April/National Poetry Month 2025

 We are now in the month of APRIL.  In the United States, it is considered National Poetry Month.  For all of my poets out there, may you be blessed with the poetic verse and prose that stirs your soul, and fulfills your heart & passions. 😊😊😊😊😊

For the month of April, you have the 9-year publishing anniversary of my short story anthology "Drum Speaking: Tales From an Inner City Griot" (CreateSpace, 2016).  It's a collection of thirteen short stories, spanning various genres; from Dramas, to Romance, to Science Fiction, to Action/Adventure.  Per usual, I feel that it is heavily slept on, but of course, that's just my opinion.  Available in both paperback and eBook formats.... 

So, I invested in a new laptop (finally).  My old one wasn't acting very stable, and it was giving me some problems.  I edited at least two episodes of The Rough Draft on it, and they came out pretty badly.  The ttitling was all over the place, even though I had them properly placed when I initially edited the footage in my editing software.  Now, I'm working on adding back some of my programs and music onto my new joint, as well as getting back some of my fonts that I'm used to having for my manuscripts, and graphics projects.

Speaking of The Roug Draft, I edited a new episode on the new laptop, and it came out pretty good.  It's actually easier for me to use this new laptop; my editing software works faster and easier on it.  Especially now that I'm shooting the episodes on a webcam again, I don't have to worry about the camera angles looking off because I have to hold my video camera.  Now, I can use it for field productions, just like I'd planned to.  Looks like everything is working out in the end.

Researching some local events that are coming up.  Since I'm coming up on a full year at my day job, I have a good amount of vacation time saved up.  I'd like to be able to start using it to attend some events, as I haven't done anything in-person since 2018.  I still have an issue with traveling, and I don't have a car, nor anybody to give me a ride to and from anything, especially not out of town.  There are some events coming up locally in Durham that I would like to check out, if not possibly vend at.  It kinda sucks that I have to deal with this type of handicap in my career, but I don't really have anyone to blame but myself.  I never learned to drive, nor ever got a license.  Of course, it would help if I had an actual team to help me with my career, as far as doing events is concerned.  Doing all this shit by yourself is never, ever easy.  Considering how long I've been doing this, you would've thought that I could assemble a team to help me by now....

Oh, well...

That's all for now.  I'll keep you guys updated on my happenings for next month.

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

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Bringing that July Heat

 We have now entered into the month of JULY.  The year is now a little over half completed.  Where has the time gone...?  Is it the process of getting older, that time seems to fly by...?

So, the apartment seems to be coming along.  I should be able to move in within the next coming weeks.  This has been a bit of a headache for me, and will be glad when it's over with.  I know that I should be feeling excited to be having my own place again, but the struggles that I've been dealing with just to get to this point have really been taxing on my spirit.  It's been draining on me spiritually & financially, and I truly hope that it will be all worth it in the end... 😔😔😔😔😔

No publishing anniversaries to speak of in the month of July.  I haven't chosen to publish anything during this month, at this time.  Maybe, once I get me writing mojo back, I'll (hopefully) publish a book/novel during this month.  Other than the month of July, I don't have any publishing anniversaries for the months of September, October, or December either.

This year, I've decided to participate in the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale.  It runs from July 1st through to July 31st.  For the entire month of July, my eBooks will be 50% off on their platform.  You can purchase any of my titles by clicking on  the link here:  

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Kevin_AlbertoSabio

My eBook titles will be priced at $0.99 (99 cents) for the whole month.  You can afford 99 cents.  Stop being so mf cheap, and support the books & writing career. Fuck pressing a gd mf 'like' button; try actually financially supporting, for once.  Acting like my books are trash, or something...😡😡😡😡 

Also...my dinosaur ass finally got with the times, and now have an account with CashApp. If you want to financially support the career, and contribute to the funding of my web series "The Rough Draft", send your donations via CashApp to $KevinSabioKAS to help to sustain all that I do.  None of what I do is cheap, and everything I do is strictly out of pocket.  I have nobody funding me, and I barely make a living off of book sales; paperback OR eBook. 

Hoping to shoot an episode of "The Rough Draft" for the month.  Hopefully, once I get into my new apartment, I can start shooting a new episode, and have it uploaded soon.  With my new work schedule being more consistent, I'm hoping to up the ante a bit, and shoot more episodes per month.  Hopefully, that'll result in more views for the channel, and more more support for the writing career, and boost some sales.  Hopefully, this move will also help me to get my writing mojo back, and finally finish some of the manuscripts.

