Welcome to episode #27. I get complimented on my cover art all the time (shout out to my cover artist Rebecca Brown!) and in my personal chats the topic of cover art comes up frequently. So, I'm here to share what I know about them and I a few things I think you should keep in mind when looking for one. - Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links Purchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/osSWm Support Chelsea and the podcast: https://Patreon.com/CMLockhart Check out the Melanin Library: h...
Aug 03, 2022•27 min
Welcome to episode #26. One of the hardest things to do as an author is to network with strangers on the internet who do the same thing you do. For a lot of us, we are introverts. At the very least, even if you're not an introvert, it can be intimidating trying to find the right community of people who will support and show up for you. So, today, I'm sharing my thoughts on the matter and a few things I think you should keep in mind when you're looking for your author fam. - Links: https://Writte...
Jul 27, 2022•22 min
Welcome to episode #25. In this big old year of 2022 we still have to have discussions about representation, inclusion, and why it's so important. Probably now more than ever before. Because some people don't get it. Or they're pretending like they don’t. So, today we're going to talk about it. And I'm going to be as honest and straightforward as I can about it. Let's get into it. And just so you know, there will be some ranting in this one lol. - Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links Purcha...
Jul 20, 2022•20 min
Welcome to episode #24. Being an author of any kind is hard. And, ironically enough, the hardest part of everything isn't creating a piece of work to share with the world. It's making people aware that you're an author and what is that you write. The hardest part is selling your book. So, today I'm going to talk about what it means to brand yourself as an author and why you should focus on that instead of trying to sell a product. Check out @TheMoniqueMensah on Instagram - Links: https://Written...
Jul 13, 2022•32 min
Welcome to episode #23. So, if you follow me on TikTok, then you'll know that, like the podcast, I try to be very transparent about what I'm doing. I was asked the question about my writing process, so, since I'm about to start on the second book of the Wrath of the Gods duology, I figured I'd share it now. Both to answer the question and put in words for myself! - Links: https://WrittenInMelanin.com/links Purchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/osSWm Support Chelsea and the podcast: ht...
Jul 06, 2022•29 min
Welcome to episode #22 This episode, I want to talk about book distribution. While I never present myself as an expert on things, I do like to point out to anyone new to self or indie publishing that there are many more ways to go about releasing your book than just going with Amazon. I know it seems to be the default for a lot of authors, but if you want full control of your book and options, then you should definitely consider all your options before committing to one. - Links: https://Written...
Jun 29, 2022•31 min
In today's episode, I want to share some things I've learned about what to expect when you're expecting to publish your first book. Deciding to publish your book yourself is a major decision and there's a lot that goes into it. That being said, there's still a lot of mystery surrounding publishing and I'm hoping to clear that up a little. - Website: https://CMLockhart.com Purchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/eJSQP Support Chelsea: https://Patreon.com/CMLockhart Check out the Melanin ...
Jun 15, 2022•28 min
Today, I want to talk to you guys about graveyards. Specifically, the kind where you house all of the cut and discarded lines from your works in progress. Because, I learned early on that keeping one is an invaluable resource, I wanted to share what I have learned with you guys today. - Website: https://CMLockhart.com Purchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/KihME OR https://amzn.to/35hVsAm Support Chelsea on Ko-fi: https://Ko-fi.com/CMLockhart Check out the Melanin Library for books by ...
May 25, 2022•17 min
This episode is dedicated to feedback and criticism. It's been on my mind lately, probably because I'm in the process of receiving feedback on my book We Are the Origin, but I feel like it's something that's not discussed enough. The common advice is to get feedback and take it like a champ, but I want to actually discuss what that really means. Because, regardless of what anyone says, feelings will always be involved when you offer up your creative work for critique. - Website: https://CMLockha...
May 18, 2022•27 min
As indie authors, we wear many hats: author, social media manager, pr team, financial advisor, etc. And in the scheme of keeping our head above water, we sometimes forget to do the most crucial aspect of all of this -- to write. So, this episode is your reminder to actually get the words out and I'll share a few ideas for making time to write that have worked for me. - Website: https://CMLockhart.com Purchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/KihME OR https://amzn.to/35hVsAm Support Chelse...
