The Changing Tides....

 So....things are starting to get a liiiittle bit better.  I've got one more week before I can move into my apartment.  so, in essence...I'll be back to actually having a roof over my head, again.  Man...when I tell you that the struggle has been real, I ain't bullshitting you... 😢😢😢😢😢

I'm still ducking & dodging, hiding out and sleeping at the day job.  I'm still stressing, since I don't want to get caught before I can move into my new apartment.  I tried to rent a cheap ass hotel room for the weekend, and ended up paying only for one night.  These assholes wanted $135 for just ONE fucking night!!  It was a cheap ass, two-star hotel for crying out loud.  GTFOH 😡😡😡😡😡!!  It felt good to sleep in a bed again, though.  It also felt good to finally leave the premises of the fucking day job, and not have to worry about sneaking back in, or looking over my shoulder while sleeping there, hoping not to get caught.  I soooo cannot wait for when I move in!! 😌😌😌😌

Once I'm in the new place, I can concentrate on enjoying my life.  I can work on shooting episodes of "The Rough Draft", and working on my unfinished manuscripts.  Now that I have a fairly regular schedule, I can work on consistently posting episodes, and doing other things to boost my writing career.  I can worry about furnishing the apartment down the line.  i don't really need much; maybe just add a few more books that I want to read.  I can always find a way to use milk crates as a book shelf, or something.  Hey...you gotta learn to be frugal with your money, these days...  

It'll be good to not have to spend a shit load of money, just to maintain a roof over my head.  That fucking hotel that I was living out of was killing me, financially.  My new apartment is only a few hundred bucks a month, plus paying utilities, and maintaining my phone bill.  I don't think that they provide internet for my apartment, but the building does have their own wifi.  I might be able to get away with using it, for the time being.  I'll et you guys know how that works out... 

I need my life to get back to normal.  I feel so out of whack, it ain't even funny. Normalcy is the key.  Once i have a roof over my head, everything else should/will fall into place.  I still like being in Raleigh; I just need my life to get back into sync.  Maybe, after everything settles, I'll be able to enjoy my life a little bit more.  I don't like being in the mental and emotional space that I'm in, right now.  It's completely throwing me off my game, and making me miserable.  At l east i see some light at the end of this tunnel..

 

I'll keep you guys updated after the move.

 

Uhuru sasa, y paz....

The Struggle is REEEEEEEAAAAL!!!! :-(

 I'm going through a really, really tough period in my life, right about now....  😢😢😢😢

Financially speaking, I'm broke. Trying to get this apartment, and trying to pay for this expensive ass hotel has almost completely drained my finances.  I'm literally homeless right now.  I'm surviving by illegally sleeping at my day job, and working some serious overtime hours, where I don't necessarily have to go 'home'.  No book sales are coming in, and my last paycheck wasn't as beneficial as I thought.  Not to mention, I get paid every two weeks, so it's a long stretch of time before I can get any money in my pocket.  I couldn't have written a worse situation for any of my characters... 😢😢😢😢

Technically, I've been homeless since I moved out here, living out of a hotel.  I can't even do that now, since I can't afford to stay there.  Now, I have NO place to stay.  I don't even know if I'll be able to afford to move into this new apartment that I'm trying to get.  I've never hit bottom like this, before.  I'm trying to stay positive & hopeful, but...this is A LOT to deal with.  Nobody really knows about my situation; I'm too ashamed and embarrassed to tell anyone.  Only my new department head, and a handful of associates out here know what's going on with me. 😔😔😔😔

At least if I had some residual income from book sales, this experience wouldn't be so bad.  I would be able to have at least something in my pocket.  Hell, I might have been able to afford to stay at that price gouging ass hotel a little bit longer, if I had any additional money coming in.  Such is the state of my writing career; people can press a fucking 'like' button, but refuse to buy shit.

 

At least when I'm at work, I'm distracted about my situation.  Once my shift ends, though...I'm reminded that I have no place to go, once I clock out for the day/shift.  Working overtime hours helps because that's putting some much needed money in my pocket, but having to wait for that next paycheck is painful and scary.

 

I really pray that I can get into this new apartment.  I need for this to come through for me.  I can't really live like this.  The price for the apartment is one that I can live with, and I know that this new job will provide me with the hours needed to maintain it.  Furnishing the new apartment should be easy; I have contacts at my old job that I can reach out to, to help me with that.  I just need a place where I can lay my head, and I don't have to worry about coming out of pocket to maintain it every few days.

I've been sending prayers to the Creator & the ancestors.  I hope that they are listening, and doing what they can from the ancestral realm.  I just need everything to line up for me, and come through.

Keep me in your thoughts....

😢😢😢😢😔😔😔😔

Celebrating My Blogiversary

 It's just occurred to me.  It's been ELEVEN years since I started this blog.  Man...time really flies by when you're not looking. 😲😲😲😲

I started this blog right before I published my second book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  I started this to be an outlet for me as an activist, and also to help with the promotion of my budding writing career, at the time.  I'm glad that I've remained consistent with it; I may not post as much as I did back when I first started, but I'm still keeping this blog alive.  Eleven years, and fourteen books later, my blog is still my main platform to promote myself as a writer, and a way for me to promote my activism in the literary arts.

 

I had my concerns with starting the blog; I didn't want it to be an outlet for constantly ranting about one issue, or another.  I get that I sometimes do sound a bit sour on here, considering the issues that I've been having with poor sales and all...but, for the most part...I'm providing myself with a voice, and keeping myself out there.

 

Thank you to all that have supported me, and continue to follow the blog.  No matter where I share this, may you continue to follow my blog, and enjoy my posts.  I hope that you find the blog posts informative, and also entertaining.  Please continue to support the blog, and support my books.

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

End of Summer Daze......

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

End of June Reports....

It's the final weekend of June, going into the final days of the month.  Sales have been nonexistent for this month.  So much for my burgeoning support....  [EXTREME sarcasm dripping]

Shout out to the Black bookstores that are keeping up the struggle.  Let us hope that this new founded support continues, and is not another sad attempt of people trying to feign wokeness.  Where were y'all so-called 'woke' cats when these businesses were struggling, prior to the pandemic?  The WHITE people supporting these businesses, I can get; they are trying to assuage their 'white guilt' and privilege to abuse the notion of their own ingrained racism.  You fake ass Black folks, on the other hand...?  Y'all ain't 'woke'. C'mon son.....fuck the bullshit.

Anyway....

Posted the most recent episodes of "The Rough Draft".  I shot episodes 13 & 14, and they are now uploaded onto YouTube.  I'm making it happen, peoples!!!  You can check out their links here:

Episode #13:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTEdbMCFb7s

Episode #14:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTEdbMCFb7s&t=10s

Please feel free to 'like' the videos...COMMENT on them, and subscribe to my channel.  I'm trying to be consistent with the content, so you guys can at least make the effort to comment on my videos, and 'like' them as well.  You have idiots on there who talk about absolutely nothing, yet they get a ridiculous amount of followers, and ongoing commentary.

Whatever, man......

The states are continuing to open up, as well as coronavirus cases are now starting to explode in the south, and Midwest.  The death toll in the U.S. is at about 120,000, and continuing to rise.  I'm certainly lucky that death from the virus hasn't touched me personally, but still...these are the most trying of times.

Haven't been feeling as motivated to write, as of late.  Aside from the consistent promotion that I do for my most current releases, I haven't even bothered to work on any of my other works-in-progress.  The inspiration just isn't there for me.  It probably has to do with the current pandemic; it feels like there is just more important shit to worry about.  Been busy trying to hawk all of my publications during this outbreak, but so far, it's been all for naught.  Fuck it...nuccas be on some trend hopping bullshit.  Now that the states are opening back up, and people have other distractions to hold their attention, they don't have time to fuck with any of my literary works.

Oh, well....

That's all for now.  Try to hit you guys up next month.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

June News/My Revolutionary Rant....

So, it is now the month of JUNE!!!  The year is now half over!  :-O

First off...I have to acknowledge the 5-year-publishing anniversary of my novel "Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015). 

Dropped this project FIVE years ago.  My...how time flies :-O.  This novel was actually an experiment; I wanted to see if I could write something other than something that was politically tinged.  Wanted to see if I had the skills to write something that would've been deemed out of character for me.  Of course, people seem to not know that I have a dirty mind, lol, lol, lol....