That's all for now.  Hope that you guys will support me.  I'll update you all on how the move goes, and my further literary progress.  Wish me lots of luck.  I'm gonna need it. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

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 

 

  

(Hopefully) Flowering In May

 We are now in the month of MAY.  Five months into the new year; almost at the midway point. I swear that time is flying by so fast... 😳😳😳😳

In the month of May, we have my Publishing Anniversaries!!  Celebrating the seven-year publishing anniversary of my Urban Lit novel "Seductra, Web of Desire" (CreateSpace, 2017).  One of my favorite books to publish, I feel that it is severely slept on (much like all of my works).  Also, you have the two-year publishing anniversary of my Sports Drama novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022).  Yet another favorite book that I wrote; I loved this story as a screenplay, and continue to love it now as a novel.  I just wish that the book would get the support that I feel it deserves...

Latest updates....Draft2Digital now has a new distribution channel available.  My books are now available on Fable.  It is a social media app, as well as an online bookstore!!  You can create a community, as well as create book clubs based on your book(s).  I'm hoping to get some traction with that new app.  You can check out my titles by clicking on the link here:

https://fable.co/author/kevin-alberto-sabio

Hope that you guys will support me on Fable!!  😁😁😁😁

The promotional grind has been a hard one for me.  It's gotten me deeply depressed, and off my writing game.  I have some ideas rolling around in my head, but I'm not currently motivated to write anything down, or finish my other unfinished manuscripts.  What's the mf point of putting in all of this effort, if nobody is going to support you?  The really sad part is...I have many of my indie author friends who are also in the same boat.  

The day job is really getting me down.  I can't afford to stay where I'm at because of my cheap ass paycheck, not to mention being given the runaround when it comes to my schedule.  A little consistency is all I ask.  And, hold others accountable for they shit they do/don't do at the mf job when I'm scheduled off!  Stop expecting ME to do all this bullshit!!  And, I hate those stuck up ass bitches from the Guest Services department.  Incompetent buncha bitches...

 

Aaaaaaaanyway....

 

Support the books that are out there.  Support your indie authors.  Support your indie bookstores.  Festival/book fair/comic con season is upon us.  Check out the latest episode of "The Rough Draft" posted on YouTube!!

 

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

 

  

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 

The Struggles of Indie Authors/Creatives [***RANT SESSION***]

 For those of you that actually pay attention to my videos, this is the continuation of an episode of "The Rough Draft" that I shot; Episode #48, to be exact.  Felt the need to blow off some steam, and set the record straight, and apparently...I need to blow off a little more steam.  Been feeling really frustrated & disrespected lately, and I think that I need to go deeper in depth...

As an indie author, I'm carrying the same mentality that I had when I was still involved in the film & television world, being a screenwriter; I wanna work in the industry, not for it.  I choose to be independently published b/c I know the headache of trying to find a (decent) agent, or at least, a good small publisher to publish your book.  Also, you know your story best, so you know how & who to market your book to, no matter what genre that you write in.  I know plenty of authors that write speculative fiction that can attest to that.  Not to mention, the rash of consolidation within the publishing industry within the last two decades, or so...?  The publishing world is getting smaller & smaller by the day (if not, the waning minutes).

 

At the same time...I don't have an MFA.  I have no connections to any literary nonprofit organizations.  I've never held a fellowship.  Nor do I have a well paying day job that allows me the financial flexibility to pay for reviews, or a publicist.  My hashtag #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind has meaning BECAUSE I'm actually ON my literary grind!!  Whatever accolades (which ain't many) that I receive, it's because of my hard work to promote my shit, & get the word out to the public.  NOBODY helps me to do shit, when it comes to my writing career.  My grind is really MY grind.  Nobody promotes my books for me, or does any type of outreach for my books.  I've even created a mf video series to help me promote my writing career in "The Rough Draft" (that apparently nobody watches).

 

It's a little infuriating to see people just brush you off, and dismiss any & everything that you do, as if it's big joke, and nothing to be taken seriously.  They don't watch the videos & comment, they don't buy & review your books, nor do they come out to any events that you organize and/or participate in.  Out of the fourteen books that I've published, I'd pre-promoted the last seven books ahead of their publication.  Hardly anybody joined the gd Facebook Events that I created for them; I didn't even crack TWENTY people to accept the invite. Whats' the fucking point?!?!?!  😡😡😡😡😡     

The sales afterward have been even more abysmal.  Htf is it that I know all of these different people, activist,  & organizations, but can't get none of you mf bastards to buy a copy of my books?!  And, even if you do actually buy it, do you even bother to read it, and leave a fucking review for it, or even recommend it to your circle of friends and associates...?  Hell...I'd be happy with a personal dialog with you, just to get your feedback on the book. At least then I'll know that you actually read the motherfucka!  Which character(s) did you like...?  What worked for you?  What didn't..?  What was your favorite chapter/scene...?  What character(s) didn't you like/hated..?  Did I intend for you to hate them, or did you just not like the way I wrote that/those character(s)...?  This is the type of feedback that I'm looking for & crave; they make me a better writer.  It also lets me know if I achieved my goal with that particular book, as far as your response is concerned.  Or...I know that you're not the right audience for that particular book, depending on your response/understanding of that particular book.

Would it kill you to actually watch the episodes of my vlog series, and leave a mf comment?!?!  Even if you don't have a YouTube account, can you nuccas say SOMETHING under the post?!?!  None of that 'good job' bullshit; that's so fucking generic.  Say something about the mf episode, whatever tf the discussion topic is!  Don't just press the 'like' button, and keep it mf moving!  I hate that shit!!!  It is so mf disrespectful!!  This isn't a mf joke to me; it's my calling, my mf career!!!  How would you like it , if I acted all dismissive about something that you were passionate about...that you felt was your purpose in life...?  Writing the books...producing the vlog series...and promoting the books is VERY time consuming!!

STOP acting as if my writing career is some huge joke!  It's not a fucking hobby that I don't take seriously, or don't really care about! I'm not some one-shot bucket lister, writing a book just to say that I wrote a mf book, and check it off my bucket list!  I've been writing for fucking YEARS!!!  Just because some of you out there don't have any passions, that doesn't mean that I don't!  I need more out of life, other that just getting liquored up, getting high, or randomly getting sexed up!

Feel however you want to feel about this post; I couldn't give a shit.  I'm tired of feeling disrespected, and not supported.  You dumb niggas know that my shit it out here, available in more that one format, I might add...but still won't support my career, or my books.  But...you niggas will jump on any bandwagon, and prop up some author with a name, because the mainstream media (white ppl) told you to do so.  Fuck y'all.

That's my rant session....

The Heat of Black August

 Welcome to the revolutionary month of August!!!  It is also the final month of Summer!!!  We are now officially three-quarters into the year!!  Time sure is flying, ain't it...?  :-O

First things, first....August marks the six-year publishing anniversary for my literary project "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" (Draft2Digital, 2015).

This is a collection of never before released poems, rap verses, and rhymes that I wrote.  The first half of the book is rap verses, and revolutionary poetry, the second half of the book is all love poems.  This particular project is available in eBook format only, so you would have to download it, if you want a copy.  The book is available for download through Kindle, Nook, Kobo/Kobo+, iTunes, Scribd, and through various library distributors.

 

Also...August makes it seven months since the release of "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021).  Sales are still not where I want them to be, but I'm still on my grind promoting this project.  Hopefully, once I gtfo of Delaware, I'll have an easier time promoting it to the masses.  It kinda sucks when you live somewhere, and the people there don't read in that city or state.  It's quite sad, actually....and pretty demoralizing.  :'-(

 

Speaking of which...I hope to be out of Delaware by the end of the month.  I'm just so done with this place.  I utterly HATE my mf roommate, and I'm tired of Wilmington.  I don't feel like I can grow here.  I'm not gonna completely knock this place; it served its purpose.  I was able to get back on my feet out here, and put some money in my pocket.  Now, it's time for me to move on.

 

When I have the time, I'm still editing my women's basketball novel Second Chance Points.  There are still some things about the project that I'm figuring out.  I'm hoping to start working on the cover art, once I finally move away.  The jobs are still interested in me out in Raleigh, so I know that I have options, as far as employment is concerned.  Once I have that freedom of space, not to mention...peace of mind, I'll be able to concentrate on writing my projects like I want to.

 

Keeping my fingers crossed, praying to the ancestors & the Creator, and hoping that this move proves to be the boost that I need. I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

End of Summer Daze......

