The Cool Fall of November....

 Back again, my peoples.  Two months are left in the year.  Time really has flown by, hasn't it...?

Welcome to the month of November.  In the month of November, we have the thirteen-year publishing anniversary of my second book, "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  I'm very proud of this particular book, and wish that it got more support and recognition (as I feel with ALL my books).

 

November 2nd commemorated the 1930 coronation of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia.  It is also the Black nationalist holiday Black Solidarity Day in the United States.  Not too many people celebrate either occasion, but I always try to incorporate our culture into my everyday lifestyle.  Celebrating our holidays and historical cultural milestones is very important...especially passing that on to our youth to continue the traditions...  

The national election was held, recently.  The idiot that won in 2016 got voted back into office.  That confirms it...the people of this country are truly fucking stupid.  Unfortunately, I am unable to execute my escape plan.  My money ain't right, and I still haven't gotten my passport done.  That's partially on me.  At the same time, I haven't really been stable, financially or otherwise, in a few years.  At the same time...my revolutionary ass needs to get myself ready for what may come.  I need to get my ass back into fighting shape, and invest in a machete (and...learn some stick fighting on top of that...)... 

Haven't been able to upload an episode of "The Rough Draft" to YouTube in a hot minute.  Something is wrong with my laptop, whereas I am unable to use my webcam (among other things).  I've thought about investing in a handycam camcorder, and using that to shoot some episodes, as well as investing in another laptop, and using that exclusively to shoot and edit content for my YouTube Channel.  If my money was a little better, I probably would do that.  Of course...option number three is to stop making episodes.  Nobody seems to be watching my videos, anyway.  Why bother to continue...? 😢😢😢😢😢😢

I've decided to not do anymore online eBook sales through Smashwords for the remainder of the year.  People haven't support ANY of the sales that I've done this year, no matter how much online promotion I do.  It's just not worth it.  It doesn't cost me any money to do, per se; it's just the fact that the sales never get supported, and I never make any profits from it.  So, what's the point in continuing to do the sales...?  Apparently people can't seem to afford my eBooks at half price...which is basically ONE FUCKING DOLLAR!!!  😐😐😐😐😡😡😡😡😡

Oh well, I'll decide if I'm going to continue any eBook sales next year.  This one is a wrap.

See you in December!!  I'll let you know more about my literary progress next month.  If you celebrate the holiday, Happy Thanksgiving!!  Uhuru sasa, y paz!!!

Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

The Rising Heat of Revolutinary Black August

 Welcome to the month of AUGUST.  We are in the last legs of the summer season.  Time is flying by this year, as the summer is coming to a close, and the new school year is just about upon us. It's also about to be football season, for all you football maniacs out there....

In the month of August, I will be celebrating the 9-year publishing anniversary of my poetry book "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" (Draft2Digital, 2015).  Originally posted only in eBook format, it's been made available as a paperback for about a year, now. I wouldn't say that it's my best work, but you're able to see me be lyrical with my pen, and hit you guys off with some poetic prose; especially with the love poems.  Hope that you support that project...

Soooo....the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale was a complete bust.  I didn't sell ANY eBooks for the entire month of July.  I'm not actually surprised, nor am I completely mad about it.  It's actually what I expected to happen, so I wasn't greatly disappointed.  The people who I fuck wit online just aren't my true fans.  Any jackass can press a 'like' button, and keep it moving; a real fan would support the sale, purchase something, and help to spread the word to their circle of associates.  I just need to get back out there, and do the whole festival circuit to generate some hand-to-hand sales.  Quite obviously, this online shit just ain't working. 

August will also mark the 5-year production anniversary of my web series "The Rough Draft".  Started on August 23rd of 2019, I started shooting and posting the episodes on YouTube.  Been five years strong, and the production values have increased slightly.  Still don't get a whole lot of subscribers or views, but fuck it....I actually enjoy doing the videos.  If you're not my fan that consistently watches the series, then fuck you, and your entire family bloodline. You're missing out on some good content.

August also make it three years since I moved to Raleigh.  It's going pretty good for me, and I don't see myself wanting to leave here anytime soon.  Other than wanting to relocate to the continent, I like it here. It's still affordable to live here (for the time being), and I feel at ease.  Once I'm a little more settled in my new apartment, I'm hoping to get back onto my literary grind.  My w.i.p.'s are stagnant as hell, and I'm behind schedule with my book releases.  I value the break form publishing my books, but I have my own personal goals to achieve and reach.  At least my work schedule makes it easier to get that done, I'm sooooo mf glad I left that other job!!!

Well, that all for now, mi gente.  I'll keep you guys updated on my other plans.  Catch you guys next time!!! 😁😁😁😁😁

Uhuru sasa, y paz.  Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

Feeling the Coming Heat of JUNE

 Greetings to all!!  We are now in the month of JUNE!! The year is officially half over 😳😳😳😲😲😲.  We are now at the midway point. Time is certainly flying by.  Hoping that you're all actively keeping up with your plans and goals for the year...

 

To start off...June marks the nine-year publishing anniversary for my Erotica novel "Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015).  It was clearly an experiment, and a departure from my other works published at the time.  It marked my 5th book, and second novel at the time it was published.  You can download the eBook, or order the paperback through Barnes & Noble from this link here:

  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demure-nights-kevin-alberto-sabio/1122161393;jsessionid=6DF48510C4AEEFB16216419791E422BD.prodny_store01-atgap15?ean=2940152202618

 

I'm actually quite happy with this literary project.  I got to flex my 'freaky' muscles, and showed that I could write something completely different from what I was known for. 

