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Afronauts Podcast

Afronauts Podcast

By Afronauts Podcast

A podcast to promote Black speculative fiction.

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The Hero's Journey: Kiah Danielle Norris

Afronauts PodcastFeb 21, 2022

00:00
43:45
Kamilah Cole: Secret Publishing Goals, A Lot of Crying, and Plantains

Kamilah Cole: Secret Publishing Goals, A Lot of Crying, and Plantains

Hey Afronauts! Our guest today is Indie-bestselling author Kamilah Cole. We had such a fun conversation, discussing everything from an alarmingly strict writing routine as a child, to the metadata she researches for her day job and writing, to plantains.


Thee Afronauts Black Writers Social is January 31, 2024. Kamilah Cole is the inaugral guest of honor, and will be do a reading of SO LET THEM BURN. Also, we'll be giving away a signed copy! If you're a Black writer, DM us (@theeafronauts) on social for an invite link. Our discord community is up and running! DM us for that link as well.


Kamilah Cole is an Indie-bestselling, Jamaican-born, American-raised author. By day she works in publishing and by night she frantically types words she hopes people want to read. In the past, she’s also worked as a journalist and at a hotel, two jobs that give you amazing stories to tell at parties. You know, if she went to parties.

A graduate of New York University, Kamilah is currently based in the Tri-State Area, where she’s usually playing Kingdom Hearts for the hundredth time, quoting early Spongebob Squarepants episodes, or crying her way through Zuko’s redemption arc in Avatar: The Last Airbender.



Jan 29, 202435:06
Self-Advocacy: Pushing Deadlines, Community Support, and an Announcement

Self-Advocacy: Pushing Deadlines, Community Support, and an Announcement

In today's pre-chat, Thee Afronauts have some big announcements! We're opening a discord community for Black writers, starting a newsletter, and having our first-ever social! More info below if you're interested.

The meat of today's episode is about self-advocacy. We gave some examples of when we had to advocate for ourselves, discussed turning down opportunities (not easy!), and discussed the importance of community support.

This is the last Afronauts Podcast episode til this fall, but we're focusing on other exciting projects:

  • Thee Afronauts Black Writers Social is an 18+ virtual event for Black writers. Attendees must email us at theeafronauts@gmail.com for an invite link.
  • Follow Thee Afronauts on substack! Our first newsletter will be published later this month.
  • Join our Discord community! This is a space for and by Black writers, period. Email us at theeafronauts@gmail.com for a link.


Jan 15, 202401:01:47
2024 Debuts Part 2: Edits, Marketing, and Protecting Your Energy

2024 Debuts Part 2: Edits, Marketing, and Protecting Your Energy

This is a fun one! Join us for a round table conversation with four 2024 debut authors: Sami Ellis, Ashton Lattimore, Avione Lee, and Rae Giana Rashad. We get into some honest discussion of the highs and lows of debut year, marketing plans, and protecting the integrity of your story through edits.


Support their books here:

DEAD GIRLS WALKING by Sami Ellis: https://store.abramsbooks.com/products/dead-girls-walking


ALL WE WERE PROMISED by Ashton Lattimore: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722988/all-we-were-promised-by-ashton-lattimore/


MIN AND THE PERILOUS PIPE by Avione Lee: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76536323-min-and-the-perilous-pipe


THE BLUEPRINT by Rae Giana Rashad: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-blueprint-rae-giana-rashad?variant=41059561472034

Dec 11, 202301:06:11
Kwame Mbalia: Writing, Publishing, and Making More Pie

Kwame Mbalia: Writing, Publishing, and Making More Pie

Catch up with us in our pre chat, then listen as we talk to Kwame Mbalia about writing, publishing, and Freedom Fire Books, an imprint of Disney-Hyperion that will feature stories of black joy and resilience written by black creators.


Kwame is a husband, father, writer, a New York Times bestselling author, a former pharmaceutical metrologist, and a publisher with Freedom Fire Books, an imprint of Disney-Hyperion.


His debut middle-grade novel, TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY was awarded a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, and it—along with the sequels TRISTAN STRONG DESTROYS THE WORLD and TRISTAN STRONG KEEPS PUNCHING—is published by Rick Riordan Presents/Disney-Hyperion.


