April/National Poetry Month 2025

 We are now in the month of APRIL.  In the United States, it is considered National Poetry Month.  For all of my poets out there, may you be blessed with the poetic verse and prose that stirs your soul, and fulfills your heart & passions. 😊😊😊😊😊

For the month of April, you have the 9-year publishing anniversary of my short story anthology "Drum Speaking: Tales From an Inner City Griot" (CreateSpace, 2016).  It's a collection of thirteen short stories, spanning various genres; from Dramas, to Romance, to Science Fiction, to Action/Adventure.  Per usual, I feel that it is heavily slept on, but of course, that's just my opinion.  Available in both paperback and eBook formats.... 

So, I invested in a new laptop (finally).  My old one wasn't acting very stable, and it was giving me some problems.  I edited at least two episodes of The Rough Draft on it, and they came out pretty badly.  The ttitling was all over the place, even though I had them properly placed when I initially edited the footage in my editing software.  Now, I'm working on adding back some of my programs and music onto my new joint, as well as getting back some of my fonts that I'm used to having for my manuscripts, and graphics projects.

Speaking of The Roug Draft, I edited a new episode on the new laptop, and it came out pretty good.  It's actually easier for me to use this new laptop; my editing software works faster and easier on it.  Especially now that I'm shooting the episodes on a webcam again, I don't have to worry about the camera angles looking off because I have to hold my video camera.  Now, I can use it for field productions, just like I'd planned to.  Looks like everything is working out in the end.

Researching some local events that are coming up.  Since I'm coming up on a full year at my day job, I have a good amount of vacation time saved up.  I'd like to be able to start using it to attend some events, as I haven't done anything in-person since 2018.  I still have an issue with traveling, and I don't have a car, nor anybody to give me a ride to and from anything, especially not out of town.  There are some events coming up locally in Durham that I would like to check out, if not possibly vend at.  It kinda sucks that I have to deal with this type of handicap in my career, but I don't really have anyone to blame but myself.  I never learned to drive, nor ever got a license.  Of course, it would help if I had an actual team to help me with my career, as far as doing events is concerned.  Doing all this shit by yourself is never, ever easy.  Considering how long I've been doing this, you would've thought that I could assemble a team to help me by now....

Oh, well...

That's all for now.  I'll keep you guys updated on my happenings for next month.

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

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

New Year Beginnings: Welcome to 2025

 Happy New Year!! Welcome to 2025!!!  Much has happened towards the end of last year, and it is time to ring in the new year with fresh energy, and a renewed perspective.

 

As we have entered into the month of  January, I need to promote my publishing anniversaries.  In the month of January, I will be celebrating the 6-year publishing anniversary of my novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (2019), as well as the 4-year publishing anniversary of my female fight novel "Knuckle Up" (2021).  I am very proud of both projects, and just wish that they would receive the support that they both deserve.  Of course, I'm talking to the wind whenever I mention that...

A new president has taken office.  He's a fucking idiot.  Of course, as a revolutionary, I still say that we need to prepare for battle.  Get those baseball bats and machetes ready.  Learn some stickfighting, as well as working on your hand-to-hand combat skills.  Since most of y'all seem to be afraid of guns, or only want to get them legally, you need to learn other ways to defend yourselves.  Don't say that I didn't try to warn you...

Trying to improve on my promotional game this year.  Since my laptop seems to have been messed up a few months ago, I decided to break down, and buy me a video camera.  Hopefully, I can  now shoot episodes of The Rough Draft again.  And, since I now own a new video camera, I can actually start to do field productions.  I'm still learning how to use this camera, and getting used to some of its functions.  Hoping to post an new episode before the month is out.  Haven't been able to post any new episodes since July of last year...

Looking forward to (hopefully) publishing a new book this year.  This year makes it THREE years since I've published anything.  I'm off my personal schedule.  I'm hoping to complete Book III of The Chronicles of The Black Fist.  That's the closest manuscript that I have to completion. I've been feeling kinda antsy, not having published any books.

 

That's all for now.  Looking forward to chatting with you all again, next month.  Wondering if I should do a online eBook sale to celebrate my upcoming author anniversary...?  Tried it last year, and it wasn't very successful.  Let me know what you guys think...

 

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

December in Winter

 Wow...we're in the final month of the year!!  Time has flown by so quickly this year!!  It's about to be New Years, again!!  Has it been a full year already...?

Looking forward to celebrating the Winter Solstice.  Holiday tidings to those of you that celebrate Christmas, and a hearty harambee for my wadugu na wadada who celebrate Kwanzaa!!  Habari za Kwanzaa!! 😁😁😁😁😁

This year could have gone a lot better for me.  My digital sales drives for my eBooks were sorely lacking.  I still haven't been able to do any in-person appearances, like I wanted to do, and my overall sales sucked ass.  Not to mention, my financial troubles that I'd dealt with during the middle of the year, and my stint with homelessness.  Thankfully, I'm more stable, now.  I have a much more consistent work schedule, and have a good amount of money saved up.  I'm sloooowly getting back on my feet.  Getting my holiday bonus from my day job recently helps a lot!!!

Going into 2025, I definitely want to step my game up.  I'm hoping to publish this coming year, hopefully one of the books for my Black Fist series.  If I'm going to publish anything, I can at least get those books out.  None of my other books seems to have any type of traction. I can always focus on that book series, and work the comic book convention circuit (specifically, the Black comicons).

