This episode of the Written In Melanin podcast features host C. M. Lockhart in conversation with Bethany Baptiste, discussing her journey as a young adult sci-fi fantasy novelist. They dive into Baptiste's book 'The Poisons We Drink', exploring its unique blend of fantasy, politics, and the power of love potions. They discuss the inspiration behind the novel, the importance of representing morally grey Black characters, and the challenges faced in the traditional publishing world, especially for black authors.

00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast

00:23 Introducing Bethany Baptiste

01:06 Diving Into 'The Poisons We Drink': A Unique YA Fantasy

03:49 The Inspiration Behind the Story: From Election Night to Dream Visions

11:20 Crafting Morally Gray Characters and Navigating Publishing Challenges

24:41 Bethany's Writing Journey: From Fanfiction to Published Author

41:43 Empowering Advice for Aspiring Authors

Bethany's Book

https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8112

Bethany's Website

https://www.bethanybaptiste.com/

-

⁠Support the show⁠-

Purchase We Are the Origin: ⁠https://www.writteninmelanin.com/product/wato-hardback⁠

Purchase We Are the Origin LIMITED EDITION: ⁠https://www.writteninmelanin.com/product/watole⁠

Purchase WE ARE DYING GODS: ⁠https://www.writteninmelanin.com/product/wadg-hardback⁠

-

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

Melanin Library: ⁠https://MelaninLibrary.com/⁠

Patreon: ⁠https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin⁠

Services: ⁠https://www.writteninmelanin.com/services⁠

Music by Akia DaGreat

Request We Are the Origin and We Are Dying Gods at your local bookstore or library!