Written In Melanin C. M. Lockhart

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





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Brianna Peppins Book

Briarcliff Prep | https://melaninlibrary.com/books/5381



Brianna Peppins Website | https://linktr.ee/BriannaPeppins



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Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/

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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

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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

#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

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Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/

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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

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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

#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
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Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/
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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
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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

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

00:00 Welcome to the Written In Melanin Podcast
00:22 The Journey of 'The Poisons We Drink' with Bethany Baptiste
00:33 Navigating the Challenges of Traditional Publishing
02:16 Bethany's Publication Rollercoaster: Delays, Misprints, and Tours
12:17 The Emotional Toll of Publishing Setbacks
23:07 The Culture of Silence in Traditional Publishing
40:02 Personal Reflections and the Future of Publishing
46:29 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Us

Bethany's Book
https://melaninlibrary.com/books/8112

Bethany's Website
https://www.bethanybaptiste.com/
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Merch: https://shop.melaninlibrary.com/
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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

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/



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⁠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

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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!

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/

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

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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
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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!