Holiday Economic Support Initiative 2021

 It's that time of year again.  We're getting close to the end-of-year holidays.  People are busying themselves with what they wanna buy for Black Friday, and get their kids their Xmas presents (and for those of you who celebrate it, Kwanzaa as well).  It is at this time that I want to promote my Holiday Economic Support Initiative.

I started this campaign around 2016, promoted in the aftermath of the uprisings in Ferguson, the killings of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray, and many of the others that have fallen due to the extremes of police brutality, and the systemic racism that plagues our society.  If you didn't feel like marching in the streets, as you might feel intimidated by your workplace, or just couldn't risk losing a paycheck as the sole breadwinner for your family, I wanted to create an alternative means for us to fight back.  We can still participate in the movement, but don't necessarily have to take to the streets to do it.  As I've learned in my own activist experience, not every soldier has to take the same battlefield to fight.

The Holiday Economic Support Initiative in not a boycott per se, but a divestment from the system of oppression that we currently live in.  We use our dollars to invest in OUR OWN businesses & entrepreneurs, and financially support them.  We love to constantly complain about not having our own businesses, especially ones that service our neighborhoods, but rarely do we financially support them on a consistent basis.  You also have those fake @$$ n*ggaz that'll talk shit about Black businesses having poor customer service, but will continue to spend their money with 'alien' businesses that don't ever treat you with respect, or them fake @$$ 'woke' ppl who will spout off rhetoric about supporting a Black-owned business...go ONE time...and then act like they did something important.  This is NOT that type of gesture.  This is an ideologically strategy used to bolster our businesses & entrepreneurs, and provide them with the support that they so rightly deserve.

If you want to participate in the Holiday Economic Support Initiative, you can participate via social media, and use you social media powers/influence to help promote those businesses and entrepreneurs that you know & follow.  Use either of the two hashtags #HolidayEconomicSupportInitiative or #HESI, tag a business or entrepreneur that you know, and help promote their product/company/business to your followers.  Everybody needs a little help with promotion, especially if you don't want to seriously come out of pocket with it.  Some businesses & entrepreneurs may not have the financial means to pay some outrageous fee to promote their business, or their products.  This is a strategically grassroots way for us to promote our entrepreneurs & Black-owned/Latino-owned businesses to the masses.  The Initiative lasts from Black Friday, all the way up until New Years Day of the following year.

 

Please use the hashtags to promote any businesses & entrepreneurs that you know.  I will include my own works into this campaign.  If you are worried about the "supply chain slow down" that's affecting most of the country (if not, the world), my books are ALL available in eBook format, so you can easily download them, instead of having to wait to get the physical copy.  They are available through Kindle, Nook, Kobo/Kobo+, iTunes, Scribd, and internationally through Tolino and Vivlio.

 

So, for this year, and hopefully beyond, don't spend you money with the big box stores and major corporations.  Spend that money with your own.  Support the small businesses.  Support your local entrepreneurs.  Buy Black.  Buy Brown. Shop Latino.  Shop local.

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

     

Dancing In September...In Raleigh!!!

 We are now in the month of SEPTEMBER!!!  We are officially in the last quarter of the year.  MAN...time really flies!  Weren't we JUST celebrating the new year, and getting rid of 45...?

I FINALLY made my move.  I've been in Raleigh for a little over a week now...and I don't regret it.  Peace of mind is such a wonderful thing!!!  The new day job is going pretty well...even though they're working the living hell outta me.  My first work week was SIX days long!  After working two six-day work weeks in Delaware...then moving out of state...then having to hop into another six-day work week?!?!?!  My body needs a rest.  But, other than that, I'm enjoying the relocation.  I'm learning more & more about my new hometown every day.

September marks the beginning of Latino Heritage Month.  You guys know how I do here, on my blog.  I will also be doing more videos to help promote my Afro Latino characters in my novels.  This is our celebratory month to shine, and I always wanna take the opportunity to highlight the African roots & heritage of Latino people.  We as Afro Latinos need to take this moment, and use it to our advantage.

I've been able to post a new episode of The Rough Draft!  Episode #41 has been posted, and is available to view on both YouTube and Vimeo.  I also just finished shooting & editing Episode #42, and should be posting it by the end of this week.  I've been off my game for a hot minute, but I'm starting to get back on my grind.  It helps that I don't have no annoying ass, fuck ass roommate annoying the hell outta me, and crowding my space.  Let that shitty bitch be someone else's problem!  She caused me six months of pure misery, and I'm so glad to be the fuck away from her dirty ass!!!

 

But....I digress...

 

Haven't had the chance yet to work on any of my manuscripts.  I've been so busy working, and dealing with my relocation, that I haven't had the chance to mentally process my imagination.  I think once my schedule regulates, I'll be able to let my mind flow freely, and finish writing those projects.  Second Chance Points is going really well through the editing phase, and I want to finally finish writing Book 3 in The Chronicles of The Black Fist book series, and start to edit that project.  So much to write...so little time...

 

That's about all for now.  I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.  Check out the videos, and cop the books!!  Spread the word!!  Help to keep a brother's writing career alive!!

 

Keep the fist raised

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

 

The Heat of Black August

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

Entering the Month of May....

Today is the first day of the month of MAY!!!  We are almost halfway through the year, already!!  :-O

 

My literary progress is as follows:

 

April sucked for me.  I didn't make ANY sales.  I sold only one book (a download), and that was only because I posted about it on social media, griping about not getting some feedback on my latest work.  Speaking of which, "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021) is now entering it's fourth month of publication.  It is STILL available for purchase through paperback format, or in eBook format through Kindle, Nook, Kobo/Kobo+, iTunes, Scribd, and internationally through Tolino, and Vivlio.  It is also available through libraries in eBook format through outlets such as OverDrive, Hoopla, Baker & Taylor, and Bibliotheca.

 

Also in the month of May....  my novel "Seductra, Web of Desire" (CreateSpace, 2017) will be celebrating its four-year-publishing anniversary!!  

 

 

 

Dasha Pagan, a trained dancer from Brooklyn, struggles to make ends meet after relocating to the south for greener pastures, and has to make do by working as an exotic dancer.  I believe that this particular novel is pretty slept on (like much of my literary works).  It's considered Street Lit, with a Romantic feel to it.  You can be a hard rock, and still be able to enjoy the story.  The novel is available in paperback format, as well as eBook format.  Support it.  BUY it!!!  Write a review for it!

 

#TheGimpLifeChronicles

 

I'm getting better.  The doctor has cleared me to walk around without crutches.  I still have to wear the immobilizer, though.  I've recently started doing physical therapy.  I'm scheduled to do pt three times a week.  My first week is in the books, and I'm looking forward to going back.  I want to get back to feeling normal as soon as possible.  I still can't move as quickly, or as normally for that matter, as I would like to, but at least I'm a bit more mobile, now.  At least that's something....

 

Still working on my w.i.p. manuscripts.  I'm mainly concentrating on writing Book III of The Black Fist series.  It's actually going pretty good.  I still have several chapters to go before the first draft is complete, but at least I'm making progress.  I've put Walk Like a Warrior on the shelf, for now.  I was making decent progress on it, then drew a blank.  I guess I'm getting writer's block for that particular project, while I'm more inspired to write The Chronicles of The Black Fist.  such is the life of a writer, lol, lol, lol, lol, lol...

 

That's all for now.  Will keep you guys updated on my literary progress, as well as my health.  Until the next blog post....

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMYLiteraryGrind     

End of an Era--Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement

 February 26, 2021....today is the end of an era.  This is the date when I am shutting down my networking organization the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  From it's beginning in 2008 as a mere literary arts festival, to the end of The Movement this year of 2021, it was 13 years of altruistic love & support for my people in the field and industry of literature.

After 13 years of operation, I've decided to shut the organization down.  I'd been mulling the decision over for some time now, but with the coming of the COVID-19 coronavirus last year, it basically helped me to solidify my decision.  I can't serve 2 different masters; my own writing career, and my activism & advocacy for the literary arts.

