We recently connected with CHANEL MONROE GIOVANNI and have shared our conversation below.
Hi CHANEL MONROE, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I received my first spark as a writer in elementary school; an essay I wrote about the Chinese New Year was published, stories written for assignments and state tests were commended, but I didn’t think much of it- I was simply having fun. Educators often told me how talented I was – I imagined the attention to be part of the job, but come to think of it, I don’t recall other students hearing this at all.
Any who, I guess I’ve always been a writer, but I never knew what it meant to be an Author until the summer of 2014 when I published my first book (The Naked Truth) ten days before my mother passed away. She was the Dreamer I’d always known in our family. She attracted incomputable amounts of attention everywhere we went because she was absolutely stunning and had acquired major respect from interviews and exposure in the Cosmetology Industry. I witnessed the light everyone got to see in her, it was intriguing. I craved that light too. All this to say, when I began writing, people began gravitating toward me, my mother included. When I’d recite poetry or read content written for a potential book idea, she’d hype me up SO TOUGH! She’d encourage me to finish or to keep going and when I’d get in my head, she’d say “THIS IS WHAT YOU DO!” Unbeknownst to me, I was being molded into a beast.
September 23, 2011 (my mother’s birthday), I landed my first Ghostwriting contract for $22,000. My mother believed I was capable of many things but because life had a handle on her, she lost her grasp on chasing dreams. She’d been diagnosed with Kidney Failure and from there, it was one health issue after the other, therefore she had a hard time processing the reality of this endeavor until I showed her my first paycheck, talk about being humbled and liberated at the same darn time!
I was determined to be a successful writer, so I attempted to link with like-minded individuals. It was hard to obtain insight, resources, or the blueprint for publishing my own book because everyone wanted to keep their magic to themselves. Finally, I began connecting with different people who were willing to share what they knew. I digested what I learned and chose to file a DBA to operate my own publishing company, EAT MY LYRICS. I was still a novice therefore when publishing my first book, I didn’t get to do it under my own company, I published it via Amazon’s CreateSpace platform. I then took a leap of faith and decided to bring my work to life by becoming a Spoken Word Artist; I performed at lots of amazing venues for open mic nights and poetry shows. Everyone in my family supported me but I longed for my mother to attend just one of my shows. Needless to say, she didn’t get the chance. At that point, my father stepped in and supported me enough for the both of them.
When my mother passed away, I grieved her beyond my own understanding. I didn’t know anything about life anymore, I only knew to “keep going” like she said. I held a book signing for The Naked Truth at a local Walmart and sold out in less than 2 hours. People were lined up before I arrived and asking for me when I left, I had come alive. The Naked Truth continued to be a hit which led to my being featured in magazines and on radio shows.
Grief caught me by the horns for a while but when I truly remembered my mother, I refused to settle into mediocrity. I was meant to do more. I was meant to be more. She knew I wanted to work with Tyler Perry. I decided if I was going to go after him, I needed to “come with it” all or nothing. Determined to pay a debt owed to myself, I took the liberty of my freedom during the pandemic to challenge the person I had become. I rewrote my entire first book. Not only was it imperfect because I learned how it should’ve been, I also rushed that process to prove a point to my mother. I wanted her to believe that dreams do come true, and I did. July 11th, 2014, she held the Author copy of my first book in her hands. It was the grandest moment of our time together because it was then that I knew she was deeply proud of me.
In August of 2020, I learned to finalize a business entity for my publishing company; instead of operating under a DBA, I chose to formulate a Limited Liability Company; Eat My Lyrics Publishing Company, LLC. I focused on branding and made the goal to share my magic with writers who longed to be heard too. I finally got to publish books under my company, I am Porcelain and The Art of Words being my very own. In December of 2021, I landed my first publishing contract with a bold new Author from Flint, Michigan- Alexis Taylor, she wrote The Streetz. She paved the way for voices moving forward as I learned what type of clients I’d love to work with.
On April 21, 2022, I landed my first Celebrity Ghostwriting contract for $22,000. I was handpicked from a lineup of Ghostwriters in Hollywood after showcasing my skill with the content provided to me. This project went amazingly well and was successfully executed for its desired purpose this year.
After obtaining such an opportunity, I altered the branding of my company once more to seal an elegance unheard of. I found that I operate in exclusivity, this became my purpose. I acquired my first multimillion dollar client, Raychelle Meyers who wrote Thugs In Skirts. To partner with someone of her caliber solidified that I’m headed to the rooms I’ve always imagined.
Writing has opened many doors, all of which I never saw coming. So, where did I find my purpose? I found it in pain, in silence, and in actively going for the gold- no matter how what.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I was born Brittiny Deshon Morehead on August 3, 1991. I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas; where dreams became nightmares and writing became my reality. Surrounded by so many siblings and no father, I craved something for myself- s*x and words became my fix. With s*x came experiences I could never take back; this is where my pain began and, in that pain, I found my voice.
On May 15th, 2021, I graduated from Tarrant County College with an AA Degree. 2 days later, I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure (5/17/2021), a chronic heart condition in which my mother suffered from. After sulking & rebelling in defeat, I made a vow to take moments of my life back, one story at a time- thus explaining the launch of I am Porcelain and The Art of Words. I am Porcelain discusses the manner of which I adapted the reality of my state as a doll. I begged the question, what doll isn’t meant to be played with? After analyzing my childhood, I remembered porcelain dolls. I was raised by my grandmother who collected glass figurines we simply knew not to touch. I recall angels and dolphins, but I also recall peering into a catalog and becoming captivated by what appeared to be glass dolls. I inquired about them all the time, my grandmother would say, “Brittiny, you know them thangs break.” I didn’t understand. How could dolls shatter? She informed me that Porcelain dolls were only meant for display because they’re fragile and can crack or break if not handled with care. Coming to this realization, I wish I handled me with care.
