Happy New Year 2023

 Welcome to 2023!!!  The new year has finally fallen upon us.  Hopefully, your year is starting off on a positive note, and on the good foot.  May positive energy and prosperity enrich you, and all those that you love. Birthday blessings to all new years babies that were born on that special day. 😀😀😀

In the month of January, I will be celebrating the four-year publishing anniversary of my novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019), as well as the two-year publishing anniversary of my novel "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021).  Both books are available in both paperback AND eBook formats.  Hopefully, you will take the time to financially support them, and help to spread the word about them.

As of right now, I have no plans to publish a new book in 2023.  I'm hoping that will change; it will have to be much later in the year.  I don't have any manuscripts that are completed, or close to being completed, as of yet. I kind of ended last year on a really sour note, and haven't felt very motivated to write anything.  I have a few ideas rattling around in my head, but whenever I fire up the laptop to write something down, I just end up staring at the page.  Either that, I fell too tired and unmotivated to write anything when I actually have a day off.  My poor book sales have really affected my writing, as I end up wondering wtf am I doing all of this for, if I can't make some sort of a profit doing this professionally? 😔😔😔

I'm hoping to get out more, this year.  I want to get back to doing in-person appearances.  If not by setting up my own book signings, or tours, then by at least participating in festivals as a vendor.  I definitely need to buildup my presence & name recognition out here in North Carolina.  I'm hoping to do my Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour this year, since I had to postpone it last year.  I know of a few bookstores out here that I want to hold the appearances at.  I'll keep you guys posted...

 

Thanks for reading, and have a happy and safe new year.  Blessings & good fortune to you all!!! 😁😁😁😁

 

Keep the fist raised.

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

 

Winter Solstice/ 2022 End-Of-Year Wrap Up

 Today marks the Winter Solstice.  I have commenced with the shedding of my facial follicles from the previous year, and plan to go clean shaven until the new year is upon us.  Hopefully, the shedding of these follicles will also shed the negative energies & experiences from the year that is about to become a past year.

2022 had its ups and downs.  Of the good: I published my latest book; my 14th, which is also my 8th novel.  My novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022) dropped this past May.  I was able to do at least two author interviews this year; one as a podcast for a friend, and one for a local (terrestrial) radio station based out here in North Carolina. I was very proud to have been able to get that interview.  I've done additional research to expand my reach; learning of new bookstores & media outlets to send my literary information to.  I've even tried to reach out to 2 different women's basketball leagues to promote my latest novel.

Of the bad: Two additional interviews for that same terrestrial radio station fell through (much to my ire).  I haven't been able to do any in-person appearances this year.  I've job hopped a bit this year, having worked at three different jobs, and never had a consistent work schedule.  My days off were never consistent, so I could never really plan to do any appearances.  I would love to organize a reading of my latest novel.  I would also like to be able to vend at a local festival to get my name out there a little more.

I wanted to organize a Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour this year.  But, as I stated in the paragraph above, my schedule prevented me from being able to organize it.  It also didn't help that I'm not very mobile, since I don't drive.  Some of those bookstores that I wanted to include in my tour are in a different city than where I live.  Hopefully, I'll be able to do it in 2023.

I haven't really been able to work on another novel.  I haven't really be motivated to write anything.  I've been a bit bummed out because of my lack of sales for 2CP.  It kinda sucks to put all of this effort into your project, and not receive the type of support that you know that you deserve.  If I do end up publishing something for 2023, it won't come out until much later next year.

I'm considering bringing back the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  Just considering it.  I'm not trying to stretch myself thin, like I was before.  There is still a great need for what I do/did with the movement, but I'm gonna need some help to make shit happen.  We'll see...

 

See ya next year!!!  😊😊😊😊

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Celebrating My Blogiversary

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

The Coming of All Hallow's Eve

 The birthday was a relaxing day.  It's still hitting me that I'm now 48 years old.  Latino Heritage Month has 'officially' come to an end, wrapping up on October 15th.  Of course, you should ALWAYS celebrate your heritage and culture everyday, 365 days a year, every year.  The month is now coming to an end, and we are now looking forward to the last TWO months of the year.