It all started back in 2007 after I'd relocated to the south, moving to Richmond, VA.  Things were drastically different there, as opposed to what I had available to me, while living in NYC.  I had access to a plethora of Black media and literary resources; Black newspapers (not just AA), book vendors on the streets, access to Black bookstores, etc.  None of that really existed in Richmond, and there was pretty much an intellectual & literary void.  Not to mention...the so-called 'activists' that I'd met and communed with out there, had the attention span of a mf nat.  I needed a way to pass on the information that I had onto others; trying to organize road trips was out of the question, as none of these fake ass 'activists' ever wanted to organize shit, or go anywhere that didn't inflate their bullshit ass egos.  Enter the first incarnation, and genesis for what became the movement, the Black CapaCity Literary Arts Festival.

 

 

Btw...the word is pronounced 'capacity'.  Not 'Capa City".  Ain't no space, ain't no goddamn hyphen.  It's one fucking word!!!!

 

Anyway....

 

The festival was first held in April of 2008.  It was actually quite successful; we had between 150-200 people attend the event.  From there, it snowballed into a movement.  I reached out to the people on the Mailing List that I'd created, thanked those who attended, and for those that hadn't...provided them with a listing of events that I knew were going on.  It grew from there...

Enter...The Movement...

A year later in 2009, primarily because I had a major falling out with those fake ass people that I was in an organization with, we went from being known as the Black CapaCity Literary Arts Festival/Movement, to our current incarnation as the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  We grew from there.  I reached out to many people within the literary arts; indie authors, poets, comic book artists, graphic artists, magazine publishers, book publishers, book clubs, Black bookstores, and cultural youth organizations.  I represented for indie Black & Latino literary artists, providing them with opportunities to help them promote their work; from cultural festivals, to book fairs, to comic cons, Black expos, to writing contests, and even promoting their latest releases to the bookstores & other groups & organizations within the Mailing List.  I created the SoE/Schedule of Events list to distribute to the members, and let them know (quarterly) about the different events going on...eventually throughout the African Diaspora, and around the world.

 

Alas....the past 13 years had been a very solitary 13 years.  The Movement was held down and maintained by one man...ME.  I never got the help that I felt I deserved, for the type of work that I was trying to do. I never cared to profit off of the services that I was providing; anybody on the Mailing List could have easily done the same research that I'd done/been doing, on their own.  I would have loved to have some help with the research, creating a website, finally being able to hold our real-world event the Universal Africana Literary Arts Expo, etc.  Hell, I would've loved to have had help with the merchandising aspect of the Movement (developing apparel like t-shirts, & hats).  But, I never got that type of help.  People loooved the fact that I was providing them information...for FREE!!  But...actually helping me to do all of this work...?  Naaaah. People didn't have the stomach for that.

 

There are no heirs to the Movement.  There is no one for me to pass the torch to.  I've had inquiries for taking over the Mailing List, but on a much limited scale.  At the same time, I'm not willing to chase anyone down to do the work.  People like the service that I provide, but ain't trying to hear putting in the level of work that I put into it.  The Movement was NEVER  about me, or making a profit.  It was about representing for our people in the literary field & industry.  ESPECIALLY at the time that I was doing it, when people were complaining about the severe lack of Black/Brown/POC voices in the literary industry.  Then again...I was severely grassroots with my work, so nobody was really trying to hear wtf I was doing.  But yet...folks wanna be all over social media, hashtagging shit like #WeNeedMoreDiverseBooks, but wasn't really trying to holla at any of us indie authors.

 

Oh well....

 

Here is to the members of the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  This is for the true believers in what I was trying to do.  Will the Movement ever be resurrected again...?  Who knows.  Shout out to all of those out there who were inspirations to me, who laid the foundation for what became the Movement: Turtel Onli, Ron Kavanaugh, Khadijah Ali-Coleman, Dr. Yumy Odom, E. Wayne McDonald, Maia "Crown" Williams, and so many others that laid the foundation.  Shout out to all of those that had supported & benefited form the Movement, and became dear personal friends of mine.