June also marks Father's Day, and the Summer Solstice.  There was an event this month that I wanted to attend called SableCon, a local comic & manga con out here in Raleigh.  I wasn't able to attend; I had to work the weekend that it was held (June 1st & 2nd).  I'm not blaming the day job...that's just how the ball bounces.  I left my old day job, and recently started a new one.  I kinda figured that I would end up working that first weekend with them, which happened to be the weekend that SableCon was happening.  Hopefully, I'll get to attend (and hopefully VEND) next year.

 

On a personal note...I'm trying to apply for an apartment.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  This hotel shit is for the birds.  I've been stuck living in this place for damn near three years; I want my own place.  I was finally able to find something that was affordable out here, and going through the application process now.  I'm hoping that I qualify.  The sooner I get my own place, the better I'll feel.  It feels like I've been stuck in limbo, the whole time I've been living out here, smdh... 😔😔😔😔😔

 

I'm surprised that I was able to shoot two episodes of The Rough Draft last month.  I'm looking forward to shooting one for this month.  Hopefully. if/when I get my own place, I can be more consistent with making the videos.  I'll have my own space, and can invest in some lighting equipment that I need to shoot the videos (at least, a ring light, or something). Looking forward to shooting & posting Episode 73!!!

 

As I stated earlier, I left my old day job.  I hated that mf place!!  The work was tedious, and my schedule was fucking ass.  The money wasn't worth it, and I just wasn't happy being there.  This new gig seems to be going well.  The pay & benefits are pretty good, and they gave me a signing bonus.  Hell, they even have Employee Referral Bonuses if you can bring in people to work for the company!  Of course, my priority is my writing career.  I haven't told anyone about my writing career at the new day job.  Might just keep it to myself...

 

That's all for now.  Will do my best to keep you all updated on the writing career, and other goings on in my life.  I'll let you guys know how the apartment hunting goes!!  😁😁😁😁

 

Keep the fist raised!!!  Uhuru sasa, y paz!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

  

Welcome to APRIL/National Poetry Month

 Greeting my followers & true fans!!  Welcome to the month of April!!  The first quarter of the year is now in the books.  Time really is flying by, isn't it?  Feels like it was just yesterday that we were celebrating New Years Day... 😲😲😲😲😮😮😮😮

A little bit of housekeeping.  In the month of April, we have the eight-year publishing anniversary of my short story anthology "Drum Speaking: Tales From An Inner City Griot" (CreateSpace, 2016).  I thoroughly enjoyed writing that particular book, and feel that it is woefully underrated, as far as my literary works are concerned.  Then, again...I feel that all of my literary works are underrated...

 

Also...April is also known as National Poetry Month.  Shout out to all of my poets out there!!  May you all lyrically represent in this month meant for your creative expression!  To all of my Spoken Word artists out there, and fellow scribes/sesh, happy month-long holiday. 😊😊😊😊

The Read An Ebook Week/Women's History Month sale for March was a total bust.  Only TWO books were downloaded for the entire month.  I shared the hell outta that sale on social media, and all niggas could do was press a mf 'like' button.  That's a complete slap in the face!!  One numb-nut download the book off of the wrong platform (Kindle), paying the regular price for it ($1.99).  So, basically...you could've downloaded the book at any time for purchase, but chose not to.  Really, people....? 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡

Yep...this is DEFINITELY going to be the subject matter for my next episode of The Rough Draft....

This is really pissing me off.  The digital version of my books have been on sale for the past TWO months, and my sales have been abysmal. So, exactly htf are you my fan & supporter, and y'all can't purchase shit?!?! But, y'all quick to spend your money with some major multinational corporation, or on some bitch ass celebrity, smdh. Niggas can press the mf 'like' button fifty million times when you share the mf link, but won't come out of pocket to support your career, smgdmfh... 😡😡😡😡

...And then y'all have the mf nerve to be critical, when us indie artists complain about your bitch asses not supporting us, like we the mf problem...

"...You need to learn how to market your books better!".  Market these salty ass nuts, bitch!!  ...After a three month heatwave, AND I ain't bathed!! 😡😡😡😡😡

Oh, well....

Catch you in the next post.  Hopefully, my mood will be much better.

Keep the fist raised!!  Uhuru sasa, y paz!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

November Vibes 2023....

 We are now in the month of NOVEMBER!!!  There are only TWO months left in the year 😲😲😲😲😲😲!!  Where did the time go?!?!?!

To start with, November celebrates the 12-year publishing anniversary of my second book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  I was always proud of this book, and it started my string of literary works.  Once I knocked book number two out, I just knew that I had to produce more literary works.  Available in paperback and eBook formats for the masses.

 

Welcome to NaNoWriMo!!!!  For those of you not in the know, that acronym stands for "national novel writing month".  It's when people participate in writing an entire novel in one month.  They actually have workshops, and an organized festival to do this.  Personally, I've never participated in it, but if that's what you wanna do....more power to you.  I know that it's a good exercise to do to get the creative juices flowing, and helping you to be/stay hyper focused on writing your literary project, buuuuut...thaaaat ain't for me.   

The holidays are coming up.  I don't have any plans to participate in any events.  Knowing my shitty ass job, I probably wouldn't be able to participate any damned way.  Since the holidays are coming up, business usually slows down for us at the day job, as they start cutting back on hours.  Normally, that would be good, but since my work schedule is never consistent, it doesn't really matter.  Doing any hand-to-hand sales would help me to boost my career up, not to mention....putting some much needed extra money in my pocket.  Other than hitting off a coworker at the day job with a copy of "In My Lifetime" (at a discount, since the copy was damaged), I haven't been able to get out, and really get my name known out here.  Not than I'm regretting moving out here, but...I thought that my writing career would be in much better shape than this...

