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

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 

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

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 

December Tidings

 We are now in the month of DECEMBER!!!!  we have entered into the LAST month of the year.  My, how time flies.  It feels like just yesterday, we were celebrating the horrible end to 2020, and wishing for new hope and better days in 2021.  :-O

 

I'm reflecting on how things have gone for me this year.  At least I got the fuck away from my fuck ass roommate, and Delaware in general.  I have peace of mind right now...just working at my day job, and staying on my literary grind. I consider both 2020 & 2021 lost years, as I wasn't able to do much to promote my works in person because of the pandemic (blasted COVID-19 coronavirus!!!).  I'm planning on going hard in 2022.

 

Sales for Knuckle Up (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021) have been what I expected; nonexistent.  Either people just don't respect me as a writer, and are just full of shit while they have the audacity to call themselves my friends & fans... or, people just don't care.  It's a great story, and an interesting read; I've even tried to get a few female boxers that I follow on Twitter to support it.  Nope. Nada. Nothing.  Hey...I wrote it, it's published, it's in the marketplace.  I did my job.  You do yours as my so-called 'fan'.

My project for 2022 is now complete.  My women's basketball novel Second Chance Points (KDP, 2022) is ready to be published!  I'm thinking of targeting the month of May.  The cover art is already done, and I just have to come up with a back cover synopsis.  I'll probably use the one that I had set up for it, when it was still a screenplay.  Now that that headache is over with, I can get back to writing my other wip's that I haven't finished.  So much writing, so little time...

Hoping to make some sort of a literary impact out here in Raleigh, and in NC in general.  I know of a few bookstores out here that I would like to visit, and do an event, or two in.  Hopefully, my work schedule at my day job will regulate enough where I can plan some in-person book signing events, or something.  There are a number of cultural festival that I would like to participate in down the road out here, and hope that I get the chance to vend at them.  We shall see...

That's all for now.  Still trying to promote the Holiday Economic Support Initiative online.  Again, if you know of a Black-owned/Latino-owned business, or entrepreneur that you would like to help support, please use your social media influence by tagging them, and using the hashtags #HESI, and #HolidayEconomicSupportInitiative to promote them, and their business/product/project.  Also..don't forget to BUY from them!!!  Remember, the initiative lasts until New Years Day.

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

 

Falling Into October---Birthday Vibes

 We are now in the month of OCTOBER!!!  My birthday weekend just passed (it was on Friday, the 8th), and we've just finished celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day.  It was a quiet birthday, as I am new to the city, and don't have any friends out here (yet).  I spent the weekend working on my latest literary w.i.p, and just reflecting on the way my life has gone for the past (now 47) years.

I don't regret moving out here to Raleigh, but the new day job COMPLETELY sucked ass.  Currently looking for a new gig.  If worse comes to worse, I can always try & work for Amazon.  I've heard the horror stories of working in their warehouses.  At the same time, I have a friend back in Delaware who works for Amazon, and she loves it.  To each, their own...

We are now in the second half of celebrating Latino Heritage Month.  Being new to town (and not having my own place of residence), I haven't been able to organize any events, political or literary. I'm still trying to get my bearings out here, so I haven't really had time to politic with any local activists, or fellow scribes and creatives, out here.  Not to mention...NOT trying to order any books, and then they can't be delivered to the hotel I'm staying at.  That would be a waste of money, and a headache to go through.

 

Speaking of LHM, my eBook publisher Draft2Digital had a sale going on with one of their distribution partners to celebrate the cultural month.  It's actually been able to help me with sales;  I had 4 eBook downloads last month through OverDrive to libraries in Ga & TN, and 1 eBook download this month, so far.  Hey...my stuff is in LIBRARIES, now!!!  That's an achievement!!!  To me, that's progress.

 

My current w.i.p. "Second Chance Points" (KDP, 2022) is going VERY well!  I'm just about done with the editing process.  All I really have to do now, is create the cover art for it, and choose the month that I want to publish the book, next year.  I should be done with everything for this project by the end of November; that's usually when I'm done working on a new literary project.  The fall season always seems to be my month of completion, usually going into Thanksgiving, or immediately afterwards.

