A high school track team in search of their ultimate goal. When tragedy strikes, the team regroups to continue a dream they’ve had since childhood. Totally within their grasp, they must come together as one to achieve the final victory. Along the way, they face personal challenges that threaten to derail their hopes – and their lives.
Explore the lives of the Appleton High School varsity track team as they compete to win a championship they have worked hard for – with difficulties along the way.
The following was a brief synopsis of Relay, my first novel arriving later in 2022 (fingers crossed :)). Soon, I will have news for pre-orders and other information you need to know. Thank you all once again for your support.
Charles L. Chatmon, author, owner Chatmon’s Books
Target date: Fall 2022
Please visit Charles’s website for updated information.
Owner of Chatmon’s Books, author Charles L. Chatmon is interviewed by ShoutoutLA. He shares his inspiration for writing poems, articles and other prose work. There’s a lot more that can be said, but we’ll leave it for the good folks at ShoutoutLA to tell you!
As we approach thirty years since the Unrest which the intersection of Florence and Normandie Avenues in #SouthLosAngeles is referred by the media as the ‘flashpoint’, this video essay reminds everyone quite a few pieces fell into place resulting in the tragic events of that day.
Charles L. Chatmon is an author and poet who was nice to sit down and share his life, and written works with us here at ANF. His latest book is Storm Over South Central described as ‘an anthology from the heart of a man’. Let’s find out what he has to say.
Who is Charles L. Chatmon?
My name is Charles L. Chatmon. I was born and raised here in in Los Angeles, California where I live now. I work as a substitute teacher, a former proofreader for a biomedical company, and when I’m not working, I write.
How long have you been writing?
For a long time. I started writing in middle school, and it just continued from there. Professionally, I would say that I have been a published author since 2001 although I was a freelance writer for start-up and community newspapers and magazines before my first book.
What inspired you to write Storm Over South Central?
Publishing my short stories was a goal of mine. I love the poems I submitted for Storm, but I wanted to share my prose work too. I’m happy for the response to the short stories so far. I wanted to be more than just being known as a poet.
In the opening, it was mentioned Storm Over South Central is “an anthology from the heart of a man”. Why is it an anthology, and why is it from the heart of a man?
I’m glad you asked me that. This book when I started to write it, was going to be like my previous two books, The Depths of My Soul, and The Voices of South Central. I decided to add the short stories simply because I didn’t want to be known as just a poet. I wanted readers to know that I write short stories as well. I keep at least two college anthologies and decided to call it that, an anthology. I’m sure using the word Collection might have nice, but I felt there was nothing wrong in calling Storm an anthology.
What steps did you take to publish this latest literary work?
It’s funny. I spent years working on this book. When we were under quarantine, I sat down and worked on Storm some more. When I was done, I had a good friend of mine suggest I try Amazon to publish this book. I went through the steps, took my time and completed the process for me to publish Storm. It was easier than I thought.
What’s your favorite part in Storm?
The short stories such as Father’s Day, Storm Over South Central, Don’t Judge a Bum By…and I am very proud of the last story in the book, Last Night in the Club.
What is the one thing you hope the readers learn from your book?
I would like the readers to enjoy the poems and short stories in Storm. I hope they enjoy the themes and morals in the book, plus have a fun time while taking a look through the pages.
Outside of writing this book, I understand you’re involved in other projects. Would you mind sharing what those are with us?
I did some freelance work for the California Crusader Newspaper. (calcrusnews.com) I was happy to have the opportunity to write for a newspaper again. Before that, I worked on an upcoming novel that I can’t share right now, but soon. I promise (smile). Plus some other written work that will be published in the near future. P.S. I used to do work on this site (smile) a few years back.
Do you plan on attending any events soon? If so, please tell us where you will be?
It’s not possible right now because we’re still in a pandemic. I do hope that when things settle down, and everything is at least “back to normal”, I might try to go to an book fair or festival, depending on the crowd. I would like to say that I am open to Zoom meetings or other online events if possible.
How can the readers contact you if they would like to receive a personal copy? Do you have a website?
