Episodes

  • Navigating Writing and Mentorship with Ravynn K. Stringfield | Written Melanin Podcast
    Jul 30 2025

    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

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    1 hr
  • Writing Diverse YA Fantasy, Community Building, and Indie Publishing with K.R.S. McEntire
    Jul 16 2025

    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

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    43 mins
  • Didi Anofienem is Rewriting History
    Jul 2 2025

    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


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    43 mins
  • Navigating Corporate America | Insights from author Nicole S. Palmer
    Jun 20 2025

    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

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    44 mins
  • How mentorship propels writing with Laura Pegram | From Mentee to Mentor
    May 23 2025

    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

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    48 mins
  • Antoine Bandele | Writing a Series Successfully
    May 7 2025

    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

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    44 mins
  • Krystal Marquis | The Davenports & Writing Historical Fiction
    Apr 9 2025

    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

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    35 mins
  • Tati Richardson | Losing Sight & Writing Older Protagonists
    Mar 12 2025

    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

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    45 mins