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 

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

 

So it's now June....

We have now entered the month of June...

It's the beginning of summer, and the weather is warming up.  People are ready to head to the beaches for some summer fun.  All of the literary and cultural festivals are about to kick into high gear...

So, what's up with me...?

I finally got around to ordering some new business cards.  I hope that they'll arrive soon.  That just brings me one step further to where I want to get to in my literary career.  At least I've recently gotten that out of the way...

I'm still missing our old Restaurant Manager.  I miss her presence, and she was a FOINE woman to look at, as well  ;-).  I guess I'm going through some form of withdrawal, considering the huge ass crush that I have on her, lol, lol, lol....

At least my own manager is leaving.  Good riddance!!

Nah, nah, naaah, naaaaahhh....
Nah, nah, naaah, naaaaahhh....
Heeeeey, heeeeey heeeeeeey...
GOOOOOOD-BYYYYYYE!!!!

Did y'all really expect me to say something nice, and good about him?  Y'all don't know me very well, if you actually did.  Either that, or y'all are stuck on some old religious bs that you KNOW that I don't subscribe to!  Fuck outta heeeeerrrreeeeee....

On a more positive note.....I'm almost done writing the first draft to the Black Fist sequel.  I've got maybe a chapter, or two to go until it's finished.  Once the first draft is done, I'll look into doing  the revisions, and getting the story to where I finally want it to be.  I've actually already designed the cover for it, though it's not that different from the original cover to "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015).   It's pretty much the same cover...

ALSO....."Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015) will be celebrating it's 3-year publishing anniversary in June!  I still say that it's a slept-on story.  From the few people that have actually read it, I've gotten plenty of positive feedback for it.  I'll be sending out the usual e-blasts to promote it to my circle of media contacts, and others, though ti don't know why I bother sometimes...

So, this is to stepping off on the right foot for June.  I hope that this month is more positive, and progressive for me.  Looking forward to any positive vibes that come my way.

Uhura sase, y paz.

Improving......

So, I'm feeling a little bit better...

I'm just getting over a cold.  I'm still a little salty as far as my sales are concerned.  It seems that there's only so much that you can do, to TRY to get people to be interested in, and support your work.  But, I AM getting some ideas to work on one of my other writing projects.  Gonna try to finish one of my rough drafts that I haven't completed yet.

So, next week is May.  Seductra: Web of Desire (CreateSpace, 2017) will be celebrating its one-year publishing anniversary, starting next Tuesday (May 1st).  I'll probably send out my usual e-blast about my latest publishing anniversary.  Don't know exactly how effective it will be, considering that no one seems to gaf...

But....I digress....

The current day job still sucks ass.  My boss is a jackass.  And....I don't care if his pussy ass sees/reads this.  I'm done with him.  Mofo don't know how to treat his workers, so why the fuck I'm gonna try and be nice for his selfish, uncaring ass?  The hell Imma bust my ass for you, and you don't even appreciate it?  Been looking for a new day job, but some of these employers out here don't have much sense.  When I didn't have a phone, and needed to get in contact with these people,  I would tell them to email me; but they had a problem with emailing me back.  NOW that I have a gd phone, and I'm looking for other work, these cats only wanna email my ass....and I don't regularly check my email.  I can't win, smdh...  

Well, at least I'm getting job offers.  Fuck this current day job.  If I'm not gonna be treated like a person, and shown some appreciation and respect, fuck am I gonna stay there for?  Let his pussy ass read this, like he did last time, and snitch on me to HR.  It'll give me the reason I need to punch him in the nose, and walk off the job.  Fucking bitch ass....

But....I digress....

The weather is changing, and hopefully, so will my fortunes.  I still don't regret moving out here.  I needed some new energy to surround and immerse myself with.  I'm actually making a bit of headway out here, so fuck it.  It was worth it.  Other stupid niggas wanna stay stuck where they're at.  That ain't me.  I ALWAYS  move forward....with, or without you in my corner.  I'm not where I want to be yet, but at least I'm getting there....