 

The Facebook page will remain active, but I will NO LONGER be sending out the emails.

 

Always on our literary grind,

 

Kevin Sabio

"Knowledge As Supreme"

Founder/organizer     
  

The January Vibes....

 January is here.  The first month of the new year...

Hey...that rhymes!!!  That might get me back into rapping, again!!!  :-)

 

But, seriously....

A new administrations has taken over the country.  People are back to sleep walking again.  The death toll from the COVID-19 coronavirus has risen to damn near half a million people (430,000 at my last checking).  There is a vaccine that's out there...two, actually...with maybe two more on the way, waiting for approval from the FDA.

 

For me, personally...I dropped my latest novel; my thirteenth book overall.  January is also the 2-year publishing anniversary of my novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019).  This month also marks the 2 year anniversary of my mother's passing.  :'-(

 

It's the start of a new year.  It's the beginning of 12 months of whatever you make it.  I wanna work on promoting my novels, and continuing to work on m writing career.  At the start of this year, and after my follicle cleanse, I decided to shut down the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement after 13 years.  I want to focus solely on my writing career; the pandemic forced me to make some tough choices towards the end of last year.  I can't really serve two masters, and something had to give.  I chose my writing career, and rightfully so.  I loved what I did with "The Movement", but it was very taxing on me, with little help, and almost no real recognition for what I did/was doing.  I love my people, I always want to represent for them, but...I gotta do me.  Nobody is going to help me with furthering my writing BUT me.  People out there can do the same research that I did, to access all that information that I freely provided.  But, I digress...

 

My new novel "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021) has just been published.  I'm really looking forward to continuing to promote it, and hopefully generate some sales.  It's been almost a week already since its release, and I've had a few purchases; not as many as I would've liked, but it's something, so far.  It's not like people are distracted by having to go to work outside of the house, and compete with people going out to clubs, and bars, and other shit like that.  You can't really go anywhere.  And yet you still can't support, and buy the book...?!

 

Anyway....

 

February is on the horizon.  That's my author anniversary month.  No big plans, as of yet, but I wanna do something kinda big.  Stay tuned for that....

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

    

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Holiday Economic Support Initiative/HESI

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!  For those of you that celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope that you had a great holiday, and were able to enjoy your families and loved ones in this crazy time of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Hope that you were able to enjoy a hearty meal with family, and have ease of mind, at least for one day during this trying year...

 

As Thanksgiving comes to a close, I would like to encourage everyone to participate in the Holiday Economic support Initiative/HESI.  I came up with this initiative back in 2016, as a way to help combat against the racial violence that was affecting and inflicting our communities by the powers that be through gentrification, and through physical violence through murders committed by the police, and vigilantes.  It is a financial call to arms to financially support our businesses, our entrepreneurs, and our creative artists (visual, musical, literary, etc.).  The initiative generally lasts from Thanksgiving/Black Friday through to New Years Day.

 

PLEASE help to participate in this initiative by supporting our indie artists, black-owned businesses, and our entrepreneurs.  If WE don't support our own people in these business and artistic endeavors, who will?  We are not taken seriously in this society, as is evidently proven just about every day, and was visible to all for the last four years, and MANY many more years, before then.  To support and participate in this movement, please use the hashtags #HolidayEconomicSupportInitiative, or #HESI for any business, entrepreneur, or indie artist that you support.  Include their Facebook page, Twitter or InstaGram handle, or a picture of their business, or product with the hashtag.  We need to help and promote our businesses and entrepreneurs in order for them to be able to survive, and remain solvent.  I also speak a bit about the initiative in my latest video of "The Rough Draft" posted to YouTube; Episode 27 to be exact.

 

Please participate, support, and help to spread the word!

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

    

End of Summer Daze......

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

Black August Rising.....

 SOOOOOOOOOO.......

 

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

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

Aaaaaaaaaaanyway.....

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind   

The Month of July So Far.....

As we approach a little beyond the midway point of the month, things are looking VERY unsettled.  Coronavirus numbers are starting to climb back up, and states are starting to re-institute restrictions to protect the populace...or, at least to cover their collective asses, for their potential reelection bids.

Oh, yeah...and my book sales ain't been shit.  Yeah...I had to throw that in there, somewhere.

If you're on YouTube, and have an account with them, I've just uploaded the latest episode of "The Rough Draft"; Episode #15.  I won't be posting the link here, as I don't think that it ever helps, or matters.  Subscribe to my channel if you can, and LEAVE A COMMENT!!!  It would be nice to actually get some feedback from people who 'claim' to be my supporters.  I feel like a little kid who gets brushed off, just because he's a little kid, or being annoying.  Just give me SOME sort of feedback!!

Working on my latest manuscript.  Decided to convert my screenplay "Knuckle Up" into my next book.  I'm going through round THREE of editing, so far.  If things keep going at this rate, I'm hoping to have completed editing by the end of the year, and have the book ready for publication in 2021.  I've got few ideas about how I want the cover to look.  I'm excited about this project, as it is one of my favorite scripts.  I'll keep you guys updated on my progress with that project....

The day job front is stagnant.  My state is stuck in 'Phase 2' for the time being, until our COVID-19 numbers go down in the state.  I haven't heard from my boss on when we're supposed to go back to work.  I kinda don't mind, but I just really hate staying at home.  I just can't believe that some people actually live like this, for most of their lives; just staying at home, waiting for a check.  Couldn't be me.  Good thing that I've got my writing career to work on.  At least it gives me something to do, and gives me purpose.

Kinda looking forward to next month.  It's "Black August", for those of us revolutionaries out there.  Personally for me, it marks 1 whole year since I started producing "The Rough Draft".  I might decide to have an episode doing a recap of what I've posted within that year.  Actually...I'd rather do an 'Ask-The-Author' segment, where my fans get to ask me questions, and I get to answer their questions in the video.  I'll let you know what I'm planning...

That's about all for now.  I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.  Hopefully, things will improve, and will get somewhat back to normal.  Stay safe, peoples!!!

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

July Beginnings....

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyway.....

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

Anyhooo....

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

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

Keep the fist raised!!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Aaaaaaaaanyway....

GOOD NEWS!!!!!  :-)

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

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


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

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

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

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

Keep the fist raised
Uhuru sase, y paz
#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

October Updates.......

As a co-worker of mine stated the other day, much to my shock....the month is already HALF OVER. :-O!!!!!!  Man, time sure does fly, don't it...?  We basically have TWO MONTHS left in the year!

Anyway......

So far, this month is going.  I can't really complain.  I didn't do too much for my birthday, earlier this month.  All I really did was get some additional sleep; since I had to work earlier in the day, I didn't really feel like doing too much, afterwards.  I did get a nice card from some of my co-workers; one of my favorite ones even gave me a really nice hug.  :-)

GOOD NEWS!!!  I was able to shoot episode THREE of "The Rough Draft".  If you're not on Youtube, you can catch the link for it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE5aM4L1LL8&feature=youtu.be

Hope that you enjoy it!!!  In honor of Latino Heritage Month, I did a profile of my 2-book series "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010), and "Raise Your Brown Black 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  If you have a YouTube account, DEFINITELY 'like' and comment on the video.

I'm still considering doing a DUAL book release for 2020.  Both "Time Will Reveal" and "Suicide Amy" are ready for publication.  I just need to work on the cover art for Suicide Amy, which I'm currently working on right now.  Of course, I have my doubts about that; my writing career, financially speaking, has been quite dismal over the years.  Why bother to drop new projects that aren't going to be supported?  I do all that I can to promote my works, but ppl still won't support shit.  I couldn't even tell you the last time I registered any sales online, despite all of the online promotion that I do, whether through my email Mailing List, or through social media.  Wtf is the point of all of the emails to my personal Mailing List, if cats WON'T purchase shit, or come out to any of my events...?

