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Michelle R. Gipson
is the Publisher and Founder of Written magazine. She holds a B.A. and a M.A. from Hampton University, attended Stanford University's Executive Publishing Course, and Harvard University's Maynard Institute. A freelance writer, a radio personality, and as a marketing and advertising executive, Ms Gipson has been in publishing and media for more than 15 years. An avid reader, Michelle dedicates herself to enhancing opportunities to highlight and increasing community of readers, whom she believes are the real stars of books. A Southern native, in 2000, she moved her Southern sensibilities up North to become the Director of Advertising for the now defunct Black Issues Book Review. Returning to Atlanta, Ms Gipson worked as the Director of Advertising for a local weekly newspaper, prior to launching Written. Ms Gipson is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, the Hampton University Alumni Association, INROADS Alumni Association, and the West End Merchants Coalition and is an adjunct professor. Michelle Gipson has contributed to Essence, Chicken Soup for the African American Soul, Chicken Soup for the Recovering Soul, and Where Did Our Love Go: Love and relationship in the African-American community. Ms. Gipson currently resides in Atlanta, GA. |
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Natalia Griffin
is the Creative Director for Written. She holds a BFA from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, NY. Natalia was the Art Director for Black Issues Book Review before taking her talents West. She brings a sophisticated sense of design and innovation to the pages of Written . This Venezuelan born, international traveler and artist brings the richness of her travels and culture together to create visually interesting designs. With over 16 years of experience in publishing and advertising design, she has done it all, from national magazines to advertising campaigns and newspapers. She lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and son. |
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Michelle S. Chester
is the Editorial Assistant for Written and holds a BA from Langston University. Michelle is the owner of EBM Professional Services , a full-service firm specializing in content editing, copyediting, proofreading, and manuscript critiques. She has more than 15 years experience as a Technical Writer/Editor in the corporate world. Michelle has done freelance editing for a number of publishers and numerous published authors. She was also the Contributing Editor for Sophisticated Groom magazine in Atlanta, GA, and Proofreader for Caye Publishing Group in Keller, Texas, working on the Society Life, Society Kids, and Parker County Maverick magazines. As a workshop coordinator and facilitator, she has shared in the success of the Gulf Coast Writer’s Retreat (2011), Black Writer’s Reunion & Conference (2008, 2009, 2010), Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship 4th Annual Gifted for His Glory Seminar (2010), and The Writer’s Block, Inc. 4th Annual On the Cusp Writer’s Conference (2007). Michelle lives in Texas with her son. |
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Sheronda K. Gipson
is an editor and contributor to Written. She holds a BA from Southern University and a MFA Writing from SCAD Atlanta. A social media and communications professional, a runner, a novice photographer, closet singer, and a Tough Mudder finisher, Sheronda is a life enthusiast whether it is pairing cigars and spirits for her blog Stogies and Stilettos, catching up with reality television, dropping in at an open mic poetry slam or frequenting local live music locations. Although Sheronda has called Atlanta her home for more than two decades, her roots are deeply planted in Holly Springs, MS where she was born and reared. The daughter of a father who was a civil rights leader and a local principal and the mother of an English and Choral teacher, Sheronda is using her influences to shape her thesis for her Master's degree. Sheronda has also been published in Black Issues Book Review. She is a former Ms Holly High and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She is the proud aunt of a niece and a nephew and currently resides in Atlanta. |
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C. Elayne Harper
is an Atlanta, Georgia native and Written columnist. Her permanent column, "Love letters from the Heart" is a heart felt "conversation" about social issues that affect how people see and treat one another. She is a graduate of C.L. Harper High School and continued her education at Barber-Scotia College in Concord, NC and the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga. She is an Eternal Pyramid of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., having pledged the Epsilon Omega Chapter while a student at Barber-Scotia College. During her professional career, she was the recipient of numerous awards and honors. She is active in her church, First Saint Peter AME Church, on the local and district levels, serving as a member of the Steward Board, singing in the Voices of Faith Choir, Church Secretary and Christian Debutante-Masters Commission (CDMC) – as Local and District Commissioner and serving wherever needed (VBS teacher, YPD supporter/chaperone, WMS). Writing is her talent, nurturing is her passion. An avid reader and lover of all genres of music, “it is well with my soul” is one of her favorite quotes. She is the mother of one biological son, Chip, and “other” mother/auntie to many. |
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Phill Branch
is a columnist of "Muse" for Written. For more than thirteen years, Phill Branch, has worked as a journalist, marketing executive, essayist, producer and flunkie in L.A. Phill is a graduate of Hampton University with a B.A. in Mass Media Arts and American Film Institute, M.F.A., in Screenwriting. After years in corporate, Phill decided to change his life. He packed up his LA apartment , sold his excess junk and drove back East to spend time with his father who had been ailing and for his to take a breath. Phill loves academia and asked Hampton University if they could make room for him. They did. He worked as an English/Film studies professor for a few years, at a place he loved. Phill has been a member of National Association of Black Journalists (Southern California chapter), Former President, Board member; National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE), Diversity Producing Fellow, and National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC), Screenwriting Fellowship. Mr. Branch has contributed to Black Meetings & Tourism, Sister 2 Sister and most notably the National Enquirer (yes, he went through trash, crashed weddings and on occasion, cruised hospitals). While writing and attending American Film Institute, Phil held various positions including being Sheryl Lee Ralph’s personal assistant. It was with Sheryl, that he confirmed that he wasn’t quite gay enough. Now, is working on his own projects including the much discussed documentary "Searching for Shaniqua". He is a contributor to For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Still Not Enough: Coming of Age, Coming Out and Coming Home and is the co-creator and writer for the award-winning web series, "The PuNanny Daries". He currently host workshops at Capital Hill Arts Workshop. Phill Branch is married and lives in Baltimore, MD. When he's not working, writing and performing, he sleeps. |
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Tamika Brown
is the lead reviewer for Written. Sometimes I wander aimlessly through words and stories, finding myself again and again. In that way, the written word is powerful, motivating and inspiring. While I do have a few authors whose work I almost always read {i.e. J. California Cooper, Paulo Coelho} – I enjoy the “accidental” encounter. Reading books without knowing much about the subject or author has been the best way for me to discover new works. And a good sale on a book doesn’t hurt either. If my soul is in words, then my heart is in giving back. Professionally I have worked in several nonprofit agencies that work to address social justice issues through volunteerism and national service. When not running to catch-up with my 3 year old son, I am an avid:
Blogging: www.thefyneprynt.com |