Showing posts with label following. Show all posts
Showing posts with label following. Show all posts

Friday, July 3, 2020

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

Saturday, April 4, 2020

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


  

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

May Monthly Wrap-up

Wow....the end of the month is almost here!!!  :-O!!!!  The year is almost half over!!!!

Been trying to track my progress over the month.  It's been primarily stagnant, as I've taken recently with some writer's block, as well as some self evaluation, concerning some recent deaths that I've had to deal with.  The good thing is that my book slated for publication in 2020 titled "Time Will Reveal" was completed prior to the writer's block.  But, other than that, I haven't done much writing for any other projects.  I think that I'm finally starting to overcome that particular hurdle, as I've been brainstorming some creative ideas, recently.  I'll go into those later in the post....

Nooooot too satisfied with the writing career as of late.  I need more public exposure, and to do more speaking engagements, panel discussions, or some reading/book signing events.  Online sales ain't shit, and people don't buy your stuff, even when you post about it 2 gazillion times a day online on social media.  Need to go old school with it, and street team, or something.  Need to get my hustle back, and get my work out there.  I'm also starting to send my novels into some book contests.  I need to get that exposure SOMEHOW....

Got a new day job.  Working back in food service.  Hell....it's a living, and a paycheck.  Not only will I be able to pay my bills, I can continue to fund my writing career.  Book copies ain't cheap, and neither are vending fees, or rental spaces.  Since niccas don't know how to buy your shit online, I gotta get the money to pay for everything I need to do from SOMEWHERE.  But, I digress...

"Time Will Reveal" needs a book cover.  I have an idea of what I want it to look like, so I just need to buckle down, and start designing it.  Most of my book covers are fairly simple to create, and since I have some computer graphics skills, it makes it easier for me in the final stages, as I can design my own book covers.  Maybe I'll invest in a cover designer in the future, when I can actually make a living off my writing. Yeah....that'll be the day....   ***sarcasm dripping***

Been able to fight through tis bout of writer's block, little by little.  Been marinating on a few ideas for some future book projects.  Thinking of writing a sequel to "Drum Speaking" (CreateSpace, 2016).    This time around, I might do a Sci fi/Fantasy anthology;  try and tap into that Black Speculative ficition, AfroFuturist market.  I have a few story ideas rolling around in my head, as we speak.  I might novelize a few of my sci fi screenplay projects, and turn them into short stories for the anthology, IF I decide to do it.

I've also thought about novelizing one of my other movie screenplay ideas; a sci fi project called "Nobility's Rise".  It was kinda my answer to both Star Wars, and Superman...with an Afrocentric slant, of course.  It would've been a 3-movie film series, even though I've only completed one of the scripts; the first sequel is incomplete.  I might choose to convert them into a novel series, and promote it as a Black Speculative Fiction/Afrofuturist novel series.  It's a thought...

That's about it for now.  Still considering doing "The Rough Draft" video blog series.  I also start the new day job this week.  I'll let you all know how it goes.    

Keep the fist raised...

Monday, October 22, 2018

When It's Time To Say Goodbye....

So, I had to go out of town this weekend to attend a homegoing for a dear brother and comrade of mine...

I was stunned and hurt when I found out that he'd joined the ancestors.  I literally had just talked to him, not too long before he had passed.  We had exchanged text messages, and then we both had gotten busy with life.  I didn't find out until a month ago of his passing.  It was a deep shock to me, as the brother was not a sickly person; quite the opposite.  He is/was vegan, a holistic health practitioner, a wellness life coach, vegan chef, certified Reiki massage therapist, as well as being an artivist (artist +  activist).

I returned to Richmond, VA this past weekend; 8 years since I'd originally moved out, after having relocated there the end of '06.  The service was held for him, mostly attended by family, and a few friends and comrades.  I had my emotional moments, but I was glad to have attended, and had the opportunity to say goodbye.  It was also good, as I was able to reconnect with another dear brother/comrade, since our brotherhood has mostly been phone-bound since my relocation....several times over (with my nomadic ass).