But, I digress...

Right now, I'm looking forward to trying to end the year out on a strong note, and focus on promotions for next year.  This struggling shit is for the birds.  Hopefully, my fortunes will change in the coming new year.

Catch you on the rebound, people.  See ya in the next post.

Uhuru sase, y paz.  Keep the fist raised.  

October Flow/Latino Heritage Month Pt. II

Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit's October.  It is now officially fall, and there are now officially TWO months left in the year.

So, my birthday passed this past Tuesday.  I am now officially 45 years old.  Happy birthday to me.  Had to WORK on my birthday, but hey...welcome to adulthood.  Just took a nap after work.  The older you get, the less that you want to be reminded of it.  I was never to the type to go out and party on my birthday, anyway.  Maybe if I had a special someone in my life, it would matter a little more, but for now, it's just another day.

It's the SECOND HALF of Latino Heritage Month.  Been pretty quiet on my end, so far.  Other than promoting my first two books of "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010), and "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011), I haven't done much on the activist front.  Too many fake-ass people involved in that movement any fucking way.  If you don't have academia kissing your ass, or being hyped up because your ass is computer savvy, nobody really recognizes, or fucks with you.  Of course, activists like me have been doing this fighting since before most of these fuckers were BORN, but, hey....who really cares about experience...?

The year 2020 is coming up.  One...I need a new catchphrase for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement; "Back/Fresh on the scene..." worked well in the twenty-teens, but I need something new that's gonna get me through the next decade.  Two...I'm considering doing a dual book release for 2020.  Both "Time Will Reveal" and "Suicide Amy" are ready for publication.  I really don't know if I should do a dual book release, or not...considering the lack of sales and support from my so-called fan base.  Why bother to publish books that people aren't going to support? Even if I did get around to doing more personal appearances, would that really make a difference....?  Personal appearances hardly made a dent with my first three publications....and that was when I was working on my writing career FULL TIME!!!!  I'm getting to the point where I'm wondering to myself wtf is the point, and why the fuck should I even bother...?

Episode three of "The Rough Draft" has been a bit delayed.  I'll probably have it uploaded by next week.  I should have it uploaded to YouTube by next week.  I'll also share the link to it here on the blog.  Hope that you're subscribed to me on YouTube!!!  Check out my other videos, and don't forget to leave comments!!!

Other than that, I'm just maintaining.  looking forward to ending the year on a strong and positive note.  Hope that I can do a Kwanzaa event, or two before the year is out.  I could use some hand-to-hand sales right now, if just for some confidence.

Uhuru sase, y paz.  keep the fist raised.   

August News....

Peace, folks!  Yeah, I know....it's been a hot minute since I posted a blog.  My apologies.  The day job has been dominating my time as of late.  But now, I'm back with the latest news.

First off....it's the 4 year publishing anniversary for my poetry eBook "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" (Draft2Digital, 2015).  Can't believe that it's been fours years since I published that particular book, my first eBook only project.  Sales haven't been impressive at all, but I'm proud of publishing it nonetheless.

It's the birth month for both of my parents.  Their birthdays (not to mention, their wedding anniversary) are in the same week & month. Feeling a little sad about that, as my mother is no longer here among the living.  That's gotta be hard on my pops.  Happy birthday, dad!!!

I FINALLY got around to shooting the pilot episode of "The Rough Draft".  It is now available on Youtube.  You can view it through the link here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyfPsiWOXmA&feature=youtu.be

Hope that you enjoy the video!!!  I apologize for the poor sound quality, as I didn't realize that I was mumbling when I was talking.   I was tired when I'd shot the episode; that's what I get for shooting an episode after work.  I should've waited for one of my days off, but I was working multiple days that week, I just wanted to get the shit done.  I can hear my communications professors screaming in my ears about the "5 Ps"...  (Proper Planning Prevents Poor Productions).

On the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement front, I've finally compiled the preliminary Schedule of Events (SoE) list, and emailed it out.  I still have some November events that should be added, but I need the info to do that, and the outlets haven't posted any updates to their websites.  Oh well....I do what I can.

