Episodes

  • From writing YA to Middle Grade | The challenges of publishing with Sarah Everett
    Oct 30 2024

    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

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    40 mins
  • Writing the overlooked experiences of Black men
    Oct 9 2024

    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

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    33 mins
  • Balancing Life and Writing with Rachel Howzell Hall
    Jul 26 2024

    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/

    -

    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


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    48 mins
  • How to defy publishing rules | An interview with Kelis Rowe
    Jul 12 2024

    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

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    42 mins
  • How to Write Authentic Stories That Matter: Lessons from Julian Winters
    Jun 28 2024

    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

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    51 mins
  • Creating Diverse Narratives in Film and Manga
    Jun 12 2024

    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

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    49 mins
  • Brianna Peppins on Black representation and being a Black author in YA
    May 22 2024

    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


    -

    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

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    44 mins
  • How to get indie books in bookstores
    May 8 2024

    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

    -

    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


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    17 mins