Secondly.....I dropped episode TWELVE of "The Rough Draft"!  We're hitting the double digits, y'all!!  If you're on YouTube, PLEASE check out the videos, and drop a comment!  A writer/creator loves nothing more than to hear feedback on their work.  You can check out the link for it here:

Episode 12:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfsX1uWWFfY&t=37s

In Episode 12, I profile my THIRD book "In My Lifetime: Funny Stories of Life Experiences" (Outskirts Press, 2014), and what lead me to write it.....

Okay...now that that shit is out of the way...

I'm about to get political on your asses.  Haven't really done that here for a LOOOONG while, but because of recent events, I felt the need to get back to my political speak....

The weekend of May 30th & 31st was hectic.  After the killing of a brother in Minnesota named #GeorgeFloyd, the streets erupted in protest and anger; deservedly so.  The killing of yet ANOTHER Black body by the police/powers-that-be, caught on camera (again) at that.  Since I live in Delaware, I saw the affects of that in nearby Philadelphia.  We had protests here in Delaware, as well, but let me get to my point.  People came out and protested and were rightfully MAD.  As the day wore on, it went from protest, to rebellion.

I agree with rebellion.  Fuck all this peaceful shit.  We've been doing peaceful shit for SIXTY years, now.  We gain some concessions, and then they take them back through laws and other political trickery.

What I DON'T agree with....is the aftermath.  You originally rebelled in THEIR financial districts.  Good...that was smart of you; disrupt their capacity to financially gain from your oppression, or fund their oppression of you..  Then...you took that shit back to YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS, and looted.

NOT smart!!!!  :-(

I was glad to see what was done in Center City; fuck 'em all.  Then...y'all did some nigga ass shit, and went back to West and North Philly, and ransacked your own 'hoods.

WHYYYYYYYYYY?!?!?!?!??!

That defeated the whole purpose of what you were rebelling for.  It's bad enough that Black businesses don't get supported by the greater Black community as it is; then you went back to your own neighborhoods, and tore shit up?!  Don't start out doing a revolutionary act, and then do some nigga ass shit afterwards!  STOP listening to YouTube niggas, and READ some REAL revolutionary, conscious history and political thought!  Learn about the BPP-SD, Deacons For Defense, Umknoto We Sizwe, or read some Frantz Fanon, Amilcar Cabral, Amos Wilson, or Robert F. Williams!!  LEARN what you need to know about how to actually be real revolutionaries, and activists!  Keep the rebellion FOCUSED!!!

Anyway........

Keeping my nose to the grindstone.  Trying to continue to pump out episodes of "The Rough Draft", and promote the dual releases.  Hoping to catch on, and gain a following, so that I can make my writing career my full-time gig.  Check out the videos, purchase/download the books, continue to support me.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Going Through The Motions....

SO......

The first full week of May is almost done. This weekend is Mother's Day weekend.  Nooooot really looking forward to it, since my mom past in 2019.  It gets kinda tough to deal with that holiday, whenever it comes around.  My worst days are generally New Years (when she passed), Mother's Day, and on her birthday.  I tend to be a little cranky throughout the day, but I'm usually able to play it off.  I just get pretty quiet, and keep to myself.  That's just me, and how I'm dealing with my grief, for now.  I'll probably find a more constructive way to deal with it in the near future, but for right now, my moodiness will have to do...

Check it out!!!  I've posted the latest episode of "The Rough Draft"!!!  The vlog is now in the double digits!!!  I've posted episodes 10 & 11 on YouTube, so if you have an account, go there and check out the videos.  Don't forget to comment!!!

Episode #10:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee-00p5e_OI


Episode #11:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h29g5r85Tqk&feature=youtu.be

Enjoy the episodes!!!  'Like' the episodes, and don't forget to leave a comment!!  Feedback is always welcome!!  :-)

Still trying to increase sales for my books. Yeah...verbal pats on the back are nice, and people will post positive rhetoric on social media congratulating me on my success...but, I need some damn sales, and reviews!!!  Really, people....cut the shit!!  You're stuck indoors, for crying out loud!!!  I can't even count on you people to download my novels during a pandemic?!?!?!