I learned the hard way that I should’ve upheld myself better as a young woman. It’s so important and it’s why after being diagnosed with High Blood Pressure, Congestive Heart Failure, and Diabetes, I decided to get the Gastric Sleeve surgery. On July 12, 2022, I changed my life. As of today, I’ve lost over 100 pounds with the love and help of my amazing partner; she and I have been together for over 10 years. We have two beautiful daughters and one fur- baby together. I was slowly dying, and I could see it, I no longer recognized myself. While fighting to prove to myself that I belong here, I grew to learn that I was emerging into someone new. On September 22, 2023, I legally became CHANEL MONROE GIOVANNI-DARDEN. I have never been happier.
To love ourselves should be the first and final thing we do, daily. I’m working to launch a book or journal surrounding my weight loss journey titled “Before I Let Go.” Not only is it imperative to value our health, we must also value our bodies. Growing up with 8 children in a 2-bedroom apartment accompanied by our mother, grandmother, and grandfather, I lacked the attention I desired, so I felt I needed to find it myself. I created a dangerous frame of mind that led me to believe I had to “do more” to get what I wanted, even if it meant using what I had; what I had was me. I used me for so long that when I met my partner, I began to regret all I’d chosen to be before I knew better. My partner is the epitome of class. I’ve discussed promiscuity with her on so many levels, she helped me to see that I was always worth more than what I valued myself. I now wish to teach young girls and women the same thing. I began by investing this message into my second poetic novel, I am Porcelain, but I am going to continue this outreach because the way we love our bodies (inside and out) is vital to our survival and happiness. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
In other news, I have two novels coming soon, Bruises of a Lover’s Fist and My name is Kim. The Art of Words presents a portion of both novels as teaser tales. I envision both titles as impactful and making it to the big screen- my obsession to meet and work with Tyler Perry derives from here. I am planting these seeds because I wish for him to bestow his production magic unto me for the purpose of a meaningful collaboration. So, keep your eyes and ears peeled for when I say – “IT’S HAPPENING!”
Lastly, I briefly mentioned that I am a Spoken Word Artist. I haven’t performed any Spoken Word pieces in years, but I will be returning to the stage in 2024! So, GET READY because I’m ready to connect, laugh, and cry with you all again!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When we think about our most beloved celebrities, we imagine their success to be overnight. It often appears they’ve wildly inherited some sort of fortunate luck or that God desperately wanted to bless them in some extraordinary way- wrong. If you delve into the success stories about your favs, you’ll learn they had to work extremely hard for a while prior to touching the surface of any fame or fortune you see. Some celebrities are born into “good money” but lots of them closed their eyes and decided to be “all in” for a dream they knew they could bring to life.
When I recount my journey thus far, I see countless failures, feedback, and liberating moments to share, but right now, three words come to mind: formidable, confidence, and resilience. I’ve encountered the worst trials while standing in the gap of my dreams; I often wondered- “Why bother, I probably won’t live long enough to get to Tyler Perry.” I have told myself, “Okay, maybe you are delusional” … but very quickly, my inner homegirl wakes up and says, “GOD WON’T GIVE YOU A VISION HE DOESN’T WANT YOU TO HAVE!”
I have been and must continue to be formidable, at all times; relentless in going after what I am destined to be, unimaginably great- working with high-end clients/celebrities who see me as their equal.
I obtained and learned to never lack confidence, otherwise, why would anyone entrust me to deliver exclusive publishing/ghostwriting services? Confidence is a very recognizable energy; it can be infectious if coming from a genuine place. I am confident, not because I believe I’m better, but because I know I embody a passion for words in which cannot be replicated.
I was forced to drown in resilience; I never allowed the outcome of what I set out to do be interrupted by life’s cruel realities. Whether I’ve desired to create books of my own or assist others in creating/publishing theirs, I took lashes of unforeseen circumstances and kept it moving, no matter what. For example, in 2014, I was booked to perform a Spoken Word poem at a Church event 3 days after my mother passed away … I was given an option to back out due to my loss, but I didn’t bear any excuses because my mother told me “THIS IS WHAT YOU DO.” I fought through tears and managed to stand at their podium to give them the voice they scheduled to hear. Everyone showed the highest amount of gratitude and love. When they learned that I’d just published The Naked Truth, they hounded me for copies. I only had so many in my trunk, they bought every book available, and the event planners donated to my mother’s funeral. This experience taught me that if you simply step to the podium and bear no excuses- you will be rewarded and respected.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I believe in speaking things into existence so as far-fetched as it may be, I wish to collaborate or partner with Tyler Perry, B. Simone, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Rihanna, Cardi B., Megan Thee Stallion, Lizzo, Latto, Ariana Grande, SZA, Doja Cat, The Kardashians, Chloe x Halle Bailey, Taraji P. Henson, Tiffany Haddish, and the entire cast of Selling Sunset. Each name I’ve provided has inspired me in many ways. I long to meet, work, and connect with these souls as I have via their own magic they share with the world.
My goal is to execute more celebrity ghostwriting contracts for books, music, and anything else a passion for words may be needed for. My desires aren’t limited to celebrities, I long to work with anyone who has a vision they are serious about. You may reach me via email: Chanel_Giovanni@eatmylyrics.com or visit my website to learn more: https://www.eatmylyrics.com/publishing-packages
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eatmylyrics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatmylyrics_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatMyLyricsLLC/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eatmylyricspublishingcompanyllc/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatmylyrics_llc
Image Credits
William Washington
