Written In Melanin

Written In Melanin

C. M. Lockhart

The Written in Melanin Podcast is the space where you come for your weekly dose of melanated creativity. Hosted by C. M. Lockhart, an author of fantasy books featuring Black girls who aren't all that nice, and the owner of the Melanin Library, this podcast is a glimpse into the journey of Black authors. New episodes are released every other Wednesday! Purchase her latest book from her website https://CMLockhart.com 🤎

Behind the scenes of Romantasy in Trad Publishing with Rachel Howzell Hall

Behind the scenes of Romantasy in Trad Publishing with Rachel Howzell Hall

Rachel Howzell Hall joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written in Melanin Podcast to discuss her journey into romantasy, the dynamics of rapid publishing, and the importance of experience in storytelling. 00:00 Welcome to the Written in Melanin Podcast 00:22 Introducing Rachel Howzell Hall 03:35 The Fast-Paced World of Publishing 08:53 The Rise of New Adult Fantasy Romance 14:22 The Importance of Parental Figures in Literature 22:03 The Craft of Storytelling 26:21 Masterclass Insights and Genre Lesson

Nov 27, 2024 • 53:08

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT on racial narratives! 🎙️| An interview with Clare Brown

FLIPPING THE SCRIPT on racial narratives! 🎙️| An interview with Clare Brown

Clare Brown joins C.M. Lockhart on the Written in Melanin Podcast to discuss her journey in satirical storytelling, the creation of her audio-book 'New Nigeria County,' and her experiences navigating online spaces as a black female content creator. 00:00 Welcome to the Written in Melanin Podcast 00:23 Introducing Clare Brown 03:15 New Nigeria County: A Unique Audiobook 06:06 The Concept Behind New Nigeria County 09:56 From Fashion Blog to Audiobook 14:40 Creating Content on TikTok 16:41 Publish

Nov 20, 2024 • 47:02

DIVERSITY and REPRESENTATION are more than just buzz words | An Interview with EA Noble

DIVERSITY and REPRESENTATION are more than just buzz words | An Interview with EA Noble

Queer and diverse fantasy author EA Noble joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written in Melanin Podcast to discuss representation, her journey as an author, and the importance of authentic inclusion in literature. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:23 Meet EA Noble: Champion of Queer and Diverse Fantasy 01:55 The Importance of Representation in Literature 04:28 Discovering When Blood Meets Earth 06:48 EA Noble's Writing Journey 10:36 Navigating Critique and Growth as an Author 16:43 The Reality of N

Nov 13, 2024 • 50:11

Sarah Everett talks going from writing YA to Middle Grade and the challenges in publishing

Sarah Everett talks going from writing YA to Middle Grade and the challenges in publishing

Author Sarah Everett joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written in Melanin Podcast to discuss her journey transitioning between young adult and middle grade books, the impact of the market on Black authors, and the importance of maintaining a love for writing. 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:24 Introducing Sarah Everett 02:48 Sarah's Author Journey 04:34 Writing for Middle Grade vs. Young Adult 08:11 Sarah's Writing Process 11:26 The Probability of Everything 15:40 The Shape of Lost

Oct 30, 2024 • 39:55

Writing the overlooked experiences of Black men

Writing the overlooked experiences of Black men

Dr. Sabin Prentis Duncan, a multifaceted educator and author, joins C. M. Lockhart on this episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast to discuss his journey as author of both fiction and non-fiction works. He shares insights into writing his trilogy, reflects on his growth as an author, and speaks on the importance of authentic representation in literature. 00:00 Intro 00:23 Meet Dr. Sabin Prentis Duncan 03:11 The Impact of Teaching 05:13 Why write about African-American men and their families?

Oct 9, 2024 • 32:42

Balancing Life and Writing with Rachel Howzell Hall

Balancing Life and Writing with Rachel Howzell Hall

Chelsea talks with Rachel Howzell Hall as they discuss her journey as an author, balancing a full-time job, transitioning from writing thrillers to romanticy, and the impact of life experiences on her writing. 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:22 Introducing Rachel Howzell Hall 01:33 Balancing Writing with a Full-Time Job 03:48 The Creative Process and Finding Time 12:04 Navigating the Publishing Industry 18:50 The Importance of Support and Community 25:00 AI as a Tool: Embraci

Jul 26, 2024 • 47:37

How to defy publishing rules | An interview with Kelis Rowe

How to defy publishing rules | An interview with Kelis Rowe

Chelsea interviews author Kelis Rowe about her debut novel 'Finding Jupiter,' her journey in traditional publishing, and the balancing act of crafting authentic YA romance amidst life's many challenges. 00:00 Welcome to the Written in Melanin Podcast 00:22 Introducing Kelis Rowe and Her Debut Novel 01:50 Kelis Rowe's Journey to Becoming an Author 02:21 The Reality of Publishing and Writing 04:34 Navigating the Publishing Industry 06:51 The Importance of Writing What You Love 13:17 Building Rela

Jul 12, 2024 • 42:00

How to Write Authentic Stories That Matter: Lessons from Julian Winters

How to Write Authentic Stories That Matter: Lessons from Julian Winters

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C. M. Lockhart speaks with author Julian Winters about his journey as a Black and queer writer, the importance of authentic storytelling, transitioning from young adult to adult fiction, and the impact of representation in literature. 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:23 Introducing Julian Winters 03:44 Navigating the Publishing Industry 20:38 Accolades and Awards 25:29 Shifting from Young Adult to Adult Fiction 30:05 The

Jun 28, 2024 • 50:39

Creating Diverse Narratives in Film and Manga

Creating Diverse Narratives in Film and Manga

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C. M. Lockhart speaks with guest Robbie J. Atkinson, renowned for her avant garde storytelling, about her unique approach to crafting complex characters and plots in Manga and film, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating diverse and thought-provoking narratives. 00:00 Introduction to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:24 Meet Robbie J. Atkinson: Avant Garde Storyteller 01:28 Robbie's Unique Storytelling Approach 01:

Jun 12, 2024 • 49:24

Brianna Peppins on Black representation and being a Black author in YA

Brianna Peppins on Black representation and being a Black author in YA

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C. M. Lockhart speaks with guest Brianna Peppins, author of young Adult Contemporary books, about her journey as a Black and Indie author, the influence of HBCUs on her writing, challenges in book marketing for Black authors, and advice for aspiring writers. 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:23 Meet Brianna Peppins: Author Spotlight 02:00 Choosing Spelman College: A Journey to HBCU 05:10 Creating Black Spaces in YA Literat

May 22, 2024 • 43:48

How to get indie books in bookstores

How to get indie books in bookstores

This is part 2 of the interview with Demetrius Frazier the owner of Resist Booksellers. 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:20 Navigating the World of Indie Publishing 01:36 The Amazon Debate: Convenience vs. Supporting Indie Bookstores 04:15 How to Market Your Book to Bookstores and Readers 16:21 Final Thoughts and How to Support the Podcast Resist Booksellers 233 N Sycamore Street, Petersburg, VA 23803, USA https://resistbooksellers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/resist_bks -

May 8, 2024 • 16:57

Why indie books aren't in indie bookstores interview with Demetrius Frazier of Resist Booksellers

Why indie books aren't in indie bookstores interview with Demetrius Frazier of Resist Booksellers

This a part 1 of the interview with Demetrius Frazier the owner of Resist Booksellers 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:22 Spotlight on Demetrius Frazier: Literacy Advocate and Entrepreneur 03:05 The Mission and Impact of Resist Booksellers 11:24 Navigating the Book Industry as an Indie Author 31:30 The Power of Support: Valuing Indie Authors 33:08 Innovative Solutions for Indie Authors: Author Fairs 45:49 The Indie Author's Guide to Success: Tips and Strategies Resist Booksel

May 1, 2024 • 55:48

The unsavory truth behind traditional publishing | Part 2 of the Bethany Baptiste Interview

The unsavory truth behind traditional publishing | Part 2 of the Bethany Baptiste Interview

This is part 2 of the interview with Bethany Baptiste the author of "The Poisons We Drink" 00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast 00:22 The Journey of 'The Poisons We Drink' with Bethany Baptiste 00:33 Navigating the Challenges of Traditional Publishing 02:16 Bethany's Publication Rollercoaster: Delays, Misprints, and Tours 12:17 The Emotional Toll of Publishing Setbacks 23:07 The Culture of Silence in Traditional Publishing 40:02 Personal Reflections and the Future of Publishing 46:29

Apr 29, 2024 • 47:26

From Fanfiction to Fantasy: Bethany Baptiste's Writer's Journey

From Fanfiction to Fantasy: Bethany Baptiste's Writer's Journey

This episode of the Written In Melanin podcast features host C. M. Lockhart in conversation with Bethany Baptiste, discussing her journey as a young adult sci-fi fantasy novelist. They dive into Baptiste's book 'The Poisons We Drink', exploring its unique blend of fantasy, politics, and the power of love potions. They discuss the inspiration behind the novel, the importance of representing morally grey Black characters, and the challenges faced in the traditional publishing world, especially for

Apr 17, 2024 • 45:02

Black Indie Fantasy Writing with Tatiana Obey

Black Indie Fantasy Writing with Tatiana Obey

This episode features a discussion with author Tatiana Obey, known for her action-packed, character-driven stories featuring diverse characters. In it, C. M. Lockhart and Tatiana discuss various themes relevant to Black and indie authors, such as the importance of visibility, the challenge of receiving and giving honest reviews, and the significance of community in the indie author space.00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast!00:21 Meet Tatiana Obey: Author, World Traveler, and Anime Fa

Apr 3, 2024 • 57:31

A Tale of Two Mediums | Brittney Morris on Video Games and Young Adult Fiction

A Tale of Two Mediums | Brittney Morris on Video Games and Young Adult Fiction

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C.M. Lockhart chats with Brittney Morris, author of 'SLAY' and video game writer. Morris shares her journey from being inspired by the Black Panther movie to becoming a bestselling author and transitioning into video game writing, with projects like Marvel's Spider-Man. She discusses the challenges of writing, the importance of diversity and social justice in her work, and teases her upcoming novel. The conversation also covers tips for asp

Mar 20, 2024 • 39:57

Writing Sapphic Fantasy and Indie Publishing with Tamara Jerée

Writing Sapphic Fantasy and Indie Publishing with Tamara Jerée

Written In Melanin: Spotlighting Melanated Creativity, A Conversation with Indie Author Tamara JeréeIn this episode of the 'Written In Melanin' podcast, host C. M. Lockhart welcomes indie author, Tamara Jerée to discuss their experiences and writing journey, including a detailed look at their experiences with creative writing academic programs (MFA). As a black indie author, Tamara shares the inspiration and process behind their  book 'The Fall That Saved Us'. They also discuss the struggles and

Mar 6, 2024 • 54:11

Exploring the Power of ChatGPT for Authors with Celeste Harte

Exploring the Power of ChatGPT for Authors with Celeste Harte

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, C. M. Lockhart, chats with Celeste Harte, a fantasy writer and expert on ChatGPT. They delve into their experiences as Black, independent authors, highlighting the challenges, evolution, and inspirations along the journey. Discussing everything from online writing platforms, the process of world building, the significance of knowing your audience, to the role of AI in the writing process. Celeste provides insights into how to utilize ChatGPT for

Feb 21, 2024 • 1:03

Promoting Black Literature: A Discussion with the Hurston Wright Foundation

Promoting Black Literature: A Discussion with the Hurston Wright Foundation

In this episode of Written In Melanin podcast, host CM Lockhart speaks with special guest DeAndréa Johnson, an educator, writer and the Writing Programs Manager at the Hurston Wright Foundation. The discussion offers an in-depth introduction to the foundation, its mission, and the many resources it provides to support Black authors. Besides sharing her own career journey from teacher to editor and program manager, DeAndréa also offers some valuable advice for both emerging and seasoned writers o

Feb 7, 2024 • 41:56

Crime Fiction, Publishing, and the Black Love Series: An Interview with Antwan Floyd Sr.

Crime Fiction, Publishing, and the Black Love Series: An Interview with Antwan Floyd Sr.

In this episode of the Written In Melanin Podcast, host C. M. Lockhart interviews Antwan Floyd Sr., an author and publisher of Crime Fiction Media. Lockhart discusses Floyd’s journey from writing urban fiction to crime fiction, as well as the decision to establish his publishing company. Asking Floyd about his sources of inspiration, both touch on the importance of creativity and originality in a field where storylines can often be recycled. The pair also addresses the disparity in the publishin

Jan 24, 2024 • 46:36

Untangling Racism and Obligations in Black Horror: Conversations with Amanda B. Weaver

Untangling Racism and Obligations in Black Horror: Conversations with Amanda B. Weaver

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C. M. Lockhart engages in a discussion with Amanda B. Weaver (previously published under the name "Amanda Ross"), an indie author known for her work in Indie Fantasy and Horror. They discuss representation in horror and Amanda's upcoming novel, No One's Gonna Take her Soul Away. The conversation touches on the experiences of black indie authors, the racial trauma often expected in their works, and the importance of knowing your target audie

Dec 27, 2023 • 46:03

Exploring Diversity and Storytelling featuring Omari Richards Author of The Kimoni Legacy

Exploring Diversity and Storytelling featuring Omari Richards Author of The Kimoni Legacy

In this episode of the 'Written In Melanin' Podcast, host C.M. Lockhart engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with Omari Richards, a debut fantasy author. As they discuss Richards' newly published novel, 'The Kimoni Legacy', they explore the writing process, storytelling techniques, importance of diversity in literature, and the intricacies of creating a believable fantasy world. They touch upon the unique challenges of the writing journey and the importance of creating culturally reflec

Dec 20, 2023 • 45:13

Interview with E. M. Lacey, author of Song of Sin

Interview with E. M. Lacey, author of Song of Sin

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. E. M. Lacey is a coffee loving author who uses caffeine to generate dark urban, dystopian, and speculative stories with diverse adult and young adult characters. She enjoys posting and collecting coffee memes, watching horror movies, anime, and reading. And when she's not nerding out, she loves to connect with readers and authors.https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8045Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://www.writ

Dec 13, 2023 • 46:20

Guest Episode w/ Dana L. Davis | Fake Famous, Voice Acting, and Writing YA

Guest Episode w/ Dana L. Davis | Fake Famous, Voice Acting, and Writing YA

Dana L. Davis joins me for this episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. She is an author, actress, and voice-over artist who lives and works in Los Angeles. She has starred in Heroes, Coach Carter, Franklin & Bash, Veronica Mars, and countless other film and TV productions. A few of her animation credits include Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Craig of the Creek, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.Dana is a classically trained violist and the founder of the LA-based nonprofit Culture for Kid

Nov 23, 2023 • 1:02:41

Guest Episode w/ Tatiana Obey | Sistah Samurai, short stories, and understanding genres

Guest Episode w/ Tatiana Obey | Sistah Samurai, short stories, and understanding genres

Tatiana writes badass characters slaying dragons. She is the author of “A Forging of Age,” duology, and she enjoys combining action with character-driven stories that feature diverse heroes and heroines. Her debut novel, Bones to the Wind, is a 2022 BBA Award Winner and a 2022 Indie Ink Award Finalist. She once taught English in South Korea, studied abroad in Japan, and worked as a marketing specialist for a woman-owned law firm. The one thing she loves as much as writing is traveling the world.