Aaaaaaanyway.....

I'm considering my options, as to what to do next.  I've got a few ideas marinating in the old noggin.  I'm working on trying to complete the rest of the books in my The Black Fist book series.  I just need to finish the first draft of Book #3, and start writing more chapters in Book #4.  I'm also considering a few sequel ideas, among other projects that I'm writing.  Ahhhhh....a writer's job is never done.

Hope that you enjoyed this little slice of my life.  With this pandemic going on, I'm trying to be a bit more consistent with posting content here.  Can't make you guys any promises, though.  Until next time....

Uhuru sase, y paz.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

End-of-Year Wrap up 2019

Seasons greeting, and happy holidays!!!  Blessings during the Winter Solstice, Merry Xmas, and Harambee, Kwanzaa!! Peace to all the Nubians, sistas, zubians....

Okay....time to be serious...

The end of 2019 has arrived.  Not a very fruitful year for me.  I at least DID publish a second entry into the Black Fist Saga.  Releasing "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019) was no small feat.  I truly cherish the character, and love the story.  I can't wait to complete Books III & IV in the series.  Unfortunately, as always, the sales just weren't there.  I wasn't able to go out, and physically promote the book like I wanted to.  Because of my day job issues, I never had a consistent enough schedule where I could do a number of appearances, whether my own reading & book signings, or doing a book fair/festival/comic con.  Hopefully, I'll be able to change that in the coming new year. 

Speaking of which, I might want to invest more in promoting myself in the PA & So. Jersey areas.  Philly and Atlantic City aren't too far away from me, where I could organize an event out in those areas. My day job work schedule is more consistent this time around, so I might be able to work something out.  Delaware isn't much of a reading state, so I may need to promote myself elsewhere.  As I always say in a hashtag, #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind.  This is real to me; this ain't some bs bucket list item, or some fake ass hobby for me.

2020 will make it TEN YEARS that I've been published!!  :-O!!!  Shocking, but NOT shocking at the same time.  I've always dedicated my life to being a story teller, and now I've found the perfect medium for me to do it in.  The dual book release is going on as scheduled; everything is being finalized.  Doing some last minute editing, and final checks.  The books covers are all done, and I've finally written out the backcover descriptions.  Now, all I have to do is wait until March of 2020...

I'm hoping to do more promotions of my various works, and do more in-person appearances.  I might have to travel to do that, seeing as how Delaware isn't much of a reading state.  I need to go where my audience is at.  I tried to tell that to certain dumbfucks that I was partnered/dealing with, back when I was still living in NYC; QUITE OBVIOUSLY I ain't fucking with them no more, cause niggas don't know how to listen.  Niggas either wanted a hook up, were playing around, or wanted to play 'follow the leader'.  I don't need any copycats, or disciples kissing my ass.  If you want me to teach your ass something, fucking listen to what I'm trying to teach your stupid ass.

Aaaaaaaanyway....

I'm happy that I was FINALLY able to produce and post episodes of "The Rough Draft".  I've shot and posted six episodes on YouTube so far, and look forward to doing more videos.  I'll definitely be posting more videos in the new year; just wanted to take a break for the holidays.  I hope that people are enjoying the videos; as usual, I can never get the feedback that I want, or need to help me improve my craft.

The Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement was able to celebrate TEN YEARS as an organization.  I'm proud that we've been able to last as long as we have; considering the lack of assistance.  Being a one-man show is NOT easy.  I could always use more hands to help me to get things done.  Of course, there aren't too many people out here who think like I do, or, who are willing to put in the time & effort.  BUT...it's a major accomplishment to be running a grassroots and independent organization, and STILL be successful at it.  We've made our impact, and have our followers & supporters.  Much respect to those that stuck with us for all of these years that The Movement has been around!!

Well, that's all for now.  I don't plan on posting any other blog entries, until the new year.  So, please enjoy the upcoming holidays, and keep reading.  PLEASE continue to support my work.  Leave some comments, spread the word, and BUY some/multiple copies of my books.

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

June Happenings....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the fist raised.

Veneral (Spring) Equinox 2019

The Veneral Equinox has come and gone.  The day seemed to have lasted longer, as it is the official first day of spring.  It is a time for reflection, and for renewal.  We were blessed by a beautiful full moon on that night.  I was actually able to go out, and enjoy myself, and listen to some great music by some local artists.  Shout out to Delaware Music Network for making it happen!!  Y'all did your thing!!

Suffered yet another personal loss.  A childhood friend that I grew up with, passed away earlier this month.  It really sucks, because he was a really good, and close friend.  I had just seen him posting something on social media before his passing; a picture of he, and his father, and how much he loved and respected him. I knew that he had heart issues, but his passing hurts nonetheless.  This is the third such personal loss in recent months.  One was a close comrade/bredren in early fall of 2018, my mother recently passed on New Years, and now my peoples from childhood.  It's made me become really reflective of my own life.  It's given me a lot to think about in recent month, and is making me re-evaluate certain things in my life.  I'm kinda at a crossroads at the moment, rethinking my writing career, and other decisions that I've made...

Still struggling with promoting "F.U.R.I. of the People", as well as my other projects.  It gets a little sickening that I constantly push my shit, but get absolutely NO real support; maaaaaaybe a person, or two, but that's it.  With TEN published projects, I should be making SOME sort of a living off of my works...at least collectively.  Even doing the festival circuit seems like a fleeting endeavor.  Everything takes time and money, and I always have the issues of maybe having one, but not the other at a particular space and time; hell, sometimes I have neither.  Niccas can always click a gd "like" button, and leave you a bs congratulatory message...but, how many of them back it up by a) actually BUYING the book, b) leaving a review, c) encouraging their circle of peoples to support your books, and d) coming out to your appearances/book signings, etc.?

But....I digress....

I've pretty much narrowed down where I want to repatriate to.  In West Africa, I'm really feeling the country of Gambia.  Something about that country is striking a cord with me.  In the East Africa, I'm being pulled strongly to Tanzania.  I'm going to continue to do my research on both countries, and hopefully make the move out there by the end of 2020/early 2021.  That's my goal for right now.  Since I'm unattached, and have no children, i might as well make that move.  There's really nothing for me here in this country (save some family members), and I'm sick of what I'm seeing culturally, and politically.

I've recently shut down my "Chronicles of the Brown Black Fist" Facebook page; my Afro Latino activism fan page.  It wasn't getting any type of real support, and it was too time consuming trying to find content for the page.  Fuck it...it was more trouble than it was worth continuing to keep it up, and running. Niccas don't wanna support what I'm doing, or partake in the information that I'm sharing, why keep stressing myself out trying to maintain it?  Let them jump on the bandwagon of some kit kat Afro Latina millennial that's only content is about hairstylists, makeup, and guess-who's-an-Afro Latina-actress-that-we-didn't-know-was-Afro Latina? nonsense;  I've been in this activism game too long to waste my time on dumb shit.  As it is, I've been a bit disgusted with the current state of the so-called Afro Latino Movement for the last five years. Cats seem to be having a hidden agenda, and ulterior motives for their participation.  This ain't a platform for you to jump on, and exploit for your own personal gain.

Aaaaaaaaanyway.....

Ima do what Ima do.  I'll keep y'all in the loop as to my progress.  There is positive, as well as negative.  It's all about keeping the balance.  Later, peoples.

Keep the fist raised.

Updates for March...

Soooooooo......it's been a while.

"F.U.R.I. of the People" has been out for about a month and a half, so far.  Sales are as I expected them to be....dismal.  I've had TWO purchases so far, and no downloads that I know of.  Yeah....people are reeeeeeeally supportive of my career, smgdmfh...

I chucked my day job.  It got to be too much.  It was becoming a hostile work environment, and I wasn't having that.  I liked my boss, and the people in my department; it was the higher ups that made the place difficult to work at.  Specifically, it was ONE higher up that made it hard to be there.  Oh well.  When the bitch is standing there, BY HERSELF, with nobody to work there (except, maybe nothing but temps), maaaaaybe the job will finally get rid of her stupid ass.  She's the main reason why nobody want to work there anyway, and why they have such a high turnover rate.  Then again, wtf do I know...?