I became very reflective afterward.  The ride home on the bus (FUCK GREYHOUND!!!!) gave me a lot of time to think.  I was glad to be able to say goodbye to my dearly departed brother, now that he has joined the ancestors.  At the same time, there were things that troubled me after his transition.  Part of it, is the lack of info as far as his passing is concerned.  I would be able to swallow this better, if he had been a sickly individual, or addicted to drugs, or even if he had died violently at the hands of some knucklehead on the streets.  None of the above applies, so it's a little harder for me to accept.  He was extremely healthy, and health conscious, and knew how to take care of himself.  I guess, that's just one mystery I'll have to live with, until I see him in the other realm...

The other thing that got to me was....how will I be remembered when I'm gone?  There were certain things about the service that left much to be desired, knowing what I personally knew about my now-departed bredren.  How will MY memory and legacy be preserved, and honored when I pass from this realm? Will all of my friends and associates be contacted about my passing, and if/when the funerary rites will be held?  Will my sendoff be to my wishes, and not get convoluted into something that I wouldn't wish for..?  Even if I do leave my funerary wishes written down, will they be honored, and carried out?  How will anyone find my written wishes?  As an independent artivist myself, I have no legal team, or lawyer to help with this; I can barely afford my general basic living expenses....

It also makes me think about the things that I still want to accomplish in life.  I still want to get married, and have children.  I'm still young enough to make that happen.  That actually is a major goal for me right now, despite the current writing career.  Other than the legacy of the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement still continuing on after my own transition,  I would need to find a dedicated team to put in place to carry that out.  It kind of saddens you a bit....  :'-(

Dedicated to my brother Etaniel Ben Yehuda.....artivist, poet, actor, musician, singer, GREAT bredren/brother/friend/comrade, published author, and SO, SO much more.

Uhuru sasa, y paz.


Etaniel Ben Cohen Yehuda
1977-2018

 

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

July Updates/Rant Session...

Soooooooo.....where was I?

Oh yeah....still working on my sequel to my Black Fist novel.  I'm actually planning on updating the files to the original novel, as I've noticed a few grammatical mistakes, that I thought I'd already fixed.  The revisions are going very well, and I am happy with my progress.  No publishing date so far....don't know if I'll choose to drop it next year, or not.  Kiiiiiinda tired of dropping books, and nobody buying them (at least, online).  Then again...what I really need to do is get back onto the festival/book fair/convention circuit again, and try to get some face time, and hand-to-hand sales.

Got a new eBook distributor in Bibliotheca, thanks to my e-publisher.  The files should have cleared last week, or so.  That's another outlet available to me; they distribute to libraries across the country.  I should start contacting some local branches, and see if they'll carry my stuff in their archives...

Things didn't work out with the new girl at the day job.  She ended up leaving the day job before I could get her contact info.  I'm a little hurt by that.  She was cuuuuuuuute!  Really down to earth, and had some spunk to her.  She reminded me of the hermanas from back in BK that I grew up with.  I don't know....maybe I'll try to friend her through social media...?

Considering opening an account with Instagram.  Talked with a few of my peoples, and they think that Instagram will serve me better, as far as reaching out to my audience....or, at least, gaining an audience for my literary works.  I don't know...that'll be yet another social media account that I'll have to maintain, and monitor, and contribute to.  That's basically a full time job...

Speaking of jobs....I LEFT my day job.  FUCK THAAAAAAAT!!!!  These people were disrespectful, and treated me like a mf slave!  I'm tired of busting my ass for people who don't appreciate my hard work.  Cats wanted me to do all of this work, and give me absolutely NO help.  I just quit that mf; just walked the fuck off.  The other night guy who also worked there quit a good week and a half before I did, because they tried to pull the same shit.  We have a trifling ass old dude who works in the mornings, and don't do SHIT...but he doesn't get written up, or fired for it.  Then...after the other night worker left...they tried to put all of that work on ME!!!  Fuck that...this job ain't worth it. 

I'm pretty okay, financially speaking.  I can survive unemployed for a little while.  I have a few prospects in the winds, anyway.  Besides, this is Delaware...you can easily find a job, as long as you have a good work ethic.  At least, i can catch up on some much needed sleep that I've been denied the last week and a half...

I'm keeping the faith, and moving forward.  I'm in good spirits, and keeping my eyes on the prize.

Uhuru sase, y paz. 

Monday, November 20, 2017

Da Latest updates with me.....

So far, things are going as well as can be expected.  I'm getting a few more hours at the day job, so that's helping to put a little bit more money into my pocket.  Apparently, I recently sold two copies of "Seductra: Web of Desire" (CreateSpace, 2017).  Now, if I can just get some more purchases, and get those purchases to happen on a more consistent basis...

Speaking of Seductra, I was recently able to add it to the Kindle platform, so now there is NO excuse for people to not support the book in eBook format.  As it is, ALL of my books are available on Kindle, with the exception of "Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015).  Because of its mature adult content, they won't let me upload the book on there.  I find that kinda ironic; they won't carry Erotica, but they'll carry THE trashiest Street Lit books on the market.  Oh well....

Fiesta Girl is basically complete.  I'm actually planning on releasing it next year in 2018.  It will only be available in eBook format though.  IMHO, the page count is too low to be printed as a paperback, so I won't have any physical copies available.  I'm still kinda leery about releasing it solely as an eBook, considering that my eBook sales aren't great at all.  The document is pretty much done, as far as the editing is concerned, and I've already designed the front cover.  I'm planning on releasing it during Akoma Day (February 14th-20th), considering that it's a love story.  I'll give you more details that closer the release date gets.

Right now, I'm just trying to close out the year on a positive and strong note.  Things have picked up for me this year, being able to get the hell away from New York, and get a job.  Next, I need to get me my own place, an apartment, and further my writing career with some exposure.  Hopefully, I'll be able to do a few appearances next year, as well as vend at a few festivals and book fairs.  It's all about building up my writing career, now.  I have the inventory; right now I just need the support.  I'm going to be updating my business cards, and so I'll hopefully have some available next year when I start to do appearances again.  I already have the cards designed, so that's not much of a problem.  I'll just upload the image to Vista Print, and make a few copies.

All in all, I can't really complain.  Things are improving for me, and have improved a lot over the last few months.  Hopefully, this good fortune will continue, and I'll be able to make that mark, not only out here in Delaware, but also throughout my writing career.  I'm still working on my future writing projects, and hope to have them completed in the years to come.  Now that Fiesta Girl is out of the way, I can get back to writing the sequels to "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace 2015).  Yes, that's right...that is sequels with an "s".  Books 2 and 3 are already in the pipeline.  I will be expanding the story, and adding new characters.  I personally feel that it is such a hot subject, and that I can do so much more with the storyline.  I'm almost done with the first draft of Book 2, and I'm still writing the early drafts of Book 3.  I can't wait to finish writing them, and releasing them.

That's all for now.  Stay tuned!!!  Keep the fist raised!!!  

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Updates and info....

So, my birthday is coming up this coming Saturday, on October 8th.  I will be turning 42 years old.....

The job that I was originally applying for in Delaware fell through.  For whatever reason, they chose not to hire me though I was CLEARLY very qualified for the position.  Oh well, back to the drawing board.  Been searching for job on Indeed.com, and Craigslist.org.  I've actually recently gotten a response back.  Keeping my fingers crossed...

Continuing to work on my literary projects.  Working on three novels as I type this blog out.  They're going very well, and I should be finished with the first draft of one of them soon.  Of course, I'm not planning on publishing another book until at least 2018.  I'm trying to maintain SOME sort of support for my currently published projects.  I didn't publish them for my own friggin' ego; I AM trying to make a living as a published author.

The relocation plans are going very slowly.  That job falling through was a major setback for me.  I should've been moved away from this blasted city by now; two years is long enough to be suffering.  It's not so much that I think my life/career would be so much better in Delaware, as I want to relocate for the strategic location that Delaware affords (not to mention the lower cost of living out there).  I can travel to the surrounding states if I wish, and participate in the various events that are held out there.

The more I deal with certain people here in NYC, and get burned in the process, the more that I feel that my time here has been overrun, and that I need to move on.  I feel like there is a negative cloud of energy hanging over me here, and is causing me to not succeed.  I was always more successful whenever I was OUTSIDE of NYC; the fact that I was able to even able to start a writing career is proof of that.  The possibilities of my success always seemed unlimited while I was out of NYC; my opportunities seem severely limited while I'm living here.  As it is, a recently had a cherished comrade read one of my novels, and write a glowing social media post in support of my  novel [The Chronicles of The Black Fist]; a bunch of people pressed the like button, but NOBODY bought a damn copy.  I don't even think any of my 'friends' from NYC even clicked the like/reaction button in support of the post.

I also want to do more with the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  I want to do more real-world applications, such as holding showcasing events, and the such.  I also want to finally organize and hold the damned Expo.  I can't do that in NYC, not merely for the expense of it, but also the lack of physical support.  Cats always want YOU to do all of the work, but wanna take credit for helping you, when they never did.  A movement is not one man.

So, I'm progressing forward.  Looking to channel these negative energies, into some positive forward progression.  I'm going to continue to write my novels, and pursue my activism and advocacy for the literary arts.  Please feel free to support my work by buying copies of my novels and nonfiction works, or downloading the eBook versions of my works.  I'm on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.  I'm also on Kindle, Nook, iTunes, as well as other eBook carriers.

Uhuru sase, y paz.


     

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Da Latest News.....

We're in interesting times right now, aren't we....?

Job Search
     As of late, the job search continues.  I'd previously written about my desire to relocate, and an adventure that I'd had for a particular job interview called "Adventures In Job Hunting".  I finally heard back from that particular job, and I ended up getting turned down.  Oh, well...back to the old drawing board.  :-(

Local Events
     I was able to go out, and enjoy the West Indian American Day Carnival out here in my hometown of Brooklyn (or, Brooklyn Carnival, as we call it out here).  Went with one of my peoples this year; it was cool vibez, but kinda on the boring side.  It wasn't like I remembered it to be when I was younger.  We left by late afternoon.

Celebrating Latino Heritage Month
    I am celebrating Latino Heritage Month by re-releasing my first two books, Raise Your Brown Black Fist books 1 & 2, in eBook format.  Book 1 was always released in eBook format when it was first published, and I just recently converted Book 2 into an eBook.  I've been sending out e-blasts promoting their release.  So far, I have a potential interview in the works to promote those particular books, as well as my career as a writer (it's about blasted time!!!).  Just sent out the complimentary copies of my books, and hope to shoot the interview by October at the latest.

Brooklyn Book Festival
     I was lucky enough to hook up with one of my peoples, and participate in the Brooklyn Book Festival.  I volunteered to work the booth for his organization, the Caribbean Cultural Theatre, and helped them to sign up people to their mailing list, and sell the books of participating authors of the organization (as well as sneaking in a few of my own).  It was a great experience, and I'm always glad to be back in my literary element.  It was an enjoyable weekend, and I got to feel like my old self again, if only briefly.

Future Projects
     I'm getting my writing mojo back.  I'm currently writing three new novels; a sequel to "The Chronicles of The Black Fist", a YA novel that's pretty much an Afrocentric version of 'The Karate Kid' called "Walk Like A Warrior", and a science fiction novel that I've been working on for a hot minute called "Umoja: A Stellar Conflict".  I'm considering doing another erotica novel, and I'm fleshing out the storyline and characters now.

So, that's what's currently happening with me right now.  I'll keep you up to do ate on the TV interview, and the job search, as well as the new literary projects.  I probably won't publish them until 2018; I'm trying to take this currently time to promote my titles that I already have out.

Keep the fist raised.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Off again...On again

Okay...I've been quiet on here for a while...

Been going through some stuff.  My internet got cut off, so my internet usage has been sporadic at best.  It also made me realized just how plugged in I really am, as much as I'd like to think in opposition to that.  I do A HELL of a lot of networking online, and never realized how dependent I really was to using the web.  There have been a number of opportunities that I've missed out on because I've been unplugged.

Things haven't necessarily been going the way that I'd imaged them to go, since my return.  May 10, 2015 made it exactly one year since I've been back in NYC, and it has been quiet bittersweet.  I haven't had the support and traction that I thought I would get returning to my hometown.  It's made me seriously re-evaluate who I consider a friend; whether cyber friend, or real life.  As much as I go out of my way to support others, it didn't feel like that same level of support was reciprocated back.

Hell...I'm still on my grind, though.  I'm picking myself up, and dusting myself off.  I'm still writing my projects, and continuing to promote my current works.  I'm a little down now, but I will continue to rise.  I will continue to keep you all informed of my goings on.

Keep the fist raised!!!! 

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

The Chronicles of THE BLACK FIST: Latest Updates



So I FINALLY published my latest book (my fourth) on February 26th as an ebook, and then as a paperback through CreateSpace two days later.  I received my author's copies of the book about a week ago (March 9th, to be exact), and am now working on getting some hand-to-hand book sales.  I'm also promoting the book like mad all over social media.

I already have a plan of action as far as marketing the book.  Other than considering my own book signings, I have a few book fairs/conventions/cultural festivals that I want to vend at to get more of the word out about my book.  With the bulk of festival/convention/book fair season coming up (spring and summer), this is the perfect time to plan this promotional tour.  My only worry is having enough money to vend at these events, considering that some of them are out of state.

I'm really excited about the release of this particular project.  The initial feedback has been very positive.  Hopefully, that will translate into book sales.  Considering that it's a superhero fiction novel, and not nonfiction like my other projects, people seem to be a lot more receptive, and interested in getting a copy.  It kinda leaves you with a funny feeling about my prior three titles; apparently, nobody likes to read nonfcition to learn about something.  Of course, that could also be people just talking shit, and not following through....

I'm considering other marketing tools to use to help market the book.  But again...it all comes down to having the finances to do it.  Since I know a number of artists, I'm considering partnering with one to sell prints of The Black Fist in costume.  I'm also considering finding a 3D printing company, and creating action figures of the main character to sell.  Maybe even getting someone to cosplay the character...?

I will definitely keep you all updated as far as my progress.  Hope to see you at one of these events, or one of my book signings.  Don't forget to purchase a copy, and PLEASE HELP TO SPREAD THE WORD!!!!

Uhuru sase y paz!!!  


Friday, January 9, 2015

Latest Progress Report....

So, I've made a cosmetic change to the blog page to make it look more like a website.  Hopefully, that will attract more people to visit the page by making it more visually appealing.  Not to mention, people might actually have more of an idea of what the page is about.  Only time will tell.

So, my new novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" is done being edited (at least from my perspective).  I've spent the last month or so going over it, correcting any spelling mistakes and fixing any plot holes that I've found.  I've even designed a cover for it that I think gets the point of the book across.  I originally thought about hiring a cover artist, but the way that my finances are looking, it doesn't seem doable.  I still need to come up with the cash to print the damn thing; wanted to start the process by next month (February) at the latest.

I'm still working on doing appearances and book signings.  One of the locations that I was looking into FINALLY hit me back.  I originally wanted to do a book signing at their location in February, but they only had available dates in March (and I hit them up in November).  Hopefully, they'll get back to me in time, and I can let all of you know exactly when you can look forward to seeing me at their bookstore...

Trying to step up my promotional game.  Been trying to network with some of these cable access shows out here in BK, not with much success.  I FINALLY heard back from one show host, and she's willing to bring me onto her show.  I'll let you know what show, when the interview will take place, and when it will actually broadcast on the air.

Still working on getting my books into bookstores.  THAT is never an easy feat.  I'm concentrating on targeting bookstores outside of NYC, since my hometown stores aren't showing me much love.  That also goes for appearances and lectures; I don't know if it's because of all of the transplants that are here now, or what.

I'll keep you posted on my further progress.  Wish me luck!  :)

Uhuru sase, y paz!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Autumnal Aspirations

This is the first week of September. 

Summer has come to a close, and the Autumnal Equinox is right around the corner.  September is also the beginning of Latino Heritage Month, and many independence day celebrations throughout Latin America (specifically Central America).  This also marks four months that I've been back in New York.

The Summer has been bittersweet.  I've been lucky enough to experience a good number of the cultural events and institutions that we have in NY since my return.  At the same time, I've vended at a number of cultural and literary events, and haven't done well financially at all.  I've also faced some adversity in trying to organize some of my own literary events.

The one good thing that I can say is that I've been able to network with a number of people that I've met this summer.  Hopefully, that networking will pay off for me, and lead to bookings for some events.  I've been trying to team up with some other authors that I know, and work on creating a joint book signing tour.  I'll let you know how that works out...

At least I'm still writing and networking.  I've been talking to several establishments about getting my works stocked  on their shelves.  Unfortunately, they're either completely unresponsive, or they're taking their sweet time to review my books, and get back to me with a response.

Seriously...do I really need to harass you just to get a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer out of you?!?!  How long does it take you to look at your fucking calendar to see if the date that I requested to hold a book signing event at your store is open or not?!?!  Really, people?!?!?

I can't really say that the majority of the resistance is because I'm 'unknown'; everyone has to start from scratch.   I also can't really blame it on arrogance or egotism on the part of the business owner (or, employee; though I've met a few asswipes).  I know that a lot of this is based on personal relationships, and I'm still getting to know people.  Most of my contacts that were originally here, have either moved on to other things, or have left the state.  At the same time, people should be open to networking with newer talent.

I'm still keeping my head up.  Hopefully, I can get this book singing tour off the ground.  If not, I might have to work on some solo literary events.  I need to gain some sort of traction going.  I'm not trying to go back to the regular corporate workforce.  I just really need to get my foot in the door....

The saga continues....

Monday, August 4, 2014

Proyectos Futuros (Future Projects)

The one question the writers/authors get frequently asked, especially either during an interview or a book signing, is this....

So, what are you working on now...?

What's my response to this question....?  What am I not working on?

Currently, I'm still writing several screenplay projects.  Film and television has always been my first love, so I continue to write my cinematic stories.  I'm working on several new projects, as well as trying to finish a few others that I've temporarily put on hold.  I still have several TV series projects that I have yet to write the pilot out, and only have in treatment form.  There are others that I want to continue to write out additional episodes, and at least complete a first season. At the same time, I'm considering getting together a writing team to do those projects...

On the literary front...I'm working on three fiction novels.  One is an Afrocentric sci-fi space opera, in which I've actually posted an excerpt of it here on this blog.  Another novel is an action/adventure project about a community activist-turned-crime fighter; also excerpted as an entry in this blog.  The third project is another sci-fi action/adventure project that deals with the Earth defending itself from an oncoming alien invasion, using the aliens' own technology against them (a la Robotech).  That one I plan to turn into a series....   

Lastly....I am currently writing PART THREE of the "Raise Your Brown Black Fist" book series.  I have finally figured out the direction that I wanted to go in with this particular book.  Now that I am back in New York, I have access to the materials and information that I need to complete the book.  This book will be the most ambitious of the three, and I hope to complete it and have it published by the end of next year (2015).  I was kinda hoping to stick to the schedule that I gave to myself to have published at least four books in five years.

Meanwhile....I'm still trying to get my grind on by getting my books stocked in bookstores, and doing more book signings, festivals, and speaking engagements.

Stay tuned for more!  :)


Monday, July 21, 2014

Social Media presence

Other than this blog, there are other ways to find me in the webiverse...

I have profiles on G+, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Black Author Showcase (Ning.com site).  I don't do Twitter, though....haven't really been drawn to it (nor Instagram or Pinterest for that matter).

I actually have two Fan Pages on Facebook.  The main one that I use is named after this blog, "Chronicles of the Brown Black Fist". Here is the link for it:

 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chronicles-of-the-Brown-Black-Fist/472444836156619?ref_type=bookmark

This Fan page deals not only with the blogs that I post from here that I share, but also a lot of my activism.  I share a lot of different information on that page pertaining to issues that I feel strongly about, and my cultural interests.


My other Fan Page I just recently started.  It's really dedicated to highlighting my skills as a writer, and promote me as a published author.  It's called "Author, Kevin Alberto Sabio"  Here is the link to it:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKevinSabio

This one was set up as a suggestion from a friend, thinking that I should differentiate between my activism, and my literary work.  This particular page can highlight and focus mainly on my books, and upcoming literary projects.  I'll still post about my upcoming events on both pages on FB, but I think that this will actually work.

SO.....

Feel free to hit me up and 'friend' me on any of these different social networks, if you haven't already.  It's just another way for you to feel connected to me in this interconnected cyber world we now live in.

Keep the fist raised!!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Contact information

Gotta work on the self promotion part more.  You know...they whole getting-your-name-out-there-so-people-will-know-who-you-are-and-buy-your-book type of thing?  Well, doing it through either publishing company will cost me a lot outta my pocket.  SO...since I have some graphics skills of my own, and this blog of mine, might as well put them to good use, right?

I would be interested in doing more lectures, panel discussions, and interviews in the coming new year.  Conferences, panel discussions, festivals, radio/TV shows, documentaries...you name it, I'd like to do it.  Feel free to follow a brother, and hit him up.


Once I get this to the print shop, it's ON!

Holla

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Brooklyn Book signing: The Aftermath

Well, my special day has come and gone.  It was my very first book signing in my hometown of New York City (BROOKLYYYYYYYYN!!!).  It was something that I've always wanted to do ever since I was first published.

I was able to arrive early, and set up my table the way that I had envisioned it in my mind.  I was able to speak to a brother that was in the area, and who personally knew the brother who ran The Marcus Garvey Center (shout out to Bro. Dumari).  Once he left, and I had finished prepping the table with my books and writing pad (to gather contact information from any attendees), I basically had nothing left to do but sit and wait for the attendees to arrive.

People came late.  Granted...it was a Friday, and the start time was 5pm.  People were still getting out of work.  In hindsight, maybe I should have had the book signing at a later start time (if I ever decide to hold one on a week day, that is).  People didn't really start arriving until around a little after 6pm.  I didn't really kick off my presentation until about 6:45.

It wasn't a packed house by any means.  People showed up; that was a good thing.  I had emailed a large number of people, and posted the event on Facebook.  Even Bro. Dumari contacted several people that he knew to come out and support this event.  Hell....the brother was even able to get in contact with the members of the Brooklyn division of my organization to come out (UNIA--Universal Negro Improvement Association); unfortunately, they never showed.  People who told me that they were going to come through...didn't.  Others did, at least.  There were more than enough people there that made it worth it; hell, it was a lot more than I had in Baltimore.  I had friends and family come out to support me, and that made me feel really blessed.  Especially with the fact that I got to meet somebody that I had known mostly through the internet, that made it really worthwhile to me.  They came out to support me without even knowing me all that well.

I gave my presentation, the attendees applauded, and I was able to sell a number of my books.  It didn't go quite exactly as I had planned, but it was a great experience to have.  I look forward to having a second homecoming in the coming months.  Hopefully, I can build off of this mounting momentum that I'm trying to create for myself.  I'm shooting for May to return to Brooklyn; I already have a location in mind as to where I want to do the next one.  I may just strictly sign books at that one, and skip the lecture part.  Oh well, we'll see what happens.

Stay tuned....!