Key Accomplishments

1992

  • Contributed to the book anthology Tears of Fire: The National Library of Poetry.

1995

  • Contributed to the book anthology Best Poems of 1995: The National Library of Poetry.

2008

  • December 5, 2008: Initiated writing journey as Pen Legacy at Kandi Burrus’s event in Atlanta, GA.
  • Secured the position of Staff Writer at The Philadelphia Forum, under The Philadelphia Association of Paralegals.

2011

  • Penned lyrics for ML The Truth’s song “Commitment,” which received consideration for a Grammy Award in the category Best R&B Song.
  • Contributed to the book anthologies A Poetically Spoken Anthology, Vol. 1 and Voices Behind The Tears.
  • Became a published author with My Side of the Story, released under Purposeful Publishing.

2012

  • Became a Journalist and Contributing Columnist for CNN iReport.
  • Recognized for Outstanding Contribution to Poetry by Great Poets Across America.
  • Contributed to book anthologies The Homeless Cry and Stars in Our Hearts: Diversity.
  • Wrote and co-produced first theatrical production, Living Your Life.
  • Released second book, Living, Loving, & Laughing My Way Through under Purposeful Publishing.

2013

  • Honored in Cleveland, OH by the organization Girls on Fire; received the Presidential Award and Best Independent Author Award.
  • Wrote and produced theatrical production, Why Can’t We Be Friends, an anti-bullying play.

2014

  • Hired to edit and format the screenplay, Doggmen.
  • Wrote and produced the short film, A Childhood Lost.
  • Why Can’t We Be Friends, an anti-bullying play, won Best Real-Life Drama Stage Play at the Playwright Awards in Queens, NY.

2015

  • Became an Amazon Best-Selling Author with third release, Love the Real You, published under Pen Legacy Publishing.
  • Established Pen Legacy Publishing on May 10, 2015.
  • Published three new authors: Summer Willow Fitch, Vaughn McNeill, and La’Mena Marie.
  • Hired to convert book-to-script for the theater production of Til Death Do Us Part.

2016

  • Hired to write and direct the theater production of Olivia Lost & Turned Out.
  • Became an Amazon Best-Selling Author with fourth release, STOP Asking for Permission & Give Notice.
  • Published new author AJ Harrison.
  • Completed formal training through Dimensioned Wellness, LLC, becoming a Life Coach.

2017

  • Named “Woman Who Is Doing It Big” at Millionaire Mogul, Tiana Von Johnson’s Women Doing It Big Conference in New York City.
  • Co-authored memoirs by Neo-Soul Singer/Songwriter Jaguar Wright and Philadelphia Police Officer Deborah Rose.
  • Published four new authors: Deborah Rose, Jaguar Wright, Briana McKnight, and Khristina Barnes.
  • Pen Legacy officially registered as a Limited Liability Corporation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
  • Participated in the Literary Takeover Book Signing in New Orleans, LA, during Essence Festival.
  • Received professional recognition and endorsement from Word of Life Christian Fellowship; appointed as “Fellow of the Most Excellent Order of International Experts (FOIE)” in the field of Entrepreneurship.
  • Received Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philosophy from CICA International University & Seminary.
  • Became an Amazon Best-Selling Author with STOP Asking for Permission & Give Notice.
  • Brand advertised in a digital marketing billboard campaign in Times Square, Manhattan, NY.
  • Released book, 2018 Legacy Journal & Planner: A Planning Tool for your Freedom & Future.
  • Contributed to book anthology Delayed, But Not Denied Vol. 2.
  • Rise and Grind Ambassador for Shark Tank’s Daymond John’s newest book, Rise and Grind.

2018

  • Theatrical production Get Out of Your Own Way premiered in Hollywood, CA.
  • Hired to write the theatrical production of Testify.
  • Released book, I Want To Quit My Job.: 8 Entrepreneurial Strategies For Massive Results While Employed.
  • Released two book anthologies, Bruised, Broken & Blessed & Get Out of Your Own Way.
  • Studied under NAACP Image Award-winning author Victoria Christopher Murray.
  • Featured Author at the 2018 NAACP National Convention & Panelist.
  • Published eight authors through Pen Legacy Publishing.
  • Pen Legacy officially trademarked and registered as an official business.

2019

  • Theatrical production Get Out of Your Own Way completed an encore performance in Hollywood, CA & premiered on 42nd St in Manhattan, NY.
  • Compiled & Published two book anthologies, Get Out of Your Own Way Vol 2 & Vol. 3.
  • Released two books, Fear Is A Crime and Secure Your Legacy Journal.
  • Secured & Revealed nine Times Square Billboards for Pen Legacy Published Authors.
  • Received a Certificate of Recognition from Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop, a Senate Citation from the Senate of New Jersey, a New Jersey General Assembly Resolution, and Office of the Hudson County Executive Citation.
  • Published forty authors through Pen Legacy Publishing.
  • Hired a Virtual Assistant.
  • Secured a ghostwriting project through Pen Legacy Publishing.

2020

  • Compiled book anthology: Slay Your Legacy: 9 Keys to Manifesting the Life You Want.
  • Press Features on NBC, CBS, FOX & iWorship96 Radio.
  • Published twenty-nine authors through Pen Legacy Publishing.
  • Celebrated Pen Legacy Publishing 5th year anniversary on May 11, 2020.
  • Released books, When Shift Happens: 21 Days of Celebrating the Lessons of Life & Detours and Michelle and Her Magical Pen.
  • Coached & worked with eight authors through Author Mastermind Programs.
  • Hosted When Shift Happens Book Summit and Pen Legacy’s Book Festival.
  • Secured training with Shark Tank’s Daymond John & Celebrity PR Agent Monique Jackson.
  • Secured three ghostwriting projects through Pen Legacy Publishing.
  • Celebrated 10 years as a published author on November 4, 2020.
  • Pen Legacy officially registered as a business in the State of Florida.

2021

  • Hired to write the screenplay, The Greenbriar Project (Horror Film).
  • Press Feature Interview / Cover with Fashion GXD Magazine.
  • Featured Press with Amazon Live, The Blueprint Live, K.I.S. H Magazine (Fall 2021), Medium.com, BlackNews.com, 21st Century Authors, Kidlio Magazine & Rolling Out Magazine.
  • Interviewed alongside TV/Radio Cathy Hughes of TV One on The Madison Jaye Show.
  • Featured Writer in two editions of FlightInStilettos Magazine.
  • Released six children’s books: Imagine Life Without African American Inventors, Michelle Goes To Paris, Michelle Goes to Congress, Michelle Goes To The Beach, and Michelle Sells No Books.
  • Partnered with Flights In Stilettos, LLC to release Michelle Goes To The Beach Microfiber Beach Towel.
  • Secured & worked with three authors through Private Coaching and completed three Ghostwriting projects.
  • Secured five Times Square Billboards advertising campaigns for Pen Legacy Published Authors.
  • Joined Ms. Evelyn Braxton’s book team and became her official Literary Agent for her book Cooking With Ms. E.
  • Submitted books Imagine Life Without African American Inventors & Michelle Goes to Congress for nomination in the category of “Outstanding Literary Work – Children” with the 53rd NAACP Image Awards.
  • The book, Imagine Life Without African American Inventors was nominated for Best Children’s Book with the B.A.R. Literary Awards in New Orleans, LA.
  • Served as a Writing / Author Coach to TV/Film Producer & Founder of Atlanta Pitch Summit, Ty Johnston-Chavis.
  • Published thirty-four authors through Pen Legacy Publishing.

2022

  • Virtual Book Tour with the African Americans on the Move Book Club for the month of February promoting Imagine Life Without African American Inventors.
  • The Adventure of Michelle Book Series was placed in the Wilmington Library and North Wilmington Library.
  • Partnered with Rochdale Village Community Center in Jamaica, NY with the Adventures of Michelle Book Series and facilitated a virtual reading.
  • The Adventure of Michelle Book Series showcased on Digital Billboards in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Memphis, Houston, & Dallas.
  • Released Michelle Opens Her First Bank Account & From New Release To Bestseller.
  • Secured six ghostwriting clients, four author coaching clients & showcased fifteen Digital Billboards in Downtown Atlanta for Pen Legacy Authors.
  • Pen Legacy published its first international client, Safiya Johnson, from Trinidad & Tobago.
  • Secured press & book placements in Georgia Tech University’s Barnes N Noble and Onyx Bookstore for client, Evelyn Braxton.
  • Michelle Opens Her First Bank Account was selected “Book of the Month” with the African Americans on the Move Book Club.
  • Published twenty-four authors through Pen Legacy Publishing.
  • Interviewed on Season 2, Episode 3 of the TV show, Style w/ Trysh, Women Winning at Writing Podcast, Season 5, Episode 1 of the Finesse Media Podcast, Power of One TV show with LaSalle University.
  • Featured Interview in Voyage Dallas Magazine and STS Business Style Magazine.
  • October 7, 2022, CM Writes officially registered as a Limited Liability Corporation in the State of Florida.
  • Selected to work with the 54th NAACP Image Awards

2023

  • Interviewed by Bestselling Author, Business Mogul & Media Personality Farrah Gray via IG Live.
  • Featured Press with FEMI Magazine, Dr. Eboni Bell, WE Empower.com, Woman to Woman Magazine, Pretty Women Hustle Magazine, Q-Chat Podcast, Emoir Magazine.com, Trish B. Show and Geaux Queen Magazine.
  • Hired to rewrite the professional biography for Xscape member LaTocha Scott.
  • Secured nine Times Square and two Atlanta Billboards advertising campaigns for Pen Legacy Published Authors.
  • Pen Legacy published an international client and governmental dignitary, Pastor Leroy G. W. Bean, from Bermuda.
  • Released Marquis Goes to the Supreme Court.
  • Participated in the Black Children’s Book Week and had four of The Adventure Michelle Books placed in the Children’s Museum.
  • Negotiated and closed a deal for Evelyn Braxton with Dell Technologies, Inc. to speak at their Black History Event on a panel with Tina Knowles and Adrienne Banfield-Norris.
  • July 8, 2023, The Adventures of Michelle children’s books brand was officially trademarked.
  • Served as a Writing / Publisher to Debbie Douglas, (HR / Talent Acquisition with Paramount TV Network), Tamara Gordon Esq., (Past International Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.), and Valerie Capers Workman, Esq., (Former Vice President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Tesla Inc).
  • Inducted into Who’s Who of America Biological Listee, Class of 2023/2024.
  • Accepted into the Nasdaq Milestone Circles Program on Wall Street in New York.
  • The Department of Education received the entire book series, The Adventures of Michelle & acknowledged its success via a letter.
  • Published twenty-six authors through Pen Legacy Publishing.
  • Reinvited back to  work with and on the 55th NAACP Image Awards
  • Hired to convert book-to-film, Phoenix Ascending by Movita Johnson-Harrell.

2024

  • Signed on as Executive Producer for the short film, The Wake-Up Call written by Lem Collins (starring Crystal Smith, Kevin Savage, and Karon Riley)
  • Served as Production Assistant on the feature film Urban Flesh Easters written by Lynette Blackwell & Dana Jay (starring Chantal Maurice, Maurice P. Kerry, Jason Louder)
  • Named By Jerome Hutchinson, Jr., Chief Servant Officer of the ICABA World Network, A Global 100 Business Professional.
  • Secured 4 ghostwriting clients (business millionaire and highly influential individuals.)
  • Went into film development for 2 feature films, A Christmas Prayer and A Twisted Obsession w/ TY Entertainment.
  • Released Michelle Goes To An HBCU, The 9th book in The Adventures of Michelle Children’s Book Series.
  • Interviewed &/or featured by book distributor Ingramspark, Bold Journey Magazine, In The City Magazine, Sheen Magazine, FEMI Magazine, Hype Hair Magazine, Vision & Purpose Lifestyle Magazine and Millenium Magazine
  • Participated in a 14-month Access Granted screenwriting mentorship program under MegaMind Media Film Company.
  • Became a Contributing Writer for Hype Hair Magazine within their Lifestyle & Entertainment Division.
  • Reinvited back to  work with and on the 56th NAACP Image Awards.
  • Published twelve authors through Pen Legacy Publishing.
  • Named Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence & Inducted into The Inner Circle of Continental Who’s Who

2025

  • Interviewed &/or featured by Shour Out LA, Humble Beginnings Stories (Canada Publications), Upscale Magazine, Hype Hair Magazine, Voyage Tampa, and Soignee Lifestyle Magazine (Oct-Dec Ed. 2025) .
  • Pen Legacy Publishing celebrated its 10- year anniversary in the independent literary industry.
  • Released Michalle Goes To Philadelphia, the 10th book in The Adventures of Michelle Children’s Book Series.
  • Reinvited back to work with and on the 57th NAACP Image Awards.
  • The film, The Wake-Up Call, started streaming on TMT Digital Network September 9, 2025. (executive producer)
  • The film Urban Flesh Eaters started streaming on AppleTV on September 26, 2025, and Tubi on October 3, 2025! (production assistant)
  • Published ten authors through Pen Legacy Publishing. 
  • Donated The Adventures of Michelle Children’s Books, (Michelle Goes to the Beach, The Adventures of Michelle Activity Book, and Reading is Fundamental Beach Towels) to Sunrise of Pasco County ~ Domestic & Sexual Violence Center on October 18, 2025. 
  • Celebrated 15 years as Charron Monaye and 5 years of The Adventures of Michelle Children’s Book Series on November 4, 2025.