My website is https://charleslchatmon.com. If anyone is interested, they can buy a copy from the website. Readers can also connect with me on Instagram and Twitter at my handle, chatwrites.
What advice do you have for someone just starting out as an author?
Take your time writing your poem, short story, etc. Always have a thesaurus or dictionary with you at all times.
Is there anything else you would like to say in closing?
It is strange to be on this side of an interview because I used to be the one on this site speaking with authors about their written works. I can say is that I’m very happy to finally have a book published after all this time and have more on the way. I would like to add that as a stroke survivor, I know now that you can’t take any day for granted. You just have to enjoy life and live it the best you can. You never know what could happen, and as for that, I’m happy to see where this journey will take me next.
LOS ANGELES, CA – The Storm has been unleashed, which means it’s time to share what’s inside the much-anticipated anthology by author Charles L. Chatmon.
POEMS: He returns with conscious poetry such as ‘Role Reversal’, ‘The Story of Shontell’ and more verses from the heart.
SHORT STORIES:
The Party – It started out as a farewell celebration for a friend. It ends up a tragic farewell for those involved. Find out what lives were forever changed in The Party.
Don’t Judge a Bum By…… – One man has a plan of revenge against the women who wronged him, but a homeless person endangers the plot and shares a few interesting details of his own life.
Storm Over South Central – An ominous cloud surrounds the ‘controversial location’ of South Central Los Angeles. Why has it materialized in that community? What will it bring that will impact the lives of those living within it forever?
Father’s Day – A young boy plans to see his father for the first time since his disappearance. What he discovers will touch his heart – and yours.
The Albatross – A widower mourning the death of his wife must make a decision whether to give away or keep a special gift she left for him. Will the widower retain this gift or give it away to relieve himself of his grief?
A Town Called Heaven – Short piece focusing on a small town with big intentions. Do the citizens actually mean well or will their dream end up in smoke?
Do Fries go with that Snake? – Find out what surprises are in store for a crew of fast food workers when they deal with an unexpected visitor in their midst.
Sin is In – Another short piece about a new soft drink which captures the imagination and the minds of a public willing to support it. They’ll find out not everything sweet is good for you.
Last Night at The Club – A homeless man is mysteriously transported to late 1920’s South Los Angeles. Who is the lovely songstress appearing in a local club? Who is the gangster out to make trouble? How does all this end? Read the story and find out for yourself!
Chatmon, a refreshing voice in the world of modern poetry and author of The Depths of My Soul & The Voices of South Central returns with engaging short stories and thought provoking poems.
Read “Storm over South Central” and discover the thoughts he writes about in this volume filled with verses and tales of despair, stories of hope. It will also reveal a lot about American society – its strengths, its flaws and its people. This is a literary journey you will enjoy taking.
Storm over South Central from Adrolite Press.
About Charles L. Chatmon
Charles L. Chatmon is an author/poet who lives in the city of Los Angeles, California. He has contributed to several magazines and newspapers including the California Crusader Newspaper. He was the former executive director of the L.A. Black Book Expo for several years and taught writing workshops at the A.C. Bilbrew Library in the Los Angeles area, and the African American Library and Museum in Oakland, California.
In Charles’s new book, Storm Over South Central, there are poems to inspire and inform. Please take a listen at the various subjects mentioned in each piece.
Loved what you heard? Please click this link to purchase a copy of Storm Over South Central!
Hello everyone, this is Charles L. Chatmon bookstore owner telling all you good folks out there my new book Storm Over South Central is now available…..at Amazon.
Storm is filled with poems and short stories for you to enjoy this winter (spring, summer and fall :)). Some of the poems already have been posted on this site with more to come, but for now I would like you to sit back, relax and enjoy the excerpts of the short stories in the book. If you feel like buying a copy, The Big A has plenty for you to purchase. By the way, here’s a link……Charles’s Amazon Page
I’ll have more for you soon. #StormOverSC
Charles L. Chatmon, author / owner, Chatmon’s Books
RT @chatwrites: I'm so happy to help inspire folks who read my works. This really touched me. Thank you.
"Thank you & Poem Reading Dedicati… 1 week ago
Chatmon's Books 