As the Halloween season approaches, I look forward to celebrating the birth of my oldest nephew.  I remember when he was born; now he's a grown man in his 20s.  I'm very proud of him, and the man that he's become.  **shedding a thug tear**  😁😁😁😁

Also for the Halloween season, I usually like to promote my superhero novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015), and now, the sequel as well, "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019).  I would love to have an artist render their rendition of my character, and some of the other supporting characters in the series.  I would also love to have someone cosplay the characters, whether at a book signing event, or at a comic con.  I kinda wish that I knew something about 3D printing, because I would print out action figures  to sell at any public appearances that I'd do.  It would also be great as a marketing strategy for that project.

 

There's one week left in the month.  I'll soon be promoting my Holiday Economic Support Initiative, starting next month.  I don't know if I'll continue to do it, though; it doesn't seem to be very effective.  I've been doing the initiative for the last 6-7 years.  I love trying to help promote black-owned & Latino-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, but I don't feel as if my initiative has been helping. Even with my own retweets, and with me explaining what the initiative is about...it doesn't seem to be working, or helping any indie small businesses. 😟😟😟😞😞😞

 

Haven't done much writing.  Scratch that...I haven't done any writing lately.  I guess I've just been a bit bummed out by the poor sales for my recent book "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022); for all of my books, really.  It kinda sucks, but...what can I really do?  Oh...I've had a few ideas rolling around in my head, but I haven't really felt like turning on the laptop, and busting out some pages, or even finishing those w.i.p.'s that I'm trying to get done.  The most that I've done, is to sign up for Draft2Digital's P.O.D. print arm, D2D Print. Since everyone thinks that Amazon is the 'evil empire' of the book industry, I might need a different publisher for the paperback version of my future books.

That's all for now.  Looking forward to talking to you next month.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Falling Into October 2022

 We are now in the month of OCTOBER!!!  The Autumnal Equinox has already passed, and the new month has just started.  There are only TWO more months left in this year.  Also...October marks my birthday month!!!  I will be turning 48 year old  (on the 8th 😁😁😁).

 

October marks FIVE MONTHS since the release of my latest novel, "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022).  Sales are flat & nonexistent. I'm doing what I can to promote it, but it's an uphill battle.  I need to hold an in-person event, or SOMETHING to generate some book sales.  This shit is for the birds...

We are now entering the second half of Latino Heritage Month.  Of course, I'm 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).  Haven't noticed any sales for those two gems yet, but it's something I do annually.

 

Hoping to shoot Episode 52 of "The Rough Draft".  I'll be focusing on my Latino characters in my novels.  It's reminiscent of Episode 10, but I won't be focusing solely on my Afro Latino characters.  Hoping to shoot it, soon.  I haven't gotten many days off from the day job recently, not to mention that the weather hasn't been great (since I don't have my own lighting equipment).  I want to get it done before Latino Heritage Month ends...

 

No new writing project(s) to speak of.  Been too busy trying to promote 2CP.  I guess I'm also a little jaded, as well.  14 book projects deep, and I STILL can't earn a living off of them; especially not collectively.  I might get 'likes' on social media, but nobody ever buys anything.  Wtf am I writing this shit for, then?!?!?!  :-(

 

Decided to put my Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour on hold for now.  Might have to shelve it until 2023.  Can't seem to get a good enough work schedule to organize it, nor do I have the transportation capability to get to the different bookstores I want to get to.  Even if I did drive (which I don't, which doesn't help the situation), it would still be a pain in the ass to get around.  None of the bookstores are in Raleigh, though one of the stores exists in Durham, and the other in Chapel Hill.  They are close, but at the same time, they're NOT close.  I swear, I need an assistant, or something...   

That's all for now.

Keep the fist raised

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Trying Something New...

 Continuing to celebrate the month of APRIL!!!  This coming Saturday, April 24th, will be known as Independent Bookstore Day!!!  Please go out (if you can) and support your local bookstore(s), especially during these pandemic times!!!  They are small businesses, and they need our support.  Let us MOST DEFINITELY show love and support to our Black-owned bookstores, and give them the support that they so rightfully deserve.  #IndependentBookstoreDay

Trying something a little different.  Now that we have at least 3 vaccines available to immunize the public, I'm considering doing in-person appearances, again.  Hopefully by this summer, or even fall, I hope to be able to do more face-to-face public events.  I'm considering creating an Author Clothing Line; rocking some t-shirts, or a polo, and a baseball cap.  I'm planning on calling it BBFG, or Brown Black Fist Gear.  I'm working on a logo for it, as I write this.  I'm hoping that you guys can help me out.