 

No real plans publish any works in 2024.  I still have other w.i.p.s that I haven't gotten around to finishing.  These poor ass sales of mine have me pretty bummed out, and it's affecting my writing.  Why bother publishing shit, if nobody's gonna buy and read it?  I need to get back that love for writing, and just get that shit done, if just for my own sake.  Fuck the rest of y'all... 😡😡😡😡

 

Been doing pretty good on the video front.  The latest episodes of "The Rough Draft" have been posted to YouTube, and have been shared across my social media (except for Twitter/X...I haven't been on there for a hot minute...).  We are now up to 64 episodes.  I'm hoping to end this year on a strong note, with a few more episodes...    

Was hoping to do a few local Kwanzaa events, but can't seem to find any (at least, online).  Need to try some word of mouth.  That's the only thing about out here...they actually do do word of mouth, but you usually will found out about it at the last minute.  Oh, well...

That's all for now.  Will keep you posted on my progress.  Until next time...

Uhuru sasa, y paz.  Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

The Falls of September.....

 We have now entered into the month of SEPTEMBER!!!  We have officially entered into the LAST QUARTER of the year!!  The final FOUR months of 2023!!!  MY...how time flies... 😲😲😲😲

 

With the coming of the month of September, you have the celebration of the Autumnal Equinox.  It's the official beginning of the season of fall.  It's a time of renewal; yet another change in the season.  The temperatures will cool significantly, and the leaves will soon be a-changing.  Kinda glad for that, cause that heat this summer was whupping my ass something serious...

 

Also in the month of September, you have the beginning of Latino Heritage Month.  The month officially starts on September 15th.  We get to celebrate our pride and culture.  And...as always...I strive to highlight and promote our Afro Latino/African roots & heritage during the month.  I'm still trying to figure out what it is that I'm going to do, exactly.  I have an idea for an episode of "The Rough Draft" to do (probably episode no. 63), but it's going to be quite controversial.  I have some serious issues with the current state of the so-called 'Afro Latino Movement' (basically, I think that it's all bullshit 😠😠😠😠).  I'll definitely go further into detail as to why I have issues with the current state of the movement, once I shoot the video.  Stay tuned for details...

 

Speaking of The Rough Draft...don't forget to go to YouTube, and check out the latest video, Ep. 61!!

 

I had an issues with my books not being made available to Barnes & Noble, and to Books-A-Million.  I am happy to announce that I have resolved the issue, and that my titles are now being made available on both platforms 😁😁😁.  I think that it was a bit of a fuck up on my end; I guess I assumed that my books would be made available to those platforms automatically, like they were when CreateSpace was a separate entity.  Oh well...you live, and you learn.  The books are available now, so that's what really matters...     

Still working on my promotional grind.  The shit gets pretty tiring, but if I don't do it, it won't get done.  Nobody is out here in these streets, helping me to sling my book titles.  I definitely wanna get back to doing in-person appearances at festivals, and the like.  I miss interacting with potential fans.  I just don't wanna have to deal with the assholes out there, though.  Ya feel me...?

That's about all for now.  Catch y'all on the flip side!!!

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

The Closing of Black August...

 We are coming to the end of the month.  I'm starting to marinate on a few things, as the month comes to a close...

For starters, I FINALLY got the chance to shoot an episode of "The Rough Draft", and post it up to YouTube.  Episode no. 61 is now live!!!  Since I haven't really posted any content in the last 2 months, I had to get people up to speed with what's been happening with me.  Go to my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@kevinsabio to see the entire series.  The 23rd marks the four-year production anniversary of the making of "The Rough Draft".  Yay, me!!!  😁😁😁

 

Speaking of the vlog series, I've been considering a few things.  I want to invest in a Sony Handycam so that I can shoot more content, instead of having to use my laptop.  With a Handycam, I can also do field productions, and shoot content from festivals, or comic cons, or book fairs, and add them to my channel.  I'm also considering getting a new/second laptop.  I don't have enough storage space on my current laptop, and need more storage space to shoot & edit my videos.  That was pretty much always the plan anyway; going back to my video production days.  I needed one computer to write my scripts (and hold my other data), and another to use strictly for editing purposes.  I've seen a Handycam online at Best Buy for $229, and I've seen a few laptops going from $279.99 to $379.99 (various brands, like Acer, HP, Asus). Of course, everything comes down to having the money to pay for it all, which is something that I don't have....  😑😑😑😖😖😖😖😞😞😞😞

 

The 28th make it two years that I've officially been living in Raleigh.  I like it out here, and don't regret making that move.  Just wish that I was a little more stable, both financially, and domestically.  There's a lot that I want to do, but my living situation makes things a little bit harder for me to do.  It's expensive to live out here, and with there not being any regulations put out there for housing, and other things, these crazy ass people can do whatever they want.  I have a place to stay, just not my own place.  These politicians out here are fucking ass, and pretty much let people be exploited, and treated like garbage.  Oh, well...