Nov 15, 2023 • 1:02:53

Guest Episode w/ Joelle Wellington | Their Vicious Games and being a debut author

Guest Episode w/ Joelle Wellington | Their Vicious Games and being a debut author

Joelle Wellington grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where her childhood was spent wandering the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Her love of the written word led her to a B.A. in Creative Writing and International Studies. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading and when she’s not doing that, she’s attempting to bake bread with varying degrees of success or strengthening her encyclopedia-like pop culture knowledge.Today she is on the podcast to discuss her debut novel, Their Vicious Games

Nov 1, 2023 • 55:07

Ep 42 | Character Development 101: Give your characters REASONS for doing things

Ep 42 | Character Development 101: Give your characters REASONS for doing things

We're talking about character development this week y'all! Because one of the things I get asked a lot as a developmental editor, is to look at how characters are presented on the page, how they come across, and how they grow throughout the story. So, I figured I'd share some tips on how to create believable characters.Book a session with me: https://calendly.com/writteninmelanin/coaching-60-mins*This video originally released on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uIXRJUWUoAQSupport the show-Purchase We

Oct 25, 2023 • 13:27

Interview with Jessica Cage, author of A Corruption of Gilded Ashes | Black fantasy and shared worlds

Interview with Jessica Cage, author of A Corruption of Gilded Ashes | Black fantasy and shared worlds

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Jessica Cage is an International Award Winning and USA Today Best-Selling Author of over thirty published books, host of the More Than a Plot Point Podcast, and mentor to indie authors across the world. Born and raised in Chicago, she's always been in love with writing and the art of crafting worlds. And for over a decade, Jessica has a following of readers and writers alike waiting to see what she does next. The Eldritch Tria

Oct 11, 2023 • 50:40

Bonus Episode w/ Aleema Omotoni | What if Shakespeare had to grow up watching Dear White People?

Bonus Episode w/ Aleema Omotoni | What if Shakespeare had to grow up watching Dear White People?

Everyone's Thinking It by Aleema Omotoni Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Aleema Omotoni is a British-Nigerian author. She writes novels that center Black teens coming of age, falling in love, and navigating all kinds of contemporary and fantasy worlds. She loves musical theatre, astrophysics and rainy autumn days.https://melaninlibrary.com/books/7851Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://amzn.to/3YEODQIPreorder We Are Dying Gods: https://shop.w

Sep 27, 2023 • 55:21

Bonus Episode w/ Neka Marie | Debut novels and author communities

Bonus Episode w/ Neka Marie | Debut novels and author communities

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Neka Marie is a speculative fiction author with a love for sugary snacks, too many activities, and is involved with too many fandoms. She is a former army brat, "retired" martial artist, and not-so-former-or-retired horsegirl with an affinity for holding onto random bits of knowledge. Over the years, Neka Marie has worn many hats and you may have spotted her a couple times on your TV screens depending on what streaming service

Aug 30, 2023 • 1:10:30

Ep 41 | Time management as a full time author

Ep 41 | Time management as a full time author

One of the things I've very fortunate to be able to say is that I'm a full time author. It's the dream (and / or goal) for a lot of authors, but I'll be the first to warn (and admit) that working for yourself isn't the easiest thing in the world. With all the time in the world, it becomes difficult to decide how to make the most of it. So, today I'm sharing a few things to keep in mind for managing your time as an author.Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://amzn.to/3YEODQIPreorde

Aug 23, 2023 • 17:14

Bonus Episode w/ MultiMind

Bonus Episode w/ MultiMind

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Today I am here with the author MultiMind. She writes books that are fairly Black, usually queer, and very much embedded in the world of Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Horror. Her short fiction has previously appeared in Nightlight Podcast. Her works include Dreamer, Kinetics and The Glassman.MultiMind PublishingThe Glassman (melaninlibrary.com)Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://amzn.to/3YEODQIPreorder We Are Dying Gods:

Aug 16, 2023 • 1:03:15

Ep 40 | Unpopular Opinions: Judge books by their covers and DNF them often

Ep 40 | Unpopular Opinions: Judge books by their covers and DNF them often

I was talking with someone recently, and they brought up the idea of judging a book by its cover. And we've all been warned against doing that but, as I've spent more time in this publishing world, I've learned that I disagree with that statement. As controversial as it may sound, I think you should judge a book by its cover and, when necessary, I think you should DNF books too. Especially if you're a self-published author.https://melaninlibrary.com/books/7907 Support the show-Purchase We Are th

Aug 2, 2023 • 23:33

Bonus Episode w/ Celeste Harte | ChatGPT is a tool writers should be using

Bonus Episode w/ Celeste Harte | ChatGPT is a tool writers should be using

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Today I am here with the author Celeste Harte, who is out here making worlds and taking names. She writes books, does professional illustrating under her alter ego, Becky Brown, and even makes video games.Today, she joins me on the podcast to discuss a controversial topic in the writing world: the use of AI as a tool to write books. Join us as we discuss ChatGPT, what it really does, and how it can be useful for self-published

Jul 19, 2023 • 52:46

Ep 39 | Indie Authoring 101: Publishing with Amazon and Ingramspark

Ep 39 | Indie Authoring 101: Publishing with Amazon and Ingramspark

I asked you guys what you'd prefer the next episode of the podcast to be about and y'all chose to break down the differences between Amazon and IngramSpark, so that's what we're here to discuss! It's a question that a lot of authors ask, so I'll tell you guys what I know. But the short answer is this: you need both.Sponsored book: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8008ISBN link: Buy ISBNs | Bowker | Identifier Services (myidentifiers.com)Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://amzn.t

Jul 5, 2023 • 27:50

Ep 38 | This is why I've rewritten my entire book at least three times

Ep 38 | This is why I've rewritten my entire book at least three times

Welcome to episode #38.Lately, I've been focused on my own writing and a large part of that for me right now is rewrites. It's the bane of many writer's existence -- why can't our first drafts just be perfect? But, the reality of it is that writing is, essentially, rewriting. But it can also lead down a rabbit hole of never completing a work. So, today we're talking about when, why, and how you should be rewriting your story.-The Wraith (melaninlibrary.com)Support the show-Purchase We Are the Or

Jun 7, 2023 • 28:11

Bonus Episode w/ Michael LaBorn | How booktok influencers are changing the publishing industry for indie authors

Bonus Episode w/ Michael LaBorn | How booktok influencers are changing the publishing industry for indie authors

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. Today I am here with Michael LaBorn! He is an author, publisher, bookish content creator, and internet thorn in the side of major publishing companies. You may know him from TikTok (that's where our paths crossed!), or from his monthly indie book subscription box, which he uses to fight for indie authors of color by teaching American readers what actual inclusion looks like.-Subscriptions | DYB PublishingSupport the show-Purch

