We had the good fortune of connecting with Charron Monaye and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charron, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My creative career is writing—a passion that has been with me for as long as I can remember. It started in elementary school when my teacher, Ms. Jones, told my mom I’d be a writer one day. She saw my potential, even if at the time it was because I talked too much in class! But what she may not have realized was that I had so much to say and needed an outlet to express myself. That outlet became writing, and it’s been my love and life ever since.

The true spark came when another teacher, Dr. Ida D. Dark, introduced me to the world of poetry. Something about poetry unlocked a gift within me. I discovered how words could evoke emotion, tell stories, and connect people on a deep level. From that moment, I became a writer in every sense of the word. What started as poems turned into so much more—novels, media articles, scripts, family essays, and even legal briefs. I’ve used writing as both a creative expression and a professional skill, crafting pieces that inform, inspire, and empower others.

Over the years, my writing has become more than just a career; it has become my calling. Through my business, Pen Legacy, I’ve had the privilege of helping others bring their stories to life, whether through authorship, acting, or working alongside me in a staff capacity. Writing has also allowed me to touch lives in ways I never could have imagined. It’s a medium that transcends boundaries, whether I’m crafting a poem that stirs the soul, a script that makes people laugh and cry, or a legal brief that argues a point with clarity and precision.

Writing is woven into every aspect of who I am. It’s how I process the world, make sense of life’s complexities, and contribute to the lives of others. Whether it’s a creative project or a professional challenge, writing always feels like home to me. What started as a childhood passion has evolved into a lifelong mission to use words to create impact, spark change, and leave a lasting legacy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is storytelling, and writing is the medium that brings it to life. What sets me apart from others is my ability to weave emotion, truth, and raw authenticity into everything I create—whether it’s a book, a play, or a client’s story as a ghostwriter. I believe my superpower lies in my ability to connect deeply with people through words. Writing isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am. It’s the tool I use to make people feel seen, heard, and inspired.

What I’m most proud of is the legacy I’ve built as a writer, bestselling author, award-winning playwright, and ghostwriter. But what excites me the most is the impact my work has had on others—helping them share their stories, amplify their voices, and leave their mark on the world. I’ve been fortunate to touch lives through words, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy, though. I started with nothing but a dream and a pen. There were countless late nights, long days, and moments of doubt. But I always returned to my “why.” The challenges were real—balancing a full-time job, motherhood, and a writing career wasn’t easy. But I learned some valuable lessons along the way. I learned the importance of perseverance, of staying true to my vision, and of trusting the process. I also learned that success isn’t a solo journey. It’s about having a support system and being willing to lean on those who believe in you.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that Pen Legacy is more than just a company—it’s a platform for transformation. Through my work, I help people turn their ideas into books, scripts, or stories that have the power to change lives. Whether I’m writing for myself or someone else, the goal is always the same: to create something meaningful that leaves a legacy.

Ultimately, my journey is about more than just writing—it’s about using my gift to inspire, uplift, and empower others. That’s the heart of my brand and the story I want the world to remember.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Hollywood Blvd in LA, I’d pull out all the stops to give them an unforgettable week. We’d kick things off with breakfast at The Griddle Cafe on Sunset Blvd, where the pancakes are larger than life, just like LA itself. From there, we’d head straight to Hollywood Blvd to take in the Walk of Fame, marvel at the celebrity handprints outside TCL Chinese Theatre, and maybe do a backstage tour of the Dolby Theatre to see where the Oscars come to life. Dinner would be an elegant affair at Yamashiro, perched in the Hollywood Hills, where the views of the city are as good as the food. We’d end the night at Mama Shelter’s rooftop bar, sipping cocktails under the stars with the Hollywood sign in the background.

We’d dive into LA’s entertainment roots with a tour at Warner Bros. or Paramount Pictures, where the magic of movies comes to life. For lunch, we’d stop at The Ivy in West Hollywood, a hotspot for celebrity sightings and some of the best lobster ravioli around. As the sun sets, we’d drive along the iconic Sunset Strip, catching a show at The Comedy Store for a night full of laughter and surprise appearances by some of the biggest names in comedy.

No trip to LA would be complete without a beach day, so we’d head to Santa Monica for a leisurely breakfast at Blue Daisy Cafe. After walking along the pier and dipping our toes in the ocean, we’d rent bikes and cruise down to Venice Beach, where lunch at Gjusta awaits. As the sun dips into the Pacific, we’d settle on Venice Beach to watch the sky turn gold before heading to The Rose Venice for dinner, where coastal vibes meet culinary excellence. And lastly, a stroll, along with shopping, down Rodeo Drive would be the perfect way to walk off the meal, with its luxury boutiques and iconic palm-lined streets. Dinner at Craig’s would round off the day, offering a taste of LA’s vibrant dining scene and perhaps a celebrity sighting or two.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Let me start by saying this shoutout is deeply personal and close to my heart. First and foremost, I dedicate it to my mom. She has been my greatest source of inspiration and encouragement since the very beginning. I vividly remember that whenever I got into trouble as a child, I would completely shut down and stop talking. Instead of forcing me to speak, my mom would hand me a book, some paper, and a pen, and gently tell me to write. It was her way of helping me express myself in a way that felt natural to me.

Looking back, I realize how much those moments shaped me. Through writing out my thoughts for her, I wasn’t just communicating, I was developing my skills. I learned how to structure words, format ideas, and create a natural flow, all without even realizing it at the time. What started as a way for her to connect with me turned into the foundation for the type of storytelling that so many readers of my books and audiences of my plays now love. She didn’t just encourage me to write—she saw my gift, nurtured it, and let it grow.

Next, I have to give a heartfelt shoutout to my children. They have been my rock and my biggest supporters throughout this entire journey. Never once did they complain or make me feel guilty for chasing my writing dream. Instead, they embraced it as part of our life. I’ll never forget the times when they’d curl up on the couch or the bed with me, helping me brainstorm stories, reading drafts, and even offering critiques. They were my first collaborators and always believed in my vision.

Even when my writing required me to travel or spend long hours working, they were so understanding. It always felt like my happiness mattered more to them than the goodbyes. Their support made it possible for me to balance being their mom with building a career that was born from a childhood passion.

As I reflect on my 16 years in this creative space as a writer, bestselling author, award-winning playwright, and ghostwriter—all while working a full-time job—I can’t help but feel immense gratitude. This journey started with a young girl who loved to write, but it’s grown into a legacy because of the love and sacrifices of my mom and my kids. I owe so much of my success to them, and this shoutout is my way of saying, “Thank you for believing in me and letting me be both your daughter and your mom, while still chasing my dreams.”

Website: charron.monaye@gmail.com

Instagram: iamcharronmonaye

Facebook: Charron Monaye

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