Written By: Samantha CEE

This month we sat down with Creating a Creative Legacy in Writing was created by a serial entrepreneur Crystal L. Bass. Here’s the exclusive cover interview with the rising star.

Coverstory: Creating a Creative Legacy in Writing | Photographer: Dre Smith |

Makeup: Sade Best | Agency: Creative Writers University

Who is Crystal L. Bass?

I’m a serial entrepreneur, author, producer, playwright, actress, director, book coach, motivational speaker, and a cool camp mom with a track record of success. In 2013, The Rainbow Push Coalition recognized me as one of the Top Inspirational Coaches in Engagement and Leadership. In 2010, I founded Crystal Clear Publications and published my first critically acclaimed novel. “Dark Clouds: A Charm City Family’s Struggle,” is a fiction book dressed in the essence of my childhood. The novel follows the storyline of four siblings, and the relationships they have with their mother.

Shortly after the release of my first book, I fulfilled my dreams of becoming a playwright and director by turning my novel into the stage play “Ain't No Love, Like A Mother’s Love”. Alchemy in its truest form, I then turned my pain into gain by making my life's experiences a full production. However, I didn't stop there; not only did I produce and direct the tour, but I transformed it into a national tour. On the height of a successful tour, I published my sophomore novel, “Whirlwind, a sequel.”

What is Creative Writing University? How is it different from other Platforms? Our goal at Creative Writer's University is to help writers and aspiring writers tell their stories, impact the world, and convert their writing side hustle into paychecks. Our online courses include personalized videos, unlimited access to online courses, printables, and digital PDF guides. Right now we offer three classes for students to enroll in: “How To Turn Your Story Into Cash”, “Page To Stage - How To Make $100,000 In One Night” and “Write A Book, Build Your Bank.”

How To Turn Your Story Into Cash

Course Narrative: We all love movies that are "Based On A True Story!" Sometimes TRUTH can be stranger than FICTION! Would you believe me if I told you that I was kidnapped at gunpoint, accused of murder, and a convicted felon? It's all TRUE! Using your own unique life experiences is a clear, concise way to build your business by positioning yourself as an expert. In the course “How To Turn Your Story Into Cash,” we teach diverse ideologies and concepts that will shape, mold, and propel your unique story into a source of income.

Page To Stage - How To Make $100,000 In One Night

Course Narrative: 90% of playwrights leave the theater in THE RED ZONE when first starting out. Our PROVEN METHOD has turned a profit time and time again. In the course, I teach all of the secrets to take your production from Page to Stage and become a SUCCESSFUL playwright! I take great pride in teaching my students the formula for how to “scale a house” and make $100,000 in one night!

Write A Book, Build Your BankCourse Narrative: Get that story out of your head, off your heart, onto paper, and into the hands of readers! Are you ready to write a book, build an empire, and create a legacy that outlives you!? Creative Writer’s University is here to help! I did it and I’m sharing all of my success secrets with you in this course! There’s a method to the madness and I’ve helped dozens upon dozens of people turn their pain, passion, or pleasure into profit.

What are three of the secret tips you’d like for emerging writers to know?
Establish your writing space.
Establishing your writing space is extremely important. Whether you have a dedicated room to convert into a home office, or just a tiny corner in your home, having an inspirational workspace can be the difference in coasting through your project or facing a debilitating episode of writer’s block. A few tips I'd recommend for your writing space are: Make it “work comfortable” but not too cozy. Make sure your space is well lit. Limit distractions (no TV or radio). Be minimalist with decor and avoid clutter.

Gather your writing tools.
Aside from having the correct physical writing tools, you want to make sure you have great digital writing tools, as well. Some of the best tools to help you achieve your writing goals include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, Grammarly, Evernote, and Google Docs.

Determine what your book is about.
One of my favorite quotes is: “Anyone who is going to be a writer knows enough at age 15 to write several novels.” ~ Mary Sarton .

The fastest and easiest way to write a book is to write about what you know. Pick out a theme for your book, write out each character, along with their description and their goals for the story. Basing your character on someone you know is a great shortcut to achieving this quickly. After you have the characters in place, develop storylines based on their importance to the overall vision of your book. Ask yourself the following questions: What are my character's personality traits? What are their accomplishments? What are their goals? What are their pitfalls? Who will be the hero and/or the villain? Think about people you know and have encountered throughout your life. Start where you are using the life experiences you already have. We all have a story to tell, but most importantly, we all have a story to SELL.

Where do you see your brand Going within the next 5 years?

Within the next five years, I’d like to turn my personal stories into multiple TV shows--one reality show and one TV drama. I truly believe that I’ve had to endure some painful experiences as a part of my purpose. My mission is to enlighten and educate the world about the disparities and systemic racism that African Americans face daily.