 

My webcam has been down since July, so I haven't been able to shoot any new episodes of The Rough Draft for YouTube.  My two remaining options for next year, is to either buy a new laptop and use it exclusively for the production of the web series, or buy me a camcorder to shoot the episodes.  Now that I have a bit of money in my pocket, neither expense would kill me financially, and I'll still have enough breathing room to take care of my bills, and still add funds to my savings.  I've been consistent for the last five years with the series....despite the lack of support, why stop now...?

 

Since my work schedule is more consistent, I'm hoping to be able to vend at some local events.  I might be able to have a bit of an impact on some of the smaller events, if I'm able to time it right.  As long as nothing financially disastrous happens to me next year, I should be able to vend at an event, or two.  The superhero novel series might have a better impact if I'm face-to-face selling it to people.

 

That's all for now.  My only resolution for next year is to be the best version of my that I can be.  I'll continue to keep you guys updated.  Uhuru sasa, y paz!!

 

keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

The Cool Fall of November....

 Back again, my peoples.  Two months are left in the year.  Time really has flown by, hasn't it...?

Welcome to the month of November.  In the month of November, we have the thirteen-year publishing anniversary of my second book, "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  I'm very proud of this particular book, and wish that it got more support and recognition (as I feel with ALL my books).

 

November 2nd commemorated the 1930 coronation of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia.  It is also the Black nationalist holiday Black Solidarity Day in the United States.  Not too many people celebrate either occasion, but I always try to incorporate our culture into my everyday lifestyle.  Celebrating our holidays and historical cultural milestones is very important...especially passing that on to our youth to continue the traditions...  

The national election was held, recently.  The idiot that won in 2016 got voted back into office.  That confirms it...the people of this country are truly fucking stupid.  Unfortunately, I am unable to execute my escape plan.  My money ain't right, and I still haven't gotten my passport done.  That's partially on me.  At the same time, I haven't really been stable, financially or otherwise, in a few years.  At the same time...my revolutionary ass needs to get myself ready for what may come.  I need to get my ass back into fighting shape, and invest in a machete (and...learn some stick fighting on top of that...)... 

Haven't been able to upload an episode of "The Rough Draft" to YouTube in a hot minute.  Something is wrong with my laptop, whereas I am unable to use my webcam (among other things).  I've thought about investing in a handycam camcorder, and using that to shoot some episodes, as well as investing in another laptop, and using that exclusively to shoot and edit content for my YouTube Channel.  If my money was a little better, I probably would do that.  Of course...option number three is to stop making episodes.  Nobody seems to be watching my videos, anyway.  Why bother to continue...? 😢😢😢😢😢😢

I've decided to not do anymore online eBook sales through Smashwords for the remainder of the year.  People haven't support ANY of the sales that I've done this year, no matter how much online promotion I do.  It's just not worth it.  It doesn't cost me any money to do, per se; it's just the fact that the sales never get supported, and I never make any profits from it.  So, what's the point in continuing to do the sales...?  Apparently people can't seem to afford my eBooks at half price...which is basically ONE FUCKING DOLLAR!!!  😐😐😐😐😡😡😡😡😡

Oh well, I'll decide if I'm going to continue any eBook sales next year.  This one is a wrap.

See you in December!!  I'll let you know more about my literary progress next month.  If you celebrate the holiday, Happy Thanksgiving!!  Uhuru sasa, y paz!!!

Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

The Rising Heat of Revolutinary Black August

 Welcome to the month of AUGUST.  We are in the last legs of the summer season.  Time is flying by this year, as the summer is coming to a close, and the new school year is just about upon us. It's also about to be football season, for all you football maniacs out there....

In the month of August, I will be celebrating the 9-year publishing anniversary of my poetry book "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" (Draft2Digital, 2015).  Originally posted only in eBook format, it's been made available as a paperback for about a year, now. I wouldn't say that it's my best work, but you're able to see me be lyrical with my pen, and hit you guys off with some poetic prose; especially with the love poems.  Hope that you support that project...

Soooo....the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale was a complete bust.  I didn't sell ANY eBooks for the entire month of July.  I'm not actually surprised, nor am I completely mad about it.  It's actually what I expected to happen, so I wasn't greatly disappointed.  The people who I fuck wit online just aren't my true fans.  Any jackass can press a 'like' button, and keep it moving; a real fan would support the sale, purchase something, and help to spread the word to their circle of associates.  I just need to get back out there, and do the whole festival circuit to generate some hand-to-hand sales.  Quite obviously, this online shit just ain't working. 

August will also mark the 5-year production anniversary of my web series "The Rough Draft".  Started on August 23rd of 2019, I started shooting and posting the episodes on YouTube.  Been five years strong, and the production values have increased slightly.  Still don't get a whole lot of subscribers or views, but fuck it....I actually enjoy doing the videos.  If you're not my fan that consistently watches the series, then fuck you, and your entire family bloodline. You're missing out on some good content.

August also make it three years since I moved to Raleigh.  It's going pretty good for me, and I don't see myself wanting to leave here anytime soon.  Other than wanting to relocate to the continent, I like it here. It's still affordable to live here (for the time being), and I feel at ease.  Once I'm a little more settled in my new apartment, I'm hoping to get back onto my literary grind.  My w.i.p.'s are stagnant as hell, and I'm behind schedule with my book releases.  I value the break form publishing my books, but I have my own personal goals to achieve and reach.  At least my work schedule makes it easier to get that done, I'm sooooo mf glad I left that other job!!!

Well, that all for now, mi gente.  I'll keep you guys updated on my other plans.  Catch you guys next time!!! 😁😁😁😁😁

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

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

Bringing that July Heat

 We have now entered into the month of JULY.  The year is now a little over half completed.  Where has the time gone...?  Is it the process of getting older, that time seems to fly by...?

So, the apartment seems to be coming along.  I should be able to move in within the next coming weeks.  This has been a bit of a headache for me, and will be glad when it's over with.  I know that I should be feeling excited to be having my own place again, but the struggles that I've been dealing with just to get to this point have really been taxing on my spirit.  It's been draining on me spiritually & financially, and I truly hope that it will be all worth it in the end... 😔😔😔😔😔

No publishing anniversaries to speak of in the month of July.  I haven't chosen to publish anything during this month, at this time.  Maybe, once I get me writing mojo back, I'll (hopefully) publish a book/novel during this month.  Other than the month of July, I don't have any publishing anniversaries for the months of September, October, or December either.

This year, I've decided to participate in the Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale.  It runs from July 1st through to July 31st.  For the entire month of July, my eBooks will be 50% off on their platform.  You can purchase any of my titles by clicking on  the link here:  

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Kevin_AlbertoSabio

My eBook titles will be priced at $0.99 (99 cents) for the whole month.  You can afford 99 cents.  Stop being so mf cheap, and support the books & writing career. Fuck pressing a gd mf 'like' button; try actually financially supporting, for once.  Acting like my books are trash, or something...😡😡😡😡 

Also...my dinosaur ass finally got with the times, and now have an account with CashApp. If you want to financially support the career, and contribute to the funding of my web series "The Rough Draft", send your donations via CashApp to $KevinSabioKAS to help to sustain all that I do.  None of what I do is cheap, and everything I do is strictly out of pocket.  I have nobody funding me, and I barely make a living off of book sales; paperback OR eBook. 

Hoping to shoot an episode of "The Rough Draft" for the month.  Hopefully, once I get into my new apartment, I can start shooting a new episode, and have it uploaded soon.  With my new work schedule being more consistent, I'm hoping to up the ante a bit, and shoot more episodes per month.  Hopefully, that'll result in more views for the channel, and more more support for the writing career, and boost some sales.  Hopefully, this move will also help me to get my writing mojo back, and finally finish some of the manuscripts.

That's all for now.  Hope that you guys will support me.  I'll update you all on how the move goes, and my further literary progress.  Wish me lots of luck.  I'm gonna need it. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Feeling the Coming Heat of JUNE

 Greetings to all!!  We are now in the month of JUNE!! The year is officially half over 😳😳😳😲😲😲.  We are now at the midway point. Time is certainly flying by.  Hoping that you're all actively keeping up with your plans and goals for the year...

 

To start off...June marks the nine-year publishing anniversary for my Erotica novel "Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015).  It was clearly an experiment, and a departure from my other works published at the time.  It marked my 5th book, and second novel at the time it was published.  You can download the eBook, or order the paperback through Barnes & Noble from this link here:

  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demure-nights-kevin-alberto-sabio/1122161393;jsessionid=6DF48510C4AEEFB16216419791E422BD.prodny_store01-atgap15?ean=2940152202618

 

I'm actually quite happy with this literary project.  I got to flex my 'freaky' muscles, and showed that I could write something completely different from what I was known for. 

June also marks Father's Day, and the Summer Solstice.  There was an event this month that I wanted to attend called SableCon, a local comic & manga con out here in Raleigh.  I wasn't able to attend; I had to work the weekend that it was held (June 1st & 2nd).  I'm not blaming the day job...that's just how the ball bounces.  I left my old day job, and recently started a new one.  I kinda figured that I would end up working that first weekend with them, which happened to be the weekend that SableCon was happening.  Hopefully, I'll get to attend (and hopefully VEND) next year.

 

On a personal note...I'm trying to apply for an apartment.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  This hotel shit is for the birds.  I've been stuck living in this place for damn near three years; I want my own place.  I was finally able to find something that was affordable out here, and going through the application process now.  I'm hoping that I qualify.  The sooner I get my own place, the better I'll feel.  It feels like I've been stuck in limbo, the whole time I've been living out here, smdh... 😔😔😔😔😔

 

I'm surprised that I was able to shoot two episodes of The Rough Draft last month.  I'm looking forward to shooting one for this month.  Hopefully. if/when I get my own place, I can be more consistent with making the videos.  I'll have my own space, and can invest in some lighting equipment that I need to shoot the videos (at least, a ring light, or something). Looking forward to shooting & posting Episode 73!!!

 

As I stated earlier, I left my old day job.  I hated that mf place!!  The work was tedious, and my schedule was fucking ass.  The money wasn't worth it, and I just wasn't happy being there.  This new gig seems to be going well.  The pay & benefits are pretty good, and they gave me a signing bonus.  Hell, they even have Employee Referral Bonuses if you can bring in people to work for the company!  Of course, my priority is my writing career.  I haven't told anyone about my writing career at the new day job.  Might just keep it to myself...

 

That's all for now.  Will do my best to keep you all updated on the writing career, and other goings on in my life.  I'll let you guys know how the apartment hunting goes!!  😁😁😁😁

 

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

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

  

November Vibes 2023....

 We are now in the month of NOVEMBER!!!  There are only TWO months left in the year 😲😲😲😲😲😲!!  Where did the time go?!?!?!

To start with, November celebrates the 12-year publishing anniversary of my second book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  I was always proud of this book, and it started my string of literary works.  Once I knocked book number two out, I just knew that I had to produce more literary works.  Available in paperback and eBook formats for the masses.

 

Welcome to NaNoWriMo!!!!  For those of you not in the know, that acronym stands for "national novel writing month".  It's when people participate in writing an entire novel in one month.  They actually have workshops, and an organized festival to do this.  Personally, I've never participated in it, but if that's what you wanna do....more power to you.  I know that it's a good exercise to do to get the creative juices flowing, and helping you to be/stay hyper focused on writing your literary project, buuuuut...thaaaat ain't for me.   

The holidays are coming up.  I don't have any plans to participate in any events.  Knowing my shitty ass job, I probably wouldn't be able to participate any damned way.  Since the holidays are coming up, business usually slows down for us at the day job, as they start cutting back on hours.  Normally, that would be good, but since my work schedule is never consistent, it doesn't really matter.  Doing any hand-to-hand sales would help me to boost my career up, not to mention....putting some much needed extra money in my pocket.  Other than hitting off a coworker at the day job with a copy of "In My Lifetime" (at a discount, since the copy was damaged), I haven't been able to get out, and really get my name known out here.  Not than I'm regretting moving out here, but...I thought that my writing career would be in much better shape than this...

 

No real plans publish any works in 2024.  I still have other w.i.p.s that I haven't gotten around to finishing.  These poor ass sales of mine have me pretty bummed out, and it's affecting my writing.  Why bother publishing shit, if nobody's gonna buy and read it?  I need to get back that love for writing, and just get that shit done, if just for my own sake.  Fuck the rest of y'all... 😡😡😡😡

 

Been doing pretty good on the video front.  The latest episodes of "The Rough Draft" have been posted to YouTube, and have been shared across my social media (except for Twitter/X...I haven't been on there for a hot minute...).  We are now up to 64 episodes.  I'm hoping to end this year on a strong note, with a few more episodes...    

Was hoping to do a few local Kwanzaa events, but can't seem to find any (at least, online).  Need to try some word of mouth.  That's the only thing about out here...they actually do do word of mouth, but you usually will found out about it at the last minute.  Oh, well...

That's all for now.  Will keep you posted on my progress.  Until next time...

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

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

The Falls of September.....

 We have now entered into the month of SEPTEMBER!!!  We have officially entered into the LAST QUARTER of the year!!  The final FOUR months of 2023!!!  MY...how time flies... 😲😲😲😲

 

With the coming of the month of September, you have the celebration of the Autumnal Equinox.  It's the official beginning of the season of fall.  It's a time of renewal; yet another change in the season.  The temperatures will cool significantly, and the leaves will soon be a-changing.  Kinda glad for that, cause that heat this summer was whupping my ass something serious...

 

Also in the month of September, you have the beginning of Latino Heritage Month.  The month officially starts on September 15th.  We get to celebrate our pride and culture.  And...as always...I strive to highlight and promote our Afro Latino/African roots & heritage during the month.  I'm still trying to figure out what it is that I'm going to do, exactly.  I have an idea for an episode of "The Rough Draft" to do (probably episode no. 63), but it's going to be quite controversial.  I have some serious issues with the current state of the so-called 'Afro Latino Movement' (basically, I think that it's all bullshit 😠😠😠😠).  I'll definitely go further into detail as to why I have issues with the current state of the movement, once I shoot the video.  Stay tuned for details...

 

Speaking of The Rough Draft...don't forget to go to YouTube, and check out the latest video, Ep. 61!!

 

I had an issues with my books not being made available to Barnes & Noble, and to Books-A-Million.  I am happy to announce that I have resolved the issue, and that my titles are now being made available on both platforms 😁😁😁.  I think that it was a bit of a fuck up on my end; I guess I assumed that my books would be made available to those platforms automatically, like they were when CreateSpace was a separate entity.  Oh well...you live, and you learn.  The books are available now, so that's what really matters...     

Still working on my promotional grind.  The shit gets pretty tiring, but if I don't do it, it won't get done.  Nobody is out here in these streets, helping me to sling my book titles.  I definitely wanna get back to doing in-person appearances at festivals, and the like.  I miss interacting with potential fans.  I just don't wanna have to deal with the assholes out there, though.  Ya feel me...?

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

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

The Closing of Black August...

 We are coming to the end of the month.  I'm starting to marinate on a few things, as the month comes to a close...

For starters, I FINALLY got the chance to shoot an episode of "The Rough Draft", and post it up to YouTube.  Episode no. 61 is now live!!!  Since I haven't really posted any content in the last 2 months, I had to get people up to speed with what's been happening with me.  Go to my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@kevinsabio to see the entire series.  The 23rd marks the four-year production anniversary of the making of "The Rough Draft".  Yay, me!!!  😁😁😁

 

Speaking of the vlog series, I've been considering a few things.  I want to invest in a Sony Handycam so that I can shoot more content, instead of having to use my laptop.  With a Handycam, I can also do field productions, and shoot content from festivals, or comic cons, or book fairs, and add them to my channel.  I'm also considering getting a new/second laptop.  I don't have enough storage space on my current laptop, and need more storage space to shoot & edit my videos.  That was pretty much always the plan anyway; going back to my video production days.  I needed one computer to write my scripts (and hold my other data), and another to use strictly for editing purposes.  I've seen a Handycam online at Best Buy for $229, and I've seen a few laptops going from $279.99 to $379.99 (various brands, like Acer, HP, Asus). Of course, everything comes down to having the money to pay for it all, which is something that I don't have....  😑😑😑😖😖😖😖😞😞😞😞

 

The 28th make it two years that I've officially been living in Raleigh.  I like it out here, and don't regret making that move.  Just wish that I was a little more stable, both financially, and domestically.  There's a lot that I want to do, but my living situation makes things a little bit harder for me to do.  It's expensive to live out here, and with there not being any regulations put out there for housing, and other things, these crazy ass people can do whatever they want.  I have a place to stay, just not my own place.  These politicians out here are fucking ass, and pretty much let people be exploited, and treated like garbage.  Oh, well...

 

Recently found out that some of my books actually are not listed on Books-A-Million.  It seems like half my inventory isn't listed on there.  All of my books published after the merging of CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing (2017) aren't listed on there.  I'm a little pissed off about that.  All this anti-Amazon hate is really fucking with my livelihood.  My books are still listed on Barnes & Noble, though.  Still, that's taking money outta my pocket.  For anybody published through Amazon, they're making it really difficult for us. 😡😡😡😡😠😠😠😠

 

That's all for now.  hope that you enjoyed this wrap-up.  See you next month!!

 

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

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

      

Revolutionary Heat of Black August/350th Blog Post!!!!!

 The heat is ON!!!  Literally.  It's been hooooooooooot out in these streets lately!!! 😭😭😭😭   

Welcome to the month of AUGUST.  It is fitting, since this is also my 350th blog post!!! There's lots to talk about, and a lot of info to cover.  Hope that you guys are ready! 😁😁😁

For starters, celebrating the eight-year publishing anniversary of my poetry book "Spittin' Lyrics N Waxin' Poetic" (Draft2Digital, 2015).  It's a compilation of poems and rhymes that I'd written that were never-before-released material.  I'd never shared these works in any of my other publications, up to that point.  As part of the new info that I have to share with you all...the book is now available in paperback format!!  It's already available on Barnes & Noble, but is in pre-order status on Amazon.com.  I guess since the book was originally published on August 17th (in 2015), that they're going to release it as a paperback on that same date. Nooot to happy about that. 😠😠😠😠

Oh, well.  Order you copy of the paperback, while you can....

I've been able to add two more distribution channels through Draft2Digital; Odilo, and Gardners.  Odilo distributes to libraries, while Gardners distributes my books to the UK market.  Hey...D2D is doing what they can to help get my books out there.  Much respect to them for what they do for their authors!!! 😁😁😁😊😊😊

Speaking of D2D...I've finally uploaded my 1st book "Raise Your Brown Black: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" [Book 1] to their platform.  I felt that I wasn't getting the reach that I deserved with the eBook only being distributed to the platforms that Authorhouse set up for it.  Putting it on D2D gives it a wider reach, as well as access to libraries in digital format.  It's all about outreach, baby!!!

2023 this month marks the four-year production anniversary of my vlog series "The Rough Draft" on YouTube.  I have to admit, I haven't posted any new episodes for the last 2 months.  My day job has been keeping me pretty busy (wearing me the fuck out is more like it...), not to mention not having the energy or subject matter to record anything.  I'm definitely going to do one this month to celebrate the four year anniversary, as well as update my followers (what few I have on there) on what's be going on with me. 

This month also marks my second year living in Raleigh.  I actually like it out here, even though I wish that I was a little more stable; not just financially.  Housing is expensive as hell out here, not to mention the issues that I'm currently having with my day job.  I don't necessarily wanna job hop again, but...something has got to give.  I can't really enjoy my life out here, with this fuck ass job.  There's no consistency, and I'm feeling over worked and unappreciated.  I barely have time to strategize my next moves for my writing career. 😕😕😕😔😔😔😟😟😟

 

But...I digress...

 

Looking forward to the celebrations of my achievements.  Celebrating the revolutionary history of this month.  Hope to talk to all of you guys again, soon!!!  Uhuru sasa, y paz!!!

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

  

The Mighty Rains of April

 We are now in the month of APRIL!!!  for those of you into mathematics, the FIRST QUARTER of the year is now in the books.  Time certainly is flying by us.This definitely means that you have to seriously get on your grind, and work to achieve all of your goals for the year.

 

To start off, April marks the seven-year publishing anniversary of my short story anthology "Drum Speaking: Tales From An Inner City Griot" (CreateSpace, 2016).  This book is a collection of 13 different short stories spanning several different genres.  I'm quite proud of this book, and feel that it is quite slept on, like much of my other books.  

April also marks National Poetry Month.  Shout out to all of my poetic peoples out there.  May you continue to wax poetic, and bless the world with your words and lyrical rhythms.

Working on shooting the latest episode of The Rough Draft.  This will make it Episode no. 59.  I'm hoping that people will find my videos interesting, but I can only do so much.  I'm considering adding music to the into and end of the video; I wanna use the instrumental to this song produced by this Hip Hop artist that I listen to, and support.

Still trying to work on organizing the Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour.  Running into a few complications while organizing it.  I'll go into further detail in that new episode of The Rough Draft.  All will be explained there... 

