Afronauts Podcast

Writing Across Age Categories (with Alechia Dow!)

Hey Afronauts! Today we're chatting with award-winning author Alechia Dow, about writing across age categories and genres. What makes each age category unique? How does she channel each age's voice? Has she ever considered a pen name? We also celebrate the release of Jill's middle grade debut, Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement. Alechia is awesome! To buy her books (including her adorable new middle grade Their Just Desserts) visit her website: https://www.alechiadow.com/books [https://www.alechiadow.com/books] And check out this link to buy Jill's middle grade debut, Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement:  https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/764010/kaya-morgans-crowning-achievement-by-jill-tew/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/764010/kaya-morgans-crowning-achievement-by-jill-tew/] You can find Alechia online at: www.alechiadow.com [http://www.alechiadow.com/] @alechiadow on Instagram and Threads @alechiadow.bluesky.social on Bluesky

Messy Middles

Pre-order AN OCEAN APART [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/769653/an-ocean-apart-by-jill-tew/] by Jill Tew Pre-order I'LL MAKE A SPECTACLE OF YOU [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/beatrice-winifred-iker/ill-make-a-spectacle-of-you/9780316575249/] by Beatrice Winifred Iker In this Messy Middles episode, we discuss the covers for AN OCEAN APART and I'LL MAKE A SPECTACLE OF YOU, different types of messy middles, and balancing the 'promise of the premise' with...everything else. I'LL MAKE A SPECTACLE OF YOUCover design: Lisa Marie PompilioArt by: Mike HeathAN OCEAN APART Design: Liz Dresner Art by: Jorge Luis Miraldo

Romance and Romantic Elements

If this world were mine... We're some REAL romantics over here at the Afronauts Podcast (what y'all know 'bout that Luther?). On this episode we discuss the differences between a Romance novel and a novel that contains "romantic elements". Plus why they're both so good and worth reading and writing. Thank you Zakiya N Jamal and H. D. Hunter for joining our conversation! You can find them online and support their books here: H D Hunter website: https://hughhdhunter.com/ Patreon/IG: @hdhunterbooks Zakiya N Jamal website: https://zakiyanjamal.com/ IG/TikTok/Twitter: ZakiyaNJamal

How a Book Gets Made from Start to Finish with Ashley Imanë Fields

From acquisitions all the way to publication and beyond, Ashley Imanë Fields walks us through the process at Freedom Fire, a new imprint at Disney Hyperion dedicated to stories about Black Joy, Black Resilience, and Black Storytelling. Topics discussed include: * The acquisitions process (editorial, sales, and more) * How editors advocate for books within their imprints * What it's like to establish a new imprint within a company as expansive as Disney Thanks Ash for joining us!

Intellectual Property: NDAs, Political Influence, and Reader Expectations

This episode is all about intellectual property (IP) companies and our experiences working with them. We're joined by Nia "N.E." Davenport and Bethany Baptiste. Nia "N.E." Davenport is an award-winning Science Fiction/Fantasy author who writes stories that blend magic, mayhem, and deadly heroines. She attended the University of Southern California and studied Biological Sciences and Theatre Arts. She also has an M.A. in Secondary Education.  She teaches English and Biology to amazing students. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys vacationing with her family, skiing, and being a huge foodie. She’s an advocate for diverse perspectives and protagonists in literature. Nia’s latest book is OUT OF BODY, a propulsive young adult thriller set in Atlanta with a body-swap twist. Bethany Baptiste is an Indie bestselling author and a slightly responsible grown-up living Jacksonville, Florida in a little brick house with two chaotic evil dogs and too many books. She holds two degrees in Early Childhood Education and taught for seven years as a public school educator. Now as an inclusion specialist, she advocates for preschoolers with special needs. When not prying a shoe from a Schnauzer’s jaws, she writes about Black kids with big hearts and little morals. Bethany’s latest book is THE POISONS WE DRINK, a young adult fantasy set in D.C. Nia Website: nedavenport.com Bethany Website: bethanybaptiste.com Nia Instagram: nia.davenport Bethany Instagram: bethany_baptiste Nia Twitter: nia_davenport Bethany Twitter: StorySorcery Nia TikTok: nia.davenport Bethany TikTok: bethany.baptiste