He is the co-author of LAST GATE OF THE EMPEROR with Prince Joel Makonnen, from Scholastic Books, and the editor of the #1 New York Times bestselling anthology BLACK BOY JOY, published by Delacorte Press. A Howard University graduate and a Midwesterner now in North Carolina, he survives on Dad jokes and Cheez-Its. 


Learn more about Kwame at https://www.kwamembalia.com/.


Follow him on social media @KSekouM on X (formally Twitter) and @mbalia1 on Instagram.

Nov 27, 202346:12
Samantha Fabien: Agent/Author relationships, Professional Taste, and Career Aspirations

Samantha Fabien: Agent/Author relationships, Professional Taste, and Career Aspirations

We had a wonderful chat with Root Literary's Samantha Fabien about her personal agent taste, how she sets her client's submissions up for success, and her personal agent career goals.


Learn more about Samantha at https://www.rootliterary.com/agents

Nov 13, 202347:57
Sheree Renée Thomas: The Short Fiction Industry, Hoodoo, and working with Janelle Monáe

Sheree Renée Thomas: The Short Fiction Industry, Hoodoo, and working with Janelle Monáe

Our esteemed guest, Sheree Renée Thomas, was kind enough to visit us and drop some knowledge. More info on her below!


Sheree is a New York Times bestselling, two-time World Fantasy Award-winning author and editor. A 2023 Octavia E. Butler Award honoree and a 2022 Hugo Award Finalist, she is the author of Nine Bar Blues: Stories from an Ancient Future, a Locus, Ignyte, and World Fantasy Finalist, Marvel’s Black Panther: Panther’s Rage novel, and she collaborated with Janelle Monáe on “Timebox Altar(ed)” in The Memory Librarian and Other Stories of Dirty Computer. Sheree co-edited Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction and is an NAACP Image Award Nominee and Editor of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Sheree lives in her hometown, Memphis, Tennessee, near a mighty river and a pyramid.


Support F&SF:

https://fandsf.com/


Find Sheree ONLINE:

https://www.instagram.com/shereereneethomas/

https://www.shereereneethomas.com/

https://twitter.com/blackpotmojo 


Leslye Penelope's podcast 'My Imaginary Friends':

https://lpenelope.com/podcast/

Oct 23, 202301:01:60
All About Anthologies with Shari Pennant and Sami Ellis

All About Anthologies with Shari Pennant and Sami Ellis

Join us as we chat with our guests, Jamaican-American fiction author Shari Pennant and queer horror writer Sami Ellis, all about Anthologies!


Shari's work can be found in the multi-genre YA anthology COOL. AWKWARD. BLACK. You can find Shari on her website at https://www.sharipennant.com/, on Instagram @sharibpennant, or Twitter @ShariWrites.


Sami will be included in the upcoming Black horror anthology ALL THESE SUNKEN SOULS, out this fall. Find Sami at https://www.authorsamiellis.com/, on Instagram @authorsamiellis, or on Twitter @themoosef.



Oct 12, 202331:12
2024 Debuts (pt. 1): Marketing, Mental Health, and Managing Expectations

2024 Debuts (pt. 1): Marketing, Mental Health, and Managing Expectations

Join us for a real talk chat with two of next year's debut authors!


Avery Cunningham is the author of THE MAYOR OF MAXWELL STREET, a riveting historical drama in which a rich Black debutante enlists the help of a low-level speakeasy manager to identify the head of an underground crime syndicate. Preorder here: https://books.disney.com/book/the-mayor-of-maxwell-street/

Etta Easton is the author of THE KISS COUNTDOWN, a fake dating rom-com featuring a down-on-her-luck event planner and a charming astronaut. Preorder here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735486/the-kiss-countdown-by-etta-easton/


Sep 25, 202301:21:26
Jamison Shea: Debut Horror Author, Monster Lover, Milk Tea Aficionado

Jamison Shea: Debut Horror Author, Monster Lover, Milk Tea Aficionado

In our pre-chat, we let you know which books we're reading (bring on the scary vibes!), and catch you up on what else we've been up to.

After that, we chat with our guest: debut horror author, Jamison Shea.

Jamison was once a flautist, violist, anthropologist, linguist, choreographer, dancer, professional fire alarm puller, digital producer, and account executive–but they’ve always been a writer. When Jamison isn’t writing horror, they’re drinking milk tea and searching for long-forgotten gods in eerie places. Their YA debut, I FEED HER TO THE BEAST AND THE BEAST IS ME, is out now! Join us as we discuss Jamison's journey to publication, what it's been like promoting their debut, and how real life horrors inspired some elements of I FEED HER TO THE BEAST AND THE BEAST IS ME.