May 11, 2022•25 min
As I've been sharing with you guys I very much feel like I'm in a new season of growth, both as an author and as a person. And one of the things I've been sitting with this past week is releasing myself of the expectations I put on myself as an author. And doing that has been giving me so much more peace of mind and made me more productive. Chelsea's Corner starts at 19:42 **So, I lied about the Discord server 😅 I did make one, but I decided it would be best not to give myself another task to m...
May 04, 2022•30 min
Hello and welcome to everyone listening to the Written in Melanin Podcast, the place where you come to get your weekly dose of melanated creativity. I am your host C. M. Lockhart, an author of fantasy books featuring Black girls who aren't all that nice and the owner of the Melanin Library, an online database of books written by Black authors. And in this space, I offer you full transparency on my journey as a Black and indie author. I'm glad you're here. Now, let's answer the big question right...
May 03, 2022•2 min
Welcome to Episode #16 of the Written in Melanin Podcast. I don't know who needs to hear this today, but I'm definitely going to say this for myself -- believe in yourself. This creative journey is not an easy one, but it's one worth being on, so keep going. Say something positive: http://www.writteninmelanin.com/episode-16 Purchase We Are the Origin: https://payhip.com/b/KihME OR https://amzn.to/35hVsAm Support Chelsea on Ko-fi: https://Ko-fi.com/CMLockhart Check out the Melanin Library for boo...
Apr 27, 2022•23 min
Last week was a really rough one for me. If you listened to episode 14 of the podcast, then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. But as the saying goes, "weeping only endures for a night." And I'm feeling much more refreshed than I had before. So, with new decisions on the horizon and previous disappointments behind me, I'm feeling hopeful for what's to come. And in this episode I want to talk about that -- all of it: how I'm healing, giving myself space and time to process, projects I'm ...
Apr 20, 2022•24 min
Welcome to Episode #14 of the Written in Melanin Podcast. So, I'll be honest -- it's been a rough week for me. I didn't even really feel like recording this episode because I wasn't sure if I wanted to be *this* transparent about my personal struggles, but I started this podcast to share my thoughts and opinions and I don't want to hide from them just because they aren't always bubbly. So, here I am. Allow me to be human and talk about this. I don't know if I'll keep this episode up or not. We'l...
Apr 13, 2022•19 min
Welcome to Episode #12 of the Written in Melanin Podcast. One of the most common things creatives are told, in any medium, is to consume the type of content you're trying to create. If you want to make movies, watch them. If you want to paint, look at paintings. If you want to write, read. Today, I'm here to add to tweak that a bit: if you want to create anything, consume everything. And I mean everything -- because knowing how other creators create will help you be a better one. Especially if t...
Mar 30, 2022•22 min
Beta reading is one of the most essential parts of being and/or supporting an indie author. This is the first set of eyes on the story outside of any close confidants and it's where the story starts to get its real makeover -- where you present it to others and ask them, "How do I make this better?" It's nerve wracking, but necessary. And as authors, not only do we ask others to read our works, we also read the stories of friends and colleagues. So, that's why today, I'm giving you my take on wh...
Mar 23, 2022•31 min
Welcome to Episode #10 of the Written in Melanin Podcast. In the last episode of the podcast I talked about marketing yourself as an indie author while being an introvert. This episode, I'm sharing the things I've learned about how to make Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram (ugh) work in your favor. As always, I offer my advice with a grain of salt and remind you guys that this is my unique experience with the platforms. But, I'm here to share what I know and if it can help you at all or ease the st...
Mar 09, 2022•30 min
Welcome to Episode #9 of the Written in Melanin Podcast. I'm an introvert. It's something I've known about myself for a long time. I know how to be social, but given the choice, I would much rather prefer to be at home with a book or a good anime to binge, spending my time not being perceived by anyone else. That being said, my personality doesn't negate the necessity of putting myself out there -- of making my name known and letting people know who I am, what I do, and why they should be suppor...
Mar 02, 2022•26 min
Welcome to Episode #8 of the Written in Melanin Podcast. I had this whole idea planned of talking to you about things that Indie authors should quit, and I recorded about 10 versions of that episode before I realized that wasn’t the episode I wanted to put out this week. So, instead, I'm here being honest with you -- no script -- about me and what is going on in my life. If that doesn't interest you, no worries. Next week we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming (probably lol), but i...
Feb 23, 2022•15 min
One of the things that I've always been hesitant to do in the past is offer a negative opinion on a book written by a Black author. Because my platform is all about uplifting Black authors, I felt guilty if I ever wanted to give an author anything less than a glowing review because I know the obstacles they face are enough to deal with without feeling like other Black creators are trying to tear you down. But, that's not healthy. Black creators should be able to critique the work of other Black ...
Feb 16, 2022•16 min
Welcome to Episode #6 of the Written in Melanin Podcast. On this podcast, I've been doing my best to be as honest and candid with you guys as possible. That being said, in a previous episode when I discussed Paying for Creative Content, I left out a really big part of the discussion because I felt uncomfortable discussing it, and that's monetizing your content as a creator. It's one of the things I'm personally insecure about as a creator, but today I'm clearing all the air on the matter. I mean...
Feb 09, 2022•24 min
Welcome to Episode #5 of the Written in Melanin Podcast. I've been doing some thinking and planning and the format of the podcast is going to be shifting a bit. There's only going to be one episode a week on Wednesdays. I thought I could do it all you guys, and while I can, I recognize that I really shouldn't. So, I'm giving you guys my thoughts on what it means to carry all the weight of being an indie author, and updates on my current book, We Are the Origin -- preorder available now! Charlott...
Feb 03, 2022•16 min
Chelsea's Corner is the segment of the podcast where I give you guys a peek into my world of writing and share my writing journey -- the success, the struggles, the setbacks and the triumphs, I'm here to share it all with you guys. So my biggest struggle this week was time management. Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin or visiting her website at https://WrittenInMelanin.com Check out the Melanin Library for books by Black authors a...
Jan 28, 2022•9 min
As an author, I'm always hesitant to say anything along the lines of "this is how this should be done" when it comes to writing. However, as an avid reader, reviewer, and occasional editor, there are some things I've noticed about good storytelling. And one of the biggest things I've noticed is that there is a difference between a complex story and a complicated one. Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/WrittenInMelanin or visiting her website at htt...
Jan 26, 2022•10 min
As a content creator, I sometimes feel like discussing monetary support in exchange for creative content is like addressing an elephant in a room -- uncomfortable at best. But, despite that, I think it's important to have the conversation. So, let's talk about it. Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/CMLockhart or visiting her website at https://WrittenInMelanin.com Check out the Melanin Library for books by Black authors at https://MelaninLibrary.co...
Jan 19, 2022•15 min
Chelsea's Corner is the segment of the podcast where I give you guys a peek into my world of writing and share my writing journey -- the successes, the struggles, the setbacks and the triumphs, I'm here to share it all with you guys. And my biggest struggle this week was keeping myself focused. Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/CMLockhart or visiting her website at https://WrittenInMelanin.com Check out the Melanin Library for books by Black autho...
Jan 14, 2022•12 min
One of the hardest things to learn sometimes, is that not everyone is going to support you. But, this isn't a discussion about haters or dealing with trolls and criticism. It's about learning to manage the neutral energy you receive from people -- those who wish you no harm, but aren't there to help either. There's nothing wrong with that, everyone has their own path to walk. And this discussion is about realizing it's okay to walk your own path too, even if you're walking alone. Support C. M. L...
Jan 12, 2022•17 min
The Kindred is a Young Adult, sci-fi romance novel that I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of. It follows the story of Joy and Felix, who were mentally linked together at birth, as they escape to Earth after Felix is accused of assassinating the members of the royal family. I don't rate books in the traditional sense because one book that wasn't for me might be exactly what you're looking for. That being said, I enjoyed every aspect of this book and would recommend any lover of romance in sp...
Jan 10, 2022•14 min
Chelsea's Corner is the segment of the podcast where I give you guys a peek into my world of writing and share my writing journey -- the success, the struggles, the setbacks and the triumphs, I'm here to share it all with you guys. And this week, I'm sharing my struggles with my outline. Support C. M. Lockhart and her books by joining her Patreon at https://Patreon.com/CMLockhart or visiting her website at https://WrittenInMelanin.com Check out the Melanin Library for books by Black authors at h...
Jan 07, 2022•9 min