I've actually just completed writing my next novel.  It's a Sci Fi/Action novel called "Time Will Reveal"; another conversion job.  It is starting to seem that some of my screenplays actually work better as novels, lol, lol, lol.  I'm also still working on Book III and Book IV of the Black Fist series; they're both still in the rough draft stages, as I haven't finished writing them yet.  I'm also still editing "Suicide Amy"; my Street Lit novel.  So many projects, so little time, lol, lol, lol.  Don't ask me how the hell do I do it....I don't even know how I do it.  I'm just a natural storyteller.  It would be nice if people actually appreciated that fact, and invested in my mf books.

Aaaaaaaanyway......

I still want to do that vlog "The Rough Draft".  I just need to take the time to actually shoot it.  Kiiiinda don't want to shoot it at my residence, and have it look all bootleg, and whatnot.  I could easily shoot it on my laptop, and then edit it in MovieMaker; it doesn't need to be uber professional.  At the same time, I have higher standards, having been a Communications major in college, and all.  Maybe I'm just overthinking this, and making it more complicated than it needs to be....?  We'll see what happens.

Been connecting a lot with my Jamii lately, and have started to make some long term (and short term) goals. One of my more long term goals is to FINALLY repatriate to the continent.  With the way that things are going in this bullshit country, and considering how spinless & ignorant a lot of people are nowadays, I DEFINITELY need to gtfoh.  Right now, I'm just doing my research on the different countries that I want to go to.  I've at least narrowed it down to five countries; two in the west of Africa, and three in the east.  Repatriation has actually been on my mind for quite some time now, and I'm feeling the call to do it more and more in recent years.  Hopefully within the next year or two, I can finally make that commitment, and finally move there.  Research and preparation are the immediate concerns right now.  I'll let you all know how that progresses.

That's about it for now.  Hopefully, the sales will improve.  Still debating if I should do a reading & book signing, or not.  I'd rather do a festival, or comic con, or something to that effect, but that costs money.  Being unemployed hinders that a lot.  I'll let you know what happens.

Keep the fist raised.

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

 

October Flow....

Okay.....I've been away from the blog for a while...

It's OCTOBER....my birthday month.  Just turned 44.  Yay, me!  :-)  Got to see another year of life, so THAT'S always good...

It's the second half of Latino Heritage Month  (just officially ended this past Monday).  Been on my grind trying to promote both "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2Digital, 2018) AND the "Raise Your Brown Black Fist" book series (Authorhouse, 2010, Outskirts Press, 2011) via e-blasts.  Don't really know how effective I've been with it, but, that's how I do every year, this time of year.

A new day job is on the horizon.  Just got to go through a few more steps, and I should be starting by next week.  I'm glad; getting kinda low on cash, though I will definitely miss the free time.  Haven't had an official vacation since moving out here to DE, so this time off was very helpful.  Especially with how they were shitting on my at my last gig, I needed the break....

Continuing to work on my latest literary project.  I finally got around to converting one of my screenplays into a novel.  The latest project is called "Suicide Amy".  The first draft is already complete; now, I just have to concentrate on the editing process.  I'm hoping to have it completed by 2020.  I want to give myself more than enough time to get it to where I want it to be, literarily speaking.  I have a literary standard to keep, ya know....  ;-)

Have an idea rolling around in my head.  Want to do a web based TV show; an interview type of show.  Kinda got inspired watching "Uncensored" on TVOne; wanted to do something similar for writers, comic book artists/publishers, etc.  Haven't come up with a name for it yet (actually...I do have a name for it; I just don't want to say it here, and have someone jack the idea before I can do it), but the premise is basically to highlight those of us that are struggling for exposure.  We're out here, but we're not getting the recognition, or the support.  Just wanted to create a platform for us to get our shine, and some exposure.  Wanted to combine it with my Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement, since all of us are out here trying to get exposure, and (financial) support from the masses.  Maybe do it as a web series, or a vlog, or even as a cable access show.  I'm still working on it.  I'll let you guys know how that turns out....

Since the end of the year is coming, I need to concentrate on end-of-year holiday sales.  That has always been a tough sell for me.  People will spend loads of money buying a bunch of expensive shit, but NOBODY will buy any of my books, no matter how much I e-blast/cyber promote their availability.  Other than vending at a Kwanzaa event, or two...I don't know htf to get over this hurdle every year.  My online sales are a joke, so I guess hand-to-hand sales are my best option, as I'm always stating.  Of course, having the free time to actually do those types of sales, is the major hurdle.