Haven't really done any new episodes of "The Rough Draft".  Haven't really had any ideas to do any episodes on.  Being personally in flux doesn't help, much.  I still don't have a permanent place to live yet, and the job situation has been unsteady, at best.  At least I'm able to get some writing done.

Anywhoo...that's all for now.  I'll keep you guys updated to my progress.  Things are going okay, so far.  I just want to start working on some of my other manuscripts projects, now that 2CP is out of the way.  Maybe now I can get back to writing Books 3 & 4 of The Black Fist book series.  We shall see, Galvatron...we shall seeeee........

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

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 

June Vibes/ #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 We are now in the month of JUNE!!!  The year of 2021 is officially half over!!  :-O!!!  Time sure is flying this year, ain't it....?

Okay...first up.  News about my latest novel "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021)....

Sales have been abysmal.  I had ONE purchase (a download) last month, and that was on some quid pro quo type shit.  I'm starting to get really irritated by the lack of support.  I continue to do the online promotion of this project...sending out my weekly e-blasts to my contacts list on my email Mailing List, but I get nothing in return.  I'm getting irritated that nobody is taking me or my writing career seriously, even my so-called 'friends' and 'followers' on social media.  Eleven years, and thirteen books later...you'd think people would finally start to get it.  But, then again....I'm not being mentioned by the white establishment, or have a big hype machine behind me.  Whatever...

ALSO....June marks the six-year publishing anniversary of my novel "Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015).

I dropped this Street Lit/Erotica novel in June of 2015.  It was part of a three-book publishing binge that I was on.  It was in the middle of my trying to work on my writing career full time; from 2014-2017.  2015 was the banner year, as I dropped 3 books that year, and Demure Nights was number two on that list.  The book is still available in both paperback & eBook formats.  I'm quite proud of this novel, as it was a clear departure of my more politically tinged books that were available, at the time.  It's a really good story, but completely slept on, just like a lot of my other novels.  Hey...it's still out there, and available in the marketplace.  

Still currently writing Book III of The Black Fist novel series.  I'm at least 75% - 85% done writing the first draft.  The final chapter has actually already been written, so I just have to find a way to conclude the story, so that the ending makes sense.  The story is flowing really well, for the most part.  I'm hoping to be done with the draft by the end of the year.  Hopefully, I'll be able to publish the project in 2022.  We shall see...

For those of you who do not know....I've created an account on VIMEO!  I've added a few episodes of "The Rough Draft" on there, as well as my latest Author Book Trailer.  I'm hoping to get better results on Vimeo, than I do on YouTube.  So far, it's looking about the same.  Oh, well...I can only do so much to market & promote myself.  Check me out at www.vimeo.com/AuthorKevinSabio.

 

ALSO....I have finally updated my Author Page on Amazon.com.  I have included a picture of myself, as well as added a few photos, and the latest Author Book Trailer.  I'm hoping that this bit of marketing will help to make my books more visible to people on there, and any potential fans out there on Amazon.  Now, if I could just get a few more reviews on there for my books...

 

I'm back at work at my old day job.  They (finally) called me back to work.  I'm actually quite glad, as my savings were starting to run a lot lower than I like.  I kinda miss having the free time to work on my writing, and market my books, but still...I need the paycheck.  Plus, I was going outta my mind with boredom.  I need to have something to do with my life, other than just flip channels.  At least I have options, now.  I'm hoping to take advantage of the job, and transfer to another account in another state by the end of the year, if not next year.   I've mf had it with Delaware, and need a new place to try to grow my career.  Hopefully, I can move to a city/state where people actually read.  I was thinking DC, but it's still pretty expensive to live out there.  I don't know...I still have six more months to figure shit out...

I'm considering a conversion project.  I have this basketball movie that I wrote, basically 20 years ago.  It's about female basketball players called "Second Chance Points".  I loved writing that film, and really wish that I had the opportunity to produce it.  It would've been a big budget movie, so there was no way that I'd be able to fund it on my own.  I think that it would make a great novel, and I'm strongly considering converting it.  I'm just really hesitant to do that, considering the lack of support the majority of my books get.  Knuckle Up is about female boxer, and I can't get ANYBODY to really rock with that novel; not even the female fighters that I follow on social media (Twitter, specifically).  What's the fucking point, then?  I don't subscribe to that bullshit I-write-my-books-for-myself nonsense.  If that were true, yo ass wouldn't bother going through the process of publishing your book(s), and putting it/them out there in the marketplace.  I'm not trying to publish something that won't be supported.  Oh well...we'll see.  I'll let you know what I decide.

