Rising Stars: Meet Odian Levy of Lawrenceville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Odian Levy.

Hi Odian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started writing in high school. My English teacher encouraged me. I kept submitting short stories regularly. In college, I wrote fan fiction but drifted away from writing. Years later, my future wife asked what would make me happy. I said writing full-time.

That pushed me back in. I took writing courses and coaching. Just before COVID, I was close to a book deal. When lockdowns hit, they canceled it.

I decided to self-publish instead. I hired an editor, released my books, and gained recognition. My first book placed 3rd in a writing contest. My second book won 2 second place awards in the same contest.

I’m proud of the progress and the lessons learned.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road wasn’t smooth. Early on, in the early 2000s, it was hard to find agents. I faced rejections. My work was seen as too edgy. I moved on to blog posts to keep practicing. Then, when I finally got a deal, COVID canceled it.

I had to hunt for editors, cover artists, and marketing. Many took money but didn’t deliver. I lost both time and money. The first self-published book required huge effort.

The second time was smoother but still had challenges. It’s not just writing it’s an uphill climb.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an indie writer. By day, I work in IT. Writing is my side venture. I specialize in sci-fi and Black-focused stories with ethnically diverse Black protagonists. I’m known for unique moral conflicts and definitive endings. I’m most proud of crafting stories that center Black heroes without relying on common tropes. What sets me apart is clarity: readers finish my stories knowing exactly what I intended.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My high school teacher, Ms. Lewis, encouraged me early on—she proofed my stories and guided my writing.

Sylvester Barzey, a fellow Black author, has been a key supporter. We’ve discussed how to stay true to our voices.

My wife has played a huge role. She’s helped ensure my female protagonists are believable and strong. She’s kept my characters grounded and real.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://odianthewriter.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/odianthewriter/