Storytelling is a gift for literary giant Charron Monaye. The thought-provoking author and playwright shares her talents with the world as a groundbreaking publisher with one clear message— support authors and writers.
Her company Pen Legacy Publishing elevates the voices of aspiring writers through published books and scriptwriting. Since its inception, the company has published hundreds of best-selling works, while landing corporate deals for clients. Monaye recently expanded her portfolio across new genres with the release of her first children’s book series, The Adventures of Michelle.
Monaye spoke with EMOIR about her passion for storytelling, the ban on Black-authored books and history, and the changing outlook for the publishing industry.
EMOIR: You’re very passionate about storytelling. Where did that derive from?
Charron Monaye: Writing has always been therapy for me. Being a person who is selective with communicating, I tend to hold things in, and as a kid, this was my life. I’ve always felt, and sometimes still do, that people could care less about you, your feelings, life struggles, or things that may affect you. I mean, let’s face it, who out here doesn’t have something going on? So it’s always been my belief that people ask questions that they really don’t want the answers to, but asking out of conversation, or to get in your business to judge or gossip about you. To keep my name and their judgment out of their mouth, I wrote.
I picked up my pen in the 3rd grade. My teacher, Dr. Ida D. Dark, taught me the power of words through poetry. She showed me how to write messages, stories, and feelings through the expression of stanzas. She always shared with me that, “Words don’t need to form a complete sentence to change lives.” Between that statement and her education, I penned my first poem “Alone” at the age of 12.
That poem led me to winning a poetry contest with the U.S. Library of Congress, becoming a published author at the age of 14, performing my poem at a UNCF Telethon, writing professional articles for news outlets and magazines, becoming a songwriter for a few R & B artists, and writing play scripts and books.
EMOIR: You’ve previously worked as a staff writer for CNN and The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals. Considering you come from a corporate background, what inspired you to release a children’s book series?
CM: The Adventures of Michelle was never supposed to go beyond the first book released in November 2020, Michelle and Her Magical Pen. During Covid, I was looking for something to write about, as I’d run out of life experiences and drama to share, and sought a new genre. One of my authors sent me his book files for distribution and it was a children’s book. From the illustrations and cute story, I was like, ‘I want to do that too’. So, he connected me with his illustrator, India Sheana, and it was on!
Once Michelle and Her Magical Pen was released, the feedback was so incredible, I started writing more. More turned into a series, and I’m still writing, and India is still illustrating. To date, there are eight books, one activity book, and a “Reading is Fun” beach towel. These books are a whole movement!
EMOIR: As more candid conversations are held publicly through mainstream media and social media, how do you see published books shaping public discourse and cultural conversations in the future?
CM: With the current climate of book banning and laws attacking education, books will only be valuable if they are sought out. I live in Florida, where books are being banned and teachers are refrained from having certain conversations in the classroom, and it’s truly disheartening!
But what’s more upsetting is how people are responding. Banning books or silencing conversations are not causing books to go out of print. Just because books are being banned in schools doesn’t mean that you can’t go to Amazon or bookstores to purchase them. Books are still being printed! Just because a school removed it, doesn’t mean you can’t find it.
In addition, we are living in a country that celebrates lies. We vote on lies, we operate on lies, and we work based on lies. It’s like telling the truth or learning the truth is a sin or downright illegal. And with this being a new reality, published books, especially those which teach facts, offer historical accounts, and promote cultural acceptance, have become a threat and caused havoc.
Until we change the conversation and combat the lies by acknowledging the truth, books written or about to be published will face scrutiny and possible banning. This scares me. If they continue to ban and we don’t seek out books, where does that leave our future? Clueless about their past, who they are, how things operate, and how to prepare to survive “them”.
EMOIR: With the rise of digital publishing and self-publishing, how do you see the role of traditional book publishers evolving?
CM: To be honest, the role of traditional publishing is no different than the role of record companies. With the progression of technology, social media, and digital platforms, becoming an indie artist, author, singer, actress, or filmmaker has caused people to play chess, not checkers.
Now granted, traditional dealings do offer marketing, recognition, a certain level of backing, and support, making them more desirable. However, with people being educated on the contractual deals, creative control given away, and process to earn money after obtaining an advance, folks are appreciating the “do it myself” approach.
So, as technology and digital platforms continue to expand, I’m not sure if traditional book publishing will evolve, but it will most certainly continue to leave a blueprint for authors to follow.
EMOIR: You’ve published works for the Braxton family matriarch Ms. Evelyn Braxton and producer Ty Johnston-Chavis to name a few. It’s clear that you’ve mastered the craft of telling the stories of others. But of all works you’ve written as an author, what were some of your favorite stories to tell?
CM: My favorite projects are Stop Asking for Permission & Give Notice, Michelle & Her Magical Pen, I Want to Quit My Job, and When Shift Happens: 21 Days of Celebrating the Lessons of Life & Detours. Each of these books helped me brand myself, not just as an author, but as a writer.
Out of all 26 books I’ve written and published, these four will always have a special place in my heart! These projects made me believe in myself and have faith that my stories were worthy of being heard. They gave me permission to just be, while showing me that there was no genre that I could not write within. They helped me educate, inspire, and teach others what I’ve learned and overcome. They helped me become a better person.
I often tell people they’re reading the words God spoke to me in order to help me become the woman they see today. I’m just bold enough to share my revelations with you, praying that it saves you too.