My latest novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022) is now ELEVEN MONTHS OLD!!!  My latest baby will be turning a year old next month!!!  Time really does fly by.  Still doing what I can to promote it.  Reaching out to two professional women's basketball leagues (and a few of the teams from one of the leagues), as well as one men's league.  Keeping my fingers crossed on their support for this project....

 

Well, that's about all for now.  Looking forward to keeping you guys updated on my further progress of my writing career.  Shout out to the LSU Lady Tigers for winning the 2023 National Women's Basketball title!!!

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

The Chill of December

 We are now in the month of DECEMBER!!!  The final month of the year is now upon us.  In a matter of weeks, we will be entering into a new year. My...this year has flow by really quick.  Weren't we JUST celebrating the coming of the new year...? 😲😲😲😲

My latest novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022) is now seven months old.  I'm still doing what I can to promote it, but sales continue to be stagnant.  Been reaching out to two women's basketball leagues regularly on the email front (Global Women's Basketball Association [GWBA], and Women's American Basketball Association [WABA]), but no joy, as of yet.  I've even contacted some of the individual teams of the latter league (at least four teams), and still nothing.  Gonna have to find a way to work my magic to gain some sort of sales.  Looks like I'm gonna have to work on doing some in-person events this coming year...

No plans for the upcoming Winter Solstice, other than my usual 'follicle' cleanse.  I'm actually going to be off for Xmas (since I worked on Thanksgiving at the day job), but most likely working on the first day of Kwanzaa (if not the entire run of the holiday).  Don't know of any Kwanzaa events going on out here in Raleigh, so that's another missed opportunity.  Oh, well...maybe next year.  **shoulder shrug**

I just posted Episode 54 of "The Rough Draft" onto YouTube.  That latest episode was based off of a Twitter exchange that I'd gotten into.  Kinda needed the opportunity to vent.  It was just a very frustrating experience.  Don't know if I'm going to do an end-of-year episode, or not.  I'll keep you guys posted.

 

Good news!!!  Got me an interview scheduled by another radio host on WCOM-FM!!!  We will be talking about my latest book, and my writing career in general.  I'm looking forward to it, as I haven't done too many interviews in recent years.  Definitely need to get my exposure game up.

 

More good news!!!  My eBooks will now be available in the Smashwords Store!!  With the merging of my e-publisher Draft2Digital and Smashwords, my works are able to be made available through their outlets and distribution channels, including their online store.  That gives my book titles even more real estate to be discovered by potential fans willing and interested in downloading my novels.  Hope that this helps me out.  I could really use that residual income (not to mention, the notoriety).  Keeping my fingers crossed...

 

That's all for now.  I'll keep you all in the loop, and let you know how the interview goes.  If the interviewer provides me a link, I'll definitely share it here with you guys.  Wish me luck!!

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

 

    

The Changing Time of November

 We have now entered into the month of NOVEMBER.  There are now officially only two months left in the year. The clocks have been moved back an hour, and election time has come.  It's time to gear up for the end of the year, and prepare for the coming new year.

To start with, I would like to celebrate the 11-year publishing anniversary of my second book "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  A collection of political essays, and an extension of my second essay series 'Black Thoughts: A Political Ideological Perspective For Afro Latinos', I consider this book to be one of my treasures.  Available in both paperback & eBook formats, this is definitely a keeper for your bookshelf.

 

 

 

Also...November also marks the 6-month release of my latest novel, "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022).  Sales are still flat, as usual.  I'm doing my part to promote it. Whatever...

 

On a lighter note, I now have a new handle on YouTube.  You can now view my channel by going to the new link www.youtube.com/@kevinsabio, and view all of my videos there.  You will be able to watch all of the episodes of 'The Rough Draft", as well as my book trailers. Please watch the videos, and subscribe to my channel when you get the chance.

 

Apparently, November is also National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo.  I've never participated in NaNoWriMo, as I don't like trying to write a novel in one month.  Usually, I just end up finishing writing the first draft of whatever novel/manuscript that I'm writing in November.  Don't ask me why; it just seems to happen that way for me.  I don't have anything slated for this year, so I don't think that I'll be publishing any new novels for next year.  I guess my poor sales have me too bummed out to write anything new, or finish any of my other work(s)-in-progress.

 

November also marks the start of my initiative, the "Holiday Economic Support Initiative".  It usually lasts from November into the new year, as a means to support Black-owned & Latino-owned businesses & entrepreneurs during the holiday season(s). I don't think that I'll be doing it this year, as I never get the response I feel the initiative deserves.  So, you won't be seeing me push it this year, or using the hashtags of #HESI, or #HolidayEconomicSupportInitiative.  It feels like a waste of my time, and nobody seems to care any mf way.

 

That'll be all for now.  Looking forward to shooting and posting the next TRD episode, and posting it on YouTube.  I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

 

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

Dancing in September 2022

 We have now entered into the month of SEPTEMBER!!!  We are about to enter into the fall season, and have entered into the last quarter of the year.  Time sure has flown by this year.  Feels like just yesterday, we were celebrating the new year...

 

September is the start for Latino Heritage Month.  The cultural holiday runs from September 15th to October 15th, spanning many Independence Day(s) across Latin America.  It is a time for cultural pride & celebration, highlighting our roots & heritage.  We celebrate our history, our people's accomplishments, both at home & abroad, and give flowers to those ancestors, and community & thought leaders.  As per usual, I will be highlighting my two books, "Raise Your Brown Black Fist" (Authorhouse, 2010), and "Raise Your Brown Black Fist 2" (Outskirts Press); representing for the AFRICAN roots of Latino people.  Recently discovered that both books are also available through Bookshop.org, so also look through there to get your copies.  

My vlog series "The Rough Draft" recently celebrated THREE YEARS and FIFTY episodes.  Yay, me.  Not many people supported it by watching the video on either YouTube, or Vimeo.  Fuck y'all.  That's a great accomplishment.  I'M proud of myself for reaching such an achievement.  Working on doing Episode 51 as I type this.  The rest of you can kick rocks...

 

Might be putting my Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour on hold, for the time being.  That requires me to do a bit of traveling, and I don't currently have the means to do so.  Might postpone it until next year; hopefully in the spring.  I'm a little sad about that, but...what can you do?  It's a solitary grind; I ain't got no team working with me, behind the scenes.  I'm the one that does all of the planning, and the execution of it. 

Was hoping to be able to vend at some festivals or something, this month.  Unfortunately, the day job has me locked up, for the time being.  Granted, I have alternate weekends off, but, for right now...The weekends I happen to be working is when a lot of those events are scheduled.  Damn, man...  😔😔😔

"Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022) turns four months old, this month.  Sales are still stagnant, but...what can you do?  I promote it as best I can; that's all I can do.  Niggas know that the shit it out there; just cop a copy of the book.  You can even download it in digital format, so there's no excuse as to why you can't support it by buying a copy.  And then cats be wondering why I made a video post & blog post about lack of support, smdh...

That all for now.  Keep you guys updated.  Enjoy September.  Support Black Reading Month!!!

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

The Struggles of Indie Authors/Creatives [***RANT SESSION***]

 For those of you that actually pay attention to my videos, this is the continuation of an episode of "The Rough Draft" that I shot; Episode #48, to be exact.  Felt the need to blow off some steam, and set the record straight, and apparently...I need to blow off a little more steam.  Been feeling really frustrated & disrespected lately, and I think that I need to go deeper in depth...

As an indie author, I'm carrying the same mentality that I had when I was still involved in the film & television world, being a screenwriter; I wanna work in the industry, not for it.  I choose to be independently published b/c I know the headache of trying to find a (decent) agent, or at least, a good small publisher to publish your book.  Also, you know your story best, so you know how & who to market your book to, no matter what genre that you write in.  I know plenty of authors that write speculative fiction that can attest to that.  Not to mention, the rash of consolidation within the publishing industry within the last two decades, or so...?  The publishing world is getting smaller & smaller by the day (if not, the waning minutes).

 

At the same time...I don't have an MFA.  I have no connections to any literary nonprofit organizations.  I've never held a fellowship.  Nor do I have a well paying day job that allows me the financial flexibility to pay for reviews, or a publicist.  My hashtag #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind has meaning BECAUSE I'm actually ON my literary grind!!  Whatever accolades (which ain't many) that I receive, it's because of my hard work to promote my shit, & get the word out to the public.  NOBODY helps me to do shit, when it comes to my writing career.  My grind is really MY grind.  Nobody promotes my books for me, or does any type of outreach for my books.  I've even created a mf video series to help me promote my writing career in "The Rough Draft" (that apparently nobody watches).

 

It's a little infuriating to see people just brush you off, and dismiss any & everything that you do, as if it's big joke, and nothing to be taken seriously.  They don't watch the videos & comment, they don't buy & review your books, nor do they come out to any events that you organize and/or participate in.  Out of the fourteen books that I've published, I'd pre-promoted the last seven books ahead of their publication.  Hardly anybody joined the gd Facebook Events that I created for them; I didn't even crack TWENTY people to accept the invite. Whats' the fucking point?!?!?!  😡😡😡😡😡     

The sales afterward have been even more abysmal.  Htf is it that I know all of these different people, activist,  & organizations, but can't get none of you mf bastards to buy a copy of my books?!  And, even if you do actually buy it, do you even bother to read it, and leave a fucking review for it, or even recommend it to your circle of friends and associates...?  Hell...I'd be happy with a personal dialog with you, just to get your feedback on the book. At least then I'll know that you actually read the motherfucka!  Which character(s) did you like...?  What worked for you?  What didn't..?  What was your favorite chapter/scene...?  What character(s) didn't you like/hated..?  Did I intend for you to hate them, or did you just not like the way I wrote that/those character(s)...?  This is the type of feedback that I'm looking for & crave; they make me a better writer.  It also lets me know if I achieved my goal with that particular book, as far as your response is concerned.  Or...I know that you're not the right audience for that particular book, depending on your response/understanding of that particular book.

Would it kill you to actually watch the episodes of my vlog series, and leave a mf comment?!?!  Even if you don't have a YouTube account, can you nuccas say SOMETHING under the post?!?!  None of that 'good job' bullshit; that's so fucking generic.  Say something about the mf episode, whatever tf the discussion topic is!  Don't just press the 'like' button, and keep it mf moving!  I hate that shit!!!  It is so mf disrespectful!!  This isn't a mf joke to me; it's my calling, my mf career!!!  How would you like it , if I acted all dismissive about something that you were passionate about...that you felt was your purpose in life...?  Writing the books...producing the vlog series...and promoting the books is VERY time consuming!!

STOP acting as if my writing career is some huge joke!  It's not a fucking hobby that I don't take seriously, or don't really care about! I'm not some one-shot bucket lister, writing a book just to say that I wrote a mf book, and check it off my bucket list!  I've been writing for fucking YEARS!!!  Just because some of you out there don't have any passions, that doesn't mean that I don't!  I need more out of life, other that just getting liquored up, getting high, or randomly getting sexed up!

Feel however you want to feel about this post; I couldn't give a shit.  I'm tired of feeling disrespected, and not supported.  You dumb niggas know that my shit it out here, available in more that one format, I might add...but still won't support my career, or my books.  But...you niggas will jump on any bandwagon, and prop up some author with a name, because the mainstream media (white ppl) told you to do so.  Fuck y'all.

That's my rant session....

Author Book Trailer for 2022!!!!

 So, I have finally been able to update my Author Book Trailer!!!  I have been able to add the covers of ALL FOURTEEN books to the video.  I've even updated some of the contact info, and the different outlets where you can get my books, via paperback & eBook formats.  So without further ado, here is my Author Book Trailer 2022!!!  :

Hope that you enjoy it!!!  Let me know what you think in the comments section!!  Don't forget to go out and buy the books!!  :-)

Keep the fist raised!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

Possible Book Tour/What the Future Holds in 2022....

 Things are starting to look up for me.  2022 is starting to manifest itself in a very positive way. I was able to do a podcast interview on "Anansi Reads", and I also have an upcoming radio interview on a local radio station out here in North Carolina; WCOM 103.5FM in the Carborro/Chapel Hill area, scheduled for May 13th.  I'm pretty happy about that.  It's my time to shine!!!  :-)

I was able to shoot & post the latest episode of "The Rough Draft".  Episode 45 has been posted on YouTube and Vimeo.  In that episode, I talk about my publishing anniversary for April, the upcoming release of my next novel "Second Chance Points" (KDP, 2022), and a future venture that I want to do. My idea for an in-person event is a Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour, or 3BT Tour for short.  Catchy title, huh...?  ;-) 

The Black/Brown Bookstore Book Tour is basically a series of bookstore appearances/signings where I focus my signings in primarily black-owned & Latino-owned bookstores.  Firstly, I'm focusing on promoting my latest literary work, as well as the other titles that I have in my arsenal of books that I've published. Secondly, I want to be able to use my platform to support black-owned & Latino-owned businesses. That's just the activist in me, wanting to support my peoples, and remain true to my political beliefs.  Hopefully, I can shoot some video footage to use for "The Rough Draft", post them online, and use the episodes to help promote these bookstores/independent businesses.

If I am able to do the 3BT Tour, I'm shooting for late Summer, if not the Fall.  The Fall would probably be more ideal, as it leads into Latino Heritage Month, and I would be able to promote my book titles that feature my Latino/Afro Latino characters. Right now, I want to target local bookstores in the North Carolina area; primarily here in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Greensboro.  I also want to target black-owned/Latino-owned bookstores in nearby Tennessee, and also Virginia; primarily Richmond, since that's my old stomping ground.

I'll let you guys know the details, as the tour comes together.  I'm debating if this should be a solo tour, or a joint book tour with another author, or a few other authors.  Still haven't met any other brother-scribes or sister-scribes out her yet, so I'm holding out hope. I'm still ironing out the details of it, so it's still in the planning stages, for now...

Uhuru sasa, y paz.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

Plans for 2022

 There's actually a lot that I want to do to get my writing career (back) on track. Being that this year makes it TWELVE years that I've been a published author, there are a few things that I'd like to do to improve my writing career, and boost my sales.

First off...publish my FOURTEENTH book.  My latest novel "Second Chance Points" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2022) will be dropping on May 6, 2022.  I'm really excited about this project being published, and hope that it gets the support that I feel it deserves.  It's a novel about women's basketball, and follows the life and career of the main character Adwoa (Ah-joe-wah) Carrington.  I loved this project when it was originally a screenplay that I wrote back in 2001.  If I would've gotten the chance to produce it, the film would be a big budget studio project. 

Secondly...health permitting...I want to do more in-person events.  The coronavirus severely cramped my ability to do face-to-face meetings with people, and do in-person events like festivals, or stand-alone book signings.  I want to get back to doing that, especially here in my new home state of North Carolina.  There's a new black-owned bookstore in Durham that I want to do a reading & book signing in called Rofhiwa Books Cafe, as well as a Latino-owned bookstore in Chapel Hill called Epilogue Books that I would love to network with.  I'm really hoping to make that happen, once I get more settled in my new day job, and Covid restrictions ease up.

 

Thirdly....I need to get back on my grind, and do more episodes of my vlog series "The Rough Draft".  I would like to expand it, a little more.  Since I now have a smartphone, I could use it to shoot some field production footage, or even do some interviews.  Hopefully, I can meet more fellow authors out here, and interview them for future episodes. 

Fourthly....I'm still considering doing an Author Clothing Line.  If I ever do any vending in the near future, I could sell the clothes for some extra cash.  I'd done 2 more logo designs, bringing the total to five versions.  I need to choose which one I'm going to use, and print up some shirts, hoodies and hats.  Plus, the clothing line would be a great identifier for anyone that gets to meet me in person while vending, or doing my own personal events.

 

Those are the main goals, for now.  Other than improving my book sales, there's not much else that I'm planning on working on.  Those are the main goals for this year.  I'm putting my repatriation plans on hold, and hoping to complete that move in 2024.  I'll keep you guys updated on my progress.

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind