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Written In Melanin

Written In Melanin

Written In Melanin

Welcome to the Written in Melanin podcast, hosted by C. E. Benson & Ashley D. This is your place to hear previews of books read by the authors themselves, learn more about the people behind the words and their writing journeys, and be part of a discussion of what a means to be an author — indie or otherwise! On this podcast, we're here to talk about books, writing and everything that happens between the pages. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/WrittenInMelanin/support

  • 49 minutes 6 seconds
    Crafting Epic Adventures and Querying Tips with M. H. Ayinde | Written Melanin Podcast

    Author M. H. Ayinde joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written Melanin Podcast to discuss her epic fantasy 'A Song of Legends Lost,' the writing and publishing process, the challenges of querying, and balancing creativity with market trends in the fantasy genre.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:54 Meet M. H. Ayinde: Author and Journey04:56 The Art of Querying and Publishing27:18 The Rise of Romantasy29:51 Navigating the Publishing World35:44 Upcoming Books and Writing Advice-M. H. Ayinde💥⁠https://www.mhayinde.comA Song of Legends Lost | ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8404⁠⁠https://www.threads.com/@mhayindehttps://www.tiktok.com/@mhayinde


    -BOOKS💥All of them: ⁠https://CMLockhart.com⁠💀 We Are the Origin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730⁠✨ Magic in the Melanin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210⁠💜 Death Among the Stars: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339⁠Stygian Collection: https://www.stygiansociety.com/?ref=5porep5cFIYAH Lit Mag: https://fiyahlitmag.com/shop/issues/2024-issues/fiyah-32-spacefaring-aunties/-SUPPORT🤎 Join the Community: ⁠https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/pages/member⁠💫 Merch: ⁠https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com⁠💚 Donate: ⁠https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY⁠-Links: ⁠https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links⁠Melanin Library: ⁠https://MelaninLibrary.com/⁠Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb⁠#blackauthors

    22 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 1 hour 6 seconds
    Navigating Writing and Mentorship with Ravynn K. Stringfield | Written Melanin Podcast

    Ravynn K. Stringfield joins C. M. Lockhart to discuss her novel 'Love in 280 Characters or Less,' her journey in traditional publishing, the importance of creating relatable black protagonists, and future projects in the YA and fantasy genres.


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    01:42 Ravynn's Background and Writing Journey

    03:49 Love in 280 Characters or Less: Inspiration and Themes

    10:00 Navigating College and Mentorship

    32:01 Authentic Teenage Experience

    33:11 Character Dynamics and Growth

    36:30 Writing Process and Inspirations

    45:16 Future Projects and Advice

    -

    Ravynn K. Stringfield

    💥https://ravynnkstringfield.com/

    Love in 280 Characters or Less | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8415

    Love Requires Chocolate | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8461

    https://www.instagram.com/RavynnKamia/

    https://www.tiktok.com/@ravynnstringfield

    -

    BOOKS💥All of them: ⁠https://CMLockhart.com⁠💀 We Are the Origin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730⁠✨ Magic in the Melanin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210⁠💜 Death Among the Stars: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339⁠-SUPPORT🤎 Join the Community: ⁠https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/pages/member⁠💫 Merch: ⁠https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com⁠💚 Donate: ⁠https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY⁠-Links: ⁠https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links⁠Melanin Library: ⁠https://MelaninLibrary.com/⁠Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb⁠#blackauthors #AuthorTube

    30 July 2025, 10:00 am
  • 43 minutes 6 seconds
    Writing Diverse YA Fantasy, Community Building, and Indie Publishing with K.R.S. McEntire

    K.R.S. McEntire joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written Melanin Podcast to discuss her journey as an indie author, the challenges of writing diverse YA fantasy, the importance of community, and her various projects that amplify diverse voices in speculative fiction.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:48 K.R.S. McEntire's Writing Journey06:31 The Importance of Community and Collaboration14:03 Navigating Indie Publishing and Marketing22:23 Launching a New Website for YA Indie Books23:43 Building Community and Amplifying Voices27:57 Navigating the Bookish Community38:10 Advice for Aspiring Authors-K.R.S. McEntire💥https://krsmcentire.com/That Girl Who Ran Off and Kissed A Vampire | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8405Diverse Books With Magic | www.facebook.com/groups/diversebookswithmagicthreads.net/@krsmcentire-BOOKS💥All of them: ⁠https://CMLockhart.com⁠💀 We Are the Origin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730⁠✨ Magic in the Melanin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210⁠💜 Death Among the Stars: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339⁠Stygian Collection: https://www.stygiansociety.com/?ref=5porep5cFIYAH Lit Mag: https://fiyahlitmag.com/shop/issues/2024-issues/fiyah-32-spacefaring-aunties/-SUPPORT🤎 Join the Community: ⁠https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/pages/member⁠💫 Merch: ⁠https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com⁠💚 Donate: ⁠https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY⁠-Links: ⁠https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links⁠Melanin Library: ⁠https://MelaninLibrary.com/⁠Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb⁠#blackauthors #AuthorTube

    16 July 2025, 10:00 am
  • 42 minutes 59 seconds
    Didi Anofienem is Rewriting History

    Didi Anofienem joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written Melanin Podcast to discuss her journey as a black fantasy author, her two-book deal and publishing process, the importance of community, and marketing challenges faced by black authors.00:00 Welcome to the Written Melanin Podcast01:15 Meet Didi Anofienem: Author and Educator02:49 Journey into Fantasy Writing07:12 Publishing Journey and Book Insights20:53 The Long Journey of Writing a Book Series21:37 Balancing Life and Writing25:44 The Importance of Community and Support29:23 Marketing Challenges for Black Authors-Didi Anofienem💥https://didianofienem.com/Descendants of Fire & Water | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8450Wielders of Floods & Flames | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8451-BOOKS💥All of them: ⁠https://CMLockhart.com⁠💀 We Are the Origin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730⁠✨ Magic in the Melanin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210⁠💜 Death Among the Stars: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339⁠Stygian Collection: https://www.stygiansociety.com/?ref=5porep5cFIYAH Lit Mag: https://fiyahlitmag.com/shop/issues/2024-issues/fiyah-32-spacefaring-aunties/-SUPPORT🤎 Join the Community: ⁠https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/pages/member⁠💫 Merch: ⁠https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com⁠💚 Donate: ⁠https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY⁠-Links: ⁠https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links⁠Melanin Library: ⁠https://MelaninLibrary.com/⁠Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb⁠#blackauthors #AuthorTube


    2 July 2025, 10:00 am
  • 43 minutes 49 seconds
    Navigating Corporate America | Insights from author Nicole S. Palmer

    Nicole S. Palmer joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written Melanin Podcast to discuss her book 'Playing the Game while Black Womaning in Corporate America,' her journey through corporate America, her publishing company Delnic Media, and the importance of community and connection in the literary world.00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Nicole S. Palmer02:12 Navigating Corporate America as a Black Woman05:36 Balancing Creativity and Corporate Life23:52 Starting in Publishing: From Intern to Senior Editor26:27 Launching a Publishing Venture with a Partner28:24 Empowering Underrepresented Authors and Future Goals-Nicole S. Palmer💥https://delnicmedia.com/Black Womaning in Corporate America | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8445-BOOKS💥All of them: ⁠https://CMLockhart.com⁠💀 We Are the Origin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730⁠✨ Magic in the Melanin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210⁠💜 Death Among the Stars: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339⁠Stygian Collection: https://www.stygiansociety.com/?ref=5porep5cFIYAH Lit Mag: https://fiyahlitmag.com/shop/issues/2024-issues/fiyah-32-spacefaring-aunties/-SUPPORT🤎 Join the Community: ⁠https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/pages/member⁠💫 Merch: ⁠https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com⁠💚 Donate: ⁠https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY⁠-Links: ⁠https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links⁠Melanin Library: ⁠https://MelaninLibrary.com/⁠Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb⁠

    20 June 2025, 10:00 am
  • 47 minutes 58 seconds
    How mentorship propels writing with Laura Pegram | From Mentee to Mentor

    Laura Pegram joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written Melanin Podcast to discuss her multifaceted artistic career, the founding of Kweli Journal, and the importance of community and mentorship in the world of black literature.


    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:23 Meet Laura Pegram: Multihyphenate Artist

    04:19 The Birth of Kweli Journal

    08:48 Mentorship and Community

    27:44 Editing and Crafting Stories

    41:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

    -Laura Pegram💥 ⁠https://www.kwelijournal.org/Sing the Truth | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8420-BOOKS💥All of them: ⁠https://CMLockhart.com⁠💀 We Are the Origin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730⁠✨ Magic in the Melanin: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210⁠💜 Death Among the Stars: ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339⁠-SUPPORT🤎 Join the Community: ⁠https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/pages/member⁠💫 Merch: ⁠https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com⁠💚 Donate: ⁠https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY⁠-Links: ⁠https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links⁠Melanin Library: ⁠https://MelaninLibrary.comDiscord: ⁠https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb⁠

    23 May 2025, 10:00 am
  • 44 minutes 6 seconds
    Antoine Bandele | Writing a Series Successfully

    Antoine Bandele joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written in Melanin Podcast to discuss his journey as an independent author, the importance of in person events, and the upcoming installments in his TJ Young & the Orishas series.