Uhuru sase, y paz.

When You Need Some Motivation......

So...kinda continuing from my last post....I'm not really motivated to write anything right about now.  I usually always have a project that I'm working on, even after I've finished publishing my most recent project.  Not to say that I don't have any projects that I'm currently working on; to the contrary.  I actually have several ideas that are still in the early draft phase.  I just don't feel like writing them right about now.

I wouldn't necessarily call it writers block; I know what I want to write for those projects.  It's just that I don't FEEL like writing them down.  It's like I'm wasting my time.  I did the pre-publishing promotion for my latest novel Fiesta Girl (Draft2Digital, 2018), and all I got for it was THREE measly downloads.  Nuccas pressed the 'like' button a whole lot on social media, but ain't nobody really bought/downloaded a copy.

Fuck you, too...

I was thinking about converting two of my other screenplay ideas into novels, as well as completing a few other projects that are still in the 1st draft stage...but, what's the point?  If I can't even get my so-called 'friends' on social media to support my work, how am I going to attract total perfect strangers to purchase my books?

But, ninjas can press a 'like' button for a new mf profile pic, though....smdh....

But....I digress....

I want to get out of this rut, and get back to being creative, again.  Not to say that I'm solely in this to make a profit, but....what's the point of publishing a book, and making it available to the open market, if you're not expecting to make some sort of sales from it?  It's been EIGHT years...I'm kinda sick of grinding already.  I should've gained SOME sort of a fan following by now....ESPECIALLY with all of the activism that I do....

I don't know.  Hopefully, things will change soon enough.  I've got some planning going on behind the scenes that should bear some sort of fruit, coming next week.  I know that I need to continue to be positive, and keep looking forward.  Like I said before...my move out of NYC taught me that I need to have a wee bit more patience.  I just needed this first year to get back on my feet.  Perhaps with this second year, I can finally reach my goals that I'd set for myself after I'd gotten out here.

Only time will tell....

Uhuru sase, y paz.

Welcome to 2018!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
FELIZ ANO NUEVO!!!!!!

What's good, my peoples?  Happy new Year, and welcome to 2018!  2017 was a transition year for me, and I actually ended the year on a pretty strong note.  I was able to attend a number of Kwanzaa events here in Wilmington that were off the chain, and actually ended my work week on a positive footing . 

2018 is going to be a good year.  I am in better spirits, and I'm in a better place on many different levels.  Though my money could be a little bit better, at least I'm in a better position than I have been over the last few years.  I will be celebrating the 10th year anniversary of operation for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement; quite an accomplishment I might add, especially without any manpower, or financial assistance.  I will also be celebrating my EIGHTH year as a published author, and will be dropping my NINTH book next month in February.  I'm really looking forward to the release of "Fiesta Girl"; it was definitely a labor of love.  It was formerly a screenplay that I'd written over 20 years ago, and I didn't want the story to go to waste.  Here is the cover for it:

I'm scheduling to have it released during the week of Akoma Day (February 14th-20th), my own way to celebrate the institution of Black love.  February also marks the 3-year publishing anniversary of "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015), my Action/Adventure superhero novel.  Though I'll be concentrating primarily on marketing Fiesta Girl, I'm hoping to make a splash in sales for that particular novel; one of my favorite projects to date.

On the personal side, I'm hoping to meet Mrs. Right, settle down, and hopefully start a family.  Brother ain't getting any younger, and I would like to be young enough to enjoy at least one child.  Now If I can juuust find a decent sista/hermana to connect with......   ;-)

I hope that the new year has great plans for you.  Let's make it happen, and move forward.  Hoping to keep the positive vibes going, and to keep progressing.

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

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!!!  

Literary Updates

The story so far.....

