PenLegacy History
Long before launching Pen Legacy, Charron Monaye had already firmly established herself as a rising force in the literary world. Her writing journey began in 1992, when she won a prestigious poetry contest hosted by The National Library of Poetry, leading to the publication of her work in Tears of Fire. She was subsequently featured in Best Poems of 1995, a recognition that further solidified her emerging talent.
These early literary accomplishments laid a strong foundation for what would become an extraordinary and enduring writing career. After graduating from West Chester University, Charron embarked on her professional journey as a Staff Writer for The Philadelphia Forum, under the Philadelphia Association of Paralegals. Her influence continued to grow as she became a Journalist and Contributing Columnist for VA Gazette and CNN iReport and was honored for her Outstanding Contribution to Poetry by Great Poets Across America. These moments not only earned her widespread recognition but also helped establish her as a respected and influential writer. What began as a personal outlet for creativity and expression, however, transformed into a thriving business when her life took an unexpected turn—setting the stage for the creation and a new chapter in her journey.
Pen Legacy History
In 2008, amid the challenges of the Great Recession and navigating a divorce, Charron Monaye found herself at a turning point. Faced with financial uncertainty and emotional upheaval, she turned to the power of storytelling, something she had long expressed through poetry and writing. Encouraged by her son Christopher to channel her experiences into words, Charron began transforming her poetry into song lyrics. Finding an industry to break into, she spent several months pitching her songs to producers and stories to book publishers. Her perseverance paid off when Cymande Corburn of 912 James Street Productions, based in Atlanta, Georgia, took notice and contacted her via Facebook. After reviewing a few of her emotional tracks, including Better Days and Lonely Days, Cymande was impressed. On December 5, 2008, in Atlanta, Charron officially signed with 912 James Street as a songwriter.
Understanding the importance of owning her creative voice, Charron joined Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), a performing rights organization and launched her own songwriting publishing company named it Pen Legacy—a symbol of her commitment to protecting and nurturing her intellectual property while building a legacy for her two children. As her musical catalog flourished, Charron earned membership in the Recording Academy’s esteemed Songwriting Division. This honor granted her exclusive access to high-profile Grammy events through the Philadelphia Chapter and secured her invitations and participation in the 52nd, 53rd, 54th, and 55th Annual Grammy Awards—further solidifying her presence in the industry. With this access, Charron penned more songs such as Dismissed, I Apologize, Nobody, Commitment, and Don’t Leave. Her collaboration with Mississippi R&B artist ML The Truth marked a significant milestone. Two of her tracks, I Apologize and Commitment, were featured on ML’s commercial album The Truth, originally released in 2010 and re-released in 2024. The music video for Commitment was filmed in Jackson, Mississippi, and premiered on November 29, 2011. This song was also considered for a Grammy Award nomination in the category of Best R&B Song at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. Their successful partnership continued with Charron writing additional songs for ML’s third commercial album, Real R&B Music, released in 2015—including the standout tracks U Already Know and It’s About That Time.
As success grew, challenges arose—even from those closest to her—which left her feeling disheartened and uncertain about her path as a songwriter. This period of reflection ultimately guided her back to her roots, where she rediscovered the power of storytelling through theatrical artistry. Thus, causing her to create Pen Legacy Productions in 2011, a multifaceted division dedicated to empowering creatives in theater and performance arts.
Pen Legacy Productions ( 2011- )
After contributing to over 15 book anthologies, Charron Monaye signed her first book publishing deal in 2009 with Purposeful Publishing, founded by Yulonda Brown of St. Louis, Missouri. On November 4, 2010, Charron released her debut solo book, My Side of the Story, marking the official beginning of her journe y as an author. Eager to build her brand and connect with audiences, Charron began performing spoken word poetry at various events. Her journey took a pivotal turn, in 2011, when she pitched her story to theater producer Tiffany Nicole of Pink Star Entertainment Production, who agreed to co-produce it with her. To take on the role of producer more formally, Charron founded Pen Legacy Productions, a division dedicated to developing and producing performing arts events.
Theatrical Productions
Her first stage production, Living Your Life, premiered in Philadelphia on September 26, 2012, and ran for five days under the direction of Walter DeShields. The creation of this play was inspired by watching Tyler Perry’s stage play, I Can Do Bad All By Myself, which made her realize that she, too, could craft compelling stories for the stage. It gained wider recognition when it was featured at the DC Theater Festival on June 30, 2013, directed by Zuhairah McGill and starring D’atra Hicks, known for her roles in Tyler Perry’s productions. Now fully inspired by the theater world, Charron went on to write and produce more plays—either by adapting books into scripts or being commissioned to bring powerful stories to life. Her second production was an adaptation of her son’s book I Believe in Me. Why Can’t We Be Friends, which premiered in Philadelphia and was later featured at the DC Theater Festival on June 21, 2014, directed by Darnell Richardson and again starring D’atra Hicks. This impactful production received recognition from President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and a Citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representative, now Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. It was also adapted into a short film entitled A Childhood Lost, which was directed by Charron Monaye.