May 3, 2023 • 55:35

Ep 37 + Ben | How to differentiate useful beta reader feedback from opinions

Ep 37 + Ben | How to differentiate useful beta reader feedback from opinions

Welcome to episode #37.I asked on the internet if y'all wanted to know why I had to fire my editor or if y'all wanted me to break down how to differentiate feedback on your story, and y'all chose the topic of feedback! So, here we are. Let's discuss how you can separate your beta reader feedback into useful criticism vs. a reader's personal taste.Heads up! This episode was recorded in the car, so the audio quality may not be as crisp as usual. Apologies in advance!Curse (melaninlibrary.com)Suppo

Apr 19, 2023 • 27:20

Bonus Episode w/ Liselle Sambury | Writing Delicious Monsters, a psychological thriller for young adults

Bonus Episode w/ Liselle Sambury | Writing Delicious Monsters, a psychological thriller for young adults

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast! Today I am here with Liselle Sambury. She is the author of Blood Like Magic, Blood Like Fate, and the recently released Delicious Monsters. Her work spans multiple genres from fantasy to sci-fi to horror and more. She also a successful YouTuber, sharing helpful tips for upcoming writers and details of her publishing journey on her channel, which is dedicated demystifying the sometimes complicated business of being an author.-D

Apr 5, 2023 • 1:01:05

Episode 36 | What is a Primary Feedback Provider and how does it make your author journey easier?

Episode 36 | What is a Primary Feedback Provider and how does it make your author journey easier?

Welcome to episode #36.I talk about my husband, Ben, all the time and how he is my Primary Feedback Provider (PFP) and a vital part of my author journey. So, in this episode, he joins me on the podcast to talk about what that means, how to find a PFP for yourself, and the rules we have in place to make sure this aspect of our relationship works. Spoiler alert: you need someone who's not afraid to hurt your feelings lol.-Kinetics (melaninlibrary.com)Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: ht

Mar 15, 2023 • 29:16

Bonus Episode w/ Audra Russell | Oprah Stole Her Idea!

Bonus Episode w/ Audra Russell | Oprah Stole Her Idea!

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast.Today, I am here with Audra Russell. A native Jersey girl living in Maryland, she is a blogger, freelance writer, podcaster and published author. Inspired by the late Gil Noble and his television program, Like It Is, in 2020 her search for fiction books by Black authors led her to create her own talk show in the form of the Between the Reads podcast.And today, she's joining me on the podcast to discuss what it's like to be an a

Mar 1, 2023 • 56:41

Episode 35 | 3 Uncommon Tips for Self-Publishing a Book

Episode 35 | 3 Uncommon Tips for Self-Publishing a Book

Welcome to episode #35.Since I'm in the midst of my own publishing journey with Book 2 of my Wrath of the Gods series, I figured I'd share a few of my tips for self-publishing your books. These are going to be my less common tips — the things that help but no one ever really talks about.-Welcome to the Sick Mind of a Sane Person (melaninlibrary.com)Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://amzn.to/3YEODQIPreorder We Are Dying Gods: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wadgphSupport the

Feb 15, 2023 • 23:23

Bonus Episode w/ Antoine Bandele | Let's talk Black fantasy and sequels

Bonus Episode w/ Antoine Bandele | Let's talk Black fantasy and sequels

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast.Today, I am here with Antoine Bandele. He is an author who lives in Los Angeles, CA with his girlfriend and cat. He is also a YouTuber, producing work for his channel “Antoine Bandele”, an audiobook engineer, and a publisher. Whenever he has the time, he’s writing books inspired by African folklore, mythology, and history.And today, he's joining me on the podcast to discuss Black fantasy, sequels, and what it's like supporting

Feb 8, 2023 • 45:40

Episode 34 | Discover Your Productivity as an Indie Author

Episode 34 | Discover Your Productivity as an Indie Author

We have officially crossed the threshold into 2023. And since the new year brings us a fresh 365 days to work with, it generally comes with new resolutions for a lot of people as well -- especially writers. So, if you've decided that this year is the year that you're going to write your book, then now would be a good time to discover -- or Rediscover -- what your productivity looks like.-Kill the Beast (melaninlibrary.com)Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://amzn.to/3YEODQIPreord

Jan 25, 2023 • 27:01

Bonus Episode with Akindele and Nadine Decker!

Bonus Episode with Akindele and Nadine Decker!

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast.Today, I am here with Akindele and Nadine Decker. Akindele is a poet, writer, and historian, while Nadine works for a charity and is studying for her Masters of Science in Organizational Psychology. Together, they have written two children's books that preserve the folktales of their grandfather and share the rich history surrounding it.And today, they are joining me on the podcast to discuss the importance of preserving our st

Jan 11, 2023 • 36:26

Episode 33 | What Success Looks Like as an Indie Author

Episode 33 | What Success Looks Like as an Indie Author

Welcome to episode #33If you follow me on TikTok then you'll know that I asked the question: what does success look like for you? It's something that my author friends and I discuss all the time and it's something that I always recommend my clients define for themselves. So, let's talk about it. What does success look like as an indie author?-The Fall of Souls (melaninlibrary.com)Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://amzn.to/3YEODQIPreorder We Are Dying Gods: https://shop.writteni

Dec 21, 2022 • 31:38

Bonus Episode w/ Sheldon Theragood

Bonus Episode w/ Sheldon Theragood

Today, I am here with Sheldon Theragood, the author of "Whatever It Takes, Walking Through God's Purpose". After realizing that playing basketball on the collegiate and professional levels was not in God's plan for him, he went on to become a police officer, youth mentor, and advocate. He encourages young people to set goals in their lives, have a plan, and to diligently seek what it is that God has planned for them. His non profit organization, TheraGood Deeds, provides mentoring, counseling, a

Dec 7, 2022 • 44:03

Episode 32 | Character Development 101: How to make your characters DIFFERENT

Episode 32 | Character Development 101: How to make your characters DIFFERENT

In episode 31 I shared with you guys a few tips I had on giving characters, CHARACTER so that they feel real to the reader. I was planning to move on to a different topic for this week's episode, but since I can't stop thinking about it, let's talk some more about it lol. Here are some of my favorite tips on how to differentiate your characters in a story.-Where There is Smoke, There is Fire (melaninlibrary.com)Support the show-Purchase We Are the Origin: https://amzn.to/3YEODQIPreorder We Are D

Nov 23, 2022 • 23:33

Bonus Episode w/ Joya Goffney | YA Romance, Trad publishing, and Confessions

Bonus Episode w/ Joya Goffney | YA Romance, Trad publishing, and Confessions

Today, I am here with Joya Goffney. She is an author from New Waverly, a small town in East Texas. In high school, she challenged herself with to-do lists full of risk-taking items like ‘hug a random boy’ and ‘eat a cricket,’ which later became the inspiration behind her debut novel, Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry. With a passion for Black social psychology, she moved out of the countryside to attend the University of Texas in Austin, where she still resides.And today, she's joining me on the podcas

Nov 9, 2022 • 37:05

Episode 31 | Character Development 101: How to give characters, CHARACTER

Episode 31 | Character Development 101: How to give characters, CHARACTER

As writers, we are tasked with creating worlds from nothing and that can be overwhelming. In the midst of creating worlds, lore, locations, and cultures, it can be easy to let the characters who live in them become an afterthought. But, they are the heart of the story and it's imperative that they feel real to the reader. So, today, I'm sharing what I've learned about writing characters who are interesting, well-developed, and real.-Mahr: Book One by Erin Wakefield (melaninlibrary.com)Support th