So, "Seductra: Web of Desire" (CreateSpace, 2017) has been out for about five months now via eBook, and paperback.  Haven't really seen any decent sales as of yet, but a whole like of 'likes' on social media.  People obviously don't get the hint that they need to PURCHASE an actual copy of the book in order to actually SUPPORT me and my writing career.  None of my other titles have moved much either, though I have to admit that I haven't been actively promoting my work like I usually do as of late b/c of my lack of internet access.  I didn't go hardcore on promoting my works for Latino Heritage Month this year, not that that has ever made a difference.  It just makes the struggle harder, and makes me question those that call themselves my friends and supporters.

I've completed one of my more recent manuscripts, and have been going through the editing process as of late.  It's an Afro Latino love story called "Fiesta Girl", yet another one of my conversion projects (Demure Nights and Seductra were also originally screenplays that I've converted into novels).  I'm trying to expand it, as I personally feel that the page and word count are quite low for a novel.  If I can't expand it beyond the current word/page count, I might just choose to release it solely as a eBook.  I'm quite skeptical to do that, honestly; one of my other projects is available exclusively as an eBook [Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic (Draft2Digital, 2015)], and the sales for THAT particular project are dismal, and not very promising.  I'll let you know what I plan to do when I'm finished editing that project.  Fiesta Girl is a personal favorite of mine, and I'm in no rush to release it before it's ready, and I'm completely happy with the story.  I'm working on the cover design for it as I write this....

I'm hoping to end the year on a positive note.  I'm considering doing a Kwanzaa event, or two, and hoping to focus my energies on 2018.  I'm not really planning on publishing anything in 2018; just promoting my remaining works, and getting my name out there.   It would help if I had SOME sort of residual income additionally coming in.  Other than that, it's all about promotion and exposure in 2018.

Not really planning on releasing anything in the coming year.  I MIGHT release "Fiesta Girl"....IF I'm satisfied with the story.  I'm still working on completing one of the sequels to "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015), hopefully by 2018.  Don't know if I'll release it, or not, when it's finally finished....

Other than that, I'm just hoping to gain some REAL support, and gain some readers; hopefully I can make an impact locally here in Delaware.  I've gotten to know some people out here that are interested in my work, which is the whole reason why I moved out here in the first place.  Start small and locally, and then go from there.

Wish me luck!!!   :-D

Reflections, and Manifestations

So my birthday passed recently, on October 8th to be exact....

I just turned 43.  Was feeling a bit melancholy in the beginning, but the actual day itself wasn't too bad.  Had to work on my birthday, but it wasn't a bad day nonetheless.

I had to look at it in a positive way.  I am lucky enough to see yet another year of life, relatively unscathed.  Despite some of the ups and downs that I've gone through this year so far, I've got to count my blessings, and see my life in the upswing.  I'm working, I got THE HELL out of New York, and I'm still working on establishing my writing career.  So far, I'm considering 2017 to be a rebuilding year, trying to get myself reestablished in my writing career.  I need to get myself straight personally first, before I move further with my career.  I do have more piece of mind now, and feel a bit more relaxed, and at ease.

 On the down side of things, I'm not where I want to be in life at 43 years old.  I should have been married by now, with some children, which is something that I still very much want.  I want to be a dad, and a great husband, and neither option seems very attainable at the moment.  I'm barely dating, as it is .  I want to have children before I get too old to enjoy them.  I'm definitely not getting any younger, and don't want to wait until I'm too old to have any, or not be able to have any children at all.  And...I'm not trying to have a child by just any old body, either.

I'm not where I wan to be right now, but I'm making progress.  I'm a lot better off than I was the last few years, that's for sure.  I'm looking forward to ending out the year on a strong note, and strategizing for next year.  I'm still working on some future writing projects, but want to concentrate on promoting my existing books.

Here's to another year of life, and a successful move forward.....

Updates & Info

Yeah....I've been off my game for a while....

So, Sedutra: Web of Desire was finally published as a paperback, and I celebrated the 2-year publishing anniversary of "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" in August.  Other than that, I've been plugging away at the day job, in which I've finally reached the end of my probationary period.  The job is going so-so right now.

I'm still wondering what to do now, as far as my literary dreams are concerned.  The sales still aren't there, no matter WHAT I do to promote them.  I'm getting sick and tired of the whole email campaign thing that I've been doing hardcore, for the last three years.  It's just not effective; I can e-blast people until my fingers fall off, and it still won't get me anywhere. I want to get back into the festival/book fair circuit, but my current day job doesn't allow me the opportunity to do that, since I work mostly on the weekends.  Not to mention, it'll cost me to pay the vending fee, on top of ordering books for each event. 

At the same time, I have ideas of other book projects that I want to work on, but I'm not really motivated to write them down.  I'm struggling as it is to gain support for my current published work; why write (and publish) some other shit that people just won't read?  It feels like a huge waste of time.  Even when I promote on social media, niggas just wanna press the 'like' button, and keep it moving.  Fuck that...I'm trying to make a living at this.  But, they'll break their necks trying to buy the new $1100 iPhone, smdh.....

But, I digress....

Freedom ain't free.  I'm earning a living at my current job, but it's not enough.  I want financial and creative freedom.  I don't want to be punching someone else's clock...I wanna punch my own.  Fuck being a field negro...I want to be a Maroon.  But...it takes some effort on the part of others.  I can write and publish these books until my last days....people have to go out, and support my work.  Really....it's that fucking simple.

Yeah.....this was a bit of a rant session.

Deal with it.

The Day Job Grind, Part III: #TheTransplantChronicles7

So, where was I....?

Oh yeah, I've been working at my new job, which is now my primary job.  I work food service at a local hotel out here in Delaware.  Basically, I'm a glorified dishwasher (and unofficial kitchen gofer).  The job isn't bad at all; I have unlimited access to food, which I love, considering how I've been starving for the last 2-3 years.  It's a pretty easy job since the kitchen isn't very fast paced; only when we have events going on, and a high occupancy rate.  I actually like the job.

Other than that, things are going pretty well.  I'm STILL trying to publish "Seductra" as a paperback, but CreateSpace keeps fucking with me, ab out my file size.  They keep sending me emails back that there is not enough bleed space for the cover.  How much mf bleed space do you mf need?!?!?!?  Publish the gd book already!!!!!!  It is still available as an eBook, but still....I would like to have the paperback as well.

Speaking of which...I would love to see "Seductra: Web of Deisre" and "Demure Nights" air on late night CineMax.  As it is, they were both originally supposed to be screenplays, anyway.  Also, "Seductra" was actually inspired by me watching CineMax late at night.  Hey....Black and Brown folk can be freaky, but classy, too!  Who knows...if I ever get the support for those books, I actually might get an offer like that, sometime in the distant future.

Other than that, I'm just trying to figure out my next move.  I need to decide if I'm going to focus on another literary project, or hang back for now, and concentrate purely on promoting my current works. I have to admit, it is quite frustrating to have projects available for sale, but have absolutely NO support for your work.  All I have is people giving me lip service on social media, talking about how much they support me.  How many of them actually owns a copy of my book titles...?  THAT remains to be seen, smdh.....

I'm hoping to up my internet usage.  Right now, I'm only able to get online once, maybe twice a week.  I'm used to being online more often than that.  It would also help me to get over this crap with CreateSpace, as far as publishing "Seductra: Web of Desire" as a blasted paperback.  Only time will tell.  Stay tuned, and keep following me!!!

Stay tuned.....

The Day Job Grind, Part 2: #TheTransplantChronicles6

Been a long time, hasn't it....?

Been offline for a while.  I was actually working TWO day jobs, and trying to juggle them both.  I did that for about three weeks, and finally said "ENOUGH".  I was practically a walking zombie, I got so little sleep.  My days off didn't sync up until maybe a week ago, and I completely crashed when I did finally get a day off from both places.  Needless to say, that was a HARD ROAD for me to walk.

