Falling Into September....

 We are now in the first week of September.  Summer has unofficially come to an end, and we are now in the last quarter of the year.  Only FOUR MORE MONTHS remain for the rest of the year.  :-O!!!  At last count, deaths from the coronavirus was at around 187,000, and still climbing.  At the beginning of this whole pandemic, the experts were saying that we would suffer anywhere between 100,000-200,000 death from the virus.  Looks like they're n track to be right....   :'-(

My heart goes out to the family of John Thompson, the legendary coach from Georgetown University.  I remember when he was still coaching, and how I used to love to watch his teams take the court, as they were beasts in the Big East Conference.  He wasn't just a great coach, he also stood up for our people, and was unapologetic about it.  He will be sorely missed.  :'-(

 

As far as my work(s)-in-progress are concerned, Knuckle Up  (2021) is going very well.  The cover art is done to my liking, and I'm pretty satisfied with the manuscript.  Looks like it's ready to be published, to me.  I'm still deciding on when I'm going to release it next year.  Hopefully, I'll be able to do some in-person appearances to promote it.  Of course, I'm also planning on repatriating to the continent by next year.  Maybe I'll release it, while I'm living in Africa...?  I sure as hell don't receive much support here in the Sates, that's for fucking sure!  But, I digress....

 

I'm also working on another book project.  I've decided to write a sequel to "Seductra: Web of Desire" (CreateSpace, 2017).  This time around, I'm featuring the character of Kenya Slade.  I'm kind of taking the story full circle, as KENYA was originally supposed to be the main character of the story, not Dasha.  Kenya is a little bit older, and more mature this time around.  The story is kinda interesting and different this time around, as I'm adding some other brand new characters to the story.  The working title is "Seductra: Back 2 Da Stage" (???2022???).  I already have a concept for the cover design.  I'll try to keep you guys in the loop...

 

I'm considering creating an account on Patreon.  I need to find some way to get compensated for my work.  I'm sick of these nonexistent book sales.  I need to find a way to make a living off of my writing career somehow.  Perhaps having patrons investing in my work is a great way to go...?  I don't know too many authors/writers that use the Patreon platform, but I'm interested in using it.  What have I got to lose...?  Anything is better than always seeing a big, fat zero whenever I check my sales...

 

Latino Heritage Month starts in another week, or two (September 15th-Otocber 15th).  I'm considering doing a special about it on "The Rough Draft", and posting them to YouTube.  I'm going to be featuring my novels that star my Afro Latino characters.  Hopefully, the weather will agree with me, and I'll be able to shoot the episodes simultaneously.  I have enough novels that will be able to stretch the entire month long celebration.  I'll probably post the first video by next week...

 

That's all for now.  Trying to start the fall season off strong.  Haven't really been able to do much with the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  With the pandemic cancelling out most of the festivals, and other literary events, there's not much information for me to pass on to the other members :-(.  I guess that's just a greater hint that I need to be focusing more on my own literary career, than other people's careers.  Hopefully, things will pick up sooner, than later...

 

I'm out, peoples.  Hope that you enjoyed this post.  Let me know what you think.

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

      

End of Summer Daze......

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Keep the fist raised!!!

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

 

Black August Rising.....

 SOOOOOOOOOO.......

 

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

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

Aaaaaaaaaaanyway.....

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Keep the fist raised.

 

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind   

The Month of July So Far.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

July Beginnings....

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyway.....

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

Anyhooo....

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

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

Keep the fist raised!!!!

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

End of June Reports....

It's the final weekend of June, going into the final days of the month.  Sales have been nonexistent for this month.  So much for my burgeoning support....  [EXTREME sarcasm dripping]

Shout out to the Black bookstores that are keeping up the struggle.  Let us hope that this new founded support continues, and is not another sad attempt of people trying to feign wokeness.  Where were y'all so-called 'woke' cats when these businesses were struggling, prior to the pandemic?  The WHITE people supporting these businesses, I can get; they are trying to assuage their 'white guilt' and privilege to abuse the notion of their own ingrained racism.  You fake ass Black folks, on the other hand...?  Y'all ain't 'woke'. C'mon son.....fuck the bullshit.

Anyway....

Posted the most recent episodes of "The Rough Draft".  I shot episodes 13 & 14, and they are now uploaded onto YouTube.  I'm making it happen, peoples!!!  You can check out their links here:

Episode #13:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTEdbMCFb7s

Episode #14:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTEdbMCFb7s&t=10s

Please feel free to 'like' the videos...COMMENT on them, and subscribe to my channel.  I'm trying to be consistent with the content, so you guys can at least make the effort to comment on my videos, and 'like' them as well.  You have idiots on there who talk about absolutely nothing, yet they get a ridiculous amount of followers, and ongoing commentary.

Whatever, man......

The states are continuing to open up, as well as coronavirus cases are now starting to explode in the south, and Midwest.  The death toll in the U.S. is at about 120,000, and continuing to rise.  I'm certainly lucky that death from the virus hasn't touched me personally, but still...these are the most trying of times.

Haven't been feeling as motivated to write, as of late.  Aside from the consistent promotion that I do for my most current releases, I haven't even bothered to work on any of my other works-in-progress.  The inspiration just isn't there for me.  It probably has to do with the current pandemic; it feels like there is just more important shit to worry about.  Been busy trying to hawk all of my publications during this outbreak, but so far, it's been all for naught.  Fuck it...nuccas be on some trend hopping bullshit.  Now that the states are opening back up, and people have other distractions to hold their attention, they don't have time to fuck with any of my literary works.

Oh, well....

That's all for now.  Try to hit you guys up next month.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind 

June News/My Revolutionary Rant....

So, it is now the month of JUNE!!!  The year is now half over!  :-O

First off...I have to acknowledge the 5-year-publishing anniversary of my novel "Demure Nights" (CreateSpace, 2015). 

Dropped this project FIVE years ago.  My...how time flies :-O.  This novel was actually an experiment; I wanted to see if I could write something other than something that was politically tinged.  Wanted to see if I had the skills to write something that would've been deemed out of character for me.  Of course, people seem to not know that I have a dirty mind, lol, lol, lol....

Secondly.....I dropped episode TWELVE of "The Rough Draft"!  We're hitting the double digits, y'all!!  If you're on YouTube, PLEASE check out the videos, and drop a comment!  A writer/creator loves nothing more than to hear feedback on their work.  You can check out the link for it here:

Episode 12:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfsX1uWWFfY&t=37s

In Episode 12, I profile my THIRD book "In My Lifetime: Funny Stories of Life Experiences" (Outskirts Press, 2014), and what lead me to write it.....

Okay...now that that shit is out of the way...

I'm about to get political on your asses.  Haven't really done that here for a LOOOONG while, but because of recent events, I felt the need to get back to my political speak....

The weekend of May 30th & 31st was hectic.  After the killing of a brother in Minnesota named #GeorgeFloyd, the streets erupted in protest and anger; deservedly so.  The killing of yet ANOTHER Black body by the police/powers-that-be, caught on camera (again) at that.  Since I live in Delaware, I saw the affects of that in nearby Philadelphia.  We had protests here in Delaware, as well, but let me get to my point.  People came out and protested and were rightfully MAD.  As the day wore on, it went from protest, to rebellion.

I agree with rebellion.  Fuck all this peaceful shit.  We've been doing peaceful shit for SIXTY years, now.  We gain some concessions, and then they take them back through laws and other political trickery.

What I DON'T agree with....is the aftermath.  You originally rebelled in THEIR financial districts.  Good...that was smart of you; disrupt their capacity to financially gain from your oppression, or fund their oppression of you..  Then...you took that shit back to YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOODS, and looted.

NOT smart!!!!  :-(

I was glad to see what was done in Center City; fuck 'em all.  Then...y'all did some nigga ass shit, and went back to West and North Philly, and ransacked your own 'hoods.

WHYYYYYYYYYY?!?!?!?!??!

That defeated the whole purpose of what you were rebelling for.  It's bad enough that Black businesses don't get supported by the greater Black community as it is; then you went back to your own neighborhoods, and tore shit up?!  Don't start out doing a revolutionary act, and then do some nigga ass shit afterwards!  STOP listening to YouTube niggas, and READ some REAL revolutionary, conscious history and political thought!  Learn about the BPP-SD, Deacons For Defense, Umknoto We Sizwe, or read some Frantz Fanon, Amilcar Cabral, Amos Wilson, or Robert F. Williams!!  LEARN what you need to know about how to actually be real revolutionaries, and activists!  Keep the rebellion FOCUSED!!!

Anyway........

Keeping my nose to the grindstone.  Trying to continue to pump out episodes of "The Rough Draft", and promote the dual releases.  Hoping to catch on, and gain a following, so that I can make my writing career my full-time gig.  Check out the videos, purchase/download the books, continue to support me.

Keep the fist raised.

#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind