Written In Melanin

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

-

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

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

This a part 1 of the interview with Demetrius Frazier the owner of Resist Booksellers

00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast

00:22 Spotlight on Demetrius Frazier: Literacy Advocate and Entrepreneur

03:05 The Mission and Impact of Resist Booksellers

11:24 Navigating the Book Industry as an Indie Author

31:30 The Power of Support: Valuing Indie Authors

33:08 Innovative Solutions for Indie Authors: Author Fairs

45:49 The Indie Author's Guide to Success: Tips and Strategies

Resist Booksellers

233 N Sycamore Street,

Petersburg, VA 23803, USA

https://resistbooksellers.com/

https://www.instagram.com/resist_bks

This is part 2 of the interview with Bethany Baptiste the author of "The Poisons We Drink"

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!

This episode features a discussion with author Tatiana Obey, known for her action-packed, character-driven stories featuring diverse characters. In it, C. M. Lockhart and Tatiana discuss various themes relevant to Black and indie authors, such as the importance of visibility, the challenge of receiving and giving honest reviews, and the significance of community in the indie author space.

00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast!
00:21 Meet Tatiana Obey: Author, World Traveler, and Anime Fan
01:19 Revisiting Sistah Samurai and Introducing Bones to the Wind
03:52 The Magic of Tatiana's Writing: A Deep Dive into Her Books
10:21 The Journey of Publishing a Duology as an Indie Author
20:29 Understanding Your Target Audience and the Power of Word of Mouth
29:17 The Power of Recommendations and Trust in Authors
31:02 Navigating Book Reviews as an Author and Reader
43:59 The Importance of Honest Feedback in the Author Community
56:05 Concluding Thoughts on Authorship and Community Support

Tatiana's Books
https://www.tatianaobey.com/

-

Tatiana's Previous Podcast Episode
https://youtu.be/y1HUCidA2ek?si=DMqol--Mc5ntSZax

-

-
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!

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, host C.M. Lockhart chats with Brittney Morris, author of 'SLAY' and video game writer. Morris shares her journey from being inspired by the Black Panther movie to becoming a bestselling author and transitioning into video game writing, with projects like Marvel's Spider-Man. She discusses the challenges of writing, the importance of diversity and social justice in her work, and teases her upcoming novel. The conversation also covers tips for aspiring authors on perseverance and embracing the author’s journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast
00:24 Meet Brittney Morris: Bestselling Author and Video Game Writer
01:49 Brittney's Journey: From Books to Video Games
02:44 The Creative Process and Writing on Deadline
20:06 The Emotional Journey of Writing 'The Cost of Knowing'
29:41 Brittney's Advice for Aspiring Authors
34:30 Finding Perseverance and Closing Thoughts

-
Brittney's Website
https://www.authorbrittneymorris.com/
The Jump | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/7870

-
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!

Written In Melanin: Spotlighting Melanated Creativity, A Conversation with Indie Author Tamara Jerée

In this episode of the 'Written In Melanin' podcast, host C. M. Lockhart welcomes indie author, Tamara Jerée to discuss their experiences and writing journey, including a detailed look at their experiences with creative writing academic programs (MFA). As a black indie author, Tamara shares the inspiration and process behind their  book 'The Fall That Saved Us'. They also discuss the struggles and realizations of seeking traditional publishing, their growth in finding a creative community, their pursuit of writing sapphic fantasy featuring black characters, and their voice on the importance of writing what one loves. The episode further explores the significance of relatable narratives, author diversity and the shifting dynamics of YA and adult fiction. The podcast concludes with Tamara Jerée revealing details about her upcoming book while offering advice for budding authors.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest
00:28 Getting to Know Tamara Jerée
04:23 The Importance of Community in Writing
15:40 The Journey of 'The Fall That Saved Us'
30:01 The Journey to Sapphic Fantasy
34:00 The Struggles and Triumphs of Diverse Representation
40:56 The Future of Indie Publishing and Diverse Storytelling
51:20 Advice for Authors

-
The Fall That Saved Us by Tamara Jerée
https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8030

Tamara's Website
https://www.tamarajeree.com/
-

-
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!

In this episode of the Written In Melanin podcast, C. M. Lockhart, chats with Celeste Harte, a fantasy writer and expert on ChatGPT. They delve into their experiences as Black, independent authors, highlighting the challenges, evolution, and inspirations along the journey. Discussing everything from online writing platforms, the process of world building, the significance of knowing your audience, to the role of AI in the writing process. Celeste provides insights into how to utilize ChatGPT for research, world building, and brainstorming in an ethical manner, emphasizing its role as a tool not a substitute for a writer's creativity and skills. The pair also shed light on the importance of finishing writing projects and knowing how to properly pace and structure a narrative series.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Arrival
01:52 Deep Dive into Celeste Harte's Trilogy
03:55 The Journey of Writing a Trilogy
13:00 Adapting Writing Style and Audience Over Time
27:42 The Art of Editing: Making Every Word Count
28:41 Transitioning to AI: An Introduction to ChatGPT
30:08 Exploring the Potential of ChatGPT for Writers
36:35 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Writing with AI

-
Celeste's Dragon Bones Trilogy 
Conquest | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/5778
Rising | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/7693
Uproar | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8126
-

-
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!

In this episode of Written In Melanin podcast, host CM Lockhart speaks with special guest DeAndréa Johnson, an educator, writer and the Writing Programs Manager at the Hurston Wright Foundation. The discussion offers an in-depth introduction to the foundation, its mission, and the many resources it provides to support Black authors. Besides sharing her own career journey from teacher to editor and program manager, DeAndréa also offers some valuable advice for both emerging and seasoned writers on honing their craft and finding their community. The podcast further explores the beneficial impact of mentorship, the importance of accountability in writing, and how the Hurston Wright Foundation grants access to practitioners, coaching services, and award programs for Black writers from various genres.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming the Guest
01:08 Getting to Know DeAndréa Johnson
04:08 DeAndréa's Journey in Publishing and Teaching
07:38 The Importance of Representation in Literature
22:23 The Importance of Professional Development in Writing
23:09 The Power of Investing in Your Craft
24:47 Exploring the Benefits of Virtual Coaching and Workshops
37:59 The Role of Community and Accountability in Writing

Hurston Wright Foundation | www.hurstonwright.org

-
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!