Hardcore Grind Podcast w/Lissha S2 EP17 "Alretha Thomas"

Shortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her
interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to
write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her
writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned
twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays
outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith
(The Bernie Mac Show), directed by the late four-time NAACP Image Award Best
Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics
and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and
has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country.
Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and
television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara
Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News
Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel,
Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the
Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in
January 2014. The series has since reverted to her. In August 2014, Alretha was
awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies
Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for
Jessica, Losing Lauren, and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019, Alretha debuted
two additional mystery books—The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About
Gretchen, respectively. In 2023, Alretha’s novel, The Girl in the Blue Blazer debuted.
Her most recent novel is The Daughter Between Them.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television
shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that
airs on BET.

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