 It is going on the final weekend of August.  The summer season is coming to an end.  Starting next Tuesday, we'll have FOUR months left in the year.  I guess for some people, this year can't end fast enough.  There has been a lot of tragedy happening.  Last time that I check, I believe that the numbers for deaths from COVID-19 is about 178,000.  My personal opinion...?  A number of those deaths could have been unnecessarily avoided.  We've also lost a number of cultural icons to natural causes, or other diseases.  It's been a year of loss, and heavy emotional turmoil.

 

As August comes to a close, my sales have continued to be stagnant.  I didn't record any new sales for the month.  My sales have basically remained flat for the past THREE months.  Not for lack of trying.  I send out my email e-blasts, I continue to release the videos of "The Rough Draft" with the info to purchase my books, and continue to post about them on my social media.  I'm doing MY part in this....

 

Speaking of "The Rough Draft"...I posted Episode 17 on YouTube.  It celebrates the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of me doing the web series.  I've gotten a few positive responses for it on some of my other social media account, but none on YouTube, as of yet.  No...I will not be posting the link for it here.  It doesn't help me any, even when I do post the link in my blog.  Take yo ass onto YouTube, lol, lol, lol, lol!

Still working on my latest literary project.  "Knuckle Up" seems to be ready to be published.  I'm satisfied with the story, and don't see any additional editing that needs to be done.  I'm working on the cover art, now.  I produced FOUR different versions of the cover; I'm just trying to decide which one to use.  Maybe I should turn it, into some sort of contest...?

 

Still considering my move to the continent.  Still trying to decide between Tanzania, and Gambia.  I'm leaning a little more towards Gambia.  Hopefully, I can make that transition sometime next year.  I still need to get my passport done.  I don't care WHO wins that damn election....it's time for me to GO!!!

 

Working on a new Author Logo.  I might start using it.  I need to update all of my stuff, anyway.  Of course, I finally learned how to make graphic images while using my freeware programs on Windows 10.  Felt kinda dumb when I finally figure that out, lol, lol.

 

That's about it for now.  Hope to hit ya up in September.  I'm planning on doing something special on "The Rough Draft" to celebrate Latino Heritage Month.  I'm going to feature my Latino-themed books for both September & October.  Let me know what you guys think!!!

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

Black August Rising.....

 SOOOOOOOOOO.......

 

We have just about completed the first week of August.  The year is now about 2/3 over with.  Time really is starting to fly by.  We are in some trying times, right now.  At last count, about 160,000 people have already died from the coronavirus in the United States.  A number of states are shutting back down, again, and job losses are at an extremely high level.  The politicians are fighting among themselves, claiming to be negotiating for a relief package for the citizens, but we all know that to be kinda bullshit.  Considering that the election is in another three months, you would think that they would do something significant, if they really want to maintain their office, huh?  But...wtf do I know, anyway...? 

My sales are still flat, overall.  Nothing for the two latest releases, or for any of my other previously published projects  (HAH....try saying that five time fast  :-) !!!!).  It gets a little infuriating, this lack of support.  But yet...niggas will name drop Ibram Kendi, or Ta-Nehisi Coates, and post all over social media how they've bought their books, posting pictures and shit.  But, then again....I'm just a hater.  ***EXTREME sarcasm dripping***

Aaaaaaaaaaanyway.....

"The Rough Draft" turns one years old this month!!!  August 23rd actually makes it one year since I've started the vlog on YouTube.  I'm planning on doing a special episode for it; I've contacted people on my email Mailing List to submit questions to ask me about my career, writing process, character, etc.; basically, it'll be an 'Ask-the-Author' segment.  Surprisingly, I actually got some feedback from people on the questions to ask.  I'll be reading all of the respondents questions in the video, and answering them.  I'm considering posting the link here, after the episode is shot & edited....

 

Speaking of "The Rough Draft", Episode #16 has been shot and posted on YouTube.  No...I won't be posting the link here.  You can go to YouTube, and look for it.

 

My latest literary project "Knuckle Up" is progressing really well.  I juuuust might publish it in 2021.  I'm continuing to edit the manuscript, and I've already designed 2 versions of the book cover.  I'm pretty happy with the progress of this project, and I kinda can't wait to drop it.  I'll let you guys know when I plan on releasing that project next year.

 

August is the month of revolution.  It is the birth month of the Rt. Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association & African Communities League  (UNIA & ACL).  I believe that it is also the month when George Jackson died in San Quentin federal prison, and his brother Jonathan Jackson died trying to break him out of prison.  Learn about your past revolutionaries, and use that information to help improve our communities, and help to make them better.  Shout out to Black Lives Matter!!!  Keep up the struggle!!!