For an update, I finally got rid of one of the two jobs; the low-end retail job that I started off with.  That job sucked ass, and I thoroughly  hated it. It wasn't worth keeping; not with the headache that they expected us to put up with.  Not to mention the fact that they were switching to a bi-weekly payment plan...?  Fuuuuuuuuck thaaaaaaaaaat!!!!!! NOT worth it.  My second job is MUCH better, and less stressful.  I'm back working in food service again, so I have access to food again.  It keeps a good amount of money in my pocket, so the only thing I really have to worry about is having breakfast stuff for the mornings that I'm not working.

Got me a room to live in.  The landlord is a character, though.  I'll just leave it at that, for now.  The roommates aren't too bad; one is actually pretty cool.  The other guy...?  I don't know.  At least I have a place to lay my head.  It's better than that bullshit shelter that I was staying at.  I can come and go as I please, and have my own space.  It's just for know; hopefully I can get my own spot before the year is out.  So far, the Creator and the ancestors have been on my side so far.  Hopefully, they'll allow me to have my own spot before the year is out.

Still trying to convert "Seductra" into a paperback.  I haven't had any time (or luck) with the cover file.  Hopefully, I can FINALLY get the cover files right, so that it can be printed up as a paperback.  Now that I'm down to only one job, I'll have the time to get online, and upload the files, or handle any other issues that I have to deal with.

Still working on the Summer Schedule of Events (SoE) listing for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  I'm finally able to play catch-up on my emails, and do some online research for other festivals.  Looking forward to updating the list, and researching other festival that will be going on this fall.

Now that "Seductra" is published, I'm considering my options.  I need to focus on the promotional front of my writing career; people need to know that my books are available, in order to financially support me.  I want to focus on doing festival, and speaking engagements.  I'm considering doing a book signing out here, but I need to build myself up a bit more; gain some name recognition out here.  At least I have some of my works stocked in a few places on consignment out here.  It's coming together slowly, but surly.

Hopefully, I'll be able to keep you guys updated on my latest ventures.  I'll try not to go on hiatus again; it all depends on my personal situation.  Things have already improved for me, considering how things were going for me last year (shit...try the last THREE), and they can only go up from here. May the Creator and ancestors bless me with further good fortune.

HAPPY NEW YEAR: updates & progress

My first post of 2017.  Let's see what I can make of it this time around....

Good riddance to last year.  That was one for the books.  Glad that it is now over with.  Time to move the fuck on.

My latest literary project "Seductra" is going well.  I've decided to publish that book this year, instead of waiting until 2018.  I still have two other manuscripts that I can wait to complete and publish in 2018.  I will probably publish Seductra in June, to coincide with the 2-year publishing anniversary of Demure Nights; both books are similar in contact (Street Lit/Erotica).  Basically, I wanna do a marketing double-whammy for both projects. I'm just going through the final edits right now.  I've already designed the front and back cover for the book; all I have to do now is wait until I'm ready to publish it.  It's good when I can really take my time to work on a particular book project.

Speaking of publishing anniversaries....mine is coming up in February.  Next month makes it SEVEN years that I've been published.  Not to mention, February marks the 2-year publishing anniversary of The Chronicles of The Black Fist.  I'm really hoping to go hard in promoting that anniversary; seven years of consistently working on my craft, and celebrating the release of my first novel.  I have to admit, TCoTBF is a favorite project of mine, and I've been working really hard to promote it to the masses.  Hopefully, I can get to do more festivals, and other appearances, to help market it more.

Moving forward with the relocation plans!  I've suffered enough for 2 1/2 years struggling as a fulltime writer in NYC.  That place just isn't conducive to be an artist anymore; not unless you're a trust fund baby being bankrolled by filthy rich parents, and investors.  I've known a number of my fellow artivists and authorpreneurs that have left the city/state, and are doing MUCH better in their new home state.  Hoping to be out of here before the end of January.  Been looking into jobs, and looking for a place to crash.  If I have to start from scratch someplace else, then that's what I've gotta do.  Fuck it.

