It's my TEN YEAR Anniversary!!!! :-D

It's Finally February!!!  I've officially been published for TEN YEARS!!!!  Yay me!!!!  :-D

February has special meaning for me.  I've officially been in the publishing game for TEN YEARS!!!  I started my journey when my first book was released in 2010, starting with "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010).  It's been TEN years, and currently TEN books strong.  I'm pretty excited about that.  I've been consistently in this game for an entire decade.  Not too many people can claim the same.

As well as February being my author anniversary, it's also the FIVE year publishing anniversary of my novel "The Chronicles of The Black Fist" (CreateSpace, 2015), my VERY first novel I might add, and the TWO year publishing anniversary for "Fiesta Girl" (Draft2Digital, 2018).  Both books are available in paperback AND eBook formats (including Kindle), so you have options on how you can support my work (not to mention, NO excuses).

I'm looking forward to doing it big this year.  I'm trying to get out more, and do more in-person appearances.  I'm trying to get put on to a few festivals and book fairs that are out there.  I'm ready to apply to two of them, as I write this.  Both are in May, and because of the dearth of books that I've written, I can choose which titles of mine that I think would be appropriate to vend at them.  I'll hit you off with the details later, when my participation is confirmed....

Gearing myself up for my next literary release.  The DUAL book release is NEXT MONTH!!!  I'm just giving both manuscripts the final touches; dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t" s, making sure that all is straight, and correct.  I've been promoting their release for the last 3 months, or so, and I'm expecting a certain level of support.  The Facebook Event for the dual release hasn't been very promising, and the response to my e-blasts has been very nonexistent.  I'm hoping that my efforts don't get brushed off.  Like I said in my hashtag, I'm #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind.

Working on the latest listing for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement.  I'm trying to take advantage of the lists, as I make them.  I want to do more in-person appearances, and get back to doing a few more festivals/book fairs/comic cons.  A few of my action/adventure book titles would do well at a few of the Black comic cons out there, and I want to try to take advantage of that, and get a table to vend.  Not only could I gain support from the artists who are on the Mailing List, I could also build an audience for my books from the attendees.    

Anywaaaaay....that's all I have for now.  I'm just continuing to enjoy my anniversary, and work on my projects.  I'm excited for next month, when I drop my two new book titles.  Looking forward to getting the support for my works that I deserve!!  :-)

Keep the fist raised.
uhuru sase, y paz.
#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

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

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

Aaaaaaaaaaanyway...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

End-of-Year Wrap up 2019

Seasons greeting, and happy holidays!!!  Blessings during the Winter Solstice, Merry Xmas, and Harambee, Kwanzaa!! Peace to all the Nubians, sistas, zubians....

Okay....time to be serious...

The end of 2019 has arrived.  Not a very fruitful year for me.  I at least DID publish a second entry into the Black Fist Saga.  Releasing "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019) was no small feat.  I truly cherish the character, and love the story.  I can't wait to complete Books III & IV in the series.  Unfortunately, as always, the sales just weren't there.  I wasn't able to go out, and physically promote the book like I wanted to.  Because of my day job issues, I never had a consistent enough schedule where I could do a number of appearances, whether my own reading & book signings, or doing a book fair/festival/comic con.  Hopefully, I'll be able to change that in the coming new year. 

Speaking of which, I might want to invest more in promoting myself in the PA & So. Jersey areas.  Philly and Atlantic City aren't too far away from me, where I could organize an event out in those areas. My day job work schedule is more consistent this time around, so I might be able to work something out.  Delaware isn't much of a reading state, so I may need to promote myself elsewhere.  As I always say in a hashtag, #AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind.  This is real to me; this ain't some bs bucket list item, or some fake ass hobby for me.

2020 will make it TEN YEARS that I've been published!!  :-O!!!  Shocking, but NOT shocking at the same time.  I've always dedicated my life to being a story teller, and now I've found the perfect medium for me to do it in.  The dual book release is going on as scheduled; everything is being finalized.  Doing some last minute editing, and final checks.  The books covers are all done, and I've finally written out the backcover descriptions.  Now, all I have to do is wait until March of 2020...

I'm hoping to do more promotions of my various works, and do more in-person appearances.  I might have to travel to do that, seeing as how Delaware isn't much of a reading state.  I need to go where my audience is at.  I tried to tell that to certain dumbfucks that I was partnered/dealing with, back when I was still living in NYC; QUITE OBVIOUSLY I ain't fucking with them no more, cause niggas don't know how to listen.  Niggas either wanted a hook up, were playing around, or wanted to play 'follow the leader'.  I don't need any copycats, or disciples kissing my ass.  If you want me to teach your ass something, fucking listen to what I'm trying to teach your stupid ass.

Aaaaaaaanyway....

