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 🤎
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 0…
…
continue reading
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 Intro…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 Mel…
…
continue reading
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 th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Why indie books aren't in indie bookstores interview with Demetrius Frazier of Resist Booksellers
55:48
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 In…
…
continue reading
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 Podcast00:22 The Journey of 'The Poisons We Drink' with Bethany Baptiste00:33 Navigating the Challenges of Traditional Publishing02:16 Bethany's Publication Rollercoaster: Delays, Misprints, and Tours12:17 The Emotional …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 significanc…
…
continue reading
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 chall…
…
continue reading
Written In Melanin: Spotlighting Melanated Creativity, A Conversation with Indie Author Tamara Jerée In 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 (MF…
…
continue reading
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 bu…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 conversati…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Guest Episode w/ Dana L. Davis | Fake Famous, Voice Acting, and Writing YA
1:02:41
1:02:41
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:02:41
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, Crai…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Guest Episode w/ Tatiana Obey | Sistah Samurai, short stories, and understanding genres
1:02:53
1:02:53
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:02:53
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, studie…
…
continue reading
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 degree…
…
continue reading
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: http…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Interview with Jessica Cage, author of A Corruption of Gilded Ashes | Black fantasy and shared worlds
50:40
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 ar…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bonus Episode w/ Aleema Omotoni | What if Shakespeare had to grow up watching Dear White People?
55:21
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 da…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bonus Episode w/ Neka Marie | Debut novels and author communities
1:10:30
1:10:30
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:10:30
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 knowl…
…
continue reading
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'…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bonus Episode w/ MultiMind
1:03:15
1:03:15
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:03:15
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…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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://melaninl…
…
continue reading
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, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bonus Episode w/ Michael LaBorn | How booktok influencers are changing the publishing industry for indie authors
55:35
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 t…
…
continue reading
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.…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Bonus Episode w/ Liselle Sambury | Writing Delicious Monsters, a psychological thriller for young adults
1:01:05
1:01:05
Riproduci in seguito
Riproduci in seguito
Liste
Like
Like aggiunto
1:01:05
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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 36 | What is a Primary Feedback Provider and how does it make your author journey easier?
29:16
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. S…
…
continue reading
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 t…
…
continue reading
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.…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 Rediscov…
…
continue reading
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 t…
…
continue reading
Welcome to episode #33 If 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? - Th…
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 …
…
continue reading
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 psych…
…
continue reading
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 wha…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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/links Purchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/osSWm Support Chelsea and …
…
continue 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 w…
…
continue reading
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, tod…
…
continue reading
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,…
…
continue reading