Jamison can be found on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Tumblr @wickedjamison or on their website at https://jamisonshea.com/.

Sep 11, 202349:26
J. Elle: House of Marionne, Mentoring, and Eager Fans

J. Elle: House of Marionne, Mentoring, and Eager Fans

In our pre-chat (we're still getting the hang of this), we discuss what we've been up to this summer and what we're excited about for the upcoming week. Spoiler: BEYONCÉ.


Our guest was NYT bestselling author J. Elle, a longtime friend of the pod. We discussed her upcoming dark academia romantasy HOUSE OF MARIONNE, along with many other bookery things.


More info on J. Elle:


J. Elle is the New York Times, Indie bestselling and award-winning author of multiple books, including Against The Tide, an original prequel novel tie-in to The Little Mermaid. Her debut, Wings of Ebony, dubbed “an incredible debut” by NPR and best fantasy book by POPSUGAR, was a 2022 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth and Teens, an Amazon Editor’s pick for Best Science Fiction and Fantasy, a Barnes and Noble YA Book Club Pick, a First Novelist American Library Association Honor Book and the recipient of a Kirkus starred review. Her forthcoming blockbuster fantasy romance trilogy, House of Marionne is being translated into ten languages across 5 continents. The former educator credits her nomadic lifestyle and humble inner-city beginnings as inspiration for her novels. When she’s not writing, Elle can be found on the hunt for desserts without chocolate, looking for any excuse to get dressed up, and road-tripping her way across the country with her two dogs in tow.


J. Elle is @authorjelle on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.


Aug 28, 202339:14
Spring Pick: Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker

Spring Pick: Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker

In our first-ever seasonal pick: BLOOD DEBTS by Terry J. Benton-Walker is our spring pick! In this episode, we have a deep-dive conversation about this magical book with the author, with both non-spoiler and spoiler sections (there is a spoiler warning!). We talked about:






BLOOD DEBTS, a magical YA contemporary fantasy is out now!


Terry's next book, an apocalyptic middle-grade contemporary fantasy, Alex Wise vs the End of the World, comes out in Fall 2023.

Want more Terry? Here's how to find him:

  • Website: www.tjbentonwalker.com
  • Instagram: @icecreamvicelord
  • Twitter: @tjbentonwalker
  • TikTok: @tjbentonwalker
Apr 04, 202328:09
Jill Got a Book Deal!

Jill Got a Book Deal!

Join us as we celebrate Jill's book deal for her YA Dystopian Romance, THE DIVIDING SKY, out with Joy Revolution next Summer!

Add THE DIVIDING SKY on Goodreads!   

Stay tuned for more info on the Afronauts Podcast's first hosted panel with WriteHive this summer! 

Find The Afronauts Podcast online:

  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/AfronautsPod
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afronautspod/
  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@afronautspod?lang=en
  • Website: https://www.afronautspod.com
  • Afronauts Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/afronautspod
Mar 06, 202328:23
Pre-Writing: Vibes, Worldbuilding, and Character Arcs
Feb 20, 202338:55
Short Fiction with Award-Winning SF/F Writer and Editor L.D. Lewis

Short Fiction with Award-Winning SF/F Writer and Editor L.D. Lewis

In this episode, we discuss short fiction, publishing, defining success, FIYAH Literary Magazine, and more with award-winning SF/F writer and editor L.D. Lewis. 


Find her online!

Twitter: @ellethevillain

Website: https://ldlewiswrites.com/2021/11/27/ls-discon-iii-schedule/ 


Support her on Patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=16703627

Feb 06, 202339:02
The Hero's Journey with Terry J. Benton-Walker: Outlining Series, Perseverance, and Building Community as a Black Author

The Hero's Journey with Terry J. Benton-Walker: Outlining Series, Perseverance, and Building Community as a Black Author

Meet our next hero: Terry J. Benton-Walker

Terry is the author of Blood Debts, a magical YA contemporary fantasy which will be available in April 2023. His apocalyptic middle-grade contemporary fantasy, Alex Wise vs the End of the World, comes out in Fall 2023.

Join us as we discuss Terry's upcoming novels, outlining series, social media, perseverance, and building community as a black author.

Want more Terry? Here's how to find him:

  • Website: www.tjbentonwalker.com
  • Instagram: @icecreamvicelord
  • Twitter: @tjbentonwalker
Jan 23, 202335:41
Writing for Audio with Diana M. Pho
Jan 09, 202343:40
Building Community with the Voodoonauts

Building Community with the Voodoonauts

Voodoonauts is a grassroots Afrofuturist collective for Black SFF writers. Founded by two MFA students, Yvette Lisa Ndlovu and Shingai Njeri Kagunda, and the cocoa-founders, Hugh “H.D.” Hunter and LP Kindred, in response to the under-representation and isolation of Black speculative fiction writers in the SFF landscape.

Follow them on social media:
@voodoonauts on Twitter and Instagram // voodoonauts.com

Yvette: @Lisa_teabag on Twitter and Instagram
Shingai: Twitter - @Shingaibelike // Instagram - @shingai_be_like
Hugh: @hd_tsd on Twitter and Instagram
LP: @LPKindred on Twitter and Instagram

Pre-Order Drinking from Graveyard Wells: https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813196978/drinking-from-graveyard-wells/

And This is How to Stay Alive: https://www.fantasy-magazine.com/fm/fiction/and-this-is-how-to-stay-alive/

Futureland: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691135/futureland-battle-for-the-park-by-hd-hunter-illustrated-by-khadijah-khatib/

Dec 19, 202201:08:13
The Hero's Journey with Britt Threatt: Writing Inclusively, Balancing Faith and Fiction, and Making the Choice to Self-Publish

The Hero's Journey with Britt Threatt: Writing Inclusively, Balancing Faith and Fiction, and Making the Choice to Self-Publish

Meet today's Hero: Britt Threatt

Britt Threatt is a fantasy and speculative fiction writer committed to penning stories that explore the capacity and aliveness of Black youth. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Africana Studies, which informs much of her creative writing around themes of social life and death, intimacy, belonging, and trauma. Britt has a YouTube channel called Britt Writerly, which curates conversations about the relationship between books and culture, and showcases original content. As a Black writer, she is dedicated both to the craft of storytelling and the necessary conversations strong narratives incite.

Want more Britt? Find her here:

  • Instagram: @BrittWriterly
  • Twitter: @True_Michelle_
  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrittWriterly/
Dec 05, 202245:11
The Hero's Journey with Daniel Renjenko: Afrofuturism, Empowering Black Readers, and Finding Your Support

The Hero's Journey with Daniel Renjenko: Afrofuturism, Empowering Black Readers, and Finding Your Support

Meet our next hero: Daniel Renjenko

Daniel is a previously agented writer focused on crafting Black main-characters only, and Black-trauma-conscious stories of Afrofuturism and Afrofantasy with some steamy romance weaved in. His main goal is always to empower Black readers, while his personal mission is to change the normalized use of negative black connotations into positivity.

Join us as we discuss Daniel's writing and inspiration, his take on Afrofuturism, parting from his agent, and finding support moving forward.

You can find Daniel Renjenko on @drenjenko. 

Nov 21, 202222:19
Revisions: Killing Our Darlings, Incorporating Feedback, and Our Favorite Resources
Nov 09, 202249:09
The Hero's Journey with Tracy Deonn: Legendborn & Bloodmarked, Research Consultants, and Fan Fiction

The Hero's Journey with Tracy Deonn: Legendborn & Bloodmarked, Research Consultants, and Fan Fiction

Meet our next hero: Tracy Deonn

Tracy Deonn is the New York Times bestselling, Coretta Scott King–John Steptoe Award-winning author of Legendborn, and a second-generation fangirl. She grew up in central North Carolina, where she devoured fantasy books and Southern food in equal measure. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication and performance studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Tracy worked in live theater, video game production, and K–12 education. When she’s not writing, Tracy speaks on panels at science fiction and fantasy conventions, reads fanfic, arranges puppy playdates, and keeps an eye out for ginger-flavored everything.

Join us as we discuss Tracy's novels, the interconnection between grief and trauma, the Vampire Diaries, and Tracy's fanfic tastes!