That's all for now.  Hoping to post another blog entry for you guys, soon.  It's kinda hard to be consistent, when you don't feel supported in your endeavors.  Until next time...

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

November News....

 We have entered into the month of November.  The numbers of deaths from the coronavirus has reached 230,000+ people.  Also, the presidential election has just passed, as as of this post, they are still counting the votes.  The last time I checked, the Democratic candidate, former V.P. Joe Biden was ahead in the electoral college vote 263 to 214 against (so-called) President Donald Trump.  My nephew Enrique's birthday is this coming Monday, November 9th, and my childhood best friend from junior high school Alexander also has his birthday this weekend; Sunday November 8th, to be exact.

Yep...we're living in interesting times.  At least the year is almost over.  2020 has been a whopper of a year.  A lot of death, and a lot of other losses.

My web series "The Rough Draft" is going well.  I just posted Episode 26 on YouTube.  Wish that I could get a few more views and a lot more feedback for my online work.  Comments help, people!!!  A few purchases wouldn't hurt, either.  The books are available in both paperback AND eBook formats, so you have NO excuse for not supporting the writing career.  You'd think that, after doing this shit consistently for TEN years, people would actually start to take me seriously, by now....

Speaking of books...NEW PUBLISHING RELEASE!!!  :-D

I finished writing "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021).  The cover art is finished, the backcover synopsis is done, and the project is ready for publication.  I've finally chosen a release date for the book.  Be on the lookout for the book to drop on January 22, 2021!!!

That's all for now.  Looking forward to keeping you guys in the loop.  Catch you in the next post!

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Birthday Stylee

So, my birthday was last week.  It was on the 8th, to be exact.  I am now officially 46 years old.  Didn't really do much for my birthday, considering how COVID-19 has shut down most businesses.  I didn't really want to go to any of the open restaurants, and I'm still a little leery about going into enclosed spaces.  It wasn't a total loss; I actually had some friends surprise me last weekend, and get me a cake, and some chips.  An elder sister and I had birthdays last week, so as to celebrate both of our birthdays, they equally got us the cake and chips.  I was really humbled by that, and truly appreciated my friends for it.  I don't really have too many people out here in Delaware that I associate with, so this act of kindness really meant a lot to me.  

So, Latino Heritage Month has officially ended, as of yesterday.  The month is celebrated from September 15th-October 15th, so yesterday was the 'official' last day for it.  I've been running a series to celebrate the month on YouTube, through my web series "The Rough Draft".  I called it my #CelebratingLatinoHeritageMonth series, and just posted the final video for it, today.  The series is 6 episodes long, and features my Latino lead characters in my novels, and my Latino-themed books.  I hope that you guys will check out the videos, and hopefully be inspired to buy the books.  ALWAYS remember to celebrate your heritage, and celebrate your culture.  Viva mi gente Latino!!!  Soy negro, y orgullo!!!

 

I'm still working on my repatriation plans.  As I've stated before, my top choices are to repatriate to either Gambia in the west of Africa, or to Tanzania in the east.  Just trying to get the passport taken care of, as well as figure out what I need to transport over there.  I've been following some Youtubers who have repatriated to the continent, and hope to connect with them, before my move next year.  My secondary choices are Senegal in the west, and Uganda in the east.  I'm still open to other countries, I just wanna gtfo of the US.  I've had enough.  I 'm also trying to figure what type of business that I'd like to open over there.  I'm still considering the bookstore & cafe idea, but I'm also considering a gym/fitness center, as well.  Other than building my writing career on the continent, I'd like to have something to pass on to my future children...when I finally find a wife to have children with. 

My next book is DONE!!!  I will be releasing a new novel in 2021.  Knuckle Up is another conversion project of mine, and I'm really looking forward to releasing it.  I have an idea for a release date, and I'll be letting you guys know when within the next month.  Stay tuned!!!

That is all for now.  I'll be contacting you guys, soon enough with the release date details.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

July Beginnings....

It is now JULY!!!!  The day before so-called "Independence Day" for the country.  The SEVENTH month in the year.  The year is now officially little over half over.  Time truly is flying...

It's been FOUR months since the Dual Release of "Time Will Reveal", and "Suicide Amy" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2020).  Sales haven't been what I wanted them to be, DESPITE all of the promotion (pre- AND post release) that I've done for the novels. I think May has been my best sales month so far, which isn't really saying much.  June was a big fat ZERO, which is actually typical for me.  So much for my so-called 'fan base'....

It's also been four month since the lockdown because of the COVID-19 coronavirus.  as it is....a few states have had to halt their reopening because of a surge of cases hitting certain states.  They're actually going back to lockdown mode, and shutting down their reopening.  Other states or just moving A LOT slower than before, holding off on easing some of the restrictions that they were planning on lifting.  I'm actually growing more concerned, now.  I don't want to say that I took this lightly, when this all first started going down, but...The people in charge OBVIOUSLY don't know what the fuck they're doing, and I'm not willing to risk my life cause these idiots wanna play politics, and appease stupid ass white people who think they they're invincible, or that their lives CANNOT be inconvenienced under any circumstances...

On the literary front....I have no anniversaries for this month.  I haven't published any books during the month of July.  Oh well.....

Haven't posted a new episode of "The Rough Draft" yet, either.  Trying to figure out the topic for my next episode.  If any of you out there has any ideas, or wants to participate in an 'Ask-The-Author' segment....let a brotha know.  I'm tired of not getting any feedback.  Let a brotha know what's on your mind, for once....

Still considering the repatriation to the continent of Africa.  Still continuing to do the research.  I follow a number or repats on YouTube, and am trying to follow some of their advice.  Especially once the travel restrictions from the pandemic are lifted, I really, really REALLY need to gtfo this country.  I'm disgusted by a lot of what I see.  FUCK marching in the streets, protesting!  Bust somebody's head open!  Bomb a few police stations!  Go into some white neighborhoods, and beat the shit outta some of them!  Fuck shooting a gd video of some white person acting a fool, and acting overly privileged!  Grow a fuck pair, already!!!!

Anyway.....

Finally decided to convert one of my screenplay projects.  Since I haven't written anything since the Dual Release, and the start of this pandemic....this is actually very good news!  I was feeling quite blocked up, in a literary sense.  This pandemic had me worried.  I'm starting to feel a little bit more like myself, in recent days.  It's probably the frustration that I've been feeling with what's being going on politically...not just with the killing of #GeoregeFloyd, and the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement....but also with some of the utter bullshit that I've been seeing online with the so-called Afro Latino Movement.  No wonder I left that bullshit behind six years ago, smgdmfh....

Anyhooo....

The project is called "Knuckle Up", telling about the trials and tribulations of a female fighter named Mandinga "The Manhandler" Mason in her fight career.  I'll let you all know how it goes.  Hope to publish the book sometime next year, or in 2022!!!  :-)

Later peoples.  Talk to you next time.  I'll keep you updated, when I can.  Catch ya on the flip side.

Keep the fist raised!!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

May Day, and the Pandemic Continues...

What's good, peoples?

Today is the first day of the month of May.  The year is chugging along at a steady clip, despite the pandemic.  The year is almost half done, if you think about it.  Quite shocking, huh...?  :-O

May marks the three-year publishing anniversary of my novel "Seductra: Web of Desire" (CreateSpace, 2017).

Three years ago, I published that novel, and it continues to be one of my favorites.  The project is available in both paperback AND eBook formats.  Please purchase, or even DOWNLOAD a copy of the novel, as well as my other projects.  If you get the opportunity, PLEASE also write a review of the book .

The Dual Release is still going on.  "Suicide Amy" seems to be fairing better that "Time Will Reveal"; I've had more purchases and downloads for that particular project.  Of course, this pandemic isn't helping matters, much.  At the same time, my eBooks are no more than $2-$3; not enough to damage your bank account.

My heart goes out to the indie bookstores that are suffering through this pandemic.  I've been reading some articles posted on Literary Hub about some of the trials and tribulations that a lot of indie bookstores are going through because of their shuttered doors.  Some are moving to do more online sales, while others are making deals with a new company called Bookshop.org; apparently a indie bookshop alternate to Amazon.com.  I believe that my titles are available on Bookshop.org through my eBook publisher Draft2Digital (don't quote me on that, though).  You especially saw the growth of indie bookstores in our Black & Latino communities, a much needed growth, at that.  That growth has been seriously stunted with this pandemic.  They might not survive the recovery, once this pandemic ends.  This really makes me sad; they are a much needed resource in our community, considering how Black bookstores have been ravaged in our communities over that past two decades...

I'm still getting used to my new laptop.  I've had to try to recover some fonts that I'd lost with my old laptop going kaput.  That sucks for me, not only as a writer, but also for some of my graphics that I do for my book covers, and other projects.  Not to mention, I had to get me a new video editing program to continue to produce "The Rough Draft".  I'll let you all know how that works out...

Well, that's all for now.  Hoping to keep you guys in the loop.  The books are available, and ready for purchase.  Please continue to support my works.  I'll let you guys know what else I have coming down the pipeline.

Keep the fist raised!!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind   

April Vibes During the Pandemic

It is now APRIL.  Next week will make it a month since the lockdown due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.  A lot has been shut because of the crisis, and people are stuck indoors.  Everybody is getting pretty antsy and are having anxiety issues.  As for me....I'm chilling.  I'm not that worried about it.  I stay safe, I'm a pretty clean individual, and I keep my head screwed on right.  Most people are confused by what's going on, and there is so much conflicting info out there, that people are starting to get really scared.  This 'unofficial Marshall Law' is what has ME concerned.  A lot of their government directives make no sense, whether local or federal.  But...that's another story for another time...

As far as April is concerned...it's been about THREE weeks so far since the dual book release.  As far as purchases/downloads are concerned, my sales are dismal; only TWO downloads so far.  That's quite irritating, considering that I've been pushing the dual release since December.  It seems like "Suicide Amy" is the book that's garnering the most attention.  Not mad at that, though.  The story is probably more relatable, since "Time Will Reveal" is Sci Fi/Action/Adventure.  Still...I want BOTH of them to get supported.  At the same time, considering the quarantine going on...I expected to have more sales for my books that that.  Reeeeeeeally make me wonder about the folks who claim to call themselves my fans and supporters....

On a happier note.... my short story anthology "Drum Speaking: Tales From An Inner City Griot" (CreateSapce, 2016) is celebrating it's four-year publishing anniversary this month.  Pretty happy about that.  It shows the diversity of my storytelling skills, dabbling into different genres.  That book is available in both paperback AND eBook formats.  Check it out!!!  :-)

On another good note....I might be holding a radio interview!!  I was contacted through email by a bookstore owner that has their own streaming radio show.  We're working out the details as I write this, so please keep your fingers crossed.  The interview SHOULD be taking place on April 16th at 7pm.  I'll let you guys know once the plans are finalized.  Wish me luck!!  :-)

Other than that, just trying to live up to my hashtag #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind.  There's only so much that I can do, being trapped indoors.  Haven't really been motivated to write anything new, or work on any of my other incomplete projects.  I've mostly been in marketing/promotion mode, trying to generate some sales for the two new joints.  Trying to focus on sales for the eBooks, since that seems to be an easier way for people to gain access to them.

That's all for now.  I'll keep you updated on the radio interview.  Once the plans are finalized, I'll post an FB Event for it, as well as tell you guys about it here.  Keep ya head up, and stay safe!!!

Keep the fist raised!!!
#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

  

March Madness: My DUAL Book Release!!!

It is now the month of MARCH!!!  The 1st third of the year is already upon us.  Man....time sure does fly nowadays, doesn't it...?  :-O

There's this new super virus out technically called COVID-19.  It's scaring the hell out of a lot of people.  Countries have shut down, and quarantines are in full effect.  Situations like these remind you of just about EVERY zombie apocalypse movie you've ever seen, and wonder just how true those flicks really were to reality.

Now that THAT is out of the way....

The DUAL Book Release!!!!  The books are now HERE!!!!!