 

Well, that'll be all for now.  Catch ya on the flip side!!!

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind   

Viral Living During the Era of COVID-19

Soooooooooo.......

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of events have been cancelled, and people have been ordered/advised to self-quarantine.  In this day and age of 'social distancing', people have been asked to stay at home, and cancel public events.  That has hurt a lot of us independent creatives who are trying to make a living through our art.  Interpersonal interactions are a way for us to be able to make a living, and compete with  those that have commercial backing to support their careers.  This 'social distancing' is financially hurting us, and are forcing us to be more creative in the ways that we have to reach out to our potential audience.

For me, I have been able to catch up on shooting a few episodes of "The Rough Draft", and post them on YouTube.  Here are the links to the two latest episodes:

Episode #8:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt4WH7J6x-o&fbclid=IwAR01gyp2KRhlEO0Sx8JsUstQhPSQMdsheQQCfQIhXVuHm5UFIiUCHTKAywM

Episode #9:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlSl_pNkQZY&t=26s

Since COVID-19 will be a part of our everyday lives for the forseeable future, We need to find other alternative ways to get the word out about our works, and gain support.  I listed a few ideas in Episode #9, and hope that it helps.  I really had to think about my fellow members of the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement, and how some of them may be suffering through these tough times.  I wanted to find some way to help them, as the majority of the events listed on the Spring Season SoE list have been cancelled due to the pandemic outbreak.  I wanted/needed to find a way to help support my brothers & sisters out there, my fellow creatives, and give them options and alternatives to help them to promote their work(s), and maintain their careers.

Hope that you guys enjoy the videos.  Here's to hoping that you'll all go out, and support my career.  Since we're all stuck indoors, nothing beats curling up with a good book to take your mind away from your recent & modern troubles.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Keep the fist raised. 

The Itch Is Still There....

Contrary to the title of this post, it ain't about catching an STD, lol, lol, lol, lol.  ;-)

Soooooo...I officially gave up on being involved in the film/television/video production field back in 2008.  I gave up on trying to get my foot in the door in NYC in 2006, when I initially left the city (the first time), and thought about trying my hand in greener pastures in the south, or the 'New South', as they were billing it.  Opportunities were opening up in the southern states, and I though that I might try my hand out there.  Be that as it may, the last project that I did, was to shoot and produce a dvd for the organization that I belonged to at the time; a benefit dinner made to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the existence of our local chapter.  Since these broke ass bamas ain't have no money to PAY me for my services, the deal was that I'd shoot and edit the event FOR FREE, and get hit off with a portion of the proceeds (60%-40% split, they got the majority). Since these simple minded bamas don't know how to sell shit, they wanted to complain about it being a bad deal, and want to try to reneg on our deal. After that bullshit, I was completly DONE.  I moved on to becoming a (self-published) author, after that.  I never wanted to become involved in video/film/television production again, after that experience.  Considering that I'd wasted my late teens and twenties trying to get my foot in the door, with no success, I might add...I was done with that whole field.

Apparently....the itch has never faded.

I've been telling you guys about this idea that I have for a new vlog called "The Rough Draft", right?  I wanted it to be styled after "Uncensored" on TVOne, except that my vlog was supposed to focused on writers (me, specifically), telling of our literary journyes from our perspective, raw and uncut.  Basically...telling it like a rough draft of a story.

The more that I think about it...the more that I'm interested in doing it, but in a more professional manner.  My background as a Communications major in now starting to kick in.  There's actually technology out there that can make the production of this show easy, and affordable.  You can shoot it on a smartphone, or tablet, rather than a video camera, and there are apps that you can download to edit the footage.  You don't even have to heavily invest in lighting, or microphones, which can make the production easier and cheaper (financially) to make.  As Arsenio Hall would say...things that make you say hmmmmmmmm....

I have the contacts through my networking group, the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  I know plenty of them that would LOVE to get that type of exposure.  I still have some other stuff to figure out, as far as the viewing outlet is concerned; should I just post it on YouTube, or create my own site for the UALAM?  I would at least need a camera person, and an editor to help me put it together, after all of the footage is shot.  Should it be my own thing, or an extension of the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement...?  Am I just overthinking this too much...?