Want more Tracy Deonn? Here's how to find her:

  • Website: TracyDeonn.com
  • Instagram: @TracyDeonn
  • Twitter: @TracyDeonn
Oct 17, 202259:43
The Hero's Journey with Nick Brooks: Novel Writing, Film, Music, and Navigating these Industries as a Black Creator.
Oct 03, 202239:42
Self-Publishing with Sierra Elmore: Book Covers, Kickstarter, and TikTok

Self-Publishing with Sierra Elmore: Book Covers, Kickstarter, and TikTok

With our first-ever guest co-host, Sierra Elmore, we discuss all things self-publishing. We talked about everything from working with book cover designers, to how you can see your book sales, to getting your books into indie stores!

Sierra writes YA contemporary and thriller novels. Her debut novel, DEATH BY SOCIETY, is out now (links below!).

You can find Sierra Elmore on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @SierraWritesYA, and you can visit her website at https://sierraelmore.com/.


Links to DEATH BY SOCIETY:

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/books/death-by-society/9798218019471

Indiebound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9798218019471

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-by-society-sierra-elmore/1141515077?ean=2940185571903


Sources mentioned:


Sep 19, 202234:60
The Hero's Journey with Karen Strong: Eden's Everdark, Anthologies, and Social Media for Authors

The Hero's Journey with Karen Strong: Eden's Everdark, Anthologies, and Social Media for Authors

Meet our next hero: Karen Strong

Karen is the author of middle grade novels JUST SOUTH OF HOME and EDEN’S EVERDARK. She is the editor of the forthcoming young adult anthology COOL. AWKWARD. BLACK. And she has also written short fiction for Star Wars and other award-winning anthologies.

Join us as we discuss Karen's latest novel, Eden's Everdark (out September 6th!), anthologies, and finding balance in your writing life and with social media.

You can find Karen Strong on Twitter and Instagram @KarenMusings, and you can visit her website at https://www.karen-strong.com. 

Sep 05, 202229:48
The Naut-y Awards!

The Naut-y Awards!

In this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we introduce The Naut-y Awards! The Naut-ys aren’t really an award show, there’s no single winner, just a chance to gush about our favorites in a handful of categories.


Books/Short Stories/Novellas mentioned in this episode:

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthron

Blook Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow

Imago by Octavia E. Butler

My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due

War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi

The Necromancer by N.K. Jemisin

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

Muted by Tami Charles

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

The Mothers by Britt Bennett

Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark

Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow

Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark's 



Check out our website at http://afronautspodcast.com/ for episodes, resources, and more!

Show us a little love today by buying the crew some coffee! https://ko-fi.com/afronautspod

Jun 19, 202225:02
Dark Matter: Writing Fight Scenes and Movement

Dark Matter: Writing Fight Scenes and Movement

In this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss writing fight scenes and other types of movement. 

Resources/books mentioned in this episode:

  • Essa Hansen thread: https://twitter.com/essahansen/status/1525525321557999616, 
  • Body Beats to Build On by April W Gardner, 
  • Nia Davenport’s THE BLOOD TRIALS, 
  • Namina Forma’s THE GILDED ONES and THE MERCILESS ONES, 
  • A.M. Ellis’s PERFECT SCORE, 
  • Pierce Brown’s RED RISING, 
  • Leigh Bardugo’s SIEGE AND STORM

Check out our website at http://afronautspodcast.com/ for episodes, resources, and more!

Show us a little love today by buying the crew some coffee! https://ko-fi.com/afronautspod

Jun 06, 202234:55
The Hero’s Journey with Liselle Sambury: Blood Like Magic, Blood Like Fate, and Writing a Sequel

The Hero’s Journey with Liselle Sambury: Blood Like Magic, Blood Like Fate, and Writing a Sequel

Meet our next hero: Liselle Sambury

Liselle is a Trinidadian-Canadian YA fantasy author. In her free time, she shares helpful tips for upcoming writers and details of her publishing journey through her YouTube channel. She is the author of Blood Like Magic, and its sequel Blood Like Fate, out August 9th. 

Join us as we discuss Liselle's debut, food, family, worldbuilding, and what we can expect in the sequel. 

You can find Liselle Sambury on Twitter @LiselleSambury, on Instagram @lisellesambury. 

Check out her YouTube channel and visit her website at https://lisellesambury.ca/. 

May 30, 202234:32
Dark Matter: Research, Research, Research

Dark Matter: Research, Research, Research

In this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss: how accurate we want our stories to be, researching before drafting, using our own family history, and tips for keeping track of research.


Resources mentioned in this episode: 

  • https://www.archives.gov/research/census/online-resources
  • https://www.wordhippo.com/
  • https://keep.google.com/u/0/
  • https://www.notion.so/
  • https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener/overview


Check out our website at http://afronautspodcast.com/ for episodes, resources, and more!

Show us a little love today by buying the crew some coffee! https://ko-fi.com/afronautspod

May 09, 202239:43
The Hero's Journey: Nia Davenport

The Hero's Journey: Nia Davenport

Meet our next hero: Nia Davenport

Nia is the author of The Blood Gift duology, which starts with The Blood Trials (out now!). She’s an English and Biology teacher and a strong advocate for diverse perspectives and protagonists in literature. Recently, along with co-founder Traci-Anne Canada, she launched StorySpinner Entertainment, a book packager dedicated to amplifying the voices of the Black Diaspora.

Join us as we discuss Nia's writing process, her dream projects, her new book packaging company for marginalized authors, and her strong opinions on peach cobbler and gumbo. 

You can find Nia Davenport on Twitter @Nia_Davenport and on Instagram @nia.davenport.

Visit her website at https://www.nedavenport.com/.

Apr 06, 202226:35
Dark Matter: Black Villains and Antagonists

Dark Matter: Black Villains and Antagonists

On this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss:

Our favorite black villains and antagonists, our least favorite, what makes a great villain/antagonist, and more! 

Black Books mentioned in this episode:

  • Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. Morrow
  • Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Check out our website at http://afronautspodcast.com/ for episodes, resources, and more!

Show us a little love today by buying the crew some coffee! https://ko-fi.com/afronautspod

Mar 14, 202245:52
The Hero's Journey: Brittney Morris

The Hero's Journey: Brittney Morris

Meet our next hero: Brittney Morris

Brittney is the author of SLAY, The Cost of Knowing, Spider-Man: Miles Morales - Wings of Fury, and she’s also written for various video games. Most recently, she joined the team at Insomniac Games to write for the upcoming Spider-Man PS5 game.

Join us as we discuss Brittney's experience writing novels AND video games, her advice to younger authors, and a new MG series. 

You can find Brittney Morris on Twitter @BrittneyMMorris and on Instagram @brittneymmorris. 

Visit her website at https://www.authorbrittneymorris.com/. 

Mar 07, 202230:04
Dark Matter: Mentorships for Black Authors

Dark Matter: Mentorships for Black Authors

On this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss:

Picking the best mentorship for you, what to watch out for, our ideal mentorship programs, what to do if you don't get in, and more! 

Some mentorship programs mentioned in this episode:

  • We Need Diverse Books - Black Creatives Mentorship - https://diversebooks.org/programs/black-creatives-mentorship/
  • Author Mentor Match - https://authormentormatch.com/
  • Pitch Wars (Episode recorded prior to the announcement of the program's end. For more info, visit https://pitchwars.org/the-future-of-pitch-wars-and-pitmad/) 
  • Ancestral Futures Mentorship for BIPOC storytellers - https://ancestralfuturesorg.wordpress.com/
  • Write Team Mentorship Program - https://www.writeteammentors.com/
  • Be Your Own Mentor - https://byomentor.com/

Check out our website at http://afronautspodcast.com/ for episodes, resources, and more!

Show us a little love today by buying the crew some coffee! https://ko-fi.com/afronautspod

Feb 28, 202231:19
The Hero's Journey: Kiah Danielle Norris
Feb 21, 202243:45
Dark Matter: Black Love in SFF

Dark Matter: Black Love in SFF

Happy Valentine's Day!

On this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss:

Black romance, black familial love, and black self love in speculative fiction 

Black books mentioned in this episode:

  • Daughters of Jubilation by Kara Lee Corthron, 
  • Legendborn by Tracy Deonn, 
  • Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen, 
  • A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A Brown, 
  • Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, 
  • Wings of Ebony by J. Elle, 
  • A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow, 
  • Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury 

Check out our website at http://afronautspodcast.com/ for episodes, resources, and more! 

