Advertise on podcast: Written In Melanin

In this episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast, host C. M. Lockhart welcomes author Savannah Stephens, who discusses her journey, the challenges of the publishing process, the significance of representation in fantasy literature, and the influential books that shaped her as a writer.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:14 Savannah's Journey to Witch Queen Rising09:52 The Book Deal Experience13:34 Choosing Urban Fantasy as a Genre15:11 The Importance of Representation in Fantasy26:19 Representation in Literature30:44 Complex Family Dynamics39:29 Resilience and Self-Belief41:55 Advice for Aspiring Writers-Savannah Stephens @savannahversebooks 💥⁠https://linktr.ee/AuthorSavannahStephens?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=853496bb-6666-49c2-8a41-624f5cbc14b8 📚 Witch Queen Rising | ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8528-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

In this episode of the Written Melanin Podcast, host C. M. Lockhart welcomes USA Today bestselling author Kimberly Lemming. They discuss Kimberly's unique approach to writing fantasy romance, her journey to becoming a successful author, and the importance of writing without overthinking. 00:00 Welcome to the Written Melanin Podcast 02:19 Introducing Kimberly Lemming and Her Works 11:18 The Journey of a Bestselling Author 20:09 The Reality of Publishing in the Romantic Era 24:37 Exploring New Genres: The Shift from Romance to Gamer Lite 28:15 The Importance of Laughter in Writing 32:40 Advice for New Authors: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 40:48 Upcoming Works and Future Plans -Kimberly Lemming💥⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/763014/i-punched-an-alien-and-now-were-in-couples-therapy-by-kimberly-lemming/I Punched an Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy | ⁠https://melaninlibrary.com/book/8596⁠https://www.instagram.com/kimberlylemming/-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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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