Both "Time Will Reveal" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2020) and "Suicide Amy" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2020) are now LIVE!!!  They are both available in both paperback AND eBook formats!  YAAAAAAY!!!!  You can get your paperback copies here:

Time Will Reveal:
 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085RQNF33

Suicide Amy:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085RVQ5MB

The eBook versions are available through Kindle, Nook, Kobo/Kobo+, iTunes, 24Symbols, Scribd, Playster, Bibliotheca, Hoopla, OverDrive, Baker & Taylor, and internationally through Tolino.  PLEASE go out and support the books.  I've been pushing these two promotionally through my personal Mailing List, as well as through my social media on Facebook and Twitter.  If you truly consider yourself my fan and supporter, don't let me down.  Especially if you're gonna be stuck inside because of COVID-19 precautions, what better way to past the time, than by reading a few of my novels...?

Haven't set up a date to do any public readings, and who knows how long these COVID-19 precautions and quarantines will last.  I MIGHT  do a viral book reading online via YouTube, but I'm still debating that.  Speaking of YouTube....I dropped my SEVENTH video for "The Rough Draft" series. I've also just uploaded my updated Author Book Trailer for this year 2020.  Check it out when you get the chance.

That's gonna be all for now.  Hope that you guys enjoyed this latest entry.  Don't know when I'm going to post another blog, since they're shutting down the libraries here for an undetermined amount of time; I go there for the internet access.  Stay safe, and keep reading!!!

Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

It's my TEN YEAR Anniversary!!!! :-D

It's Finally February!!!  I've officially been published for TEN YEARS!!!!  Yay me!!!!  :-D

February has special meaning for me.  I've officially been in the publishing game for TEN YEARS!!!  I started my journey when my first book was released in 2010, starting with "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010).  It's been TEN years, and currently TEN books strong.  I'm pretty excited about that.  I've been consistently in this game for an entire decade.  Not too many people can claim the same.

As well as February being my author anniversary, it's also the FIVE year publishing anniversary of my novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015), my VERY first novel I might add, and the TWO year publishing anniversary for "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2Digital, 2018).  Both books are available in paperback AND eBook formats (including Kindle), so you have options on how you can support my work (not to mention, NO excuses).

I'm looking forward to doing it big this year.  I'm trying to get out more, and do more in-person appearances.  I'm trying to get put on to a few festivals and book fairs that are out there.  I'm ready to apply to two of them, as I write this.  Both are in May, and because of the dearth of books that I've written, I can choose which titles of mine that I think would be appropriate to vend at them.  I'll hit you off with the details later, when my participation is confirmed....

Gearing myself up for my next literary release.  The DUAL book release is NEXT MONTH!!!  I'm just giving both manuscripts the final touches; dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t" s, making sure that all is straight, and correct.  I've been promoting their release for the last 3 months, or so, and I'm expecting a certain level of support.  The Facebook Event for the dual release hasn't been very promising, and the response to my e-blasts has been very nonexistent.  I'm hoping that my efforts don't get brushed off.  Like I said in my hashtag, I'm #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind.

Working on the latest listing for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  I'm trying to take advantage of the lists, as I make them.  I want to do more in-person appearances, and get back to doing a few more festivals/book fairs/comic cons.  A few of my action/adventure book titles would do well at a few of the Black comic cons out there, and I want to try to take advantage of that, and get a table to vend.  Not only could I gain support from the artists who are on the Mailing List, I could also build an audience for my books from the attendees.    

Anywaaaaay....that's all I have for now.  I'm just continuing to enjoy my anniversary, and work on my projects.  I'm excited for next month, when I drop my two new book titles.  Looking forward to getting the support for my works that I deserve!!  :-)

Keep the fist raised.
uhuru sase, y paz.
#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

It's Now DECEMBER :-O!!!!!!!/Publishing Release 2020

It's been a while, hasn't it?  Think I missed an entire month worth of posts, haven't I...?

Well...first things, first.  It's December.  FRIGGIN DECEMBER!!!  :-O!!!!  It's the end of the year, already!!!  Man, time sure did fly this year, didn't it?  The Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa are right around the corner, down the street, and sitting there on the corner, waiting for all of us.

As an end-of-year wrap up, this years was quite uneventful.  I was happy to have released my second entry in The Black Fist book series with the release this year of "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019).  The sales for it were OBVIOUSLY nowhere near where I wanted them to be.  Of course, my instability at employment this year caused me to be unable to properly promote the book publicly, and had to resort to strictly online sales, which have never been a strong suit for me.  People are quick to press a 'like' button, but sure as shit won't press the 'buy now'/'add to cart' button.....

 Aaaaaaaaanyway....

GOOD NEWS!!!!!  :-)

2020 marks TEN YEARS that I've been a published author!!!!  Yay me!!!  Aaaaaand....to celebrate my tenth year as a published author, I will be holding a DUAL BOOK RELEASE!!!!

Target date for the release of both books will be March 13, 2020.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!  And PLEASE actually buy and read the books!!  I've already created an FB Event for it, and have posted a few update there.  If you have an FB account, join the event, and help to spread the word!!


As it is December, I have also posted the latest episode of "The Rough Draft" to YouTube!!!  Episode number SIX!!!  You can check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW6XRG8Znw0

If you have a YouTube account, PLEASE leave a comment...as well as 'liking' the video.  All I want is some feedback.  Is that so much to ask for...?  This will be my last video for the year, as I have other things that I'm preparing for, and need to focus on.  I will start shooting and posting new videos in the new year.  Six episodes ain't that bad.  I'm proud of myself.  :-)

That's about all form me, for now.  I'll try to be a bit more consistent on here, to finish the year out strong.  He's to hoping for improved sales, and better support in the coming new year.  Gonna be grinding plenty, in 2020!!!  Hey...I kind like that!!!  I might make that my new slogan for the Literary Arts Movement in 2020!!!  :-)

Keep the fist raised
Uhuru sase, y paz
#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

September Vibes

Once again, it's on....

Glad to be back online.  The day job has been dominating a lot of my free time, as usual.  I barely have the ability to do the things that I want to, to help boost my writing career, or to handle any business regarding the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  But....thems the breaks that you gotta live with when you have to pay the bills, and your dreams don't pay for them...

We are now in SEPTEMBER!!!!  Three quarters of the year is over already!!  :-O!!!!

September marks the NINTH month of the release "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019).  Sales haven't been great, but I'm still pushing and promoting, regardless.  Hoping to take advantage of some end-of-year Christmas or Kwanzaa events to promote the project, since online sales ain't doing shit.

September also marks the beginning of Latino Heritage Month!!!!  Feliz el mes de la Herencia de Los Latinos!!!!  Viva mi gente, Afro Latino!!!  Soy negro, y orgullo!!!!  I usually take this time to promote local Latino events, as well as the publishing of my book series "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).  Both projects are available in both paperback AND eBook formats.  I'm still considering writing a Part III to the book series, but I have yet to finish writing it.  I haven't been really motivated to finish the book , b/c of some of the shit that I've seen going on in the so-called Afro Latino Movement.  But I digress....

     

The Fall Season SoE list has been sent out for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  If you're not already on our Mailing List, let me know of your interest, and I will add you to the list.  All that's needed, if your email address.  I'm still working on putting on some real world events, but it's rather hard; I neither have the time, nor the help necessarily to do that.  I still want to FINALLY organize the Expo, for once.  It's hard to have a movement, when it's actually one person doing all the work....

I'm working on completing the manuscript for my novel "Suicide Amy".  I guess it could be considered an YA Street Lit novel.  It was one of my first scripts that I completed years ago, and converted it into a novel.  I'm doing the rewrites as I type this, and I'm hoping to have it completed soon.  I'm already planning on publishing "Time Will Reveal" (2020???) next year; should I do a double release...?  If I finish editing the book before this year is out, I might consider it...

Other than that, I'm just going with the flow.  Once more month until my Earthday.  I usually get a little melancholy around this time of year, the older I get.  It doesn't help that September marks the one year anniversary of the ascencion of my brother-comrade Etaniel to the ancestral realm.

Well, that's it for me, for now.  I'll let you all know how things are going.  Hopefully, I'll be able to blog more than once a month, this month.  I barely get support as it is; I don't need to fall off here in cyberspace.

Keep the fist raised.....

Mid-Month Stride.....

Wow.....the month is already half over.  Where has the time gone.....?

Father's Day has recently passed.  I hope that all of the fathers out there that have been holding it down get the proper respect that they deserve.  No disrespect to the sisters out there that are holding it down, handling both positions, but don't disregard the men that are doing what they're supposed to do, and are holding it down, as well.  You also have single fathers out there that are holding down both roles, as well.  Don't down one gender, just to lift up the other.

Today is the last day of Juneteenth.  Me personally, I 'celebrate' the cultural event from the 16th to the 19th.  Most people, if they even celebrate the event, only celebrate it on the 19th, and that's it.  I think we need to look at the entire scope of what this event stands for, and give it its proper observance.  But...that's just me...

"The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019) celebrates its 6th month of existence, this month.  It's available in both paperback AND eBook formats.  Still struggling to make sales off of it.  Still considering doing a reading for it; I just need to find the proper venue for it, and a date when I can get it done.  Juggling the new day job kinda complicates that.  I'm not complaining; at least I'm getting some money in my pockets, now...

Still working on getting an episode of "The Rough Draft" done.  I might just do a cheapo version of it, and post it here on the blog, and to Youtube.  As long as I get it done, and stop trying to be so anal about it.  It's just my Communications college major background kicking in.  I know how to do this shit professionally, and don't want to do some busted ass production, and put my name behind it.  Then again, I've seen some terrible videos posted on YT, and they have thousands of viewers.  Go figure for quality....

I think that I'm finally over my writer's block.  Did some editing for "Time Will Reveal" (2020), and I'm adding more content to "Walk Like A Warrior" (2021??), yet another literary project that I have.  I still need to create the cover for TWR, but at least I have the basic concept in my head.  Plus, I have time before publication; I'm not planning on publishing it until next year.  I haven't touched "Suicide Amy" (2022???) yet, though I'm still editing that one.  Not to mention, I'm still working on the other two sequels to The Black Fist book saga.  So many stories, so little time...

The day job is going well.  Can't really complain.  I'm getting along with my co-workers, and they seem to respect my work ethic.  And yes, I do find a few of my co-workers VERY attractive  ;-).  Not looking to hook up with anybody at my job, buuuuuuuuuut......if somebody spits game at me, I'm going for mine!!!  :-)

That's all for now.  Hoping to have even more news for you with my next entry.  Hopefully, I can finish out this month with a few more blog posts...hopefully with an episode of "The Rough Draft".  You'll be able to see and hear wtf I look like, lol, lol, lol. 

Keep the fist raised. 

June Happenings....

Oh, wow.....it's JUNE!!!  :-O!!!!  The year is already half over!!!  :-O

The start of summer is here.  We're almost into the middle of the month of June.  Let's see what's happening...

June is the 4-year publishing anniversary for my novel "Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015).

Four years ago, I published this book; my FIFTH book, and SECOND novel.  It was a departure from what I'm usually known for, as I decided to tackle the genre of Erotica, though I still consider the book to be more Urban Lit.  The sales for this one hasn't been what I wanted them to be (much like all of my other books), BUT, it's still a good story, and I'll continue to do my best to promote it.

A lot of events are going on, starting in June.  I'd just sent out the latest Summer SoE listing for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement to the other members.  I just wish that I could participate in some of these festivals/book fairs/conventions, and be able to further promote my books.  I'm itching to get back onto the book fair/festival/comic con circuit, and get my work out there, and give my books the proper exposure that they deserve.

So far, I've entered TWO of my books into the North Street Book Contest.  The deadline for the contest is June 30th, and I'm considering adding at least one more book entry into this contest.  I could definitely use the exposure, even if I don't win the contest, but I need to do SOMETHING to get my work out there.

Father's Day is coming up.  Don't forget to give a shout out to your dad when his day comes around!  Biggups to all the men that are being men, and are handling their responsibilities, raising their children!!!  Show these young cats out here how to be real men, and look out for their community, and families!

I know that it's only been a little over a week, but the new day job is going okay.  I can't really complain.  Things are going good, so far, and I'm getting along with my new co-workers.  Like I said...it's a job.  It's how I fund my dreams, goals, and writing career.

Still working on doing that pilot episode of "The Rough Cut".  I don't want to do some ghetto ass production, but I'm looking to get this done.  People need to actually see me, and hear my own words.  I don't want the masses to get this perception of me as this bitter ass individual, according to my blog posts.  I'm usually always on the move, always on my literary grind.  I want to be able to reflect and convey that to the masses, and my potential fan base.  Hope to be able to shoot an episode, soon...

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

Keep the fist raised.