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 secondsCrafting 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 secondsNavigating 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
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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
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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 secondsWriting 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 secondsDidi 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 secondsNavigating 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 secondsHow 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 secondsAntoine 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 secondsKrystal 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 secondsTati 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.
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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/
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SUPPORT
🤎 Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin
💫 Merch: https://shop.MelaninLibrary.com
💚 Donate: https://donate.stripe.com/aEU02PgWV6kF1fafYY
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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 secondsBehind 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
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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 secondsFLIPPING 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
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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 - More Episodes? Get the App