Ep 38 | This is why I've rewritten my entire book at least three times

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

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

Tamara's Website
https://www.tamarajeree.com/
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Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/
Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin
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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

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

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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
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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 interviews Antwan Floyd Sr., an author and publisher of Crime Fiction Media. Lockhart discusses Floyd’s journey from writing urban fiction to crime fiction, as well as the decision to establish his publishing company. Asking Floyd about his sources of inspiration, both touch on the importance of creativity and originality in a field where storylines can often be recycled. The pair also addresses the disparity in the publishing industry for black authors. Floyd speaks on his series, 'Black Love' and gives advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of finishing a book before focusing on improving its different aspects.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Kickoff
00:22 Meet the Guest: Antwan Floyd Sr.
01:38 Urban Fiction vs Crime Fiction: A Discussion
05:32 The Journey of an Indie Author
07:30 The Challenges and Triumphs of Self-Publishing
14:57 Inspiration and the Writing Process
17:48 Indie vs Traditional Publishing
26:14 The Art of Storytelling: Making Your Book Unique
28:27 The Business Side of Writing
41:23 The Black Love Series: An Overview
43:39 Advice for New Authors

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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
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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 engages in a discussion with Amanda B. Weaver (previously published under the name "Amanda Ross"), an indie author known for her work in Indie Fantasy and Horror. They discuss representation in horror and Amanda's upcoming novel, No One's Gonna Take her Soul Away. The conversation touches on the experiences of black indie authors, the racial trauma often expected in their works, and the importance of knowing your target audience. The conversation takes a personal turn as Amanda shares how her most recent works are influenced by her personal experiences and emotions.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:25 Guest Introduction: Amanda Ross
02:07 Amanda's Journey as an Author
03:38 The Horror Hoes Support Group
07:10 Discussion on Racial Trauma in Black Fiction
22:40 Writing for the Right Audience
29:52 The Struggles of Writing in the Horror Genre
32:56 The Personal Journey of Writing 'No One's Gonna Take her Soul Away'
43:39 Advice for Aspiring Horror Writers

https://linktr.ee/Amandaanneross

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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
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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 engages in a deep and meaningful conversation with Omari Richards, a debut fantasy author. As they discuss Richards' newly published novel, 'The Kimoni Legacy', they explore the writing process, storytelling techniques, importance of diversity in literature, and the intricacies of creating a believable fantasy world. They touch upon the unique challenges of the writing journey and the importance of creating culturally reflective literature in the fantasy genre. Richards highlights the importance of authenticity, and the significance of accurately reflecting different cultures.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Start
00:27 Guest Introduction: Omari Richards
00:57 Deep Dive into 'The Kimoni Legacy'
03:06 Exploring the Genre: Sword and Soul Fantasy
18:28 The Importance of Diversity in Fantasy
31:01 Writing Journey and Advice for New Authors

Omari Richards Book: The Kimoni Legacy
https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8031

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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
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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!

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. E. M. Lacey is a coffee loving author who uses caffeine to generate dark urban, dystopian, and speculative stories with diverse adult and young adult characters. She enjoys posting and collecting coffee memes, watching horror movies, anime, and reading. And when she's not nerding out, she loves to connect with readers and authors.

https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8045

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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
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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!

Dana L. Davis joins me for this episode of the Written in Melanin Podcast. She is an author, actress, and voice-over artist who lives and works in Los Angeles. She has starred in Heroes, Coach Carter, Franklin & Bash, Veronica Mars, and countless other film and TV productions. A few of her animation credits include Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Craig of the Creek, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power.

Dana is a classically trained violist and the founder of the LA-based nonprofit Culture for Kids, LA, which provides inner-city children with free tickets and transportation to attend performing arts shows around LA County.

She's joining me today to discuss her upcoming release, Fake Famous, and share with us some of her experience writing Young Adult fiction, and being a creative with multiple talents.

https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8082
http://www.danaldavis.com/

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

Tatiana writes badass characters slaying dragons. She is the author of “A Forging of Age,” duology, and she enjoys combining action with character-driven stories that feature diverse heroes and heroines. Her debut novel, Bones to the Wind, is a 2022 BBA Award Winner and a 2022 Indie Ink Award Finalist. She once taught English in South Korea, studied abroad in Japan, and worked as a marketing specialist for a woman-owned law firm. The one thing she loves as much as writing is traveling the world.

She's joining me today to discuss her upcoming release, Sistah Samurai, and share with us some knowledge about writing short stories and understanding the different genres there are.

Author Council: https://youtu.be/nHjgn0sTBto?si=2BqxaPqPV-kdJdmq

Kickstarter Anthology: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dominishbooks/the-advent-of-winter

https://www.tatianaobey.com/

https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8073

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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
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The Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links
Melanin Library: https://MelaninLibrary.com/
Patreon: https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin
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Music by Akia DaGreat

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

 Joelle Wellington grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where her childhood was spent wandering the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Her love of the written word led her to a B.A. in Creative Writing and International Studies. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading and when she’s not doing that, she’s attempting to bake bread with varying degrees of success or strengthening her encyclopedia-like pop culture knowledge.

Today she is on the podcast to discuss her debut novel, Their Vicious Games, being a debut author, and her publishing journey.

 https://www.joellewellington.com/

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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
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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!