Writing in Color with ChaChanna

30: The YouTube Pivot — Writing Stories with Longevity

This week, I’m breaking down the new direction for my creative business—and why YouTube is now the center of it all. From trying (and abandoning) Patreon to dreaming up a serialized assassin story to now reading flash fiction on YouTube, I’m sharing it all: what’s working, what’s not, and how I plan to make money from storytelling without burning out. 🔔 Subscribe to my YouTube: ChaChanna on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ChaChanna] 📝 Sign up for my newsletter to get stories early: ChaChannaWrites.com/newsletter

29: When the Stage Calls, I Answer

A few weeks ago, I had a stellar storytelling weekend. I debuted a brand-new story on Saturday, got great feedback, and then performed it again at the open mic show I host—Storytelling Sundays at The Westport Library. In this episode, I’m walking you through my full process from idea spark to stage-ready performance, how my prep style has (thankfully) evolved over the years, and what makes live storytelling so magical for me. I also share what I’m working on next, including dipping my toes into folktales! 🎤 Plus: I’m on a mission to become a better MC, and I share the behind-the-scenes nerves of running a storytelling show. 📅 Next show: July 13 at The Westport Library (curated lineup—don’t miss it!) 🎙️ Hit play to hear how I create, practice, and perform personal stories—and why I keep coming back to the mic. — 🔔 Subscribe to Writing in Color with ChaChanna and sign up for my newsletter Beyond the Page for monthly flash fiction and creative joy: https://www.chachannawrites.com/newsletter/

28. The Domino Effect of a Story Arc

Last weekend was a storytelling double feature with back-to-back events, big laughs, and a whole lotta love. For the first time, my friends and family came out in force to support me, and even joined in the fun! This episode, I’m sharing how that experience reminded me why I tell stories out loud, and how behind the scenes, the dominoes are falling on my own fictional story arc. I thought I had it all figured out...until I sat down to write. Now I’m making big decisions about the foundation of Color-Coded Assassins, the structure of Season One, and how to balance ambition with real life. Plus, I’m setting a deadline that feels doable, and talking through how I plan to finish a whole dang season of stories while living a full life. 🔗 Subscribe to my newsletter Beyond the Page for behind-the-scenes updates, bonus stories, and early access: ChaChannaWrites.com/newsletter [https://ChaChannaWrites.com] 💬 Let’s talk! Message me on Instagram @ChaChannaWrites or email me at chachanna@chachannawrites.com and tell me: Have you ever had to scrap your original creative plan?

27. Why I’m Chasing 100 Readers (and Not Begging My Friends)

This week I’m switching gears—and sharing what it really looks like to grow a creative business from scratch. I’m talking about my goal to reach 100 newsletter subscribers, why I’m not asking friends and family to sign up, and the honest (sometimes sad!) numbers behind this podcast. I’m also sharing my next move to reach more readers—hello, short story submissions—and why I’m putting my assassin stories on pause (for now). Plus, I talk about From Paris With Love, YouTube Shorts movie recs, and the surprising joy of a well-placed object reveal. 💌 Want monthly story extras, behind-the-scenes peeks, and joyful moments? Subscribe to my newsletter Beyond the Page: https://www.chachannawrites.com/newsletter/ Wanna say hi? Send me a note at: chachanna@chachannawrites.com

26. What Happens When You Revive an Old Story Idea?

This week, I’m diving back into a world I thought I left behind—my Color-Coded Assassins series. From a dusty notebook to a fully fleshed-out universe, I share how the story has evolved and why I’m more obsessed than ever. I’m also reflecting on the process of slow building, creative structure, and trusting the pace of your own path. Plus: ✨ A joyful tradition my boyfriend and I look forward to every week 😳 An embarrassing (but hilarious) cemetery moment from my teen years 🎤 Two chances to see me live on stage this May! Come for the storytelling journey, stay for the laughs—and maybe even share your own awkward childhood memory. 📍 Tell Me Another – May 17 at Hartford Flavor Company 📍 Storytelling Sunday – May 18 at The Westport Library Details: ChaChannaWrites.com/appearances [https://ChaChannaWrites.com/appearances]