 

Recently found out that some of my books actually are not listed on Books-A-Million.  It seems like half my inventory isn't listed on there.  All of my books published after the merging of CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing (2017) aren't listed on there.  I'm a little pissed off about that.  All this anti-Amazon hate is really fucking with my livelihood.  My books are still listed on Barnes & Noble, though.  Still, that's taking money outta my pocket.  For anybody published through Amazon, they're making it really difficult for us. 😡😡😡😡😠😠😠😠

 

That's all for now.  hope that you enjoyed this wrap-up.  See you next month!!

 

Uhuru sasa, y paz!!!  Keep the fist raised!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

      

Revolutionary Heat of Black August/350th Blog Post!!!!!

 The heat is ON!!!  Literally.  It's been hooooooooooot out in these streets lately!!! 😭😭😭😭   

Welcome to the month of AUGUST.  It is fitting, since this is also my 350th blog post!!! There's lots to talk about, and a lot of info to cover.  Hope that you guys are ready! 😁😁😁

For starters, celebrating the eight-year publishing anniversary of my poetry book "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" (Draft2Digital, 2015).  It's a compilation of poems and rhymes that I'd written that were never-before-released material.  I'd never shared these works in any of my other publications, up to that point.  As part of the new info that I have to share with you all...the book is now available in paperback format!!  It's already available on Barnes & Noble, but is in pre-order status on Amazon.com.  I guess since the book was originally published on August 17th (in 2015), that they're going to release it as a paperback on that same date. Nooot to happy about that. 😠😠😠😠

Oh, well.  Order you copy of the paperback, while you can....

I've been able to add two more distribution channels through Draft2Digital; Odilo, and Gardners.  Odilo distributes to libraries, while Gardners distributes my books to the UK market.  Hey...D2D is doing what they can to help get my books out there.  Much respect to them for what they do for their authors!!! 😁😁😁😊😊😊

Speaking of D2D...I've finally uploaded my 1st book "Raise Your Brown Black: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" [Book 1] to their platform.  I felt that I wasn't getting the reach that I deserved with the eBook only being distributed to the platforms that Authorhouse set up for it.  Putting it on D2D gives it a wider reach, as well as access to libraries in digital format.  It's all about outreach, baby!!!

2023 this month marks the four-year production anniversary of my vlog series "The Rough Draft" on YouTube.  I have to admit, I haven't posted any new episodes for the last 2 months.  My day job has been keeping me pretty busy (wearing me the fuck out is more like it...), not to mention not having the energy or subject matter to record anything.  I'm definitely going to do one this month to celebrate the four year anniversary, as well as update my followers (what few I have on there) on what's be going on with me. 

This month also marks my second year living in Raleigh.  I actually like it out here, even though I wish that I was a little more stable; not just financially.  Housing is expensive as hell out here, not to mention the issues that I'm currently having with my day job.  I don't necessarily wanna job hop again, but...something has got to give.  I can't really enjoy my life out here, with this fuck ass job.  There's no consistency, and I'm feeling over worked and unappreciated.  I barely have time to strategize my next moves for my writing career. 😕😕😕😔😔😔😟😟😟

 

But...I digress...

 

Looking forward to the celebrations of my achievements.  Celebrating the revolutionary history of this month.  Hope to talk to all of you guys again, soon!!!  Uhuru sasa, y paz!!!

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

  

July's Rising Heat

 We have now entered into the month of JULY!!!  We are now past the halfway point of the year, and are smack in the middle of the summer season.  The temperature is rising, and so are the opportunities to make an impact.

 

First off...I gotta promote the latest sale that I have going on...

 

Smashwords is having this annual 'Summer/Winter Sale' on their store site.  My books are listed on Smashwords, and I've made them all available for the sale.  My titles are discounted at 75% off the regular eBook price.  Quite honestly...they're actually FREE for the entire month of July.  Feel free to cop a few, if not all, of my book titles!  Support a brother!!! 😁😁😁😁

 

I will be adding my 1st book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" to Draft2Digital as an eBook.  I want this book to be made available to libraries, and other outlets.  It's already listed on the major eBook distro channels of Kindle, Nook, and Apple Books; but I want to be able to reach a wider audience.  My publisher for it (Authorhouse) only distributes the eBook to the main eBook carriers, so I gotta do the additional legwork to get it out to other audiences.

 

Speaking of Draft2Digital...I'll be releasing the paperback version of "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" this month through their P.O.D. arm, D2D Print.  I might as well bite the bullet, and see what happens.  I don't really have anything to lose by doing that, since I haven't been having any success with it solely as an eBook.  At least now, all 14 of my books will available in physical paperback format.  I'm still debating about printing "Fiesta Girl" through them, and delisting it from KDP.  Let's just see how this one goes, and then I'll decide if I want to use them to print some of my other books...

 

I'm planning on discontinuing the plan to do the Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour.  I don't have the mobility to get around to some of these bookstores that I want to promote & do the signings at.  I'm trying to be as economical as possible, and lugging all those books through Greyhoud or AmTrak just doesn't sound feasible. I might just try to concentrate on doing some of the local festivals to vend at, which would be much easier.  Maybe if I knew some fellow local authors out here who would be interested in doing the tour as a joint venture, I'd commit to it.  I don't want to say that it's hard for me to make any friends out here, but it's not very easy to find any like-minded people that think the way that I do.

 

That's all for now.  Looking forward to keeping you guys updated on my other upcoming plans.  Stay tuned!!! 😊😊😊

 

Uhuru sasa, y paz!!!  Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

Upcoming Sales & Updates!!!

 Got some new info for ya!!!  Hope that it makes your mouth water, and excited with anticipation!!!

First order of business....my latest novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022).  

 

 

It is currently available at 65% off in paperback format on Amazon.com!!!  In other words...the normal price is $9.95, and you can now purchase it at Amazon for $3.47!!!!  That's an absolute steeeeeeeaaaaal!!!!  If that price doesn't motivate you to run out, and purchase a copy...I don't know what will!!!

 

ALSO.....

 

In July, Smashwords will be having their annual "Summer/Winter Sale" on their store.  All eBook titles listed in their store will be available at discounted prices. Since Smashwords merged with Draft2Digital, I am now able to participate in this annual sale. All of my titles listed on Smashwords will be available at 75% off !!!!!  The sale runs throughout the entire month of July, from July 1st to July 31st.  If you have an account with Smashwords, show ya boy some love!!!  Cop the titles that you haven't copped yet!!!

Finally....

Draft2Digital has a new distribution channel available for libraries (which I believe was originally a Smashwords outlet).  My eBooks are now available to libraries through the distribution channel of ODilo.  My eBook titles are available to libraries now through SIX different national distributors, and one international channel (BorrowBox).

 

That's all for now!!  Hope that you go out and support ya boy!!!  Cop your copy of "Second Chance Points", and support the sale on Smashwords next month!!!  Always staying on my literary griiiiiiind!!!

Uhuru sasa, y paz!!!  Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

June's Summer Blast

 We have now entered into the month of JUNE!!!  We are already at the halfway mark of the year!!  It feels like just yesterday, we were celebrating the start of the new year.  :-O

As always, with the coming of June, I have to let you know about my publishing anniversary.  In the month of June, I will be celebrating the eight-year publishing anniversary of my fifth book "Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015).

This project was more of an experiment. I wanted to see if I could write something completely different from all the other books that I'd written at the time.  This is my second novel that I'd written, and am actually quite proud of it.  I was able to let my imagination run wild, writing an erotic novel, and let out every naughty, nasty impulse that I could think of.  The sales for it haven't been what I thought they should be, but the project is still out there in both paperback & eBook formats.

 

Still considering printing my books through D2D Print.  I might do my poetry book, since that's the only book that isn't available at all, physically. I didn't really go crazy with the fonts in the book(I think I only used Philly Sans), so that should be the easiest to convert. I'll probably do it by mid-month, or so.  I was considering waiting until August, when I actually published that book, but...naaaaaah.

I want to get back into doing more in-person events.  It;s the height of festival season, but I never seem to get any decent time off.  I need to look for a new day job.  This one sucks ass.  My scheduling to too irregular for me to plan anything.  Plus, I just don't like the vibes there, anymore.  😔😔😕😕😞😞😞

Still trying to plan my Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour.  I juuuuuuust might have to put that on hold.  Reasons are A) I just don't have a consistent schedule to plan anything out, and B) I'm not very mobile to be able to travel anywhere.  I don't feel like I earn enough to be coming out of pocket to travel via train or Greyhoud, so that's also killing me, as far as traveling to do in-person appearances are concerned.  Oh, well....   

Looking forward to hitting you off with another blog post soon.  Getting close to 350 blog posts.  Gonna have to find a way to come up with something special to celebrate that.  Let me know if you guys have any ideas...

Keep the fist raised.  Uhuru sasa, y paz.

#AlwaysOnMy LiteraryGrind

(Late) Blooming of May

 This is late, no doubt about it.  Been dealing with a bit of stuff behind the scenes.  Need to be able to be more consistent with these posts.  The month is nearly over, and I'm just being able to post something.  Definitely need to work on that...

The month of May brings you a few anniversaries.  The first is the six-year publishing anniversary of my novel "Seductra, Web of Desire" (CreateSpace, 2017).  I always did love this project.  I love the pacing of it, as well as the overall storyline.  I think that the characters are pretty well rounded, and well developed.  It's a damn shame that people continue to sleep on this particular project.

ALSO in the month of May...it the one-year publishing anniversary of my latest literary project "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022).

 

This was a supreme labor of love.  It officially become one year old on May 6th.  I'm straight cheesing like a proud papa.  Trying to do what I can to gain some sort of traction for it.  This time around, I actually emailed two women's basketball leagues (the GWBA, and the WABA) a FREE digital copy of the book.  Also added a men's bball league into the mix, as well (The Basketball League), so here's to hoping that the emails have an impact on my sales, and the popularity of the book.

 

I was hoping to make it to this Black comic con that I had just discovered that existed out here in Raleigh.  The con is called Sable Con, and ran from May 20th-21st.  I was supposed to be scheduled off that weekend from my blasted day job, but got scheduled to come in that weekend because my fuck ass coworker doesn't know how to mf come to work anymore.  Of course, I been told them to fire his nonworking ass months ago, but...wtf do I know?!?!?   This would have been a perfect opportunity for me to get out there, and network with some local creatives, and just plane get tf out in public.  I haven't been able to attend/enjoy any type of cultural events since I moved out here almost 2 years ago bc of these wack ass jobs. This is seriously starting to kill my vibe... 😡😡😡😡😕😕😕😕

 

Still trying to organize my Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour.  My issue is still mobility.  It sucks, not being able to drive.  Don't really wanna come outta pocket for a bus ticket, or train ticket, but I may not have much of a choice...not if I want to finally do this tour.  I'll keep you posted...

 

That's all for now.  Hope to see you guys next month.  Hope to be a little better about posting this ish on time. 

Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

 

The Mighty Rains of April

 We are now in the month of APRIL!!!  for those of you into mathematics, the FIRST QUARTER of the year is now in the books.  Time certainly is flying by us.This definitely means that you have to seriously get on your grind, and work to achieve all of your goals for the year.