Aaaaaaannyway......

That's it for me this time around.  Will keep y'all updated on my latest efforts.  Try to support a brotha.  It's not just paperbacks...I have eBooks too.  And, YES...they're on Kindle!!!

Uhuru sase, y paz!!!!

Celebrating Latino Heritage Month/Celebrando El Mes de la Herencia de Los Latinos!!

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

Wilmington, DE-- Celebrating Latino Heritage Month!!  Celebrando el mes de la herancia de los Latinos!!

As we enter into September 2018, Author/activist Kevin Alberto Sabio continues to celebrate his most recent literary release, the Urban Lit tale of "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2Digital, 2018), an Afro Latino love story set in 1990s NYC to the rhythms of Latin Freestyle and Hip Hop.  Published this past February, the book is still available as an eBook. 

ALSO, in honor of Latino Heritage Month, Mr. Sabio will be celebrating his seminal book series "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010), and "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirtspress, 2011); a collection of political essays speaking on issues of race/racism, history, political ideology, and Afro Latino issues & affairs. 

Raise Your Brown Black Fist books I&II are available in BOTH paperback & eBook formats, and are available through online distributors such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million. Fiesta Girl is available in eBook format only, through distribution channels such as Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Kobo+, iTunes, Scribd, Overdrive, Playster, 24Symbols, Bibliotheca, and internationally through Tolino.  Digital ARCs (Advance Reader Copy) are available upon request for interview and review purposes.

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 the author of NINE books of nonfiction and fiction. He currently resides in Wilmington, DE.

Keep the fist raised,

Kevin Alberto Sabio

Author/Activist

End of August Roundup....

The month of August is almost at an end.  As the month closes, it is time for me to reflect on my progress made this month..

Still continuing to job hunt for a new day job.  Been applying to several places, but no interviews or callbacks as of yet.  I'm still plugging away, and watching my expenses.  I'm still good financially for another month, or so, but still...it would be nice to be making some paper....

My book event was a bust.  Didn't really go as planned.  Not many people came out to support it.  Since we offered food platters at the event, people literally ate, then ran.  That was quite disrespectful.  The few people there that did listen to the reading, weren't very receptive to it.  Definitely, they just weren't the right crowd for it.  Not to mention, I had to share the event with another local "author".  Yes...I used quotes around the word.  PLEASE....a one-book-wonder that hasn't even been published for two years, yet this wack ass chick came at ME with a mf attitude.  She was unprofessional as SHIT; didn't even come dressed for the occasion.  I did your stupid ass a favor by adding you on to the event...which wasn't even my idea, and against my better judgment.  My literary resume is how long compared to yours....?  Heifer please...

Getting myself together for September/Latino Heritage Month.  Probably going to do another mass email blast to promote my books, and LHM.  After that, I might just concentrate on publishing "FURI of the People", and doing promotions for all of my books.  I'm pretty tired of this whole online/social media promotion thing.  I wanna get back to doing festivals/book fairs/conventions, and doing more face-to-face events.  Don't think that I'll continue to do any here in Delaware; niggas just ain't that receptive to stuff.  If you don't already have a name for yourself, and have the white folks chasing after you to do their events, they pretty much don't fuck with you, out here.  They're pretty close minded, like that.

Pretty much, just focusing on Kwanzaa for the end of the year, and really getting on the ball of promoting my books, and doing the festival/book fair/convention circuit next year.  Hopefully, I can find a day job with a decent schedule, (as well as a decent paycheck), and be able to fund my literary dreams.  whether digitally, or physically, I've got the keep pushing my work out there.

Here's to closing  out the end of Black August.  I'll keep you guys updated.  Uhuru sase, y paz.

Keep the fist raised.  

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.

When You Just In a Shitty Ass Mood....

So, it is now April.  The first third of the year is now in  the books.  In literary circles, it is National Poetry Month.  I have a poetry eBook that is available for download, called "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" (Draft2Digital, 2015).  You can acquire a copy (through Kindle) from here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FMVCUD6

It is available through various eBook channels.  So, if you are NOT on Kindle, it is also available through other distributors.  Since people always wanna give some damn excuse for not purchasing my stuff, I've made my books available through a wide distribution base.