Show us a little love today by buying the crew some coffee! https://ko-fi.com/afronautspod

Feb 14, 202239:47
The Hero's Journey: Sheena Williams

The Hero's Journey: Sheena Williams

Meet our next hero: Sheena Williams

Sheena is a YA science fiction writer and artist. She is a winner of the Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware award for Commentary and 2020 Honorable Mention for the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. 

Join us as we discuss Sheena's querying experience as a marginalized writer, how her background in psychology informs her writing, her book, THE OUTLIER, and more!

You can find Sheena Williams on Instagram @she.will.thrive and Twitter @she_will_thrive

Check out her website at www.shewillart.com.

Feb 07, 202244:40
Dark Matter: #NaNegroWriMo, Self Care, & 2022 Writing Goals

Dark Matter: #NaNegroWriMo, Self Care, & 2022 Writing Goals

Thanks for joining us for Season 2: Dark Matter!

On this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss:

  • #NaNegroWriMo,
  • Our Winter Writing,
  • Self Care,
  • And our 2022 Writing Goals/Resolutions 

Be sure to check out our NEW WEBSITE at http://afronautspodcast.com/.

For more information on the horror anthology Death in the Mouth, visit https://deathinthemouth.com/. 

Find out more about Black Ink Book Festival at https://www.blackinkcharleston.org/. 

Additional Resource Links:

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/imade-borha-how-to-find-black-therapist/

https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com

https://www.beam.community 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/spoon-theory-chronic-illness/

Jan 31, 202245:48
Genesis: The Call and Navigating the Industry

Genesis: The Call and Navigating the Industry

On this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss:

  • The Call - when an agent calls to offer representation
  • Navigating the Industry 

Feel free to use our template for questions to ask during "The Call" - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zFO9_pMuQs01j9fNTbNJ8JJRQ0-fp1K1Ri0aEru5Pvw/edit. 

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Nov 08, 202150:13
The Hero's Journey: Mike Lee

The Hero's Journey: Mike Lee

Meet our next hero: Mike Lee

Mike is a sci-fi, cyberpunk and fantasy writer who also does developmental and copy editing.

Join us as we discuss:

Mike's publishing journey so far, his experience working with critique partners, his favorite thing about editing, and more!

You can find Mike on:

Twitter - @mikewrites5, Instagram - @mikewrites, or his website at mikeleewrites.com

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Nov 01, 202141:05
Genesis: Twitter Pitch Contests, Hard and Soft Sci-Fi & World Building

Genesis: Twitter Pitch Contests, Hard and Soft Sci-Fi & World Building

On this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss:

  • Twitter Pitch Contests  
  • Hard and Soft Sci-Fi &  
  • World Building 

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Oct 24, 202141:58
The Hero's Journey: Tony Debajo

The Hero's Journey: Tony Debajo

Meet our next hero: Tony Debajo

Tony is a civil engineer, digital marketer, and the author of In The Shadow of Ruin which is book one in his The Fractured Kingdom series.

Join us as we discuss:

Tony's novel, his self-publishing journey, tips for writers interested in self-publishing, and more!

You can find Tony Debajo on:

Instagram @de_bajo_author, Twitter @tdebajo

Check out his website and order your copy of In The Shadow of Ruin at https://de-bajo.com/books/.

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Oct 11, 202137:10
The Hero's Journey: Britney S. Lewis

The Hero's Journey: Britney S. Lewis

Meet our next hero: Britney S. Lewis

Britney writes YA contemporary and speculative fiction, does competitive West Coast swing dancing, and is documenting her traditional publishing journey on YouTube. Her YA debut, The Undead Truth of Us, will be available Summer 2022.

Join us as we discuss:

Britney's querying tips, imposture syndrome, her long-term writing goals, the part of the publishing journey that's brought her the most joy so far, and more!

You can find Britney S. Lewis on:

Instagram @britney.s.lewis, Twitter @britneyslewis, & TikTok @britneyslewis

Check out her website at https://www.britneyslewis.com/. 

Follow her on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/user/Britney3Kisses. 

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Oct 04, 202138:55
The Hero's Journey: Eve Williams

The Hero's Journey: Eve Williams

Meet our next hero: Eve Williams

Eve has been telling stories since she was 8 years old. She got serious about writing in her late teens and in college studied creative writing and English. She is working on her first fantasy novel and is currently in the beta reader stage. Eve is going to start her querying journey this year with hopes to be published within the next two years.

Join us as we discuss:

Eve's ideal critique partner, her favorite genre, what made her start writing, and more! 

You can find Eve Williams on:

Instagram @Writer.eve & Twitter @WriterEve

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Sep 20, 202143:39
Genesis: Burnout

Genesis: Burnout

On this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll be talking all about experiencing burnout as writers: when we get it, why we get it, how to spot it, and what we can do about it.  

View the episode transcript at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IvM4gWOiboCoOkchrRMohCLTHK5Dr6P99uE7H2Cq-yo/edit?usp=sharing

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Sep 13, 202145:22
The Hero's Journey: Larissa Irankunda

The Hero's Journey: Larissa Irankunda

Meet our next hero: Larissa Irankunda

She’s an East African Sci-fi and fantasy writer, an alumnus of the 2018 THREAD at Yale program, and serves as the Executive Producer of the QuirkChat app, a video social network for anime and geek fandom commentary!

Join us as we discuss:

Larissa's biggest writing challenges, the author she'd love as a mentor, and advice for her younger self. 

You can find Larissa Irankunda on:

Instagram @Lardastarchild & Twitter @LarLarWrites  

View the episode transcript at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R71Ohin42JfvOGvkdi38r0OALHX3QTUALdV1AFSN9IY/edit?usp=sharing

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Sep 06, 202134:17
Genesis: Critique Partners, Magic Systems, and Self Care for Black Writers
Aug 30, 202153:08
The Hero's Journey: Bethany C. Morrow

The Hero's Journey: Bethany C. Morrow

Meet our next hero: Bethany C. Morrow

She’s the author of the adult novel Mem, A Song Below Water, A Chorus Rises, and more!  

Join us as we discuss: 

  • Naema's story in A Chorus Rises, 
  • Big moments from A Song Below Water, and 
  • Advice for Black writers  

You can find Bethany C. Morrow on: 

  • Instagram & Twitter @bcmorrow 
  • Her website - www.bethanycmorrow.com 

View the episode transcript at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s1eCJCS2THdmT2Q8DuZKKtaoGB9xzTJix-b1SSno9BI/edit?usp=sharing 

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Jun 21, 202148:25
Juneteenth Special!

Juneteenth Special!

Happy Juneteenth Afronauts! 

Join us as we discuss: 

  • What Juneteenth means to us, and 
  • This past year's efforts to support black authors in publishing

View the episode transcript at https://docs.google.com/document/d/19wEHuTjzijlaTlXN4ZuwW7IzUet5-DER5FXVLy1-VZg/edit?usp=sharing

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Jun 19, 202122:12
Genesis: Race Swapping, Telling the Tale, and What Makes a Book Good

Genesis: Race Swapping, Telling the Tale, and What Makes a Book Good

On this episode of the Afronauts Podcast, we'll discuss: 

  • Race Swapping and the "right" to use African mythos on Writing While Black, 
  • Dr. Angela Benson's Telling the Tale: The African-American Fiction Writer's Guide on Craft Country, 
  • Urban Fantasy on Genre Galaxies, and
  • What makes a book good to us & Us vs our characters on a Friday night on Black Joy Crew 

View the episode transcript at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B-30RwXoRFLpoOrvc6ViZF5AWEyigtpADCnH-vcLPXg/edit?usp=sharing

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Jun 14, 202140:12
The Hero's Journey: Prince Shakur

The Hero's Journey: Prince Shakur

Meet our next hero: Prince Shakur

He's a queer writer, activist, and YouTuber. Prince has had pieces featured in Teen Vogue, Vice, Catapult, and more! 

Join us as we discuss:

  • Prince's current projects
  • His long term writing goals
  • The importance of creating black art
  • Writer's block
  • Things to consider before signing with an agent 
  • How being a black writer drives him to work  

You can find Prince on:

  • Twitter: @prshakur
  • Instagram: @sweetblackprince 
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMMgrSHWLLU4U_FnJ1u10Ug
  • His website: https://www.princeshakur.com/

View the episode transcript at https://docs.google.com/document/d/16HAqcE1cYzukUh3OFWo5_wO-sNTrVvHN1ERzd4tFOB4/edit?usp=sharing

For a link to our Discord Community, follow us on social media and send us an email at afronautspodcast@gmail.com!

Jun 07, 202136:59
Genesis: Who Got Issues?
May 31, 202148:00