 

Here are the logo designs that I've come up with.  This is logo Version One:

 

 

This is the logo, Version Two:

And finally, logo Version Three:

Looking for your advice.  Which logo do you guys like the best?  Personally, I'm feeling Version Three, myself.  Which logo version do you guys like the best?  Once I make a decision, I'm going to need to hook up with a t-shirt guy, and have a few shirts made up, and test them out.  Please send me your feedback, and let me know which one you guys are feeling the most!!

That's all for now.  Looking forward to the next time I reach out to your guys. Until next time.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

End-of-Year Roundup

As I've stated before, we've reached the month of December.  We've finally reached the last month of what could be considered a really treacherous year.  The country was severely impacted by the coronavirus, having shut down for most of the year.  Due to the utter incompetence of the presidential administration, many lives were lost, as well as people becoming sick, and becoming jobless.  Many people lost their jobs due to the countrywide shutdown, and the sheer audacity of the political leadership offering pittances that they called 'assistance' to the populous.  Not to mention, the continued racial oppression of our people by the police, and so-called political leaders offering wordplay for assurance, trying to shield their complicity in such matters.  

But...I digress....

I released two novels this year to celebrate my TENTH YEAR as a published author.  My sales were lackluster, to say the least.  Part of it could be blamed on the pandemic, but people also had the option to download copies pf my books, new AND old, and still didn't support the releases.  I wasn't able to go out, and promote my released works in person, due to the rise of the pandemic, and the restrictions that followed.  At the same time, people have never really been all that supportive of my writing career.  None of my books have ever flown off the shelves, nor have my royalties ever been high off of online sales.  Even my in-person sales have been hit-or-miss, depending on the event that I vended at; whether it was a book signing event that I organized on my own, or a book fair/festival that I chose to vend at.

I am still preparing myself to repatriate to the African continent, hopefully by the end of next year.  I've downloaded some PDF files to teach myself to speak Swahili, as well as continuing to do my (mostly online) research on the countries of Uganda, Tanzania, and Gambia.  Every day, i grow more and more weary of living here, and dealing with people and their bullshit, and frustrating ignorance.  I'm done fighting; if the rest of you want to remain mental slaves, go the fuck ahead.  I choose to be free.  I'm hoping to do some outreach to let people on the continent know about my literary works, and hopefully be supportive of them.

Episodes of "The Rough Draft" are continuing to be produced.  I just uploaded our THIRTIETH episode to YouTube.  Not a bad amount of episodes to have, for having only produced the show for little over a year; a year and four months, to be exact.  This latest episode will be the final one for the year.  I'm planning on shooting more episodes in the new year, and posting them.  Feedback has been minimal, as usual.  Oh well...

 

Considering shutting down the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  It's becoming a burden to me, as much as I like helping people, and passing on information.  I'm not receiving any type of assistance, or real support.  I've been doing this shit for twelve years, with little to no help at all.  With the impact of the pandemic, I really have to prioritize what's important to my own personal literary career.  I'll make a decision by next February...

 

That's about it for now.  Hopefully, I'll be able to hit you guys up again before the year is fully out.  Please stay safe & healthy.  Please, also help to download and purchase my books.  Help to spread the word!!!

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind     

December Is Finally Here!!! :-O

 We have reached the month of DECEMBER!!!  The years is almost over, and it is hard to gauge if that's a good thing, or not.  a lot has happened over the last 11 months, and it's quite hard to digest it all.  As of this posting, 275,000 people have died from the COVID-19 coronavirus in the United States.  a new president has been elected, and millions of people are out of work.

There is ONE MORE MONTH to go before the release of "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021).  Lock in the date of January 22, 2021 for the novel's release!  It's posted as a Facebook Event, as well as being sent out to the people on my Author Mailing List.  Mark your calendars!!  :-)

The #HolidayEconomicSupportInitiative is still going.  We are now heading into the Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.  PLEASE help to support independent Black-owned businesses, Black/Latino entrepreneurs, and Black/Brown indie artists!!!  Use the hashtag to promote a business, entrepreneur, or artists that you know!!!