Oct 19, 2022 • 26:54

Bonus Episode w/ Morgan Lee | Being an author in a public space

Bonus Episode w/ Morgan Lee | Being an author in a public space

Today, I'm here with Morgan Lee, a multi-genre indie author. Her book, Seed Among the Thorns, is the first book in her young adult dark fantasy trilogy. A lover of imaginary worlds, the smell of ink on a page, and spinning in the wind, Morgan has been writing since the age of six and has always dreamed of being an author. You can always find her on her YouTube channel where she hosts productivity streams, shares her writing journey, her life, and anything else that inspires her.And today, she's

Oct 5, 2022 • 39:46

Episode 30 | Give yourself time: Gentle reminders on your author journey

Episode 30 | Give yourself time: Gentle reminders on your author journey

Welcome to episode #30. Complete transparency here: today's episode was going to be on a completely different topic. But, it was heavy on my mind to talk about time and being patient with yourself and your process, so here we are.  - Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/linksPurchase We Are the Origin:  https://payhip.com/b/osSWmSupport Chelsea and the podcast: https://Patreon.com/CMLockhartCheck out the Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.comMusic by Akia DaGreatSupport the show-Purchase We

Sep 21, 2022 • 22:00

Bonus Episode w/ Jennifer Bush-Harris | Have You Done the Reading?

Bonus Episode w/ Jennifer Bush-Harris | Have You Done the Reading?

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast.Today, I'm here with the amazingly talented Jennifer Bush-Harris. She is a blogger and an indie author from St. Louis, Missouri. An alumni of University of Missouri-St. Louis, and the mother of 2 teenage daughters. She is currently compiling her portfolio to pursue her MFA, and when she's not writing, she enjoys road trips, baking, and film noir.And I'm also going to throw in that she is the host of the Writer's Block Podcast,

Sep 7, 2022 • 46:51

Episode 29 | Worldbuilding 101: Where to start?

Episode 29 | Worldbuilding 101: Where to start?

Welcome to episode #29.One of the things that I absolutely love about writing fantasy is that you get to create the world. You can imagine a world that is whatever you want it to be, and for me, that is so fun. I'm not going to claim to be a master, but I am incredibly proud of the world I built for my own fantasy novel, We Are the Origin. So, today, I'm sharing a few things to keep in mind if you're starting out with worldbuilding for the first time.-Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/linksPur

Aug 24, 2022 • 28:51

Episode 28 | Things I like to see in books 📚

Episode 28 | Things I like to see in books 📚

Welcome to episode #28.So, one of the things I always try to make clear on the podcast and my platforms, in general, is that while I love books, I love writing, I love the written word in general, I don't read as much as I used to. It's not necessarily something I'm either proud or ashamed of -- it's just a fact of my current life. I love to read, but because I read for work, sometimes I just don't have it in me to read for pleasure. That being said, when I do read for pleasure that are certain

Aug 10, 2022 • 33:55

Episode 27 | Things to keep in mind when looking for a cover artist 🧑🏾‍🎨

Episode 27 | Things to keep in mind when looking for a cover artist 🧑🏾‍🎨

Welcome to episode #27.I get complimented on my cover art all the time (shout out to my cover artist Rebecca Brown!) and in my personal chats the topic of cover art comes up frequently. So, I'm here to share what I know about them and I a few things I think you should keep in mind when looking for one.-Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/linksPurchase We Are the Origin:  https://payhip.com/b/osSWmSupport Chelsea and the podcast: https://Patreon.com/CMLockhartCheck out the Melanin Library: https:

Aug 3, 2022 • 27:08

Episode 26 | Be authentic and attract your author fam 😎

Episode 26 | Be authentic and attract your author fam 😎

Welcome to episode #26.One of the hardest things to do as an author is to network with strangers on the internet who do the same thing you do. For a lot of us, we are introverts. At the very least, even if you're not an introvert, it can be intimidating trying to find the right community of people who will support and show up for you. So, today, I'm sharing my thoughts on the matter and a few things I think you should keep in mind when you're looking for your author fam.-Links: https://WrittenIn

Jul 27, 2022 • 22:26

Episode 25 | Representation is about more than skin color ✌🏾

Episode 25 | Representation is about more than skin color ✌🏾

Welcome to episode #25.In this big old year of 2022 we still have to have discussions about representation, inclusion, and why it's so important. Probably now more than ever before. Because some people don't get it. Or they're pretending like they don’t. So, today we're going to talk about it. And I'm going to be as honest and straightforward as I can about it. Let's get into it.And just so you know, there will be some ranting in this one lol.-Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/linksPurchase We

Jul 20, 2022 • 20:08

Episode 24 | Brand Yourself as an Author

Episode 24 | Brand Yourself as an Author

Welcome to episode #24. Being an author of any kind is hard. And, ironically enough, the hardest part of everything isn't creating a piece of work to share with the world. It's making people aware that you're an author and what is that you write. The hardest part is selling your book. So, today I'm going to talk about what it means to brand yourself as an author and why you should focus on that instead of trying to sell a product. Check out @TheMoniqueMensah on Instagram-Links: https://WrittenIn

Jul 13, 2022 • 32:22

Episode 23 | The Writing Process of C. M. Lockhart

Episode 23 | The Writing Process of C. M. Lockhart

Welcome to episode #23.So, if you follow me on TikTok, then you'll know that, like the podcast, I try to be very transparent about what I'm doing. I was asked the question about my writing process, so, since I'm about to start on the second book of the Wrath of the Gods duology, I figured I'd share it now. Both to answer the question and put in words for myself!-Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/linksPurchase We Are the Origin:  https://payhip.com/b/osSWmSupport Chelsea and the podcast: https:

Jul 6, 2022 • 29:05

Episode 22 | Book Distribution: How to Get Your Book Out There

Episode 22 | Book Distribution: How to Get Your Book Out There

Welcome to episode #22This episode, I want to talk about book distribution. While I never present myself as an expert on things, I do like to point out to anyone new to self or indie publishing that there are many more ways to go about releasing your book than just going with Amazon. I know it seems to be the default for a lot of authors, but if you want full control of your book and options, then you should definitely consider all your options before committing to one.-Links: https://WrittenInM

Jun 29, 2022 • 30:40

Episode 21 | Self-Publishing 101: Things to Know Before Your First Release

Episode 21 | Self-Publishing 101: Things to Know Before Your First Release

In today's episode, I want to share some things I've learned about what to expect when you're expecting to publish your first book. Deciding to publish your book yourself is a major decision and there's a lot that goes into it. That being said, there's still a lot of mystery surrounding publishing and I'm hoping to clear that up a little.-Website: https://CMLockhart.comPurchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/eJSQPSupport Chelsea: https://Patreon.com/CMLockhartCheck out the Melanin Libra

Jun 15, 2022 • 28:10

Episode 20 | Respect Your Graveyard

Episode 20 | Respect Your Graveyard

Today, I want to talk to you guys about graveyards. Specifically, the kind where you house all of the cut and discarded lines from your works in progress. Because, I learned early on that keeping one is an invaluable resource, I wanted to share what I have learned with you guys today.-Website: https://CMLockhart.comPurchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/KihME OR https://amzn.to/35hVsAmSupport Chelsea on Ko-fi: https://Ko-fi.com/CMLockhartCheck out the Melanin Library for books by Black

May 25, 2022 • 16:55

Episode 19 | Sometimes, It Hurts: Getting Feedback

Episode 19 | Sometimes, It Hurts: Getting Feedback

This episode is dedicated to feedback and criticism. It's been on my mind lately, probably because I'm in the process of receiving feedback on my book We Are the Origin, but I feel like it's something that's not discussed enough. The common advice is to get feedback and take it like a champ, but I want to actually discuss what that really means. Because, regardless of what anyone says, feelings will always be involved when you offer up your creative work for critique.-Website: https://CMLockhart

May 18, 2022 • 26:44

Episode 18 | Don't Forget to Write!

