Home Sweet Home...

 To update you guys...I've FINALLY moved into my new apartment.  I've lived here little over a week, now.  It's the best feeling in the world, to know that you have a roof over your head.  I was homeless for three weeks, ducking and hiding, sleeping at my day job after hours.  It wasn't fun AT ALL!!  It was so stressful, especially hiding my shame and pain from everyone.  At least now...it's over.

I still have to furnish the apartment.  I don't have a bed yet; not even a mattress to sleep on.  At least I was able to get my clothes and stuff being stored at the day job.  Now, I have all of my stuff in one place.  I can finally change clothes, now.  I can finally wash my clothes.  I can do the stuff that I normally do to feel comfortable.  I don't necessarily have a routine yet, but I'm getting there.  I don't have a TV in here (not that I really watch that much television), but I do have internet, so that helps.  definitely need a dresser, and a desk to work on.  Hoping to get my hands on a mattress sometime soon.  Kinda wish that I could have some of my stuff from New York shipped down here, but I don't want to risk them getting damaged in transit.  Oh, well...

Don't know if I'll be having a house warming party, since I don't have much stuff in here.  I don't have much food to offer, and I don't feel like coming out of pocket to have it catered, or anything like that.  I'm trying to save my money, as it is.  My rent is affordable, but I'm not making any serious bank by any means.  Maybe if people actually contributed to the writing career, I wouldn't feel so hesitant to spend any money. But, we all know how that goes, smdh.. 😕😕😕😕

 

The other good thing about the apartment is...it's close to my day job.  I'm also near several supermarkets.  Whatever I need is actually within walking distance from the new crib.  I'm actually not too far from where I was staying at the hotel, so it's not like I'm in a completely new and different part of the city, and have to learn my way around.  That works to my advantage.  The only thing that concerns me, is that they're building up the neighborhood, and doing a lot of construction.  I hope that doesn't jack up my rent by next year.  My salary is okay, even though I do get occasional raises, but I don't earn a whole hell of a lot of income.  If they raise my rent to a ridiculously high rate, I might have to go through this whole process all over again next year.  😢😢😢😢

You know what...?  Time to live in the present!!  I'll worry about that other shit when it comes.  Right now...I just wanna enjoy having my new apartment. 😁😁😁😁

Here's to having a roof over my head!!  Here's to having my own piece of mind!!  Celebrating having my new apartment!!

The Changing Tides....

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

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

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

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

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

 

I'll keep you guys updated after the move.

 

Uhuru sasa, y paz....

Welcome to 2024

 Yeah...it's been a really, really.....really long time.  I admit it...I seriously fell the f**k off for a while.  Need to definitely get back on my writing grind.

December came and went.  Smashwords had their End-Of-Year sale happen from December 15th running until January 1st.  I entered my books in the sale.  Ain't sell shit.  Nuccas ain't download none of my books.  Was not too happy about that.  The shit was half off at $0.99, and people still couldn't bother to buy/download a copy of any of my books.  No wonder my writing career is in the dumps...

Other than that, I was off from the day job for the final week of 2023.  Took some vacation time, finally.  That week went by waaaaaay too quick.  I relaxed for most of it.  Just really vegged out, and watched TV.  I kinda messed up my laptop by spilling tea all over it.  Had to wait until after the new year to buy an external mouse because I fucked mine up that came with the laptop.  Oh well...

 

Since we are now in the month of JANUARY, I can't forget to mention my publishing anniversaries.  January will mark the five-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 three-year publishing anniversary of my boxing novel "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021).  Both are available in paperback & eBook formats through all major distributors.

 

Considering getting back into writing in 2024.  I still got a few manuscripts that I want to complete.  The lack of sales really got me down last year, and took me off my writing game.  I need to get that fire and drive back.  Fuck the wack ass nonsupporters.  If you haven't bought any of my shit by now, you ain't gonna buy none of my shit.  I have at least three books that I'm close to finishing up.  Will I be able to publish in 2024...?  Only time will tell.

 

Working on the latest episode of "The Rough Draft".  Gonna change the original concept of the episode.  That encounter on my Facebook status pissed me off, and I need to put some people on blast for they bullshit.  Check it out when it airs...

 

That's all for now.  No extra promises, or other types of updates.  Gonna work harder on keeping this blog more consistent. 

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

  

End-of-Year Wrap-up 2021

 We have entered the last 2 weeks of the year.  The Winter Solstice starts tonight/tomorrow, Xmas & Kwanzaa are this coming weekend, and News Years Day falls on the following Sunday.  We will then be in the year 2022.  So how did 2021 stack up for me, personally...?

I consider 2021 to be another off year b/c of the pandemic.  I wasn't able to go out and physically promote my latest novel "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021), so I had to immensely rely on online promotions for it.  Sales were what is usual for me; basically nonexistent.  I had a sale or two here and there, but nothing major.  It's quite infuriating, especially with all of this hoopla of ppl talking about supporting authors/artists of color; oh, wait....you mean supporting establishment artists/authors of color that get promoted to you by the mainstream, or some bullshit corporate nonprofit, riiiiight...?  Either that, or some fucking clique that thinks that they're setting the standard, or trend.

2021 didn't start off well.  I tore my patellar tendon in January, and didn't realize how severe the injury was.  I had surgery for it in March, and have been working my way back, ever since.  Thankfully, I'm in pretty good physical shape, so it didn't take me all that long to recover from my injury.  I was finally hired back to my day job in May, after being laid off b/c of Covid.  I ended up leaving that job, and the state of Delaware, by late August.  Delaware just wasn't cutting it anymore (it didn't really cut it for me, in the first place), and I needed greener pastures to grow my writing career.  Not to mention, my fucked up ass roommate situation, which was another main reason for me leaving the state.  The ppl out there are mf wacky.  4 1/2 years was long enough; I couldn't take being out there any longer.

 

I've been in North Carolina for almost 4 months now.  I'm liking it so far, as I have peace of mind out here.  I feel like I can breathe, and I have room for my mental sanity.  I was able to complete my latest manuscript, and it is now ready for publication in 2022.  I know that there is still the Delta strain, and now the Omicron variant(s) of Covid that are out here affecting the populous, but I'm hoping to get back to doing in-person appearances in 2022.  I could use the boost to my writing career, not to mention, I just like the interaction with readers & potential fans.  I'm targeting a May release for my next novel "Second Chance Points" (KDP, 2022).

 

I haven't shot a new episode of The Rough Draft since moving out here.  I need to get back on the ball with that.  The show celebrated our two year anniversary this past August.  Once my day job schedule regulates, I'm hoping to continue producing & expand it, by doing field productions, and hopefully some interviews.  I might put this gd smartphone I now have to good use, lol, lol, lol, lol....

 

One sad note for this year for me was having to shut down the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  That really hurt me to do it, but I didn't really have a choice.  I couldn't serve two different masters; my writing career, and the Literary Arts Movement.  Something had to give.  Covid was the reason for the shut down; maybe I can revive it down the line...?  I miss the interaction with the ppl on the Mailing List, though I don't know how many of them really care that the Movement is no longer around.  Running the Movement all by myself was a pain in the ass, and I don't know if I want to go through that all over again, by myself.  Only time will tell...

 

Looking forward to bigger & better things in 2022.  Hope to keep you all updated about my plans.  There is still some time left for the Holiday Economic Support Initiative, so keep spreading the word about these different artists, authors, entrepreneurs, and businesses that you know.  Keep posting the hashtag, and FINANCIALLY support these people!!!

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

 

June Wrap-Up.......

 So, we are in the final three days of June.  It has been a rather uneventful month for me.  No new sales to report on.  My sales have flatlined for the past 2-3 months.  Yeah...people really support my writing career, smdh...

Guess what..?  The wypipo/'"da gov't" decided to make Juneteenth a federal holiday!!  (***EXTREME sarcasm dripping***)  Everybody was going all apeshit on social media celebrating it, posting a bunch of shit.  Where were y'all back in May during African Liberation Day, hmmmm...?  Or, are you nuccas only woke when wypipo are looking on?  I don't need them to tell me what cultural holidays of my people to celebrate.  Stop looking for they mf approval all the gd time!!!  Be your authentic Black/African self!  The Summer Solstice came & went, and I ain't hear a peep outta none of y'all!  Buncha happy asses, smdh...

Aaaaaaaaanywaaaaaay....

Working on a new conversion project.  Finally decided to convert my women's basketball movie script "Second Chance Points" into a novel.  The conversion part is already complete, so now all I have to do is the editing.  It's actually going pretty well.  I have to admit, there's a lot that I have to add.  Details that I would normally take care of during pre- and post-production as a film, I have to fill in the blanks now, as a novel.  I have to add more characters, and give some background info, for others.  The process is going very well, though, and I'm very excited to finish this project.  If all goes well, I might even release 2CP as my next novel in 2022.  I'll let you guys know how it goes....

Still trying to complete "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: The Diaspora United".  I've been suffering through a bit of writer's block on that project.  I'm pretty much 80% - 85% done with the first draft; I just need to complete the final leg of the story.  The ending is pretty much already written, so I don't have to worry about that part.  I just need a way to finish wrapping up the final part of the story, right before the final chapter.  Of course, my work schedule kinda gets in the way of that, buuuuut what are you gonna do?  I need to earn a paycheck, since I can't make a living off of book sales.  Oh well...

That's all for now.  Hope to keep you guys in the loop for my other projects, and other literary progress.  I would appreciate a few reviews written about my books, if you've read any of them.  Reviews help a lot.  ANY type of feedback helps, a lot.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

May Progress...

 Yeah...I've been a bit quiet here, for a li'l while...

Book sales have been nonexistent.  Had a dear comrade buy a physical copy of one of my older books, but nothing new for "Knuckle Up" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2021).  No downloads OR physical purchases for it, though.  :-(

I'm doing much better, physically.  I'm off the crutches, and I'm walking with the knee brace.  I've been doing physical therapy for a month now, and I'm walking much better.  The surgeon and my physical therapists are very impressed with my progress.  I'm glad to be walking again.  I just wanna be able to run, and then eventually DANCE like Ne-Yo, or at least, one of his background dancers, lol, lol, lol.  ;-)

My old job is hiring me back.  I'm kinda glad about that.  I absolutely HATE sitting at home, doing nothing!  I don't understand how people can actually live like that...just sitting there, waiting on a paycheck from the government.  I'm kinda gonna miss my freedom to work on my literary projects, and work on promotional ideas...but, I need to earn a paycheck.  Book sales ain't sustaining me, so I need to work.  I'm looking forward to seeing some of my coworkers, again.  Not many of us are being brought back.  It's all going slowly, but surly.  

I've started an account with Vimeo!!!  I will be uploading episodes of "The Rough Draft" on there, as well as some of my Author Book Trailers.  You can go to vimeo.com/AuthorKevinSabio to check out all of my videos  (I only have one posted, for right now).  Check out my videos posted there!!  :-)

Other than that, just working on Book III of "The Chronicles of The Black Fist".  I'm about 75% - 85% done with the first draft.  I'm hoping to finish the draft before the end of the year.  Hopefully, it will be my next book for 2022!!!  :-)

Other than that, there's not much else to report.  June is around the corner, as well as the Summer Solstice.  Hit you guys up then!!!

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

Entering the Month of May....

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

 

My literary progress is as follows:

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

#TheGimpLifeChronicles

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMYLiteraryGrind     

The Month of July So Far.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

APRIL RADIO INTERVIEW On DOCK RADIO!!!!! :-D

It's finally been confirmed!!!  I will officially be a guest on OnShore, a radio show on Dock Radio, courtesy of The Dock Bookshop, based in Ft. Worth, TX!!!  YAAAAAAY!!!!

