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
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
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
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 Negative Reviews
20:59 Advice for Aspiring Authors
23:16 Handling Negative Reviews
24:36 Writing for Your Audience
25:39 Decentering Whiteness in Literature
29:27 Challenges of Black Authors
33:15 Creating Inclusive Stories
43:52 Building a Supportive Writing Community
48:26 Final Thoughts and Advice
- E. A. Noble's Books When Blood Meets Earth | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8034 Supersized Bubblegum | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8204 - 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
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 Things
20:21 Balancing Heavy and Light Reads
21:43 Writing for Different Age Groups
24:28 Challenges in the Publishing Market
27:50 Indie Publishing Insights
33:58 Advice for Aspiring Authors
38:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
- 💥 Sarah Everett: http://saraheverettbooks.com/ The Shape of Lost Things
The Probability of Everything - 🤎 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 Magic in the Melanin: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8210 - BookHarts Community | https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb
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?
13:17 The Inspiration Behind the Trilogy
18:09 Crafting Authentic Female Voices
22:10 The Journey of a Writer's Growth
24:25 Navigating the Business of Writing
26:56 Empowering Indie Authors
32:14 Outro
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: Embracing the Future
25:25 Transitioning Genres: From Thriller to Romanticy
33:20 Personal Growth and Grief
44:08 Writing Advice and Final Thoughts
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Rachel's Website: https://www.rachelhowzell.com/
What Fire Brings: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8173
The Last One: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8199
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Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/
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Chelsea's Books
We Are the Origin: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/KihME
We Are Dying Gods: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wadge
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Chelsea's Discord Community: https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb
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The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links
Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/
Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin
Services: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services
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 Relationships with Editors
18:29 Marketing and Promoting Your Book
25:41 Balancing Writing with Personal Life
36:15 Kelis Rowe's Upcoming Projects
38:49 Final Thoughts and Writing Advice - Kelis' Links: https://linktr.ee/keliswrites Finding Jupiter: https://melaninlibrary.com/books/6459 - Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/ - Chelsea's Books We Are the Origin: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/KihME We Are Dying Gods: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wadge - Chelsea's Discord Community: https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb - The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/ Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin Services: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services
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 Importance of Black Voices in Literature
37:15 The Joy of Writing
47:00 Advice for Aspiring Authors
49:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Julian's Books
Prince of the Palisades | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8169
I Think They Love You | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8168
Julian's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/wintersjulian/
Julian's Website
https://www.julianwinters.com/
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Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/ - Chelsea's Books We Are the Origin: https://amzn.to/4eALU2x We Are Dying Gods: https://amzn.to/3zmWNFi BookHarts Community | https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb - The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/ Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin Services: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services
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
01:58 The Importance of Original Stories
03:50 Balancing Entertainment and Thought-Provoking Content
04:38 Creating Complex Characters and Stories
09:10 Robbie's Journey in Film and Manga
10:10 Founding RPX Media Production
32:28 Challenges and Rewards of Creating Manga
37:39 Marketing and Business Strategies for Creatives
44:49 Advice for New Authors
47:49 Conclusion and Where to Find More
-Robbie's Manga
https://www.rpxmediaproduction.com/the7thkingdom - Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/ - Chelsea's Books We Are the Origin: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wato-hardback We Are Dying Gods: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wadgph BookHarts Community | https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb - The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/ Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin Services: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services #BlackAuthors #AuthorTube
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 Literature
10:51 Empathy and Grace: Themes in Brianna's Writing
27:50 Navigating the Publishing World as a Black Author
39:05 Advice for Aspiring Writers and Closing Thoughts
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Brianna Peppins Book
Briarcliff Prep | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/5381
Brianna Peppins Website | https://linktr.ee/BriannaPeppins
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Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/
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Chelsea's Books
We Are the Origin: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wato-hardback
We Are Dying Gods: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wadgph
BookHarts Community | https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb
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The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links
Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/
Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin
Services: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services
#BlackAuthors #AuthorTube
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
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Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/
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Chelsea's Books
We Are the Origin: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wato-hardback
We Are Dying Gods: https://shop.writteninmelanin.com/b/wadgph
BookHarts Community | https://discord.gg/XSWtDRMyNb
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The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links
Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/
Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin
Services: https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services
#BlackAuthors #AuthorTube
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