Time Will Reveal (2020) is DONE!!!  The cover art is finished, and the book is ready.  I just need to figure out when I'm going to actually publish the book next year. I haven't picked a date, yet.  If you guys have any suggestions, feel free to let me know when you'd like ot see it come out.

Other than that,  I'm just trying to figure out a strategy for the upcoming fall, to finish out the year on a strong note.  I wouldn't mind doing some vending, or a few public readings of my latest book.  The promotions for my books have been lacking as of late, an unfortunate consequence of a having a day job with an inconsistent schedule.  Weekends are out, and my days off aren't always consistent; not to mention, my days off always fall on weekdays.  Oh well, I'll figure something out....

That's it for me, right now.  Hope to be a little more consistent with my blog posts.  if not, I might just do more videos, and post the links for them here.

Keep the fist raised, my peoples.....

End-of-Month Wrap-up [JUNE]

So, we've entered the final week of the month of June.  Time really does fly, dosen't it?

The Summer Solstice has just passed.  Welcome to summer!!!  I had to work that day, but wanted to send out some positive energies for the official coming of the summer season.  Light a candle, light some incense, and say a prayer or two to the Creator.

Just entered a THIRD book entry into the North Street Book Contest.  I decided to enter my short story anthology "Drum Speaking: Tales From An Inner City Griot" (CreateSpace, 2016) into the mix.  Since the deadline is this coming Sunday (June 30th), I decided to take advantage of the opportunity.  It couldn't hurt; hell, it might actually up my chances at winning at least one of the three main prizes.  Getting the recognition is what really matters to me.  Since my sales are stagnant, I need to generate some attention for my work somehow.  The exposure is what really counts, for me.

I just outlined the first four episodes of "The Rough Draft".  I'm hoping to start shooting some footage for it by this weekend/the start of next week.  Once it's shot and edited, I'll post it here on the blog, and on Youtube.  I already have my Author Book Trailers uploaded there, so feel free to look me up, and view the videos.  I might share them on Facebook as well, but as a link. 

The day job is going pretty well, so far.  Not that I'm looking to hook up with any co-workers there, but we got some niiiiiiiice looking women working in my department. My first month has gone by on a good note, and I've earned my boss' and coworkers' respect for my work ethic.  As long as they treat me right, I might actually stay there for a while...

Been networking with a brother out here, who is ALSO a transplant from NY.  Met him at the local library out here ( and people wonder WHY I like going to the library so much).  I'm getting that hustle-mode mentality back, like I've always had.  Since he knows of my literary activism, he's trying to help hook me up with some people that  he knows that could help me, not just with my literary career, but also with my efforts for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  ANY help that I can get with both would be much appreciated.  a brotha is TIRED of struggling, and not getting supported....

That's about all for now.  Hoping to hit you back in July with some good news.  Hopefully, I'll have the first episode shot & edited in time to upload it here.  Wish me luck!!!!

Keep the fist raised.

June Happenings....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the fist raised.

End of April Updates......

So far, this month seems to have gone by a bit slower than usual...at least to me, personally.  Oh well...

First, some news.  I finally broke down and decided to republish "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2Digital, 2018) as a paperback.  You can purchase your copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1095026070?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860

I priced it lower than my other novels, simply because of the lower page count.  I'm hoping that this will help to boost the sales for it, since the sales for the novel solely as an eBook were abysmal, at best. Niccas claim that they wanna see diversity in books, but when you make shit available for them, they don't wanna support, unless you're being propped up by the mainstream machine.  Go figure, smdh...

Still out here, trying to promote "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019).  Everybody seems to be on a superhero kick, when it comes to the powers-that-be with their commercial movies, but can't none of these sheeple support an indie author (or artists, for that matter) trying to push their own diverse character(s).  The novel has been out since JANUARY, and is available in BOTH paperback AND eBook formats.  What's the excuse for the nonsupport....?

There are a few cons and book fairs that I want to vend at.  I ended up missing Khem Comic Fest in Newark, NJ  :-(.  This weekend is another multicultural comic con called Newark Culture Con.  That'll be this weekend, April 27th.  Also, you have East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC) in Philly coming up next month in May (May 18th, to be exact).  I would like to be able to make it out there, even if I can't vend.  Since I finally got the Shirt and hat for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement printed up, I can at least go out there, and represent for my organization, and be able to network and politic with some other indie creators.

I need to get back to vending at events, and doing panel discussions/speaking engagements.  Exposure is the only surefire way to get my work noticed, and gain SOME sort of support.  I have TEN books published, and yet I can't make a living off of them, collectively?!?!?!  That's mf SAAAAAD!!  

Taking a bit of a break from writing.  I haven't been as motivated lately to write.  I actually DO have at least two projects that I'm currently working on.  One novel is already complete, and I need to design a cover for it (Time Will Reveal); where as I'm still editing down the other one (Suicide Amy).  As I always say on social media, I'm ALWAYS  on my literary grind.

That's about it, so far.  Grab you copy of ANY AND ALL of my novels.  Give Fiesta Girl a chance; it's a decent storyline, especially since the lead characters are Afro Latino.

Keep the fist raised.

April Happenings....

Welcome to April!!!  Spring is in the air!!!!

First off...April the the publishing anniversary for my book "Drum Speaking: Tale From an Inner City Griot" (CreateSpace, 2016).  I published the book THREE years ago, a collection of short stories.  I'm pretty proud of that anthology, as it showcases my storytelling abilities (imho).  Available in both paperback AND eBook formats.  Hook a brotha up with some purchases, or a download, or 20.  ;-)

Still plugging away at promoting "FURI of the People".  Sales are typically as I expected; dismal.  Still constantly promoting the novel through e-blasts, and pushing it via social media.  I can count the number of purchases and downloads that I've received so far on ONE hand.  Instead of just pressing the "like"  button every time I post the link for it on social media, how about pressing the "buy now" button...?  I would like to do a few comic cons and book fairs, but money is the issue.  Especially now that I'm in between jobs, I need to be smart with my money so that it can last to cover my essential bills.  AGAIN....available in BOTH paperback AND eBook formats.

All my New Jersey people stand up!!!  The Khem Comic Fest is back!!!  Brick City representing!!!  Back with their 5th installment of the comic festival (and more), Come out to Newark on April 13th!!!  Purchase your tickets now!!!  Help to spread the word and PLEASE come through!!!  I'm hoping to make it out there, myself! It would be nice to get out of town for a little while, and be able to enjoy myself.

I've always said that as Afro Latinos, we NEED to be more involved with the rest of the African diaspora.  Here is an opportunity for us to make it happen: a symposium is being held at Delaware State University (an HBCU) called the Pan African Development Conference, looking to help build up sustainable agriculture and economic initiatives for Africa.  My dear brother and comrade Ezrah Aharone is one of the leading figures of this symposium.  It is a 3-day event, form April 10th-12th.  Here is the flyer for it:

You can register online.  The info is all on the flyer.  Spread the word, mi gente.  Come out , and support this, and make it part of El Movmiento Afrolatinidad!!!

I'm still working on other literary projects.  Still writing the other sequels to my 'The Black Fist Saga'; Books III and IV.  I'm still developing the characters and storyline(s).  The rough drafts are going, so I can at least say that.  At the same time, I'm still editing my Street Lit novel "Suicide Amy", based on one of my old screenplays. My new Sci fi novel "Time Will Reveal" is pretty much complete; I'm considering publishing it next year in 2020.  All I really need for it now, is some decent cover art.  I have a concept for it in my head, but I don't know if I'll design it myself, or hire and outside artist.  I'll let y'all know....

Well, that's it for now.  It's still early in the month, so I'm sure that I'll have more stuff to inform you about as the month progresses.  Finally designed a shirt and hat with the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement logo on it.  Gonna order me a set, soon, and hopefully take a picture rocking the gear.  Catch you guys on the rebound!!

Keep the fist raised.