The interview will be taking place on April 16, 2020 at 7pm (Central Time).  The call-in number is listed on the flyer at 972-427-7795.  Hope that you all tune in!!!  I'm really excited about this!!!  I have to admit...it has been a while since I've been able to do any active promotion of any of my literary work(s).  I'm really looking forward to this interview.  We'll be discussion my latest two releases, as well as my writing career spanning the last decade.

I've been getting a few downloads for my books.  Not as many as I would like, but it is something.  Haven't checked for any recent sales (yet), but at least I've gotten a few downloads.  Hey...it's something.  If you can't get a physical copy, at least my work(s) are available in eBook format.

Wish me luck on the interview!!!  I hope that you all tune in!!  SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!

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

End-of-Month Wrap-up [JUNE]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the fist raised.

When It's Time To Say Goodbye....

So, I had to go out of town this weekend to attend a homegoing for a dear brother and comrade of mine...

I was stunned and hurt when I found out that he'd joined the ancestors.  I literally had just talked to him, not too long before he had passed.  We had exchanged text messages, and then we both had gotten busy with life.  I didn't find out until a month ago of his passing.  It was a deep shock to me, as the brother was not a sickly person; quite the opposite.  He is/was vegan, a holistic health practitioner, a wellness life coach, vegan chef, certified Reiki massage therapist, as well as being an artivist (artist +  activist).

I returned to Richmond, VA this past weekend; 8 years since I'd originally moved out, after having relocated there the end of '06.  The service was held for him, mostly attended by family, and a few friends and comrades.  I had my emotional moments, but I was glad to have attended, and had the opportunity to say goodbye.  It was also good, as I was able to reconnect with another dear brother/comrade, since our brotherhood has mostly been phone-bound since my relocation....several times over (with my nomadic ass).

I became very reflective afterward.  The ride home on the bus (FUCK GREYHOUND!!!!) gave me a lot of time to think.  I was glad to be able to say goodbye to my dearly departed brother, now that he has joined the ancestors.  At the same time, there were things that troubled me after his transition.  Part of it, is the lack of info as far as his passing is concerned.  I would be able to swallow this better, if he had been a sickly individual, or addicted to drugs, or even if he had died violently at the hands of some knucklehead on the streets.  None of the above applies, so it's a little harder for me to accept.  He was extremely healthy, and health conscious, and knew how to take care of himself.  I guess, that's just one mystery I'll have to live with, until I see him in the other realm...

The other thing that got to me was....how will I be remembered when I'm gone?  There were certain things about the service that left much to be desired, knowing what I personally knew about my now-departed bredren.  How will MY memory and legacy be preserved, and honored when I pass from this realm? Will all of my friends and associates be contacted about my passing, and if/when the funerary rites will be held?  Will my sendoff be to my wishes, and not get convoluted into something that I wouldn't wish for..?  Even if I do leave my funerary wishes written down, will they be honored, and carried out?  How will anyone find my written wishes?  As an independent artivist myself, I have no legal team, or lawyer to help with this; I can barely afford my general basic living expenses....

It also makes me think about the things that I still want to accomplish in life.  I still want to get married, and have children.  I'm still young enough to make that happen.  That actually is a major goal for me right now, despite the current writing career.  Other than the legacy of the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement still continuing on after my own transition,  I would need to find a dedicated team to put in place to carry that out.  It kind of saddens you a bit....  :'-(

Dedicated to my brother Etaniel Ben Yehuda.....artivist, poet, actor, musician, singer, GREAT bredren/brother/friend/comrade, published author, and SO, SO much more.

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

Etaniel Ben Cohen Yehuda

1977-2018

 

October Flow....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aaaaaaannyway......

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

Uhuru sase, y paz!!!!

July Updates/Rant Session...

Soooooooo.....where was I?

Oh yeah....still working on my sequel to my Black Fist novel.  I'm actually planning on updating the files to the original novel, as I've noticed a few grammatical mistakes, that I thought I'd already fixed.  The revisions are going very well, and I am happy with my progress.  No publishing date so far....don't know if I'll choose to drop it next year, or not.  Kiiiiiinda tired of dropping books, and nobody buying them (at least, online).  Then again...what I really need to do is get back onto the festival/book fair/convention circuit again, and try to get some face time, and hand-to-hand sales.

Got a new eBook distributor in Bibliotheca, thanks to my e-publisher.  The files should have cleared last week, or so.  That's another outlet available to me; they distribute to libraries across the country.  I should start contacting some local branches, and see if they'll carry my stuff in their archives...

Things didn't work out with the new girl at the day job.  She ended up leaving the day job before I could get her contact info.  I'm a little hurt by that.  She was cuuuuuuuute!  Really down to earth, and had some spunk to her.  She reminded me of the hermanas from back in BK that I grew up with.  I don't know....maybe I'll try to friend her through social media...?

Considering opening an account with Instagram.  Talked with a few of my peoples, and they think that Instagram will serve me better, as far as reaching out to my audience....or, at least, gaining an audience for my literary works.  I don't know...that'll be yet another social media account that I'll have to maintain, and monitor, and contribute to.  That's basically a full time job...

Speaking of jobs....I LEFT my day job.  FUCK THAAAAAAAT!!!!  These people were disrespectful, and treated me like a mf slave!  I'm tired of busting my ass for people who don't appreciate my hard work.  Cats wanted me to do all of this work, and give me absolutely NO help.  I just quit that mf; just walked the fuck off.  The other night guy who also worked there quit a good week and a half before I did, because they tried to pull the same shit.  We have a trifling ass old dude who works in the mornings, and don't do SHIT...but he doesn't get written up, or fired for it.  Then...after the other night worker left...they tried to put all of that work on ME!!!  Fuck that...this job ain't worth it. 

I'm pretty okay, financially speaking.  I can survive unemployed for a little while.  I have a few prospects in the winds, anyway.  Besides, this is Delaware...you can easily find a job, as long as you have a good work ethic.  At least, i can catch up on some much needed sleep that I've been denied the last week and a half...

I'm keeping the faith, and moving forward.  I'm in good spirits, and keeping my eyes on the prize.

Uhuru sase, y paz. 

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!!!   

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.

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.

     

6th (Sixth) Year Publishing Anniversary

**For Immediate Release**

Brooklyn, Ny-- Black History Month 2016 marks 6 (six) years that author/activist Kevin Alberto Sabio has been published. It was six years ago this month that Mr. Sabio joined the ranks of the published with the release of his nonfiction tome' "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010), a collection of political essays speaking on issues of race/racism, history, politics, and Afro Latino issues & affairs.  Since that time, Mr. Sabio has added five more books to his repertoire, now expanding into fiction, and is in the process of releasing a SEVENTH book in late March/April.

Mr. Sabio has published his books in paperback format through various P.O.D. publishers, and his books are available through online retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Book-A-Million.  Paperbacks are also available at Wisdom Book Center & Cafe, located in Baltimore, MD, and Respect For Life Bookstore in Brooklyn, NY.  Five of his six titles are also available in eBook format through various carriers such as Nook, Kobo, iTunes, Page Foundry, Kindle, Scribd, and 24Symbols.

Please help to continue to celebrate the anniversary of this entry into authorhood by supporting his work, and helping to spread the word. Be on the lookout when author/activist Kevin Alberto Sabio drops his SEVENTH book this Spring, "Drum Speaking: Tales From an Inner City Griot", a short story anthology, to be released in late March/April.

Keep the fist raised,

Kevin Alberto Sabio

Author/activist

www.brownblackfistchronicles.blogspot.com

www.facebook.com/AuthorKevinSabio

Brownblackfist.book@gmail.com