    00:00 Welcome to the Written Melanin Podcast

    00:22 Introducing Special Guest: Antoine Bandele

    01:27 Antoine's Journey as an Independent Author

    04:04 The Importance of Quality in Indie Publishing

    10:00 Balancing Passion and Professionalism

    12:05 The TJ Young Series: Growth and Themes

    15:43 Kickstarter and Live Events

    24:06 Breaking Even and Profiting at Events

    25:07 Importance of Human Connection in Book Sales

    26:13 Navigating Online Sales and Social Media

    27:19 Writing and Releasing Strategies

    29:03 Maintaining Momentum in Series Writing

    32:42 Engaging Readers and Writers

    41:22 Final Thoughts and Advice


    -Antoine Bandele

    💥 https://www.antoinebandele.com/

    Kickstarter | https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/antoinebandele/tj-young-and-the-orishas-the-omnibus-collection


    -BOOKS

    💥All of them: https://CMLockhart.com

    We Are the Origin: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730

    ✨ Magic in the Melanin: https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210

    💜 Death Among the Stars: https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339


    -SUPPORT

    🤎 Join the Community: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/pages/member

    💫 Merch: https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com

    💚 Donate: https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY


    -Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links

    Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb

    #BlackAuthors

    7 May 2025, 10:00 am
  • 35 minutes 24 seconds
    Krystal Marquis | The Davenports & Writing Historical Fiction

    Krystal Marquis joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written in Melanin Podcast to discuss her journey in writing historical fiction, the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with creative liberty, and the exciting adaptation of her book 'The Davenports' on Prime Video.00:00 Intro00:23 Meet Krystal Marquis01:19 Krystal's Writing Journey01:47 The NaNoWriMo Challenge05:06 The Importance of Writing Community11:07 Krystal's Writing Process15:56 The Davenports Series20:40 Historical Fiction Insights27:06 The Davenports Adaptation30:03 What's Next for Krystal Marquis32:41 Final Thoughts and Writing Advice34:28 Closing Remarks-Krystal Marquis💥 https://krystalmarquis.com/The Davenports | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/7573-BOOKS💥All of them: https://CMLockhart.comWe Are the Origin: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730We Are Dying Gods: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/7869✨ Magic in the Melanin: https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210💜 Death Among the Stars: https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339Stygian Collection: https://www.stygiansociety.com/?ref=5porep5cFIYAH Lit Mag: https://fiyahlitmag.com/shop/issues/2024-issues/fiyah-32-spacefaring-aunties/-SUPPORT🤎 Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin💫 Merch: https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com💚 Donate: https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY-Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/linksMelanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb#BlackAuthors #AuthorTube

    9 April 2025, 10:00 am
  • 44 minutes 44 seconds
    Tati Richardson | Losing Sight & Writing Older Protagonists

    Tati Richardson joins C. M. Lockhart on the Written in Melanin Podcast to discuss her journey in writing romance, the challenges of marketing books with older protagonists, and the significance of building a community for indie authors.

    -

    Tati Richardson

    💥 www.tatiannarichardson.comLosing Sight | https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8395-BOOKS

    💥All of them: https://CMLockhart.com

    We Are the Origin: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730

    We Are Dying Gods: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/7869

    ✨ Magic in the Melanin: https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8210

    💜 Death Among the Stars: https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8339

    Stygian Collection: https://www.stygiansociety.com/?ref=5porep5c

    FIYAH Lit Mag: https://fiyahlitmag.com/shop/issues/2024-issues/fiyah-32-spacefaring-aunties/

    -

    SUPPORT

    🤎 Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin

    💫 Merch: https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com

    💚 Donate: https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY

    -

    Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links

    Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/

    Discord: https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb

    #BlackAuthors #AuthorTube

    12 March 2025, 10:00 am
  • 53 minutes 8 seconds
    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 Lessons

    28:03 The Importance of Diverse Reading

    29:50 Teaching and Writing: Tools in Your Back Pocket

    31:22 Experience and Authenticity in Writing

    37:05 The Last One

    49:22 Final Advice for Aspiring Authors

    52:06 Conclusion and Farewell


    -

    Rachel Howzell Hall

    💥 https://www.rachelhowzell.com/

    The Last One | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8199 - Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/ - 💚 Chelsea's Books We Are the Origin: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730 We Are Dying Gods: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/7869 - BookHarts Community | https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb - The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.myflodesk.com Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/ Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin Services: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services

    27 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 47 minutes 2 seconds
    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 Publishing with Simon & Schuster

    20:23 The Reality of Creative Success

    24:07 Understanding Your Brand as a Creative

    25:22 The Journey of Online Success

    29:51 The Role of an Editor in Creative Work

    36:29 The Power of a Circular Story

    42:17 Writing Advice for New Authors

    46:28 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Clare

    -

    Clare Brown

    💥 https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/New-Nigeria-County/Clare-Brown/9781797170626

    New Nigeria County | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8236

    - Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/ - 💚 Chelsea's Books We Are the Origin: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6730 We Are Dying Gods: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/7869 - BookHarts Community | https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb - The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.myflodesk.com Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/ Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin Services: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services


    20 November 2024, 11:00 am
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