Today, we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Christie Black-Murrell, LPC.
Hi Dr. Murrell, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My writing journey began really early on in my life as a special place to put all of my feelings on paper. I loved all of my journals and would create stories, write poetry, or just write. Around 2010, I decided to put all of my poetry into a book and share it with the world. Since then, I have written over 15 books in various genres.
Most recently, in 2020, in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty of our world, I began to journey into the world of children’s literature. Since 2020, I have written 11 books to include journals, all focusing on the social-emotional health of children and adolescents. Along the way, I decided to share my ability to self-publish by providing publishing and author coaching as an additional resource for others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not been easy, but I will say that it has been worth it. There have been times when I felt so defeated in my efforts to spread a love for reading and teach the importance of social-emotional learning skills, specifically self-awareness/love, but I continue to push.
It is extremely difficult to start a business from the ground up when you are passionate about what you are doing. Being received or not received by people can feel personal. You have to stay true to your audience and to the reason why you started!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a counselor by trade and a writer by passion. I have been affectionately known as a social-emotional learning enthusiast, which has led to being the author of 11 books that teach social-emotional learning skills in fun and engaging ways. I love working with children and families and being an advocate for reading and its importance.
With over 20 years of counseling experience with children and families, I have had multiple opportunities to help them find effective communication skills for their family unit. I love to inspire and encourage young people specifically to love themselves and to see their value and worth!
Secondly, I have been given the opportunity many times to share my skill set of social-emotional learning, self-esteem, bullying, or communication with numerous groups, and those moments have been extremely fulfilling. It is in those moments that I get the chance to share, teach, and inspire. Those moments give me life, and it is always my desire that those who hear me speak are empowered as well.
In addition, being the helper that I am by nature, I extended my self-publishing expertise to others and began a service that I call “Birth Your Book Baby,” this is a program where I assist aspiring authors on their journey to being published authors. Since I began in 2021, I have assisted over 15 other authors in making their dreams of being an author come to pass! This is probably one of the things that I am most proud of with C. Black Expressions, LLC.
However, as an author, I am grateful that I have been an Amazon bestseller three times since I released my first Children’s book in 2020. The last thing I want to share about myself as a creative author and speaker is that I do all that I do with kindness at the center of it all. I strive to speak life (or encouragement) into all that I meet and leave them better than they were before, whether it is in a story or during a speaking engagement.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am an avid reader, but reading doesn’t motivate me to be creative. It helps me get lost in a busy world! Music is my go-to when it comes to writing…
India Arie especially sparks my creative juices! It would also help to be sitting on a balcony, beachfront front with a cup of coffee and my journal! Going back to my favorite book… “The Little Engine That Could.” I still believe that it is my motivation today!
Pricing:
- $12-15 for all books.
- $300 is the base for small author visits.
- $1299 is the base for publishing services.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cblackexpressions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorchristie_blackmurrell
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christie.black.969
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-christie-black-murrell-lpc
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/authorchristie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drchristiespeaks