I usually go into a 'cleanse' at the start of the Winter Solstice, lasting until the New Year.  I generally shave my face and head, going into the new year with new energy.  With the shaving, I shed the old, negative energies of the past year, and go into the new year with 'cleansed', untainted energy.  I will be bald, and fresh faced in 2021.  :-)

Still considering my repatriation plans.  I FINALLY got back into contact with my little lady-friend.  Hopefully, I can convince her to move with me.  I'm now targeting the end of 2021 to repatriate.  She's also go some issues to straighten out, and if I am able to convince her to come, we need o tackle those first, before we finally leave.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

That's all for right now.  Hope that you are all staying safe.  If you guys don't hear from me, please enjoy the holidays, and looking forward to you supporting my latest literary release.

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

The Itch Is Still There....

Contrary to the title of this post, it ain't about catching an STD, lol, lol, lol, lol.  ;-)

Soooooo...I officially gave up on being involved in the film/television/video production field back in 2008.  I gave up on trying to get my foot in the door in NYC in 2006, when I initially left the city (the first time), and thought about trying my hand in greener pastures in the south, or the 'New South', as they were billing it.  Opportunities were opening up in the southern states, and I though that I might try my hand out there.  Be that as it may, the last project that I did, was to shoot and produce a dvd for the organization that I belonged to at the time; a benefit dinner made to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the existence of our local chapter.  Since these broke ass bamas ain't have no money to PAY me for my services, the deal was that I'd shoot and edit the event FOR FREE, and get hit off with a portion of the proceeds (60%-40% split, they got the majority). Since these simple minded bamas don't know how to sell shit, they wanted to complain about it being a bad deal, and want to try to reneg on our deal. After that bullshit, I was completly DONE.  I moved on to becoming a (self-published) author, after that.  I never wanted to become involved in video/film/television production again, after that experience.  Considering that I'd wasted my late teens and twenties trying to get my foot in the door, with no success, I might add...I was done with that whole field.

Apparently....the itch has never faded.

I've been telling you guys about this idea that I have for a new vlog called "The Rough Draft", right?  I wanted it to be styled after "Uncensored" on TVOne, except that my vlog was supposed to focused on writers (me, specifically), telling of our literary journyes from our perspective, raw and uncut.  Basically...telling it like a rough draft of a story.

The more that I think about it...the more that I'm interested in doing it, but in a more professional manner.  My background as a Communications major in now starting to kick in.  There's actually technology out there that can make the production of this show easy, and affordable.  You can shoot it on a smartphone, or tablet, rather than a video camera, and there are apps that you can download to edit the footage.  You don't even have to heavily invest in lighting, or microphones, which can make the production easier and cheaper (financially) to make.  As Arsenio Hall would say...things that make you say hmmmmmmmm....

I have the contacts through my networking group, the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  I know plenty of them that would LOVE to get that type of exposure.  I still have some other stuff to figure out, as far as the viewing outlet is concerned; should I just post it on YouTube, or create my own site for the UALAM?  I would at least need a camera person, and an editor to help me put it together, after all of the footage is shot.  Should it be my own thing, or an extension of the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement...?  Am I just overthinking this too much...?

I'll still keep working on the idea, and let you all know how it goes down.  I guess that itch never faded, after all.  I just needed to find my niche....

Kinda taking a break from writing, and trying to figure out this promotional thing.  Considering entering my book into this writing contest, and at least gain some exposure for my work, if I don't win.  I'm figuring out which titles I'm going to enter into it.  I'll keep you guys updated on that....

The Literary Arts Movement merch should be arriving this week!  Hopefully I can take a picture of my rocking the gear, and post it here, as well as on social media. Stay tuned for that!!!  :-)

Other that that...still job hunting, and chilling.

Keep the fist raised.

Improving......

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

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

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

But....I digress....

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

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

But....I digress....

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

Uhuru sase, y paz.

When You Need Some Motivation......

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

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

Fuck you, too...

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

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

But....I digress....

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

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

Only time will tell....

Uhuru sase, y paz.

Veneral Equinox

So, today is the first official day of Spring....the Veneral (Spring) Equinox.  It's actually quite cold and cloudy today.  BUT.....it's a new season, and the energy is coming anew.  Makes me feel like spittn' somethin' all poetic, and whatnot.....