I'm looking to expand upon the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  I want to be able to (FINALLY) organize the annual Expo, as well as do some other extension programs.  Not really willing to go the nonprofit route with it; I don't care to be chasing people down for funding, just so I can organize an event.  I'm too much of a grassroots activist to be shilling for funding like that.  I've had a number of ideas rolling around in my head, I just don't have the support, finances, or manpower to enact them, especially not here in NYC.  Better to do them someplace else, where my efforts will be better appreciated.  I want to do a monthly/weekly showcase of local literary, poetic, and artistic talent (comic books).  I already have the idea written out (the Nommo Kuumba Literary & Poetic Showcase); I just have to be able to organize it, which is the issue.

That's all for now.  Just working on building up my writing career, relocating, and working on other activist and advocacy projects.  I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

Keep the fist raised!!!!

Nothing.......

Honestly....I have NOTHING to report.

Really. Seriously.  Truthfully.

There is absolutely nothing for me to report to you guys.  Everything is at a stand still.  No sales to report...no job prospects...no anniversaries coming up...nada.  I don't even know when the hell that episode of my interview is going to air; I still haven't been contacted back by the show's producer who interviewed me.  Considering that the show airs every Sunday, there are only two more Sundays left in the month.  Not very inspiring that my episode is going to air this month.

Nothing on the job front, either.  Considering that gamble that I took back in August, basically taking a one-way trip out of state for a job interview, you would've thought that something might have resulted from that.  Didn't get that particular job, nor anything else much after that.  Oh, I've applied to a good number of jobs out there, but nothing really resulted from it.  I got like....one call back for a position, and nothing else since.  Looks like my relocation plans are on hold, as well...

Trying to finish writing my manuscripts that are WIP, but I'm not necessarily motivated to finish them.  Wtf is the point?!  Finish writing them...publish them...and then have them languish on cyber bookshelves for the rest of their existence...?  Nuccas can come out of pocket for some stupid shit like the latest smartphone (that they don't need), a video game/gaming system, shoes, handbag, and other crap they don't need, that's EXPENSIVE as all hell mind you....but y'all can't invest in my mf book that costs between $10-$15....?  What's the sense in publishing them, then?!?!  I don't want to hear your bs rhetoric about supporting me, and then all you do is press the mf 'like' button on social media, and call it a day.  If you're truly a fan of my work, and support me, BUY my books!  And don't just buy one title....buy at least three, or four of them; THEN you can call yourself my biggest fan.

Yes....I'm ranting.  This is frustrating.  I've been dealing with this struggle for over two years, trying to be a fulltime author.  It's sickening when you're not supported, and people make excuses.  Or, when people do give you support, it's actually quite minimal, and they make it seem like they did you such a big favor.  I would understand if I was a crappy writer with no talent; I shouldn't even bee in the game.  BUT....I'm talented, and have skills.  I know how to market and promote myself, and my works.  I've been doing that for most of my life, specifically through my activism.

Maybe things will start to look up by the end of the year.  Who knows....

Putting the BLACK in "Black Friday"---Holiday Economic Support initiative [HESI]

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

Brooklyn, Ny--With the racial injustice and backlash that is running rampant throughout the country, and wanting to work in conjunction with the #BlackLivesMatter Movement, as well as being inspired by the #Missing24 and the #BuyTheBlock Movements/cyber initiatives, author/activist Kevin Alberto Sabio implores an economic call to action.  Let us tackle these issues on an economic front, as you are all respectfully requested to PLEASE spend your money...not with these mega corporations and big box stores...but with supporting Black-owned businesses and Black/Brown entrepreneurs.  Let us use our pocketbooks and wallets to politically speak for us, as you can get involved in the movement by supporting it economically.  If you're not the type to march in the streets, then let your dollars do the talking for you.

Author/activist Kevin Alberto Sabio embraces this call to action, and wants to include his own works into this initiative.  His works of fiction and nonfiction speaks along these ideological lines, and speaks truth to power about the capabilities of our community once we put our collective minds to a particular purpose.  Let us stand up against injustice, hatred, and intolerance.  Let us choose NOT to financially support this system that oppresses us.

Mr. Sabio is published through various P.O.D. publishers, and his literary works are available in paperback format through online retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.  Mr. Sabio's works are also available in eBook format through carriers such as Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iTunes, Page Foundry, Scribd, and 24Symbols.  Digital ARCs (Advance Review Copies) of his novels are available in PDF format for review purposes, upon request.

KEVIN ALBERTO SABIO is an author and activist, born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.  He is the youngest child of Honduran Garifuna immigrant parents.  He is the founder of the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  He is currently the author of SEVEN published books of nonfiction and fiction.

Keep the fist raised,

Kevin Alberto Sabio

Author/activist

www.brownblackfistchronicles.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorKevinSabio

Brownblackfist.book@gmail.com

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.

     

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.

UPDATES: End-of-year progress

Well...I'm trying to end the year (or, at least this week) on a good & strong note.

I have an end-of-year literary event that I'm going to on Saturday night (Dec 19th).  I'm looking forward to it, specifically because it gets me the hell out of the house.  I've been pretty complacent lately, mostly due to lack of funds.  It's very hard to travel when you're broke.

I recently found out that the company that published my eBooks has added another distributor to their staple.  My eBooks are now available through a carrier called 24Symbols.  You can click the link to my books here:

https://www.24symbols.com/author/kevin-alberto-sabio?id=500618

You'll be able to have access to my titles "The Chronicles of The Black Fist", "Demure Nights", and "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic".  Apparently, 24Symbols also has access to the market in Spain.  I hope that this bodes well for me.  I've been promoting 24Symbols to my other social media accounts.

The Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa are all next week.  I was hoping to get out of town for the holidays (specifically Kwanzaa since it lasts an entire week), but I don't know if that'll happen.  I've cut off quite a few people over the past year+ that I've been back in NYC, and my funds are nonexistent for travel.  Hopefully, something will pop off.

I've been working on an Author Book Trailer to promote myself, and my literary works.  I hope that I'll be able to upload it here for your viewing pleasure.

I hope that you will be able to view it.  I've actually fallen off on my media/video production skills over the last few years.  I can write, shoot, and edit a project, but learning all of the ins and outs of uploading/downloading media files still escapes me.

So, that's what I have so far.  May you all enjoy the holidays, and may the coming new year be a prosperous one for you.  I'm looking forward to getting this ratchet ass year over with, and start over with a new beginning, and some positive energy.

Currently Progressing.....

So, I've written SIX books in FIVE years time.  Not bad at all, wouldn't you say?  I'm currently working on books #7, 8, and 9.  I'm also conceptualizing books #10, 11, and 12 (really, I'm considering writing literary adaptations to some screenplays that I've written).  If I continue on the pace that I'm on, I might have #7 published by the end of this year.  Don't know if it's worth it to do that, or wait until early next year to publish it....

Still trying to relocate out of state. I've been doing a lot of online research on my relocation, finding out more about the new city that I want to move to.  I've been looking into jobs, and organizations that are out there, and options to focus on my Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement project;  I think that it would be a better outlet to explore, than focusing on The Consortium of Afro Latino Communities.  I never seem to garner the support that I feel that I deserve pushing that particular project, so I'm putting it on the back burner for now....

I'm hoping to do some traveling this fall, but that's kinda sketchy.  I would need money to travel, which I don't have right now.  I don't currently have a day job, which I really don't want to get one, but I need to have some sort of income.  The book sales aren't going the way I want them too AT ALL, so I need an alternative means to subsist.  I hate being in "starving artist" mode; people know that your shit exists, but don't really want to financially support you.  I know that freedom ain't free, but come the fuck on, people!  I'm sick and tired of wasting my time, talent, and intelligence for someone else's benefit at a regular day job.  But, without that support, I can't survive.

I'm definitely trying to focus my attention more OUTSIDE of New York.  Shit hasn't worked out for me here, so it's time for me to say adios carajo.  This year+ has been a bit of a waste of time, so it's time to search out new horizons.  I'm still working on promoting my literary works via email and social media, whatever the hell that's been worth.  I get "likes" and "favorites", but everyday when I log onto my publishers' website to check my sales, I haven't move not one damn unit; paperback OR ebook.  I need to find a way to target potential readers overseas, cause apparently, niggas here in America DON'T read (and some are even PROUD that they don't read).  Not much of a way to make a living, is it?

I'll keep you all updated on my progress.  I'm hoping to make it out to this Latino cultural event in a few weeks.  At least it will get me the hell out of NYC for a few hours.  Here's to hoping that my books will get me to travel.

Uhuru sase, y paz

Da Latest....

So, I'm continuing to do research into the new city that I want to relocate to.  I've actually been looking into relocating for about a month and a half already, before I even announced it here.  I'm now trying to make some connections there on the ground; networking with groups and people, researching possible employment opportunities, etc.  I wouldn't say that I'm trying to hit the ground running when I finally do move, but I just want to be prepared for when I finally get there.  I'm sick of being here, and need a change of scenery.  I'm tired of being broke, hungry, and frustrated.  I need piece of mind.

I'm considering working on a new literary project.  I'm putting together an ebook-only project; as in it will only be available in ebook format.  I'm compiling the project together now, and am considering my cover art options.  I don't want to say what the project is that I'm working on exactly at this point, but it will definitely be something different, and very creative.  I'll just say for now, that it encompasses some previously unreleased works that I've written in my past.  Stay tuned for more...

I'm still working on my other official literary projects.  I'm actually in the middle of writing several novels.  of the titles that I'm currently working on, I'm writing the draft for the sequel to "The Chronicles of The Black Fist".  It's an interesting universe that I've created, and I'm looking to expand upon it, possibly turning it into a series.  I'm also trying to complete two Sci-Fi novels that I've been working on for the past few years.  I'm also contemplating turning some of my screenplay ideas into novels. I have two of them that I think would work well as novels, and have already started working on them.  I'm not working on them as consistently as I should, since I'm now concentrating on moving, but they're still getting attention.  Maybe after I finally move and get settled into my new home base, I'll begin to work on them full blast.  Since the storyline  and character development is already there, the only thing that I really have to worry about is finally writing it out.

I know that I'm being a bit Secret Squirrel about where I'm planning on moving to.  I just want to have everything confirmed before I announce where I'll be moving to.  I'm not one of those types of people that will announce that I'm doing something, and then just not do it.  Unless there's some sort of official delay, I want to keep it under wraps until I feel that it's necessary to publicly broadcast it.  The one thing that I will say about it, is that I'll probably be returning to the Mid Atlantic region; it's conveniently located, as far as any travel that I want to do for my books.  I can travel to points in the north such as NY, Jersey, CT, and Boston, or points south such as my old stomping ground of Bmore, DC, parts of VA, and so on.  As it is, I was hoping to be able to travel because of my books, and have completely fallen off in that respect.  I was too busy focusing on this bullshit city, instead of just trying to be out and about.  Hopefully, I can rectify that once I move.

So, here's to the advancement of my travel plans, and the furtherance of my writing career.  I'll let you all know when my latest ebook project is released.  Hopefully, this newest project will actually be supported.  I'm sick of people just pressing the stupid ass "like" button, and not supporting my literary works.  I'm trying to make a damn living at this; the least that you can do is financially support me.  But, I digress...

Stay tuned!!!