Meet the writers

With more than 20 years of writing experience each, Dimitria L. Cook and Monice Mitchell Simms empower BIPOC women on their journeys as writers. Everyone has a story to tell. Every woman's voice is powerful as she shares her story.


  • Spoken word and voiceover artist, who has performed throughout the United States and the Bahamas. She has opened up for Dr. Maya Angelou and shared the stage with CeCe Winans, Erykah Badu, K-Ci & JoJo, OutKast, Con Funk Shun, The Barkays, Brian McKnight, poets Lamar Hill and Tallam Acey. In addition, “Sista (Shay) Scha” has performed for Queen Diambi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and opened for 15 times Grammy Award winning jazz saxophonist Kim Waters. The color purple is her favorite color.


  • Founder - Building Beyond Belief Writers Retreat

    Empowerment writing coach, ghostwriter, playwright, poet, and an international bestselling co-author in vol. 3 of the Business, Life and the Universe book series. Dimitria helps writers unlock their block. She is the author of Non-Writers Write Now: Jumpstart Your Storytelling, 21 Reflections of the Inner Soul, and Parents’ Playbook: Tips, Tweets, & Other Common Sense Advice. Dimitria started her career as a newsprint journalist and is currently the host of The Writer’s Lounge with Dimitria. Dimitria resides in the Los Angeles area. She loves traveling and is a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.


  • Award winning Writer & Executive Producer

    Monice Mitchell Simms is a “Telly Award” winning writer and executive producer, Discovering West Africa: Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon with World Wide Nate. She is an award-winning screenwriter, author, filmmaker, playwright, journalist, and podcaster. Redeemed, the film she adapted to the screen, is currently streaming on BET+. Monice resides in the Pasadena area and enjoys mentoring writers.

Writing Across Genres BIPOC Women Writers Retreat

Location: TBD

Dates: TBD

Investment: TBD

 

If not now, when? Join working writers in film, television, spoken word, stage, and journalism as we help you create and share your story through storytelling. The Building Beyond Belief Writing Retreats focus on storytelling as a screenwriter, playwright, poet, fiction writer, and nonfiction writer. Admission is competitive. Space is limited. How will you and your work stand out to secure 1 of 10 coveted retreat spots?

We will delve into character, setting, plot conflict, and resolution through storytelling. If you are writing for an audience or for yourself, let us guide you through your creativity. Experience feedback and critique in small groups.

Submission details:

Please submit a writing portfolio, a 1-10 page writing sample, and a 30-second video explaining why you want to attend the retreat. Acceptance is not guaranteed. Send submissions to WriterSubmissions@DimitriaCook.com

Deadline: TBD

Investment: TBD