Writing in Color with ChaChanna

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 YouTu...

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 s...

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...

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 s...

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 e...

It’s my birthday, and I’m spending part of it with you ! 🎉 This episode isn’t about strategy or schedules—it’s a celebration. I’m reflecting on the unexpected return to fiction writing that began earlier this year, the joy of rediscovering old dreams, and giving myself full permission to evolve. I’m talking about what it means to come back to a passion, how I’ve surprised myself creatively, and I...

What kind of writer do I actually want to be? Short stories? Comics? Audio dramas? (Definitely not novels—at least for now!) In this episode, I share how I went from trying to do all the things to focusing on short stories as the foundation of my creative world. You’ll hear the story that started it all: The Assignment , featuring Jasmine, Cardinal, and Ebony—three assassins on a mission that goes...

In this episode of Writing in Color , I’m taking you behind the scenes of my creative process—messy notes, character profiles, and all! I’ve been deep in the world of my Color-Coded Assassins series, and I’m finally organizing the 27 pages (yep, 27!) of character details I’ve gathered. Plus, I share how I’m reshaping my writing routine to actually work with my life—not against it. If you’ve ever f...

This week, I’m fresh off the storytelling high from the Sharing the Fire conference hosted by Northeast Storytelling—and I’ve got stories to share! From powerful workshops and jaw-dropping performances to heartwarming fringes that sparked new inspiration. I reflect on why stories matter, the joy of being surrounded by fellow creatives, and how storytelling can inspire hope, connection, and courage...

In this debut episode, I share how I got back into fiction writing, what inspired me to start this podcast, and why I’m documenting my creative journey from the beginning. If you’ve ever felt nervous about starting something new, you’re not alone—we’re figuring it out together. For more behind-the-scenes and story love, follow me on Instagram @ChaChannaWrites and join my newsletter, Beyond the Pag...

In this episode of This is Your Time with ChaChanna , host ChaChanna shares exciting changes ahead as she shifts her focus toward writing and storytelling while continuing to embrace joy and intentional living. She reflects on her creative journey, discusses new goals, and invites listeners to be part of this next chapter. 🔹 Timestamps: 01:00 – Exciting Changes and New Focus 01:55 – Balancing Pri...

In this episode of This is Your Time with ChaChanna , host ChaChanna shares how the Marvel Cinematic Universe sparked her passion for storytelling and inspired her own creative writing. She discusses how TV shows like Agent Carter and Jessica Jones , along with musical narratives from artists like Sheryl Crow and Tevin Campbell, reveal the power of interconnected stories. ChaChanna also announces...

Join ChaChanna, the Sunshine Soul Navigator, as she reflects on the journey of This Is Your Time and the unexpected path that led her back to her first love—writing. In this episode, she shares how giving herself permission to follow what truly brings her joy transformed her journey and why it’s okay to pivot when something no longer fits. ✨ The power of allowing yourself to change direction ✨ L...

We’re conditioned to be humble, but what if we embraced what we do well without guilt? In this episode, I share my thoughts on the importance of recognizing and celebrating our strengths. Plus, a Reiki spark of the day to boost your confidence and carry that energy forward. Let’s ConnectInstagram ► ⁠https://instagram.com/chachannaspeaks Website ► https://www.lightyourownpath.com/ Send love notes,...

In this episode, ChaChanna highlights the importance of appreciating what we have now rather than constantly striving for future achievements. She encourages listeners to find joy in their current lives, using the analogy of a cupcake to illustrate how our existing joys are the cake, while future goals are just the icing. She emphasizes that happiness shouldn't be postponed until we reach our goal...

In this episode, ChaChanna shares her journey into the world of storytelling, starting with her first experience at a show in 2014. She discusses her professional background, the various storytelling opportunities she’s had, and the different genres she wants to explore. The episode features a retelling of her first story, “My Magic Bag,” about her childhood and the lessons learned from a mischiev...

Join host ChaChanna, a Reiki master and crystal practitioner, as she navigates the path to joy and happiness in this episode. Tune in for a special Reiki session focused on joy, along with plans for future quick Reiki energy bursts on various topics. Embrace the journey of self-healing and joy with ChaChanna. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:00 Nostalgia and Joy in Music 03:04 The Power of Rei...

In this episode,  your sunshine soul navigator, ChaChanna, shares her journey towards establishing a daily writing habit. She talks about her inspiration from a Shonda Rhimes talk and outlines her commitment to writing at least one sentence a day for 30 days, summarizing her days, and engaging with creative writing prompts. Tune in to hear about her experience in capturing daily life through words...

ChaChanna shares her love for singing, starting off with “Overjoyed” by Stevie Wonder. She discusses her plans to take singing lessons and reflects on her podcasting journey, highlighting her past shows and the reasons they ended. ChaChanna emphasizes the importance of not limiting oneself to a single interest or career path. She also reads a short story she wrote from a Writer's Digest prompt, ab...

In this episode, ChaChanna shares her passion for spirituality, including her expertise in Reiki, Tarot, and Crystal Healing. She explains the benefits of Reiki and provides a sample healing session, aimed at reducing stress and promoting relaxation. She incorporates a visualization exercise that connects listeners with ancestral wisdom, ending with gratitude and a sense of empowerment. Tune in fo...

In this episode, ChaChanna reflects on the importance of living life to the fullest, inspired by Jill Scott's song 'Golden.' She candidly shares her personal journey with dating, recognizing patterns that needed change and finding a healthier relationship with the help of a dating coach. ChaChanna emphasizes the power of making small changes for significant results, whether in personal relationshi...

In this episode, ChaChanna shares her deep appreciation for Stevie Wonder's 'Innervisions' album and its influence. She transitions into discussing her love for reading, connecting it to her journey as a writer, detailing favorite books and authors from her youth, including Mary Higgins Clark and Nancy Drew. ChaChanna emphasizes the importance of exploring and indulging in passions purely for joy....

In this episode of 'This Is Your Time,' host ChaChanna, also known as your Sunshine Soul Navigator, expresses excitement for 2025 as she retools her podcast to a weekly format. She dives into personal goals of self-care, fitness, and hair growth leading up to age 50, emphasizing the importance of living life on one's own terms. The episode explores ChaChanna's journey, tips for managing emotional...

Stop trying to cajole people to behave and think the way YOU have decided they should. You don’t know what’s for you. They don’t know what’s best for you. You have each other’s best in mind but at the end of the day: allow them to be them so they can allow you to be you. Book an Intuitive Mini Reading with Me Mini Readings: https://www.lightyourownpath.com/mini Let’s Connect Instagram ► https://in...

Episode 6: Put In More Effort It’s time to stop standing on the sidelines and jump into the fray of what you want. Yes, you may have put a little effort here, done another little step there but what would happen if you put your full intention into making it happen and cutting out everything that is not the thing you actually want. Get focused and get moving. Book an Intuitive Mini Reading with Me...