on story structure, etc.

Story Strategy

Whether you’re writing fiction or narrative non-fiction, we’ll take your ideas and shape them into a book that highlights your lived experience without centering it for white gaze.

Ready to focus and finish your book?

Coaching is currently available through an application process as I have a limited number of coaching spots available. I want to make sure we’re a good fit for each other.

Here’s how the process works:

  1. Apply. Fill out the confidential application below. I’ll review it within 2 business days, and let you know via email if you’ve been approved.
  2. Schedule. Once approved, I’ll send you a link to schedule your FREE 20-minute get-to-know-each-other session.
  3. Let’s Talk! During your call, we’ll discuss your goals and options for working together.