A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-Ahem-hem-hem......

Poem........

"When ya crushin', really crushin'.....

When she lights up a room when she enters, just by her presence,
Those beautiful eyes, that smile, the sexiness of her voice...
Straight up being sexy, without even trying to be,
That swing, that gait, that sassiness, that shape...
Whether you handlin' your business, or being ride or die,
When temples should be built in your name and honor...
When ya wanna bow down every single day, every single time, in her presence,
When you deserve to be deified, and blessed every waking moment of every day...
As the song says, "You got it....you got it bad..."...

When ya crushin', really crushin'....."

(C) 2018

Hey....it's a work-in-progress.  If you want better examples of what I can spit, check out my  poetry eBook "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" (Draft2Digital, 2015).

Hoping that the change in season will help to move me forward, and get to where I want to be.  Had to shed some negative energy recently; some punk ass from my past that I had to cut off (actually, had to cut off AGAIN).  Hadda block his stupid ass on social media, this time.  Fuck it....he wasn't worth it.  You can only go so far with certain people in your life.  Snip, snip.....

Trying to boost sales for "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2Digital, 2018).  Been doing my usual outreach, but it's going reeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaally slowly.  Not trying to say that I should be a millionaire by now, or anything like that, but come ON!  Can a brother get SOME sorta support?!?!?

Anyway......

Primarily focusing on outreach, and promotions right now.  I'm not even bothering to write a new project.  I'm a little tapped out, right about now.  Sales have been ridiculously stagnant, and I'm trying to gain some sort of momentum.  Basically been spending all of last year trying to rebuild, and get my paper straight, so that I can continue to invest in my writing career.  Hoping to hit the festival circuit this year, and do a few events.  Only time will tell.  Got some other issues that I'm dealing with that might hinder that....

But....I digress.

Hit you back next time!

Uhuru sase, y paz!!!

Literary Progress So Far......

So "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2digital, 2018) has been on the market for about two weeks now.  The sales are as I expected them to be....

.......Utterly dismal.

I created a Facebook event for it....created an email e-blast campaign for it....tagged a bunch of people with the link once it was finally published, aaaaaaaannnnnnnnd......

...absolutely NOTHING!!!!  Just my sister, and one sister/comrade purchased a copy.  Oh...a few people clicked the 'like' button, as usual.  But as far as purchases and downloads are concerned...?

Nada.

Yeah....so that's my literary career in a nutshell.

Makes me just want to delist all of my shit, and just throw in the towel.

I don't believe in that whole 'just-write-for-yourself' bullshit.  If that was the case, then why the hell bother going through the trouble of publishing your book/novel, and bringing your work to market then?!  I might as well just write it up, go to Kinkos or Staples to print out a copy for myself, and call it a day.  Why go through all that extra headache of trying to promote and market your work, then?  Especially if you are independently published, or self-published?!

I have a lot of stories to tell, and I want to tell them.  I've been a storyteller for a VERY long time.  what's the point then, if people seem to not want to hear them?!  Even when I tell people that I'm a published author, they seem unimpressed.  Ummm...how many published authors do YOU know?!?!  Especially someone who has written multiple books....?  I don't do that out of arrogance; damn it, it's what I do for a fucking living!  I know plenty of mf who claim to be rappers, or singers....even poets.  Actual published authors/writers....?  Not so much....not unless I'm traveling within those circles.

I would understand if I was wack, and had no talent.  I've gotten plenty of positive feedback from my work.  Even during  my days as an indie screen writer, people have complimented my work.  I have the gift and the skill...just not the support.

STOP pressing the 'like' button, and START supporting the work!  And it's NOT just me...I know PLENTY of my fellow creative artists who are suffering through the same thing.  Y'all can go out and frivolously spend your money with these commercial entities for shit that you don't need, but when any of us indies creates something and asks....no...BEGS for your support, you look at us with some stupid look on your face, and say dumb shit like, "You shouldn't/can't try to shame me into supporting you", or "How do/can I support you?".

Does Samsung have to tell you how you can  support them whenever they drop some new electronic device?  Does Nike have to tell you how to support them whenever they drop a new sneaker?  Does Hewlett Packard have to tell you how to support them whenever they drop a new computer?  Does Sega or Nintendo when they drop their latest gaming system?

But, I digress.....

Learn to support us.  You can run out, and support some commercial entity that's part of the machine, but you can't seem to support any of us on the independent front?

No wonder they just tell you to just get a job, smdh....

End-of-Year Progress Report 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uhuru sase, y paz!!!!!         

The Day Job Grind, Part III: #TheTransplantChronicles7

So, where was I....?

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned.....

The Day Job Grind: #TheTransplantChronicles5

SO.....my first week back working has been interesting.  Basically, I'm just getting used to the job, and learning all of the work procedures.  Being the fact that I'm an assistant manager, there's also a lot of responsibility that comes with it.  My TM (training manager) is pretty good; she's teaching me a lot, and I'm starting to get the hang of some of the responsibilities.  She's a bootyful island gyal from St. Kitts, so when she's not looking, I'm busy ogling her from behind.  Not trying to get myself fired, but a brother has needs, and she's great to look at.  ;-)

Right now, I'm just getting used to waking up early, and being active, again.  The job responsibilities can be a bit overwhelming, but I think that I'll be able to get used to it, in time.  I just need to relax a little, and not try to be perfect, all of the time.  Then again, this is MONEY that we're dealing with, and I'm not trying to get my ass fired.  I need the money, and I'm trying to get back on my feet, and get back out on my own.

Some of the customers are cool, others are just ignorant and ratchet.  It takes A LOT of self control to keep from saying something out of your mouth.  This IS low end retail, after all.  We actually have a pretty good staff working at the store that I'm training at, so you can't blame it on poor customer service.  Some of these niccas and PWTs just don't know how to act in public.  Of course, if you curse them out, and/or threaten to fight with them in the parking lot, they wanna call the cops, or senior management on your ass, smdh...

My first week is almost in the books.  I go in today and learn how to close the store.  For most of this week, I've been learning the procedures to open the store.  I have one more week of training, then I get to start working a regular shift at my regular store location.

IN OTHER NEWS.....
Next week is the last week of the 1-year publishing anniversary for my book "Drum Speaking: Tales From An Inner City Griot" (CreateSpace, 2016).  Please continue to help to support this project by purchasing a copy in paperback format, or download the eBook version.

I'll be publishing my latest book project and novel "Seductra: Web of Desire" within the next two weeks.  I'm shooting for the first week of May, depending on my work schedule.  I'm hoping to make it available in both paperback and eBook format; it all depends on when the publishers deliver the finished product.  It will definitely be published next month.  Of course, I will post about it here, so that you can all see what the cover looks like, and provide a link to the book, if possible.

That's all for now.

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

My Latest Progress & Updates: #TheTransplantChronicles4

So, I've official been here in Wilmington for a little over 2 months.  I'm getting a little more acclimated by the day.  I just wish that I had a little more freedom to explore the city, like I want to; living at this shelter has hindered my ability to really do that. BUT...the good news is that I FINALLY have found a day job.  I'll be working as an Assistant Manager at a box store out here.  No...I will not name the store.  It's a day job....that's it.  This is just a means for me to put money in my pocket, and be able to finance my goals as a writer.  I actually start next week Monday (April 17th), in which I will be training for 2 weeks at a store out in New Castle, and then start working at my regular location in Wilmington.  Hell....it's a job.  I need a way to put money in my pocket.  I'm tired of suffering, and being broke; I need to get back to living like a fucking human being.

My new novel "Seductra: Web of Desire" is ready to be published.  I'm pretty happy with it, and I'm looking forward to releasing it.  Whether or not this will gain me some new fans, I have no idea.  Personally, I enjoyed writing the story, and developing the characters.  I hope that the novel is well received by the public.  I've done what I can to promote its release, both here on the blog, and through my email contacts.  Of course, I don't know who really pays attention to my emails, so who knows how effective that'll be by the time the book is release.  If that were true, then every time I've sent out an eBlast promoting a publishing anniversary, I should see an uptick in sales...which NEVER happens.  Oh well....

The winds of change are blowing.  Things are starting to improve for me, little by little.  I'm very appreciative of that, considering the crap that I've been dealing with for the last several years.  I'm looking forward to earning a paycheck again, having a cellphone again, and just moving on with my life and writing career.  Hopefully, my schedule will become consistent enough to the point where I can actually go out, and do festivals/book fairs/conventions.  I need to update my business cards, and I want to be able to order (personal) copies of my novels.  Personally, I feel like I'm behind in some of my goals, but the Creator never puts you in a situation that you can't handle, and all is done when the Creator feels that it is your time.  I'm learning that more and more.

Wish me luck, and PLEASE continue to support my career, and literary efforts.  Be on the lookout for "Seductra: Web of Desire" when I release it.  Also, please continue to support my other literary works.

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

Rant Session: #TheTransplantChronicles3

So, last week was a little frustrating......

During my job hunting adventures out here, things have been going pretty well.  At least I'm getting callbacks and interviews, which is more than what I can say was happening for me back in NYC.  I'm still continuing to cast my reel out there, hoping to eventually snag a job.  I'm hoping that it'll happen soon, because of some other stuff that I'm dealing with, which I'll go into later in this post....

Had a weird experience last week.  I had an interview at one of the local Family Dollar stores out here as an Assistant Manager.  I was quite surprised by the callback, considering that I had just applied literally two day prior.  I connected with my Job Counselor, got a bus pass to be able to go on the interview, and off I went.  I got there quite early, so I walked around a bit before the actual interview, getting myself a bit more familiar with the area.  I was able to kill some time, and finally show up for my interview, still a bit early.  This is when things got weird.....

The interview didn't last very long.  We barely talked for five minutes.  The manager was also a transplant NYer, and we briefly connected on that tip.  Then when she asked me about my experience, I gladly let her know about my work history and job experiences that applied to that particular job and position.  She apparently believed and assumed that I didn't have any retail, or managerial experience....

????????

Um...did I not just tell you about my experiences?!  Did you not read my resume before you fucking called me in here for the interview?!   And, it's fucking FAMILY DOLLAR for crying out loud!!!

So...in her genius...she referred me to walk to this other FD store that was not too far away from her store.  So, I ended up walking up the street, heading for the other store, grumbling to myself a bit.  I make it to the other store, and ask for the manager that she told me to ask for....

The employee that was working there, was staring at me and blinking with a confused look on her face, saying something like, "Ummm......who?!?!"

So apparently...that manager that the first lady told me to talk to, DOESN'T EVEN WORK THERE!!  The manager for THAT store had a different name, and was on vacation to boot, so she wasn't even available.  So, discouraged, I just left my contact information, and went back to the shelter to crash.  I was quite frustrated by that experience, and quite irritated about it, too.  These people tried to get me to do a whole bunch of running around after that, trying to interview with that other manager, but nobody could tell me what friggin store she worked out of.  I just gave up, and moved on.  But, it doesn't end there.....

I fucking HATE the shelter that I'm staying at!!  It's a transitional housing shelter, but it's ran by a Christian group.  These mf care more about trying to convert me to their faith, than anything else.  I don't care for the shady ass preacher that runs the joint.  These people are disorganized, and can be quite trifling.  Maaaaaan...I'm just here to get on my feet, get a job, and gtfoh...THAT'S IT!!!  They want to dominate my time, and control every aspect of my life.  I'm not some junkie, alchi, or felon...I don't have any of those afflictions.  Save that bullshit, and your Jedi mind tricks, for those weak-minded mf who wanna get sucked into your cult; I'm NOT the one!!!

I really can't stand that damn preach who runs the joint.  Nigga always trying to figure me out, so that he can Jedi mind trick me.  Nigga, LEAVE ME THE FUCK ALONE!!!  Save that shit for somebody that actually WANTS to convert to your religious beliefs.  I'm just here for the housing...THAT'S IT!!!  Take that shit back to Philly, where you from!   Nigga had the nerve to get mad at me, cause I wanted to go on a job interview, instead of going out with his ass to Walmart to solicit for his bullshit church. 

Okay...let me get this straight....

You'd rather I go out, and beg people for money for you....instead of going on a job interview, possibly getting a job....where as I can pay my own way, and NOT have to go out and beg for you????

Nigga...ARE YOU FUCKING STUPID?!?!?!?!  :-O

Yeah, so that was my week, last week.  I'm really hoping to land something soon, so that I can gtfoh, and FINALLY get back to being on my own.  I'll even settle for getting a room someplace else, until I can get my own apartment.  Right now, I'm just trying to maintain, and biding my time.  We're also supposed to be moving, and these ignorant assed people are doing everything last minute, with their disorganized asses. I'm maintaining, and trying to hold on to my sanity.  I'm just holding on for a little bit longer, until shit finally breaks for me.

Wish me luck.....

The Latest Report: #TheTransplantChronicles2

Today makes it exactly one month that I've been out here.  I do feel more relaxed, than before I left.  I feel like I have more piece of mind.  I don't feel as burdened by the bullshit, as I was before.  That was pretty much the whole reason for me TO come out this way.

I'm still getting acclimated to the city of Wilmington.  I almost forgot how it felt like to walk out of the house, and NOT want to feel like punching someone in the face.  People actually greet you out here, and not just stare in your damn face, and not say nothing.  Shit like that would get you murdered, back in the day.

Anyway...I digress....

I haven't been able to explore very much of the city, but I have been able to make my way around.  Since I'm on a curfew, and my outside access is limited, I haven't gotten the chance to really explore, and immerse myself in the city; I have to take my opportunities to do that while I'm job hunting.  Shit...at least I'm getting callbacks, and inquiries out here.  I wasn't getting SHIT back in NY, which is why I fucking left.  Wtf I look like staying there and struggling, off of some supposed bullshit conception that people have of the city, that just ISN'T true, and HASN'T been true for the last 10-15 years?!

Anyway....

Slowly but surely, I'm getting everything together for the publication of my upcoming EIGHTH book "Seductra: Web of Desire".  The cover art is done, and I'm still doing last-minute editing of the manuscript.  I haven't started on the other two conversion projects of "Time Will Reveal", and "Fiesta Girl"; I'm probably gonna leave those two alone for a while.  At least I have them as first drafts....

Gotta admit...it's ratchet as fuck out where I'm staying.  It's not so much the crime, but the lack of adult/parental guidance and leadership for the youth out here.  It's more sad and depressing, than anything.  The adults are all strung out on drugs and alcohol, while the youth are just hang out on the street corners, blatantly smoking weed like it's going out of fashion, imitating the ratchet ass behavior that you see on television. Seriously, for me it's like...where the fuck is the conscious community at?!  If there was EVER a call for community activism and uplift....this is it!

I have to admit, I'm fighting the urge to get back into "activist mode" while I'm out here.  That's NOT why I came out here, and relocated out of state.  I've been burned too many times being a souljahr, and I'm NOT trying to go there, again.  I'm burned out by my experiences in VA, B'more, and my bullshit return back to NYC.  Fuck the dumb shit...even souljahrs have to retire....

I am feeling more upbeat, relaxed, and more positive.  Other than needing to get back to where I want to be personally and financially, I'm doing good, and glad that I made that transition out of the state.  The rest of y'all can keep that bullshit; I'm moving on to better things in my life.  As my peoples from NBUF would say...forward ever, backwards, never.

Keep the fist raised.

Relocation

Well....it's official.  I've FINALLY left NYC.  I am now living in Wilmington, Delaware.

I know, I know...I've been talking about this for about a year, and a half already.  Some things take time to get done.  I was sick and tired of being in New York, getting nowhere with my career, and not working.  So, eff it; I'm taking a leap of faith.  It's better than the alternative, which is to stay stuck, and continue to be miserable.

I'm actually feeling a bit optimistic about this.  I did better in smaller towns/cities anyway, so why not go back to that type of atmosphere?  You don't have to deal with the pretensiousness, and the phoniness that you get in NYC.  That place used to be the home of innovation, the home of whatever trend was out there.  It's not like that anymore.  Who exactly has that city established?  NYC has lost its way due to the gentrification of that city, and catering to the wack ass transplants that now live there.

Onward, and upward.  Forward ever, backward never as they say.  I'm starting over with my life, and ya know what?  That's not necessarily a bad thing.  I'm still going to continue with my writing career, just on a part time basis, until I can get to where I want to be.  I want to be able to get back into doing the festival circuit to promote my books.  Hopefully, I can find a job soon, and be able to get back to promoting my books, and continuing my writing career.

Wish me luck on this newest venture.  I'm not becoming a Wilmingtonian...just laying my head here.  It's a nice in-between spot, where I have access to other cities, and other audiences.  Here's to the next phase.

Keep the fist raised.