 

To start off, April marks the seven-year publishing anniversary of my short story anthology "Drum Speaking: Tales From An Inner City Griot" (CreateSpace, 2016).  This book is a collection of 13 different short stories spanning several different genres.  I'm quite proud of this book, and feel that it is quite slept on, like much of my other books.  

April also marks National Poetry Month.  Shout out to all of my poetic peoples out there.  May you continue to wax poetic, and bless the world with your words and lyrical rhythms.

Working on shooting the latest episode of The Rough Draft.  This will make it Episode no. 59.  I'm hoping that people will find my videos interesting, but I can only do so much.  I'm considering adding music to the into and end of the video; I wanna use the instrumental to this song produced by this Hip Hop artist that I listen to, and support.

Still trying to work on organizing the Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour.  Running into a few complications while organizing it.  I'll go into further detail in that new episode of The Rough Draft.  All will be explained there... 

My latest novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022) is now ELEVEN MONTHS OLD!!!  My latest baby will be turning a year old next month!!!  Time really does fly by.  Still doing what I can to promote it.  Reaching out to two professional women's basketball leagues (and a few of the teams from one of the leagues), as well as one men's league.  Keeping my fingers crossed on their support for this project....

 

Well, that's about all for now.  Looking forward to keeping you guys updated on my further progress of my writing career.  Shout out to the LSU Lady Tigers for winning the 2023 National Women's Basketball title!!!

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

The Madness of March/Spring In My Step

 What's good, peoples?  We are now in the month of MARCH!!!  The first 1/3rd of the year is over.  The Veneral Equinox will be starting soon (as well as the changing of the clocks), and the spring season will begin.  It will also be allergy season for those of you that suffer from allergies.  Personally I don't, but...thought I'd just mention that, lol, lol, lol, lol.  Yeah...I'm kinda an asshole for that. 😆😆😆😆😆

In the month of March, I will be celebrating the 9-year publishing anniversary of my comedic memoir "In My Lifetime: Funny Stories of Life Lessons" (Outskirts Press, 2014).  This little gem is a favorite of mine, though it's been met with mixed reactions from those who've read it.  Some get my humor, others don't, and wanna impose their bullshit belief systems on me, and shit.  You obviously didn't properly read the book, because you would've figured out that I really couldn't give a fuck what you think. 😆😆😆😂😂😂

March also marks the 3-year publishing anniversary of my books "Suicide Amy" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2020); my Street Lit/Young Adult novel, and my time-traveling Science Fiction novel"Time Will Reveal" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2020).  They were my dual release for that year, celebrating my ten year anniversary as a published author.  Sales were better for Suicide Amy, than they were for Time Will Reveal.  That kinda saddens me a bit; I think that TWR is a pretty good novel.

 

I'm still trying to plan my Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour.  My mobility is still an issue.  Had a friend who was willing to drive me to one or two of the locations that I wanted, but now they've kinda disappeared on me, not answering their phone.  Can't really plan much, if I don't have a reliable ride.  I'm keeping the hope alive, though...

 

There's an event that's going to be held in Richmond, VA in April called the Kidz Comic Con Book Festival.  I'm hoping to vend at that event.  I need to do more in-person events, anyway.  It will be held on April 8th.  I'm hoping to make it to that festival, and vend two of my books there.  Of course, read the paragraph above, as one of the issues that I face.  I'll let you know if I'll be vending there, or not.  Keep...hope...aliiiiive!!!

 

It's almost tournament tiiiiime!!!  What colleges are you rooting for to win the NCAA championship..? Get ready to fill out those brackets!!!  We will soon have a men's champion and a women's champion crowned for this year.  Makes me think about my most recent book "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022).  Yes...I threw that in this blog post.  Yes...I'm shamefully plugging it.  It's my blog, and I can do what I want to.  😆😆😆😆

 

Looking forward to [posting more episodes of The Rough Draft.  Episode number 56 has already been posted.  Need to shoot & post Episode 57, and number 58 to represent for March.  

Marinating on some ideas to write.  Wanna finish up "The Adventures of Don Fiero Valiente", since that one has been ratting around in my brain for the last few weeks.  Hopefully, I get some time off from my day job to actually be able to write something down.

That's all for now.  Will keep you posted!!  Come back soon!!!  😁😁😁😁

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

Happy New Year 2023

 Welcome to 2023!!!  The new year has finally fallen upon us.  Hopefully, your year is starting off on a positive note, and on the good foot.  May positive energy and prosperity enrich you, and all those that you love. Birthday blessings to all new years babies that were born on that special day. 😀😀😀

In the month of January, I will be celebrating the four-year publishing anniversary of my novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019), as well as the two-year publishing anniversary of my novel "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021).  Both books are available in both paperback AND eBook formats.  Hopefully, you will take the time to financially support them, and help to spread the word about them.

As of right now, I have no plans to publish a new book in 2023.  I'm hoping that will change; it will have to be much later in the year.  I don't have any manuscripts that are completed, or close to being completed, as of yet. I kind of ended last year on a really sour note, and haven't felt very motivated to write anything.  I have a few ideas rattling around in my head, but whenever I fire up the laptop to write something down, I just end up staring at the page.  Either that, I fell too tired and unmotivated to write anything when I actually have a day off.  My poor book sales have really affected my writing, as I end up wondering wtf am I doing all of this for, if I can't make some sort of a profit doing this professionally? 😔😔😔

I'm hoping to get out more, this year.  I want to get back to doing in-person appearances.  If not by setting up my own book signings, or tours, then by at least participating in festivals as a vendor.  I definitely need to buildup my presence & name recognition out here in North Carolina.  I'm hoping to do my Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour this year, since I had to postpone it last year.  I know of a few bookstores out here that I want to hold the appearances at.  I'll keep you guys posted...