Episode 18 | Don't Forget to Write!

As indie authors, we wear many hats: author, social media manager, pr team, financial advisor, etc. And in the scheme of keeping our head above water, we sometimes forget to do the most crucial aspect of all of this -- to write. So, this episode is your reminder to actually get the words out and I'll share a few ideas for making time to write that have worked for me.-Website: https://CMLockhart.comPurchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/KihME OR https://amzn.to/35hVsAmSupport Chelsea on

May 11, 2022 • 24:49

Episode 17 | No More Expectations

Episode 17 | No More Expectations

As I've been sharing with you guys I very much feel like I'm in a new season of growth, both as an author and as a person. And one of the things I've been sitting with this past week is releasing myself of the expectations I put on myself as an author. And doing that has been giving me so much more peace of mind and made me more productive.Chelsea's Corner starts at 19:42**So, I lied about the Discord server 😅 I did make one, but I decided it would be best not to give myself another task to man

May 4, 2022 • 29:38

Written in Melanin Podcast Trailer

Written in Melanin Podcast Trailer

Hello and welcome to everyone listening to the Written in Melanin Podcast, the place where you come to get your weekly dose of melanated creativity. I am your host C. M. Lockhart, an author of fantasy books featuring Black girls who aren't all that nice and the owner of the Melanin Library, an online database of books written by Black authors. And in this space, I offer you full transparency on my journey as a Black and indie author. I'm glad you're here.Now, let's answer the big question right

May 3, 2022 • 1:54

Episode 16 | Believe in Yourself

Episode 16 | Believe in Yourself

Welcome to Episode #16 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.I don't know who needs to hear this today, but I'm definitely going to say this for myself -- believe in yourself. This creative journey is not an easy one, but it's one worth being on, so keep going.Say something positive: http://www.writteninmelanin.com/episode-16Purchase We Are the Origin:  https://payhip.com/b/KihME OR  https://amzn.to/35hVsAmSupport Chelsea on Ko-fi: https://Ko-fi.com/CMLockhartCheck out the Melanin Library for books

Apr 27, 2022 • 23:26

Episode 15 | A New Dawn, A New Day, She's Healing

Episode 15 | A New Dawn, A New Day, She's Healing

Last week was a really rough one for me. If you listened to episode 14 of the podcast, then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. But as the saying goes, "weeping only endures for a night." And I'm feeling much more refreshed than I had before. So, with new decisions on the horizon and previous disappointments behind me, I'm feeling hopeful for what's to come. And in this episode I want to talk about that -- all of it: how I'm healing, giving myself space and time to process, projects I'm

Apr 20, 2022 • 24:25

Ep 14 | It's Been a Rough Week

Ep 14 | It's Been a Rough Week

Welcome to Episode #14 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.So, I'll be honest -- it's been a rough week for me. I didn't even really feel like recording this episode because I wasn't sure if I wanted to be *this* transparent about my personal struggles, but I started this podcast to share my thoughts and opinions and I don't want to hide from them just because they aren't always bubbly. So, here I am. Allow me to be human and talk about this.I don't know if I'll keep this episode up or not. We'll

Apr 13, 2022 • 18:39

Episode 13 | Fantasy with Kimberly Lemming

Episode 13 | Fantasy with Kimberly Lemming

Welcome to Episode #13 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.Today is a special episode you guys because today, Kimberly Lemming is joining me! If you haven't heard of her before, I'm glad that ends for you today. She is the author of the Mead Mishaps series which includes THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND SAVED A DEMON, MISTLEFOE, and her upcoming book, THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND YEETED A LOVE POTION AT A WEREWOLF. These books are absolutely amazing and hilarious. If you love a fun, lighthearted adventure w

Apr 6, 2022 • 43:50

Episode 12 | Writer Advice: Consume Everything

Episode 12 | Writer Advice: Consume Everything

Welcome to Episode #12 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.One of the most common things creatives are told, in any medium, is to consume the type of content you're trying to create. If you want to make movies, watch them. If you want to paint, look at paintings. If you want to write, read. Today, I'm here to add to tweak that a bit: if you want to create anything, consume everything. And I mean everything -- because knowing how other creators create will help you be a better one. Especially if th

Mar 30, 2022 • 22:20

Episode 11 | How to be a Good Beta Reader

Episode 11 | How to be a Good Beta Reader

Beta reading is one of the most essential parts of being and/or supporting an indie author. This is the first set of eyes on the story outside of any close confidants and it's where the story starts to get its real makeover -- where you present it to others and ask them, "How do I make this better?" It's nerve wracking, but necessary. And as authors, not only do we ask others to read our works, we also read the stories of friends and colleagues. So, that's why today, I&a

Mar 23, 2022 • 31:24

Episode 10 | Quick Tips for Decoding Social Media

Episode 10 | Quick Tips for Decoding Social Media

Welcome to Episode #10 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.In the last episode of the podcast I talked about marketing yourself as an indie author while being an introvert. This episode, I'm sharing the things I've learned about how to make Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram (ugh) work in your favor. As always, I offer my advice with a grain of salt and remind you guys that this is my unique experience with the platforms. But, I'm here to share what I know and if it can help you at all or ease the str

Mar 9, 2022 • 30:25

Episode 9 | Marketing as an Introverted Indie Author

Episode 9 | Marketing as an Introverted Indie Author

Welcome to Episode #9 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.I'm an introvert. It's something I've known about myself for a long time. I know how to be social, but given the choice, I would much rather prefer to be at home with a book or a good anime to binge, spending my time not being perceived by anyone else. That being said, my personality doesn't negate the necessity of putting myself out there -- of making my name known and letting people know who I am, what I do, and why th

Mar 2, 2022 • 25:38

Episode 8 | Books and Beta Readers

Episode 8 | Books and Beta Readers

Welcome to Episode #8 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.I had this whole idea planned of talking to you about things that Indie authors should quit, and I recorded about 10 versions of that episode before I realized that wasn’t the episode I wanted to put out this week. So, instead, I'm here being honest with you -- no script -- about me and what is going on in my life. If that doesn't interest you, no worries. Next week we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming (probab

Feb 23, 2022 • 15:16

Episode 7 | We Should Be Able to Critique Black Authors

Episode 7 | We Should Be Able to Critique Black Authors

One of the things that I've always been hesitant to do in the past is offer a negative opinion on a book written by a Black author. Because my platform is all about uplifting Black authors, I felt guilty if I ever wanted to give an author anything less than a glowing review because I know the obstacles they face are enough to deal with without feeling like other Black creators are trying to tear you down. But, that's not healthy. Black creators should be able to critique the work of ot

Feb 16, 2022 • 15:45

Episode 6 | My Insecurities as a Creator

Episode 6 | My Insecurities as a Creator

Welcome to Episode #6 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.On this podcast, I've been doing my best to be as honest and candid with you guys as possible. That being said, in a previous episode when I discussed Paying for Creative Content, I left out a really big part of the discussion because I felt uncomfortable discussing it, and that's monetizing your content as a creator. It's one of the things I'm personally insecure about as a creator, but today I'm clearing all the a

Feb 9, 2022 • 24:06

Episode 5 | Being an Indie Author

Episode 5 | Being an Indie Author

Welcome to Episode #5 of the Written in Melanin Podcast.I've been doing some thinking and planning and the format of the podcast is going to be shifting a bit. There's only going to be one episode a week on Wednesdays. I thought I could do it all you guys, and while I can, I recognize that I really shouldn't. So, I'm giving you guys my thoughts on what it means to carry all the weight of being an indie author, and updates on my current book, We Are the Origin -- preorder available now!Charlotte

Feb 3, 2022 • 15:37

Chelsea's Corner | She's Being Consistent

Chelsea's Corner | She's Being Consistent

Chelsea's Corner is the segment of the podcast where I give you guys a peek into my world of writing and share my writing journey -- the success, the struggles, the setbacks and the triumphs, I'm here to share it all with you guys.So my biggest struggle this week was time management.Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin or visiting her website at https://WrittenInMelanin.comCheck out the Melanin Library for books by Black au

Jan 28, 2022 • 9:20

Complicated vs Complex Stories

Complicated vs Complex Stories

As an author, I'm always hesitant to say anything along the lines of "this is how this should be done" when it comes to writing. However, as an avid reader, reviewer, and occasional editor, there are some things I've noticed about good storytelling. And one of the biggest things I've noticed is that there is a difference between a complex story and a complicated one.Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin or vis

Jan 26, 2022 • 10:02

Paying for Creative Content

Paying for Creative Content

As a content creator, I sometimes feel like discussing monetary support in exchange for creative content is like addressing an elephant in a room -- uncomfortable at best. But, despite that, I think it's important to have the conversation. So, let's talk about it.Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/CMLockhart or visiting her website at https://WrittenInMelanin.comCheck out the Melanin Library for books by Black authors at https://MelaninLi

Jan 19, 2022 • 15:20

Chelsea's Corner | Focused! Stay Focused!

Chelsea's Corner | Focused! Stay Focused!

Chelsea's Corner is the segment of the podcast where I give you guys a peek into my world of writing and share my writing journey -- the successes, the struggles, the setbacks and the triumphs, I'm here to share it all with you guys. And my biggest struggle this week was keeping myself focused.Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/CMLockhart or visiting her website at https://WrittenInMelanin.comCheck out the Melanin Library for books by Black authors

Jan 14, 2022 • 11:56

Go Your Own Way

Go Your Own Way

One of the hardest things to learn sometimes, is that not everyone is going to support you. But, this isn't a discussion about haters or dealing with trolls and criticism. It's about learning to manage the neutral energy you receive from people -- those who wish you no harm, but aren't there to help either. There's nothing wrong with that, everyone has their own path to walk. And this discussion is about realizing it's okay to walk your own path too, even if you're

Jan 12, 2022 • 16:44

The Kindred by Alechia Dow Book Review

The Kindred by Alechia Dow Book Review

The Kindred is a Young Adult, sci-fi romance novel that I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of. It follows the story of Joy and Felix, who were mentally linked together at birth, as they escape to Earth after Felix is accused of assassinating the members of the royal family. I don't rate books in the traditional sense because one book that wasn't for me might be exactly what you're looking for. That being said, I enjoyed every aspect of this book and would recommend any lover of romance in sp

Jan 10, 2022 • 13:46

Chelsea's Corner | Going off Outline

Chelsea's Corner | Going off Outline

Chelsea's Corner is the segment of the podcast where I give you guys a peek into my world of writing and share my writing journey -- the success, the struggles, the setbacks and the triumphs, I'm here to share it all with you guys. And this week, I'm sharing my struggles with my outline.Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/CMLockhart or visiting her website at https://WrittenInMelanin.comCheck out the Melanin Library for books by Black

Jan 7, 2022 • 8:39

Protecting Your Creative Energy

Protecting Your Creative Energy

A lot of times as creatives, especially those of us who are new the realm of marketing what we create in exchange for coins, we pour all of our energy into other things until our well runs dry. Sometimes this looks like pouring yourself into family or real-life obligations -- sometimes it's pouring into the business side of our creativity -- social media, email lists, and marketing. But this episode is meant to serve as a reminder that our creative energy is something we must protect as well.Sup

Jan 5, 2022 • 10:44

Ep 13 | The Podcast is Over, But We're on YouTube Now!

Ep 13 | The Podcast is Over, But We're on YouTube Now!

The podcast is officially cancelled, but you can still check us out on YouTube! There are links below and thanks again for hanging with us this long. Check us out in other places on the interwebs if you want! For always, may your days be lovely and your books interesting. - Written In Melanin @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | C. E. Benson @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | Ashley D. @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder on IG) Written in Melanin YouTube Keeping Promises by C. E. Benson can be purchased on Amazo

Apr 27, 2020 • 1:46

Alonge Hawes Returns!

Alonge Hawes Returns!

Alonge Hawes returns to the podcast to talk about his upcoming projects, his screenwriting process, and what's coming next for A Million Stories One Pen Productions. Instagram: C. E. Benson | https://www.Instagram.com/CBensonWrite Written in Melanin | https://www.Instagram.com/WrittenNMelanin Alonge Hawes | https://twitter.com/pharaohhawes Twitter: C. E. Benson | https://www.Twitter.com/CBensonWrite Written in Melanin | https://www.Twitter.com/WrittenNMelanin Alonge Hawes | htt

Mar 11, 2020 • 49:41

Full YouTube Interview | B. L. McGrew | AuthorTube

Full YouTube Interview | B. L. McGrew | AuthorTube

I had the pleasure of interviewing B. L. McGrew again after reading her book We Are Immeasurable. I did a review of her book that you can find on the Written in Melanin YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCySUiGFXprSAulIM6_4kzFA?view_as=subscriber). In this interview, B. L. McGrew answers the questions I've been dying to ask her, makes some tough choices in the game "This or That", takes a deeper look at her characters in the game "Most Likely To", and talks with me in depth about

Mar 2, 2020 • 2:23:18

Ep 12 | Michael O. Benjamin | The Power of Yet

Ep 12 | Michael O. Benjamin | The Power of Yet

Michael O. Benjamin is on the Written in Melanin podcast to talk about his book, The Power of Yet. It is a YA book about a young woman facing her future with aspects of Financial Literacy and Self-Help blended into it. If you want to know more about the person behind the pen, tune in to this episode of the podcast! Follow us: Written In Melanin @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | C. E. Benson @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | Ashley D. @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder on IG) | Michael O. Benjamin @M

Jan 31, 2020 • 52:38

Ep 11 | Sharing Work | Writer's Discussion

Ep 11 | Sharing Work | Writer's Discussion

As a writer (or an author, whichever noun you prefer) it can be a terrifying thing to share your work, especially when asking for feedback from people you may have never met. However, it's the reality that most of us face at some point or another. So, this week on the Written in Melanin Podcast, Ashley D. and I discuss some pros and cons of sharing your work as well as some things to look for in a critique partner. If you have anything to add to our list, feel free to tweet at us! If you're a wr

Jan 24, 2020 • 31:35

Ep 10 | Trust by Daines L. Reed | Written in Melanin Book Club

Ep 10 | Trust by Daines L. Reed | Written in Melanin Book Club

This is a special episode that features the Written in Melanin Book Club Discussion. We discuss Trust by Daines L. Reed, drop some wisdom on y'all, and have a few laughs along the way. This episode does contain some spoilers for the book, so listen at your own discretion. If you're interested in joining the book club, reach out to C. E. Benson on social media for an invite! Follow us: Written In Melanin @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | C. E. Benson @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | Lakase

Jan 13, 2020 • 1:11:53

Ep 9 | Alonge Hawes | Black on Both Sides & Blue Collar Hustle

Ep 9 | Alonge Hawes | Black on Both Sides & Blue Collar Hustle

Alonge Hawes is on the Written in Melanin podcast to talk about his web series Black on Both Sides & Blue Collar Hustle. The web series are unique takes on the black experience and if you want to know more about the person behind it all, tune in to this episode of the podcast! Follow us: Written In Melanin @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | C. E. Benson @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | Ashley D. @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder on IG) | @AlongeHawes (@Alonge_Hawes on IG) Keeping Promises by C.

Dec 23, 2019 • 51:25

Ep 8 | B. L. McGrew | We Are Immeasurable

Ep 8 | B. L. McGrew | We Are Immeasurable

B. L. McGrew is on the Written in Melanin podcast to share a snippet and talk about We Are Immeasurable. Her YA book about Mazie and Barnaby is absolutely wonderful and if you want to know more about person behind the pen, tune in to this episode of the podcast! Follow us: Written In Melanin @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | C. E. Benson @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | Ashley D. @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder on IG) | B. L. McGrew @WriterBLMcGrew (@Writer_B.L on IG) Keeping Promises by C. E. B

Dec 19, 2019 • 1:50:20

Ep 7 | Vontress Renae' | Tainted Soil

Ep 7 | Vontress Renae' | Tainted Soil

Vontress Renea' is on the Written in Melanin podcast to share and talk about her books: Rose Petals Under a Reaper's Robe, Rose Petals Under a Reaper's Robe: Unveiled, Affirmed Queen, and Tainted Soil. She has four amazing books of poetry and if you want to know more about person behind the pen, tune in to this episode of the podcast! Follow us: Written In Melanin @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | C. E. Benson @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | Ashley D. @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder on IG) | Vo

Dec 17, 2019 • 1:16:00

Ep 6 | Tamika Christy

Ep 6 | Tamika Christy

Tamika Christy is on the Written in Melanin podcast to share a snippet and talk about her new book Never Too Soon. It is the sequel to Anytime Soon and if you want to know more about woman penning the relatable stories, tune in to this episode of the podcast! Follow us: @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder for IG) | @OurWritesMatter (Twitter & IG) Keeping Promises by C. E. Benson & Never Too Soon by Tamika Christy can be purchased on Amazon.

Sep 23, 2019 • 50:46

Ep 5 | Written with Michaela Shelton of Queen Media Collective

Ep 5 | Written with Michaela Shelton of Queen Media Collective

Michaela Shelton is on the Written in Melanin podcast today to talk about her web series Reckless Behavior and her journey post-college. If you want to know more about woman behind the all the amazing things she's creating, tune in to this episode of the podcast! Check out the Reckless Behavior trailer on the Queen Media Collective YouTube Channel. Follow us: @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder for IG) | @DaRealMichaela1 (Twitte

Aug 26, 2019 • 51:48

Ep 4 | Written with Porsha Deun

Ep 4 | Written with Porsha Deun

Porsha Deun is on the Written in Melanin podcast today to talk aobut her book Love Lost and her experience as an erotic fiction writer. If you want to know more about woman behind the words, tune in to this episode of the podcast! Follow us: @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder for IG) | @PorshaDeun (Twitter & IG) Keeping Promises, Love Lost, and Love Lost Forever can be purchased on Amazon. Check out the Written in Melanin

Aug 19, 2019 • 51:35

Love Lost by Porsha Deun

Love Lost by Porsha Deun

Porsha Deun is on the Written in Melanin podcast today to share with us a part of her book Love Lost! If you need to some words to fog up some glass, this is listen for you! She will be back on the podcast next week for an interview with us, so keep an eye out for that! Follow us: @WrittenNMelanin (Twittter & IG) | @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | @WriteAshWrite (Twitter) & @ADFelder (IG) | @PorshaDeun (Twitter & IG) Love Lost and it's sequel, Love Lost Forever, can be purchased on

Aug 12, 2019 • 28:50

Ep 3 | Written with Mike Patton

Ep 3 | Written with Mike Patton

Mike Patton is on the Written in Melanin podcast today to talk about his book Past Lives and his journey to becoming a writer. If you want to know more about the mind behind Past Lives, tune in and enjoy this episode of the podcast! Follow us: @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | @WriteAshWrite (@ADFelder for IG) | @General_MP (@Tha_General_MP) Past Lives can be read on the Queen Media Collective website, QueenMediaCollective.com. Check out the Written in Melanin Webs

Aug 5, 2019 • 46:41

Past Lives by Mike Patton

Past Lives by Mike Patton

Mike Patton is on the Written in Melanin podcast today to share with us a part of his book Past Lives! If you need to add some unexpected twists to your day, this is the perfect listen for you! He will be back on the podcast for an interview next week, so send us your comments and questions for us to ask him! Follow us: @WrittenNMelanin (Twitter & IG) | @CBensonWrite (Twitter & IG) | @WriteAshWrite (Twitter & IG) | @General_MP (Twitter & IG) Past Lives can be read here on the Que

Jul 29, 2019 • 9:43

Ep 2 | Written with Jo Furious

Ep 2 | Written with Jo Furious

This episode of the Written In Melanin podcast is all about getting to know Jo Furious as we interview her and learn more about her journey in creating her book The Player — which you can read for free on Wattpad.com/All4Furious. You can follow us on social media @CBensonWrite, @WriteAshWrite, @All4Furious, and follow the podcast @WrittenNMelanin. You can also visit the website at WrittenInMelanin.com. If you enjoy the podcast, remember to share it with someone and consider supporting by buying

Jul 22, 2019 • 47:56

The Player by Jo Furious

The Player by Jo Furious

Jo Furious is on the Written in Melanin podcast today to share with us a part of her book The Player! If you need to add some heat to your day, this is the perfect listen for you! She will be back on the podcast for an interview next week, so send us your comments and questions for her! This is an EXPLICIT episode of the podcast. Listening in the presence of minors is not advised. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @WrittenNMelanin, @CBensonWrite, & @All4Furious. Her Wattpad profile can be fo

Jul 8, 2019 • 11:11

Ep 1 | Written with Cee & Ashley

Ep 1 | Written with Cee & Ashley

This is the 1st episode of the Written in Melanin podcast! This episode is all about getting to know your hosts C. E. Benson and Ashley D. You can follow them on social media @CBensonWrite @WriteAshWrite or follow the podcast @WrittenNMelanin. You can also visit the website at WrittenInMelanin.com. The books mentioned we're Kingdom of Exiles by S. B. Nova, Road to Love by Nicole Falls, and Horror Noire by Robin Means Coleman. If you enjoy it, remember to share it with someone!

Jun 25, 2019 • 38:18

Keeping Promises by C. E. Benson

Keeping Promises by C. E. Benson

The Written In Melanin podcast will be premiering soon -- until then, enjoy this preview of Keeping Promises by C. E. Benson. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @WrittenNMelanin & @CBensonWrite. Check out the website: WrittenInMelanin.com A link to purchase Keeping Promises on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TG1PNBX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CIHiDb7ZCHT1B

Jun 11, 2019 • 16:19

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