Falling Into September & October

 Okay, yep...I have reeeeeeeally fallen off.  I can admit that.  It's been a hot minute since I've posted.  My bad, y'all.  I haven't even been all that busy...I just didn't feel like posting.  I kept putting it off.  Now...?  It's been almost 2 months since I posted. Oooooops!!! 😲😲😲😲😲😲

September was the celebration of Latino Heritage Month.  Didn't really do anything for it.  I was planning on doing an eBook sale on Smashwords to celebrate it, but thought better of it.  Nobody seems to be supporting any of my eBook sales, so why fucking bother...?  Going into Labor Day weekend, I was able to attend a local event out here in Raleigh; the African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh & Wake County.  I was lucky enough to get to attend it last year, at least for one day.  Went down there, bought some items, then jetted back home.  It was hot af out there, and I didn't like the vibe.  Didn't really feel any level of Black solidarity from the people that attended.  Plus, you saw a lot of white people out there.  Not my type of scene.  Just glad that I was able to get my hands on some shea butter, and body oils.  I can't seem to find none of that shit out here.  Bama ass town...

 

There was also a Latino festival out here called La Fiesta Del Pueblo, to kick off Latino Heritage Month.  I was actually off for that weekend, but decided not to go.  I don't have any of my paraphernalia out here, save for my blue Honduras soccer jersey.  I usually like to wear my wristbands and hats to shit like that.  It usually helps to lessen any stares or dirty looks that I get when I attend things like that, since moving out of NY.  I could've worn a face mask that I'd painted of the Honduran flag, but naaaaah.

 

So, my birthday passed in October.  I am now an official member of the 50+ club.  I'm actually fucking FIFTY!!!  😲😲😲😲

 

Not to mention, my oldest nephew just turned 26.  My ass is starting to feel really, really old now...

 

Didn't do anything for my birthday. Firstly, I had to work on the actual day.  Secondly, I did have the weekend after it off, but still chose not to do anything.  I did buy myself some books for my own reading pleasure.  They were books on African martial arts.  Hopefully, reading them will inspire me to finally finish some of my unfinished manuscripts.  I haven't published in a little over 2 years.  Considering how poorly my sales have been, my motivation factor is pretty nonexistent.

 

The year is flying by.  Hopefully, I'll be a little more consistent with my blog posts.  Hoping to end the year on a strong note.

 

Uhuru sasa, y paz!!  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

Radio Interview Aftermath/Adventures in Laptop Hunting

First off...the radio interview was GREEEEEEAAAAT!!!!  :-D

I had such a wonderful time doing the interview!!!  The interview on Dock Radio went on for a little over an hour, but it was great.  The show's host Donya Craddock and I really hit it off, and had a great conversation talking about my various book titles, and my two current books that I recently released.  I got the opportunity to discuss my networking group the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement, and talk a little bit about my overall activism.  All in all...this was probably THE best radio interview that I've ever had.  Most of my other interviews were rather blah, and it felt like the interviewer never even really paid attention to whichever book I was being interviewed about at the time; this time was different. Donya was very engaging, and was really interested in my work.  The interview flowed really well, and we ended up going a little over our time.  That's what happens when you really enjoy the discussion :-).  I hope to do a return engagement on the show, and also to make a trip out to their bookstore The Dock Bookshop in Ft. Worth,Texas, once this pandemic is over. :-D

Secondly....my old laptop died last Friday, the day after the interview.  :'-(

It was to be expected.  My old laptop was actually old; I'd had it for 9 years.  It wouldn't hold a charge anymore, and it was coming apart.  Once it broke, I was a little frazzled; I didn't really know what to do.  I know that I needed to get a new one, but...with this mf pandemic going on, I didn't know how to get my hands on a new one.  It's my only means to getting online, and writing my books...

Then...I saw a TV commercial for Target...

Wait a minute!!!  Target is considered an 'essential business'!!!  Target is still OPEN!!

YEEEEEEES!!!!!   :-D

Since I don't drive, I figured out which bus line I needed to take to get to the local Target out here, and made plans to go the next day.  I got on the bus, took the ride, and made my way to Target.  Once I got there, I made my way to the electronics department, and started looking at their available laptops.

The pickings were really slim.  There weren't any laptops in the cases.  I was lucky enough to have a really, really cute salesperson come up to me, and ask me if I needed any help.  I let her know what I needed, and that's when she dropped a bomb on me....

"I'm sorry sir...we're out of laptops.  If there aren't any in the display cases, then we're really out.  Because of telecommuting, and schooling from home, we got smacked..."

:-O!!!!!!!

I was SO hurt!!!  This was NOT good!  I really, REALLY needed to get my hands on a laptop.  But, then she said the magic words...

"They should have laptops at Best Buy.  Did you try there, yet...?"

?!?!?!?!?!?!

YEEEEEEEEES!!!!!  :-D

She told me what i needed to hear.  She told me where the nearest Best Buy branch was located, and I went.  I didn't know that they were going to have me stand outside, while they were going into the store to get whatever electronic device you needed.  You basically have to rely on the knowledgeability of the salesperson to fit your needs.  Oh well...I got what I needed, and made my way back home.  Luckily for me, I'd backed up all of my files on my flash drives prior to the old laptop going kaput.  They're now all saved on my new laptop, as well as being able to download all of the programs that I use.

On another note...I was able to shoot and upload the latest episode of "The Rough Draft"; episode number TEN!!!  The show is now in the double digits!!!  I'm proud of myself for that!!!  If you go on YouTube, please watch the episode, and leave a comment!!  And don't forget to subscribe to my channel!!  :-)

Well, that's it for now.  I'll keep you updated on my progress.  Now that I have a new laptop, I can continue with my projects.  Hit you guys up soon!!!

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind      

March Madness: My DUAL Book Release!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! Welcome to 2020!!!!!

Omg......it's 2020!!!  TWENTY-TWENTY!!!!!!  :-O!!!!!  Reminds you of some type of futuristic, Sci Fi movie shit, don't it...?

Aaaaaaaaaaanyway...

Welcome to the new year!!!  Had to work my day job on New Years Day....not to mention, it was the one-year anniversary of my mother becoming an ancestor....but, other than that, it was okay.  Went on a "follicle fast" by shaving my head and facial hair, starting on the Winter Solstice, up until New Years.  Now, I'm letting my hair grow back.  Was trying to purge myself of any negative energies stored in my follicles, and releasing them into the universe, starting the new year anew.  seems to be working, so far....

Looking forward to making things happen in 2020!!!  As I always hashtag throughout my social media accounts, #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind!!!  I'm trying to get back out there, and do more public appearances; whether at festivals/book fairs, doing panel discussions, or organizing my own shit.  Need to get my face out there more.  It's now or never, if I'm ever going to have a viable writing career.   Fuck this struggling shit.....

Also for this year.....MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!!!  The countdown has officially begun!!!

Looking forward to the DUAL book release this year of both "Time Will Reveal" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2020), and "Suicide Amy" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2020) this year.  Looking forward to their publication in March; March 13th is when they'll BOTH be released, to be exact.  Already started promoting their releases on my other social media, as well as through eblasts to my personal Mailing List. Let's hope that these particular books will be supported by my fans.

It's January, so it also marks the One Year Publishing Anniversary for the release of "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019).  Sales haven't been anywhere near where I wanted them to be, and feedback has been minimal....abysmal is more like it.  This is a HOT character, and a HOT story.  A self-made, grassroots BLACK superhero, for crying out loud!!!  C'mon, people!!!!  Don't complain about not having shit, and then NOT supporting wtf you've been begging and crying for!  It's now a series, as it is Book II in the saga.  I'm still working on writing Books III & IV in the series, so this character is NOT going anywhere!!!  He is still going to represent, and I will continue to write this wonderful novel series.  Don't wait for the book to gain white/mainstream approval; that may never happen.  Get in on the grassroots level; that's what really matters.  #TellingOurOwnStories

I might try to focus my efforts into PA, and So. Jersey.  I think that you may have untapped audiences out there that are begging for something to read.  My work(s) might appeal to those populations out there.  Just gotta do the research and continue to grind.  I just live in Delaware; I don't need to conquer it.  They ain't readers out here, anyway.

Well, I hope that the new year is treating you all well.  I'll keep you updated as to the release of the new books; books nos. 11 & 12.  This year also makes it TEN YEARS that I've been published.  Looking to make a LOT of noise about it next month in February...my OFFICIAL anniversary!!  Stay tuned.

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

October End-of-Month Wrap-up....

Damn...the month is almost OVER!!!!!  :-O

Trying to end the month on a strong note.  One good thing...my oldest nephew's birthday is next Monday!!!!  YAAAAAAY!!!  He'll be turning 21.  TWENTY-ONE!!!  I remember when his mother was pregnant with him. MAN, time sure does fly.  Happy birthday to you, Romello!!!!  :-)

Halloween is next week.  I used to love this holiday when I was a kid.  Once I got older, it kinda lost it's appeal...besides getting involved with the cultural activist community.  I kinda miss those days of playing dress-up, and going trick-or-treating.  I could use a good costume party....or, maybe a cosplay party instead, making it more cultural....?

Speaking of Halloween/All Hallow's Eve, I posted the latest episode of "The Rough Draft" (episode FOUR!!!) in honor of the holiday.  I profiled my novel (now series) "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015).  You can check out the link for it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HELrV1ipchE&feature=youtu.be

The book is STILL available for purchase in paperback AND eBook formats.  Not to mention, the sequel in the series "The Chronicles of the Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (KDP, 2019), is also available.  Would be nice to get some support for it......

Other than all of that, I'm still considering my options for a DUAL book release for 2020.  Both books are ready to go, and I FINALLY completed the cover for Suicide Amy.  It's an interesting idea for me to do, but the lack of support that I get for my books, smdh.....

Aaaaaaaaanyway.......

I'll let you guys know what I finally decide in November.  I should start doing any necessary promotions for it by then, if I decide to go forward with the dual release.  I'll keep you guys updated on it.

Uhuru sase, y paz.  Keep the fist raised. 

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.  

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.

September Updates So Far....

What's good, peoples?  How you feeling, mi gente?

So far...I FINALLY attended a Latino festival out here.  It was a 3-day event, but I only ended up attending one day.  It was rainy for most of that weekend, so I ended up missing the last 2 days, where they had musical performances, and a parade.  The one day that I attended wasn't too bad.  and no, I'm NOT going to try to compare their festival to anything in NYC.  I'm hoping to return next year, hopefully as a vendor this time to sell some of my book titles.  I'll let you know, next year...

The day job situation is up in the air.  All of a sudden, these people are now being uncommunicative.  All a brother wants is some answers.  I was supposed to have started last week Wednesday, but never got the call for what time I was supposed to come in, like they told me they would. I'm just chalking it up as a loss, and still continuing to job hunt.  Fuck it, I can't afford to sit still.  I've got debts to pay, and other shit that I wanna do that takes funds....

GREAT news from my eBook publisher!!!  They've made a deal with WalMart to distribute eBooks listed on the Kobo platform.  And...since ALL of my books are listed on Kobo, ALL of my eBooks are now available at WalMart!!!  YAAAAAAY!!!!  Now, nuccas have NO excuse as to why they can't support my work.  The shit is available at WalMart, now.  I hope that this helps to increase my sales.  The Creator knows that I could use an economic boost....

Been feeling a little down, as of late.  Been having some personal stuff happen.  Someone who I consider a dear friend is going through some tough times right now, and I feel quite powerless to help.  Since I'm not in that great a situation myself, there is not much that I can do to help.  It's another reason why this job thing is working my nerves; I'm not where I want to be financially, where as I could help out this friend, not to mention, finally get myself to where I want to be.  I'm sick of renting a room; I want my own flipping place!  I hate when I feel blocked, and stuck....stagnation is a killer.  I not moving forward, nor back.  Hopefully, I can shake this feeling, and improve my situation soon...

Well, that's about it for now.  Been doing the whole e-blast, email promotion for Latino Heritage Month.  Will be continuing to do it through the end of October.  After that, I have no idea.  I'm still planning on publishing my Black Fist sequel "F.U.R.I. of the People", but I just haven't set a date yet.  I'm also considering another conversion project of one of my other screenplays, but who knows.  My head's not really in the game right now....

Anywhoo....later peoples!  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.  

Novel Reading, and Author Q&A!!!

GREAT NEWS!!!!  :-)

I have teamed up with a local organization called The People's Voice Mid-Atlantic, and am organizing a reading of my latest novel "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2Digital, 2018)!!!

Come one, come all!!!  The reading & Q&A will be held on Saturday, August 18th, from 2pm to 6pm.  The location is at Umoja House, 751 S. Maryland Avenue (corner of S. Maryland Ave & Oak Street) Wilmington, DE 19805.  The event is FREE, and open to the public.  If you're in Wilmington DE, please come through!!

I'm pretty excited.  This is my first literary event since moving here to Delaware almost a year and a half ago.  I'm finally getting the chance to gain some exposure, and build up a local fan base.

If you're in town by then, PLEASE come through!!  Help to spread the word!!!

Uhuru sase, y paz!

July Musings.....

So, the new business cards are IN!!!  Much better looking than the ones that I got back from GotPrint.  Will be sticking with VistaPrint, again, from now on.  I tried to support those guys, but the results were less than stellar.  Presentation matters, y'all...

So apparently, I have a new distribution outlet through Draft2Digital.  They're called Bibliothetca, and they distribute eBooks to libraries.  That should REALLY help me, as a few of my titles would interest teens, and other urban readers.  They would like my novels, and hopefully my nonfiction works, as well.

Still doing revisions for "FURI of the People", my Black Fist sequel.  I've even added a few chapters to Book III, "The Diaspora United".  I'm ironing out the concept for Book IV, and should also be starting on that project pretty soon, as well.  This will be the first book series that I've actually written.  When I initially started my writing career, focusing mainly on screenwriting, I never intended to turn any of my film projects in to a film series; maaaaybe one, or two action film ideas that I had.  At the time, I didn't feel that any sequels were necessary, and that they were being done primarily as a money maker; basically, milking that project for what it's worth.  I wanted to write quality project, that had longevity; instant/modern/cult classics, if you will.  As a novelist, on the other hand, it's a great character and storyline, and I definitely want to be able to expand on it.

Now that I have the business cards, I need to work on making some appearances, at least locally.  Once my work schedule straightens itself out, I'll be able to better plan some appearances, and events.  I was hoping to make it back to NYC for an even that a brother that I know throws; The Pre-Harlem Book Fair Meet-&-Greet.  Because of my constantly changing wack work schedule, I won't be able to go....not to mention, I don't have any PTO time on the books to request off; courtesy of my bitch ass former boss (GOOD RIDDANCE, MU'FUCKA!!!!).  Hopefully, one of these other jobs that I've been applying to will hire me, and I can actually have a consistent work schedule.

Speaking of the job...there's a new girl working there.  She's cute!  From back home.  I like her.  Kinda young...but, I like her!  Might be a new friend.  I'll let you know how it works out...  ;-)

That's about it for me.  Still trying to work on that video that I promised.  Hit y'all later!!!

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.

End-of-Year Progress Report 2016

The year has come to an end, and 2016 is about to transition into 2017.  The year was NOT a good one for me.  Good riddance.  It was just as bad, if not worse, than 2015.

I was hospitalized about three times (once for a panic attack, twice for issues with Kidney stones), continued to suffer financially, and had a few prospects crash and burn.  I've continued to cut off phony people from my life, and made plans to relocate.  I'm hoping to enact those plans after the new year.  Fuck New York, and the rotten, negative energy that's here surrounding me. It's too gentrified, and phony out here; nuccas ain't about shit.  There's no originality, and Brooklyn has lost its soul.  It's not a city of trend setters, but trend followers; buncha blind ass, oreo-assed sheeple.

Of the GOOD that has happened to me (very little)...I dropped my seventh book back in April, a short story anthology, titled Drum Speaking: Tales From an Inner City Griot (CreateSpace, 2016).  I participated on a panel at the Bronx Book Fair, and was able to help support a few friends at some of their panel discussions, or other literary events.  I was also able to volunteer at the Brooklyn Book Festival, and represent for Caribbean Cultural Theatre.  Being at those festivals made me miss being on the festival/convention/book fair circuit, and want to get back to that.  Hopefully, once I relocate and get back on my feet, I'll be able to do that again.

I've recently completed one of my many manuscripts that I've been working on.  I've been going through the editing phase as of late for the past two months. I was originally going to wait until 2018 to publish it, but I might decide to release this project by the middle of 2017.  It's called "Seductra: Web of Desire".  I've already created the cover for it, and am continuing with the editing.  If I decide to release it this coming new year, I'll probably publish it in June to coincide with the publishing anniversary of Demure Nights (CreateSpace, 2015), as the books are similar in subject matter (erotica/street lit). 

I'm hoping for a better 2017.  I'm putting as much mental energy for this positive transition as possible; 2 1/2 years of suffering is enough.  I should have trusted my instincts that told me not to return to New York; there was a reason why I left in the first place. On to greener pastures, and better people who will actually support you, and not just talk a bunch of shit, and only press the "like" button, and call it a day.

Paz, y keep the fist raised!!!!

Updates and info....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uhuru sase, y paz.

     

Now on Kindle

Greetings, fans and followers!

Though most of my books are already available in eBook format (6 out of my 7 titles), They weren't previously available on Kindle.  I didn't really think much of it as an issues of consequence, until people started to reply on social media about me not having any of my titles on Kindle.  I had initially ranted about this before, I believe on LinkedIn, but you can't really fight against the industry standard.

SO...I now have my titles available on Kindle!!!  You can click the link here:

 https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1?ie=UTF8&text=Kevin+Sabio&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Kevin+Sabio&sort=relevancerank

Currently, FIVE of my seven titles are on there; "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political shouts of an Angry Afro Latino", "The Chronicles of The Black Fist", " In My Lifetime...:Funny Stories of Life Experiences", "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic", and "Drum Speaking: Tales From an Inner City Griot" are all available on Kindle.

Now that you know that my titles are listed on there now, PLEASE SUPPORT!!!  You have no excuse now to not download the book, and support me.  If you can't afford the paperback, the eBook is available, now on Kindle.

Uhuru sase, y paz.  Keep the fist raised.

Currently Progressing.....

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

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

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

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

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

Uhuru sase, y paz

Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic [Poetry Ebook]

My latest literary project!  A poetry book, featuring a collection of previously unreleased material that I've written over the years.  Wanted to show a different side of my creativity this time around.

Available in ebook format ONLY!!!  Available through Nook, Kobo, iTunes, Page Foundry, Scribd, and Oyster. 

Only $2.99!!! ISBN #: 9781516327188

Spread the word, and PLEASE SUPPORT!!!!