 

Thanks for reading, and have a happy and safe new year.  Blessings & good fortune to you all!!! 😁😁😁😁

 

Keep the fist raised.

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

 

Winter Solstice/ 2022 End-Of-Year Wrap Up

 Today marks the Winter Solstice.  I have commenced with the shedding of my facial follicles from the previous year, and plan to go clean shaven until the new year is upon us.  Hopefully, the shedding of these follicles will also shed the negative energies & experiences from the year that is about to become a past year.

2022 had its ups and downs.  Of the good: I published my latest book; my 14th, which is also my 8th novel.  My novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022) dropped this past May.  I was able to do at least two author interviews this year; one as a podcast for a friend, and one for a local (terrestrial) radio station based out here in North Carolina. I was very proud to have been able to get that interview.  I've done additional research to expand my reach; learning of new bookstores & media outlets to send my literary information to.  I've even tried to reach out to 2 different women's basketball leagues to promote my latest novel.

Of the bad: Two additional interviews for that same terrestrial radio station fell through (much to my ire).  I haven't been able to do any in-person appearances this year.  I've job hopped a bit this year, having worked at three different jobs, and never had a consistent work schedule.  My days off were never consistent, so I could never really plan to do any appearances.  I would love to organize a reading of my latest novel.  I would also like to be able to vend at a local festival to get my name out there a little more.

I wanted to organize a Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour this year.  But, as I stated in the paragraph above, my schedule prevented me from being able to organize it.  It also didn't help that I'm not very mobile, since I don't drive.  Some of those bookstores that I wanted to include in my tour are in a different city than where I live.  Hopefully, I'll be able to do it in 2023.

I haven't really been able to work on another novel.  I haven't really be motivated to write anything.  I've been a bit bummed out because of my lack of sales for 2CP.  It kinda sucks to put all of this effort into your project, and not receive the type of support that you know that you deserve.  If I do end up publishing something for 2023, it won't come out until much later next year.

I'm considering bringing back the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  Just considering it.  I'm not trying to stretch myself thin, like I was before.  There is still a great need for what I do/did with the movement, but I'm gonna need some help to make shit happen.  We'll see...

 

See ya next year!!!  😊😊😊😊

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

The Chill of December

 We are now in the month of DECEMBER!!!  The final month of the year is now upon us.  In a matter of weeks, we will be entering into a new year. My...this year has flow by really quick.  Weren't we JUST celebrating the coming of the new year...? 😲😲😲😲

My latest novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022) is now seven months old.  I'm still doing what I can to promote it, but sales continue to be stagnant.  Been reaching out to two women's basketball leagues regularly on the email front (Global Women's Basketball Association [GWBA], and Women's American Basketball Association [WABA]), but no joy, as of yet.  I've even contacted some of the individual teams of the latter league (at least four teams), and still nothing.  Gonna have to find a way to work my magic to gain some sort of sales.  Looks like I'm gonna have to work on doing some in-person events this coming year...

No plans for the upcoming Winter Solstice, other than my usual 'follicle' cleanse.  I'm actually going to be off for Xmas (since I worked on Thanksgiving at the day job), but most likely working on the first day of Kwanzaa (if not the entire run of the holiday).  Don't know of any Kwanzaa events going on out here in Raleigh, so that's another missed opportunity.  Oh, well...maybe next year.  **shoulder shrug**

I just posted Episode 54 of "The Rough Draft" onto YouTube.  That latest episode was based off of a Twitter exchange that I'd gotten into.  Kinda needed the opportunity to vent.  It was just a very frustrating experience.  Don't know if I'm going to do an end-of-year episode, or not.  I'll keep you guys posted.

 

Good news!!!  Got me an interview scheduled by another radio host on WCOM-FM!!!  We will be talking about my latest book, and my writing career in general.  I'm looking forward to it, as I haven't done too many interviews in recent years.  Definitely need to get my exposure game up.

 

More good news!!!  My eBooks will now be available in the Smashwords Store!!  With the merging of my e-publisher Draft2Digital and Smashwords, my works are able to be made available through their outlets and distribution channels, including their online store.  That gives my book titles even more real estate to be discovered by potential fans willing and interested in downloading my novels.  Hope that this helps me out.  I could really use that residual income (not to mention, the notoriety).  Keeping my fingers crossed...

 

That's all for now.  I'll keep you all in the loop, and let you know how the interview goes.  If the interviewer provides me a link, I'll definitely share it here with you guys.  Wish me luck!!

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

    

The Changing Time of November

 We have now entered into the month of NOVEMBER.  There are now officially only two months left in the year. The clocks have been moved back an hour, and election time has come.  It's time to gear up for the end of the year, and prepare for the coming new year.

To start with, I would like to celebrate the 11-year publishing anniversary of my second book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  A collection of political essays, and an extension of my second essay series 'Black Thoughts: A Political Ideological Perspective For Afro Latinos', I consider this book to be one of my treasures.  Available in both paperback & eBook formats, this is definitely a keeper for your bookshelf.

 

 

 

Also...November also marks the 6-month release of my latest novel, "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022).  Sales are still flat, as usual.  I'm doing my part to promote it. Whatever...

 

On a lighter note, I now have a new handle on YouTube.  You can now view my channel by going to the new link www.youtube.com/@kevinsabio, and view all of my videos there.  You will be able to watch all of the episodes of 'The Rough Draft", as well as my book trailers. Please watch the videos, and subscribe to my channel when you get the chance.

 

Apparently, November is also National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo.  I've never participated in NaNoWriMo, as I don't like trying to write a novel in one month.  Usually, I just end up finishing writing the first draft of whatever novel/manuscript that I'm writing in November.  Don't ask me why; it just seems to happen that way for me.  I don't have anything slated for this year, so I don't think that I'll be publishing any new novels for next year.  I guess my poor sales have me too bummed out to write anything new, or finish any of my other work(s)-in-progress.

 

November also marks the start of my initiative, the "Holiday Economic Support Initiative".  It usually lasts from November into the new year, as a means to support Black-owned & Latino-owned businesses & entrepreneurs during the holiday season(s). I don't think that I'll be doing it this year, as I never get the response I feel the initiative deserves.  So, you won't be seeing me push it this year, or using the hashtags of #HESI, or #HolidayEconomicSupportInitiative.  It feels like a waste of my time, and nobody seems to care any mf way.

 

That'll be all for now.  Looking forward to shooting and posting the next TRD episode, and posting it on YouTube.  I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

       
 

The Coming of All Hallow's Eve

 The birthday was a relaxing day.  It's still hitting me that I'm now 48 years old.  Latino Heritage Month has 'officially' come to an end, wrapping up on October 15th.  Of course, you should ALWAYS celebrate your heritage and culture everyday, 365 days a year, every year.  The month is now coming to an end, and we are now looking forward to the last TWO months of the year.

As the Halloween season approaches, I look forward to celebrating the birth of my oldest nephew.  I remember when he was born; now he's a grown man in his 20s.  I'm very proud of him, and the man that he's become.  **shedding a thug tear**  😁😁😁😁

Also for the Halloween season, I usually like to promote my superhero novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015), and now, the sequel as well, "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019).  I would love to have an artist render their rendition of my character, and some of the other supporting characters in the series.  I would also love to have someone cosplay the characters, whether at a book signing event, or at a comic con.  I kinda wish that I knew something about 3D printing, because I would print out action figures  to sell at any public appearances that I'd do.  It would also be great as a marketing strategy for that project.

 

There's one week left in the month.  I'll soon be promoting my Holiday Economic Support Initiative, starting next month.  I don't know if I'll continue to do it, though; it doesn't seem to be very effective.  I've been doing the initiative for the last 6-7 years.  I love trying to help promote black-owned & Latino-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, but I don't feel as if my initiative has been helping. Even with my own retweets, and with me explaining what the initiative is about...it doesn't seem to be working, or helping any indie small businesses. 😟😟😟😞😞😞

 

Haven't done much writing.  Scratch that...I haven't done any writing lately.  I guess I've just been a bit bummed out by the poor sales for my recent book "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022); for all of my books, really.  It kinda sucks, but...what can I really do?  Oh...I've had a few ideas rolling around in my head, but I haven't really felt like turning on the laptop, and busting out some pages, or even finishing those w.i.p.'s that I'm trying to get done.  The most that I've done, is to sign up for Draft2Digital's P.O.D. print arm, D2D Print. Since everyone thinks that Amazon is the 'evil empire' of the book industry, I might need a different publisher for the paperback version of my future books.

That's all for now.  Looking forward to talking to you next month.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Falling Into October 2022

 We are now in the month of OCTOBER!!!  The Autumnal Equinox has already passed, and the new month has just started.  There are only TWO more months left in this year.  Also...October marks my birthday month!!!  I will be turning 48 year old  (on the 8th 😁😁😁).

 

October marks FIVE MONTHS since the release of my latest novel, "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022).  Sales are flat & nonexistent. I'm doing what I can to promote it, but it's an uphill battle.  I need to hold an in-person event, or SOMETHING to generate some book sales.  This shit is for the birds...

We are now entering the second half of Latino Heritage Month.  Of course, I'm promoting my first two books of "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010), and "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  Haven't noticed any sales for those two gems yet, but it's something I do annually.

 

Hoping to shoot Episode 52 of "The Rough Draft".  I'll be focusing on my Latino characters in my novels.  It's reminiscent of Episode 10, but I won't be focusing solely on my Afro Latino characters.  Hoping to shoot it, soon.  I haven't gotten many days off from the day job recently, not to mention that the weather hasn't been great (since I don't have my own lighting equipment).  I want to get it done before Latino Heritage Month ends...

 

No new writing project(s) to speak of.  Been too busy trying to promote 2CP.  I guess I'm also a little jaded, as well.  14 book projects deep, and I STILL can't earn a living off of them; especially not collectively.  I might get 'likes' on social media, but nobody ever buys anything.  Wtf am I writing this shit for, then?!?!?!  :-(

 

Decided to put my Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour on hold for now.  Might have to shelve it until 2023.  Can't seem to get a good enough work schedule to organize it, nor do I have the transportation capability to get to the different bookstores I want to get to.  Even if I did drive (which I don't, which doesn't help the situation), it would still be a pain in the ass to get around.  None of the bookstores are in Raleigh, though one of the stores exists in Durham, and the other in Chapel Hill.  They are close, but at the same time, they're NOT close.  I swear, I need an assistant, or something...   

That's all for now.

Keep the fist raised

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind