Chanel Spellman-Timmons (she/her) is an Oakland-bred, Philly-based wordsmith, performance poet, and author of speculative thrillers, urban fantasy, literary fiction, and horror stories. She is also the host of two podcasts and a highly experienced workshop facilitator. Additionally, Chanel is a VONA alum, a founding member of two Bay Area performance poetry groups, and the co-creator and facilitator of Just Speaking Out (Just SO), a creative writing workshop centered on using the power of narrative writing to heal trauma wounds. Her speculative debut novel is being pitched for publishing, and Chanel is already obsessively plotting her next two books.
Buy Chanel a Book!
Chanel is leading a number of creative ventures, including authoring multiple novels, hosting the Blurbs N Verbs podcast, and planning a co-writing workshop for Philly writers. If you'd like to support her work, please consider a one-time or monthly donation!
Read Chanel's Substack
Follow Chanel's journey to getting her debut novel published, and read excerpts from her current works-in-progress!
Blurbs N Verbs podcast
Blurbs N Verbs is Chanel's new and long-overdue podcast all about the craft of writing. The show features craft talk and interviews from talented BIPOC writers on the scene. Come find your next favorite new author!
No More Margins feature
Chanel was chosen as a feature on the No More Margins podcast. Check her out as she reads an excerpt from her debut novel.
Speculative Literature Fiction award shortlist
Chanel was shortlisted as one of the finalists for the SLF Diverse writers grant 2025!