I'll still keep working on the idea, and let you all know how it goes down.  I guess that itch never faded, after all.  I just needed to find my niche....

Kinda taking a break from writing, and trying to figure out this promotional thing.  Considering entering my book into this writing contest, and at least gain some exposure for my work, if I don't win.  I'm figuring out which titles I'm going to enter into it.  I'll keep you guys updated on that....

The Literary Arts Movement merch should be arriving this week!  Hopefully I can take a picture of my rocking the gear, and post it here, as well as on social media. Stay tuned for that!!!  :-)

Other that that...still job hunting, and chilling.

Keep the fist raised.

Upcoming TV Interview

It's finally been confirmed.  I will be appearing on the local access television show called "Cultural Caravan".  I will be shooting my episode this coming Saturday, the 29th.  Hopefully, it will be airing the following weekend.  The show airs out here in NYC on WNYC Ch. 25-1.  I believe that they also rebroadcast on cable access out here on Cablevision Ch. 68.  I don't know any of the other channels that they broadcast out here on cable, just that they are also on Time Warner Cable, Verizon, and I believe RCN.  On WNYC Ch. 25-1 they air every Sunday at 5:30pm.

I will be appearing on the show talking about my first two books "Raise Your Brown Black Fist", and talking about Afro Latino issues and affairs.  Really looking forward to this interview; hopefully, it's the start to better things in my life.  I've been reaching out to many of the media outlets here since my return, and I finally got a callback.

Wish me luck!!!!  I'll post back here when I get the exact air date for the interview.

Stay tuned!!!  :-D

Now on Kindle

Greetings, fans and followers!

Though most of my books are already available in eBook format (6 out of my 7 titles), They weren't previously available on Kindle.  I didn't really think much of it as an issues of consequence, until people started to reply on social media about me not having any of my titles on Kindle.  I had initially ranted about this before, I believe on LinkedIn, but you can't really fight against the industry standard.

SO...I now have my titles available on Kindle!!!  You can click the link here:

 https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1?ie=UTF8&text=Kevin+Sabio&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Kevin+Sabio&sort=relevancerank

Currently, FIVE of my seven titles are on there; "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political shouts of an Angry Afro Latino", "The Chronicles of The Black Fist", " In My Lifetime...:Funny Stories of Life Experiences", "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic", and "Drum Speaking: Tales From an Inner City Griot" are all available on Kindle.

Now that you know that my titles are listed on there now, PLEASE SUPPORT!!!  You have no excuse now to not download the book, and support me.  If you can't afford the paperback, the eBook is available, now on Kindle.

Uhuru sase, y paz.  Keep the fist raised.

Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Radio Interview II

For all my followers out there,  I will be interviewed on internet radio station "Harambee Radio" on Thursday, May 15th at 8pm.  I will be interviewed by my good friend, author Rom Wills.  I will be talking about my book(s), my activism, the Afro Latino experience, and the African Diaspora in general.  Hope that you all tune in and support!!!

www.harambeeradio.com

Harambee Radio
May 15, 2014
8pm air time.

Kuumba Njia TV: The sequel

A while back I had written about an idea that I had for a black-owned digital television channel, calling it Kuumba Njia TV ("The Creative Way", or "The Way of Creativity" television edu-tainment).  I had outlined a treatment for it, and had sent out a few feelers to those that I know and trust in the media field.  I had gotten back a good bit of positive feedback.  I would like to come back to this topic, and follow up on it a bit.

Having our own channel would open up a lot of doors for us that have previously been closed before.  For actors, it would give them the opportunity to have steady work, and be able to consistently practice their craft to a mass audience.  They would be able to gain name recognition, and build up their acting resume'.  They can polish their craft, and increase their skills, having more of a choice as far as projects are concerned.  Let's face it; you'll be able to see all shades of Black faces morning, noon, and night.

For producers, the potential is limitless.  In my personal opinion, it would be the best way for us to explore entry in to genres that we are completely underrepresented in, or don't have much of a presence in at all.  For once, we'd be able to have a Drama series stay on the air for more than a handful of episodes, before getting yanked off the air.  I would also like to see us have a presence in an Animated series.  I know plenty of writers that have great ideas for an animated series, myself included.  Also...why can't we have a science fiction series from our perspective on the air?  Who's to say that we don't/won't exist in the future?  Comedies are good...Reality TV I can do without.  And having a documentary series on the air a la PBS...?  Need I say more?

For programmers, this can also be new and uncharted territory for them as well.  We can be as diverse as we want to with our programming, airing shows from other countries within the Diaspora.  We could also screen movies from other countries within the diaspora.  One suggestion that I had made for acquisitions was to send a representative/Acquisitions Officer/Media Buyer to some of these Black film festivals to scour for talent.  If not the festival winners, then maybe a filmmaker whose project moved something within you.  Also, I would like to see them bring back certain shows that had been successful on other networks at one time.   I remember watching a show on BET (back when it was still Black-owned) call "Screen Scene", which was a magazine show about brothers and sisters in the film and television industry, and the projects that they were working on.  "Teen Summit" was also a great show that deserves a rebirth, and I have to admit that I used to love watching "BET Tonight with Tavis Smiley".  Ed Gordon did a masterful job after Tavis was fired, especially with the other flubs that they had hosting it before he finally took over.  Shows like these need to be rebirthed, and correctly emulated.

This untapped potential still exists.  The Black media is shrinking more and more everyday.  We need to build up our own resources, and use them to the maximum of their capabilities.  We need a strong foundation to work on, and continue to build on.  A media outlet like this can be a HUGE stepping stone.  It is a greater way to create greater cohesion with our brothers and sisters within the diaspora.  It is a great way to expose ourselves to each other, and give us a voice to communicate with one another.  With the dearth of documentarians out there, writers, actors, budding producers, filmmakers, and other visionaries....there is NO WAY that we can fail.

"Up you mighty race...you can accomplish what you WILL"
--   Marcus Mosiah Garvey

Kuumba Njia TV: The Road to Independent Black Media

I have to admit....I hated the conversion from analog to digital reception for basic television.  I thought that it was unnecessary, not to mention intrusive; why should the government be telling you how you can watch free TV?  I was one of the people that resisted; I never got one of those converter boxes, nor did I get cable (couldn't afford it).  Not to mention...the rising cost of cable, and the unregulated and unchecked greed of the various cable companies that were out there.  I just spent more time reading, or writing up my various projects (screenplays, novels), or surfing the web.

It wasn't until recently, when I heard about a new Black-owned digital channel, that I began to change my mind about the digital conversion.  I had heard of this new channel called BounceTV, based out of Atlanta, GA.  There was an article about it written in one of the local Black newspapers out here in Baltimore (I believe it was The Afro).  The channel was being headed by Martin Luther King III, and Andrew Young.  That's when the idea hit me...

If they can do it, why can't the rest of us?

Considering my media background, I had already known about  the past attempts at creating a Black-owned cable network (NUE-TV, MBC/Black Family Channel, Real Hip Hop Network, etc).  Most of them eventually folded, while BET was sold into white hands.  TV One, in my own humble opinion, leaves much to be desired as far as original content is concerned.  Not to mention, TV One is only 1/2 Black owned; Comcast owns the other 51 % of the company.  But...a digital television channel, on the other hand?  That was uncharted territory.  This was actually a first.

I went online, and did some research about creating a digital television channel.  Financially, it is so much more feasible to accomplish, than to create a cable network.  It would cost I believe around $100k-$150k to start up the network.  You would have to apply with the FCC for an operating license, and also find a Network Engineer to run it.  Also, you would need to see what available carrier space is available for your network to run on.  With more channel space being made available every other week, that's not very hard.  And...all you would need to see the channel is an HDTV antenna, if you're not already hooked up to a cable service.

To find out more, you can just go to the FCC's website, or just type HDTV channels into the search engine for either Google, Bing, or Yahoo.  The information is able to be printed out for your own personal records.

I decided to come up with my own idea for a digital television channel, hence the title for this particular entry.  Kuumba Njia Television; "Looking to Edu-tain the Masses".  Many of us in the 'conscious community' always talk about owning our own media so as to be able to control our own images, and how they are presented to the public.  Not to mention, how a venture like this can help to create jobs for our community.  You have jobs from production workers (directors, camera people, editors, graphic artists), to office assistants, to technicians (lighting, sound, computers), to actors and writers. 

The initial treatment for the channel has already been written up.  It could be completely funded by the black business community, and global black dollars.  Why complain about Black media not receiving funds from Main Street or Wall Street like their White counterparts?  We need to fund our own media, and show and prove just how powerful  and successful it can really be.  We could also eventually create sister channels that target other specific types of programming (sports, movies, talk shows, etc).

So, what say you?  Are we ready to build this media empire?