This production also earned the title of Best Real-Life Drama of the Year at the DPI Playwright Awards in Queens, New York. As Charron’s reputation as a playwright grew, she recognized the importance of deepening her expertise in script writing. She enrolled in Writing for Television, a course led by acclaimed showrunner and executive producer Shonda Rhimes, where she not only refined her storytelling skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the key elements that make a script production ready. Continuing her work in theater, Charron went on to develop additional plays, including Til Death Do Us Part (adapted from the book by Nicole Milner), Olivia: Lost & Turned Out (based on the true story of Stacy Miner), and her original work Get Out of Your Own Way, written in 2018. Directed by Parenthesis Gardner, the play premiered in Hollywood, California, on October 5, 2018, to critical acclaim and sold-out audiences. Following its success, it returned for an encore performance on January 19, 2019, and concluded with a final run at Theatre Row Off-Broadway in New York City on May 11, 2019.
Film Industry
In January 2024, Charron embarked on a new chapter in her creative journey—film. She joined Access Granted: A Film & TV Academy, led by acclaimed producer Tressa Azarel Smallwood, co-founder of MegaMind Media. Through this intensive program, Charron gained firsthand insight into the business side of the film industry, learning how to develop a comprehensive pitch package, including a logline, synopsis, beat sheet, treatment, script, and pitch deck. As a result ofher part icipation in Tressa’s program, Charron currently has two film projects in development: A Christmas Prayer (co-written with Kiz Mentor) and A Twisted Obsession (story by Charron, screenplay by Lem Collins). Both projects are being produced by TY Entertainment.
In addition, Charron became a mentee to television and film producer Ty Johnston-Chavis, who invited her to serve as an executive producer on The Wake-Up Call, written by Lem Collins. In 2023, she served as an associate producer on the feature film Red Light, written and directed by LaVeta Cameron. That same year, Charron was commissioned by former Pennsylvania State Representative, Movita Johnson-Harrell, to adapt her book Phoenix Ascending into a film script.
Pen Legacy Publishing ( 2015- )
After becoming a bestselling author in 2010 with her debut book My Side of the Story, published under Purposeful Publishing—and later adapted into a stage play Living Your Life that premiered in Philadelphia in 2012 and at the DC Theater Festival in 2013. Her momentum continued with the release of her second book, Living, Loving, and Laughing My Way Through, further solidifying her voice and reach as an author.
After publishing just two books, Yulonda Brown informed Charron Monaye that she would be closing her business, leaving Charron without a publishing home. Undeterred, Charron redirected her energy toward playwriting, while continuing to promote her existing books through her theater productions. Her efforts did not go unnoticed—in 2013, she was honored in Cleveland, OH, by the organization Girls on Fire, receiving both the Presidential Award and the Best Independent Author Award. With her growing success in both books and theater, Charron Monaye found her next calling through a pivotal conversation with her Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. sorority sister. During their conversation, Summer Willow Fitch approached Charron about helping her publish her book. Without a publisher or clear opportunity in sight, Summer urged Charron to look beyond her own work and help aspiring authors share their stories—starting with Summer’s own. Initially, Charron hesitated, unsure and reluctant to take on this responsibility. However, after several heartfelt conversations with Summer, and reflecting on her own experiences of being repeatedly denied or obstructed despite her deserving efforts, Charron felt a shift within herself. She made the decision to publish her third book first, with the understanding that if it proved successful, she would consider expanding her efforts to assist not only Summer but also other aspiring authors.
To make good on her promise, Charron assembled a trusted team: Summer came on board as editor, Junnita Jackson joined as cover designer and typesetter, and Khristina Yates took on the role of company accountant. On May 10, 2015, Charron tested the waters with the release of her third book, Love the Real You. Its success marked the beginning of a new chapter, the official birth of Pen Legacy Publishing. Shortly after, Summer Fitch released her own book, Let Me Tell You Like I Told Myself, under the Pen Legacy imprint—formally launching a company built by authors, for authors. As the company quickly grew, so did the team. In 2017, Charron expanded the staff by bringing on Carla Dean as an editor and Christian Cuan as a website and graphic designer. As demand continued to increase, Tamika Hall joined as an additional designer and Candice Johnson as another editor. To protect and elevate the brand, Kimra Major-Morris, Esq. began overseeing trademarking, while Toni Moore, Esq. came on as the company’s legal counsel. Although Charron was building, she quickly embraced the role of a student, eager to learn the roles of everyone on her team. She sought training from NAACP Award-Winning Author and NY Times Best-Selling Author Victoria Christopher Murray, enrolling in her course Editing for Compelling Stories. This experience not only taught Charron the skills of a great editor but also helped her refine her craft as a writer. With a solid team and a clear mission, Pen Legacy Publishing evolved into a thriving literary company, empowering new voices and reshaping the independent publishing world. Since 2015, Pen Legacy Publishing has evolved into more than just a publishing house—it’s a transformative company offering personalized publishing blueprints tailored to each author’s unique goals. Beyond publishing, the company provides mentorship in marketing, sales, and branding, ensuring that authors not only release their work but also thrive in promoting it.
Some Pen Legacy Publishing Accomplishments:
Pen Legacy Publishing headquarters opened in 2017, and was located at 505 Old York Road, Suite 302 Jenkintown, PA 19046.
Pen Legacy has empowered over 175 diverse writers worldwide—amplifying bold,authentic voices from places like Bermuda, Trinidad, London, and Africa—proving thatstories, not borders, define us.
Pen Legacy Publishing has launched authors into national recognition—securing Amazon bestseller status, media features, Fortune 500 opportunities, and high-paying speaking engagements.
With an 85% author retention rate, we’re a trusted long-term partner committed to excellence and empowerment. We’ve published powerful works across 15+ genres, amplifying voices from thought leaders to first-time writers. Since 2017, our bold promotions, including billboards in Times Square, Las Vegas and Atlanta—have elevated our authors and their stories into the national spotlight.
Pen Legacy has had the honor of publishing works and/or serving as a literary agent to prominent figures in entrepreneurship, business, and entertainment, including Debbie Douglas (HR/Talent Acquisition at Paramount TV Network), Tamara Gordon, Esq. (Past International Vice President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.), Valerie Capers Workman,
Esq. (former Vice President at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Tesla Inc.), Pastor Leroy G.W. Bean (Bermuda’s Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator), Evelyn Braxton (Braxton Family Values, Host of Cooking Sessions w/ Tamar & Ms. E), Toni Moore, Esq. (celebrity attorney and global speaker), Jaguar Wright (Neo-Sout Singer/Songwriter, Okayplayer collective), Precious Williams (founder of Perfect Pitch Group), Ty Johnston-Chavis (TV/film producer and founder of the Atlanta Pitch Summit), Cas Sigers (professional author, film director, and producer), and Kinyatta E. Gray (CEO of FlightsInStilettos and Director of The Heart of Miss Bee), among others. Pen Legacy’s journey has been spotlighted by major media outlets including Hype Hair Magazine, Upscale Magazine, Sheen Magazine, The Philadelphia Tribune, Pretty WomenHustle Magazine, Geaux Queen Magazine, In The City and more.
In 2020, Charron Monaye expanded Pen Legacy’s services to include ghostwriting, in response to a growing demand from individuals who aspired to become authors but lacked the time or writing skills. Not only did Charron Monaye ghostwrite these projects, but the books were also published through Pen Legacy, effectively creating a one-stop shop for aspiring authors. Charron Monaye’s commitment to service and empowerment is reflected in every facet of the company’s approach. Under Charron’s exceptional leadership, Pen Legacy has evolved into a premier platform that empowers writers to share their stories while providing them with the essential tools for financial success and personal fulfillment. Her visionary guidance has garnered high- profile collaborations, significantly expanding the company’s influence across theater, film, and the prestigious NAACP Image Awards, where Charron proudly served on the nomination committee for the 54th, 55th, and 56th ceremonies. With a profound passion for storytelling and an unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives, Charron continues to elevate the industry thro
Pen Legacy Recognition Awards.
Charron Monaye’s success across writing, publishing, and theater has earned her widespread recognition and numerous prestigious honors.
She was named a “Woman Who Is Doing It Big” at Tiana Von Johnson’s Women Doing It Big Conference in New York City, affirming her influence as a powerhouse in the creative and entrepreneurial world. Her literary achievements were further acknowledged with an endorsement from Word of Life Christian Fellowship, where she was appointed as a “Fellow of the Most Excellent Order of International Experts (FOIE)” in the field of Entrepreneurship. In recognition of her intellectual and creative contributions, Charron received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philosophy from CICA International University & Seminary. Her impact has also been celebrated at the civic level, with accolades including 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 a Citation from the Office of the Hudson County Executive. She was inducted into the Who’s Who of America Biological Listee, Class of 2023/2024, and was awarded “Top Professional Woman” by Marquis Who’s Who. In the global business arena, she was named a Global 100 Business Professional by Jerome Hutchinson, Jr., Chief Servant Officer of the ICABA World Network, and was also inducted into the Inner Circle of Continental Who’s Who as a Pinnacle Professional Member of the Inner Circle of Excellence. Further cementing her legacy, Charron’s children’s book series, The Adventures of Michelle, was adopted by the U.S. Department of Education and formally acknowledged in a letter recognizing its success.