Check Out Carlos (C.M. James) McNeely’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos (C.M. James) McNeely.

Hi Carlos (C.M. James), we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. After leaving the University of Kansas in 2000, I moved to Tennessee and haven’t looked back since. My recent story really began during the pandemic. When the world paused, I decided to build. I launched a virtual assistant company to help others stay organized, start their own businesses and build their credit. It was a way to stay focused while everything else felt uncertain. During that period my mindset shifted. I wanted to create, to help others, and to build with intention.

In December 2023, I began my writing journey as author C.M. James. Since then, I’ve written and published 12 books, some of which are now archived in the Library of Congress, a humbling moment for any author. My goal was never just to tell stories, but to give voice to stories that needed to be heard, which led to launching “C.M. James Writes” publishing agency in September 2024. Through it I help other authors tell their stories.

Then in December of 2024, everything changed. I lost my sister, Larysa Hamilton (Nashville singer Larysa Jaye), a devastating loss that rocked our family. She was a soulful, one-of-a-kind talent with a heart full of music. In the middle of that grief, I decided to carry her legacy forward in the way I knew how, by being creative. By March 2025, I launched C.M. Jaye Music LLC, a record label dedicated not only to preserving Larysa’s voice but also to giving space to raw, soulful country artists who need to be heard.

What started as personal has grown into something with real momentum fueled by the network Larysa built, and the one I continue to build today. The label is already gaining recognition, and we’re preparing to welcome new artists to the roster soon. It feels like just the beginning.

At every stage, from entrepreneurship to writing, publishing, and now music, I’ve never felt like I was doing it alone. Even in the hard times, especially in the hard times, I’ve felt called to keep going. Not just for me, but for my family, Larysa, her children and for legacy. I’m grateful for every part of this journey, and I believe the best is still ahead.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been anything but smooth, but I think that’s where the real growth happened. For most of my life, I worked in sales since I was 18, it’s what I knew. It was my comfort zone. Stepping into writing, publishing, and eventually music felt like jumping without a parachute. I second-guessed myself often; wondering if I was making the right decisions, if I was equipped to walk these new paths.

On top of the career shift, life hit hard. Since the pandemic, I lost both my male and female best friends, two people who knew me better than most. In April 2024, my daughter (13) had to undergo open-heart surgery; a moment that tested everything in me. And then, just eight months later, in December, I lost my little sister.

That loss changed everything. She had always asked me to get into music, and I was adamant that I wouldn’t. But here I am, doing exactly that. Not because I planned to, but because I couldn’t let her voice disappear. And she’s always gotten her way, even with her passing. 🙂

There have been days I’ve wondered how I’m still going. But I keep pushing. Because I know it’s bigger than me now. It’s about honoring the people I’ve lost, creating a legacy for my family, and making space for others to shine through their stories, their art, and their truth.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In just a year, I’ve built a solid online presence under the name C.M. James, both as an author and publisher. I started by going headfirst into writing a full vampire series, which is funny, because I never even liked vampire stories. But I wanted to challenge myself creatively, so I chose a genre that forced me to think outside the box. That turned into the “Alpha Blood – The Battle for Sanguis series,” which now has four volumes released and a fifth on the way.

The first book in the series, “Facing Recognition,” actually made it into the top 200 in its genre and is still one of my most popular titles. What makes that one even more special is that it’s set right here in Nashville, during the early days of COVID. In total, I’ve written and published 12 books in just one year literally; from Valentine’s Day 2024 to Valentine’s Day 2025, and that momentum helped my name gain traction faster than I expected.

Beyond my own writing, I launched C.M. James Writes Publishing, which has gone on to help other authors release and promote their work. Now, I’ve also stepped into music, founding C.M. Jaye Music LLC in honor of my late sister, something she had planned on doing this year. The label is starting to gain attention from some respected professionals in the Nashville music scene, several of whom are already collaborating with me or planning to soon.

I’ve been featured in interviews with local radio stations, The Tennessean, and even back in my hometown of Kansas City, and I know there’s more to come.

But honestly, what I’m most proud of is my tenacity and focus. Sometimes I surprise myself. I’m finally doing the things I should’ve done years ago, things my sister encouraged me to do, which is to create. To stop sitting on ideas and start bringing them to life.

I don’t know if there’s anything that truly sets me apart from others, I believe we all have the ability to do great things. I think the difference might just be in how I keep moving forward. I’ve got tunnel vision. I stay locked in, even when the road gets hard, even when people can’t believe the pace I move at. I think we’re all capable, we just have to quiet the noise and push through.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
None of this happens without the people around me.

First and foremost, my family. My mom and dad raised me right, even if I went left for a while! Their foundation stuck with me, even during the tougher seasons. My two brothers and sister have been constant encouragers, especially as I’ve stepped into this creative space. And my children, Dayvon and Aniston, are a huge part of my motivation. Dayvon reminds me of myself; a man of few words, but always about his business. And my daughter Aniston… she’s probably the toughest person I know. She’s just 14 and has already endured three heart surgeries, yet she walks through life with joy and strength that humbles me daily.

Then there’s Karla, my fiancée. She’s been my anchor through what I can honestly say have been the hardest years of my life. Her support has been constant. I truly believe I wouldn’t have made it through this chapter without her.

And I can’t forget Sean, a mentor, friend, and business associate who’s been like an uncle to me. He’s taught me a lot about business, about how to move in this space with wisdom, and how to stay sharp. He’s been one of those rare people who shows up consistently and genuinely wants to see you win.

Everything I do has been influenced by these people. They’ve lifted me when I didn’t know how to stand, and they’ve helped me stay grounded as things started to grow.

Pricing:

• • Paperback books: $12.99 – $16.99
• • Audio & eBooks: $4.99 – $9.99
• • Story coaching / ghostwriting packages/ tailored tales: Starting at $250
• • Full publishing packages (editing, formatting, ISBN, cover design): $1,200 – $3,500 depending on scope
• • Content creation, online/social media marketing, and branding services, etc: Starting at $300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cmjayemusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.c.m.james
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmjayemusic/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dicarlos-mcneely-05109447
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IamCMjames?app=desktop
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/c-m-james-writes-smyrna
• Other: https://www.cmjameswrites.com/