But.....I digress......

Sales for "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2Digital, 2018) haven't gone the way I planned at all.  We're going into the second month of it's release, and I've only had a total of THREE downloads so far.

Really......?   :-(

What's the fucking point?!?!  Hell, I'm not even getting 'likes' anymore when I share the flippin' links to my works.  But....cats will always wanna post some dumb shit in response to a rant that I'll write online, and say, "How can I support you...?".

Buy/Download a mf book...actually READ it...WRITE a gd review....TRY to get some of your peoples to help support my work!  Yeah...shares of the link(s) are nice, but....have YOU actually read it?  What are you gonna tell ya peoples about my book, when they ask you what it's about, hmmmmmm...?

But....I'm the dumb one here, smdh....

I want to be able to invest further in my writing career, but that is becoming extremely hard to do.  My current day job isn't giving me enough hours to pay for anything, other than my living essentials (dickhead ass boss!!!).  I can't invest in business cards...can't order copies of my book titles to do either a local book signing, or a festival/conference/book fair/convention....can't afford to pay for vendor fees to any conference/book fair/festival/convention that I may want to attend, local or otherwise.  At the same time, I wish that I didn't have to rely on the day job solely to fund everything that I need to do.  I have NINE books published, damn it!!  I should be able to make SOME sort of living off of all my titles.

Yes...I'm ranting!  This shit is frustrating!  Niggas won't support SHIT that you do.  I've done all that I can think of (that is financially possible) to promote my work on a grassroots level, hoping to reach SOMEBODY with my work.  I'm getting sick of this.  If you don't have some sort of machine behind you, pushing your product, it's like people just won't give a damn...

But, y'all will run out to watch some commercial ass movie, financed and created by white folks, profiling and perpetrating like you doing something culturally Black, smdh....

Hopefully, my next post will be more positive.  Sometimes, you just gotta let off some stream....

End-of-Year Progress Report 2017

So, it is now December.  The year is coming to a close....

This year has definitely been a transitional year for me.  I finally got the fuck out of New York, and have been out here in Delaware for the past 10 months.  I've been able to secure a job, and am currently renting a room.  I was able to publish at least one book this year, my latest effort called "Seductra: Web of Desire" (CreateSpace, 2017).  The sales have been slow, but that's to be expected.  People makes claims of support, but all they do is press the "like" button, and go on their merry way.  It doesn't help that I haven't been able to promote the book like I want to because of my work schedule, making public appearances and all, but hey...what can you do?

Sales have been slow overall for all of my titles, but again...that's to be expected.  All in all, this has been a pretty good year.  I'm feeling more at ease with myself, and my spirit isn't as dark and clouded as before.  I do feel more relaxed, and in a better frame of mind.  I do have to admit, one thing that I really had to learn this year was patience.  I've been struggling for so long, that I want to be able to see results immediately.  I'm still learning to have patience; its an ongoing struggle.

I'm looking forward to 2018.  I plan to publish yet another book titled "Fiesta Girl".  It will be available only in eBook format; I didn't feel that the page count was long enough for a paperback novel.  I should be dropping it in February, around Akoma Day (Feb 14th-Feb 20th).  I'm looking forward to doing more public appearances to promote my books, and do some outreach in some of the surrounding cities, and other areas.  Hopefully, I'll be able to participate in some book fairs, and festivals in 2018.  I would love to get back on the festival circuit; considering that I provide a listing for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement, I'm looking forward to taking advantage of some of the information that I come across.

On a personal note, I'm hoping to earn enough money to get my own apartment.  Renting a room has provided me with a roof over my head, but there is nothing like getting back to having your own space.  My roommates come and go, and some of them have been cool, but I NEED my own place.  I would also like to be able to meet someone that I can settle down with.  Shit....a brother be getting lonely sometimes.  It would be nice to find someone to have a steady and long term relationship with....

So, if you don't hear from me before the new year comes, may you all enjoy the positive energies of the Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas, happy Kwanzaa, and have a happy and blessed New Year!!!!

Uhuru sase, y paz!!!!!         

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