I'm happy that I was FINALLY able to produce and post episodes of "The Rough Draft".  I've shot and posted six episodes on YouTube so far, and look forward to doing more videos.  I'll definitely be posting more videos in the new year; just wanted to take a break for the holidays.  I hope that people are enjoying the videos; as usual, I can never get the feedback that I want, or need to help me improve my craft.

The Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement was able to celebrate TEN YEARS as an organization.  I'm proud that we've been able to last as long as we have; considering the lack of assistance.  Being a one-man show is NOT easy.  I could always use more hands to help me to get things done.  Of course, there aren't too many people out here who think like I do, or, who are willing to put in the time & effort.  BUT...it's a major accomplishment to be running a grassroots and independent organization, and STILL be successful at it.  We've made our impact, and have our followers & supporters.  Much respect to those that stuck with us for all of these years that The Movement has been around!!

Well, that's all for now.  I don't plan on posting any other blog entries, until the new year.  So, please enjoy the upcoming holidays, and keep reading.  PLEASE continue to support my work.  Leave some comments, spread the word, and BUY some/multiple copies of my books.

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

It's Now DECEMBER :-O!!!!!!!/Publishing Release 2020

It's been a while, hasn't it?  Think I missed an entire month worth of posts, haven't I...?

Well...first things, first.  It's December.  FRIGGIN DECEMBER!!!  :-O!!!!  It's the end of the year, already!!!  Man, time sure did fly this year, didn't it?  The Winter Solstice, Christmas, and Kwanzaa are right around the corner, down the street, and sitting there on the corner, waiting for all of us.

As an end-of-year wrap up, this years was quite uneventful.  I was happy to have released my second entry in The Black Fist book series with the release this year of "The Chronicles of The Black Fist: F.U.R.I. of the People" (Kindle Direct Publishing, 2019).  The sales for it were OBVIOUSLY nowhere near where I wanted them to be.  Of course, my instability at employment this year caused me to be unable to properly promote the book publicly, and had to resort to strictly online sales, which have never been a strong suit for me.  People are quick to press a 'like' button, but sure as shit won't press the 'buy now'/'add to cart' button.....

 Aaaaaaaaanyway....

GOOD NEWS!!!!!  :-)

2020 marks TEN YEARS that I've been a published author!!!!  Yay me!!!  Aaaaaand....to celebrate my tenth year as a published author, I will be holding a DUAL BOOK RELEASE!!!!

Target date for the release of both books will be March 13, 2020.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!  And PLEASE actually buy and read the books!!  I've already created an FB Event for it, and have posted a few update there.  If you have an FB account, join the event, and help to spread the word!!


As it is December, I have also posted the latest episode of "The Rough Draft" to YouTube!!!  Episode number SIX!!!  You can check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW6XRG8Znw0

If you have a YouTube account, PLEASE leave a comment...as well as 'liking' the video.  All I want is some feedback.  Is that so much to ask for...?  This will be my last video for the year, as I have other things that I'm preparing for, and need to focus on.  I will start shooting and posting new videos in the new year.  Six episodes ain't that bad.  I'm proud of myself.  :-)

That's about all form me, for now.  I'll try to be a bit more consistent on here, to finish the year out strong.  He's to hoping for improved sales, and better support in the coming new year.  Gonna be grinding plenty, in 2020!!!  Hey...I kind like that!!!  I might make that my new slogan for the Literary Arts Movement in 2020!!!  :-)

Keep the fist raised
Uhuru sase, y paz
#AlwaysOnMyLiteraryGrind

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aaaaaaaaanyway.......

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

Uhuru sase, y paz.  Keep the fist raised. 

October Updates.......

As a co-worker of mine stated the other day, much to my shock....the month is already HALF OVER. :-O!!!!!!  Man, time sure does fly, don't it...?  We basically have TWO MONTHS left in the year!

Anyway......

So far, this month is going.  I can't really complain.  I didn't do too much for my birthday, earlier this month.  All I really did was get some additional sleep; since I had to work earlier in the day, I didn't really feel like doing too much, afterwards.  I did get a nice card from some of my co-workers; one of my favorite ones even gave me a really nice hug.  :-)

GOOD NEWS!!!  I was able to shoot episode THREE of "The Rough Draft".  If you're not on Youtube, you can catch the link for it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE5aM4L1LL8&feature=youtu.be

Hope that you enjoy it!!!  In honor of Latino Heritage Month, I did a profile of my 2-book series "Raise Your Brown Black Fist: The Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Authorhouse, 2010), and "Raise Your Brown Black 2: MORE Political Shouts of an Angry Afro Latino" (Outskirts Press, 2011).  If you have a YouTube account, DEFINITELY 'like' and comment on the video.

I'm still considering doing a DUAL book release for 2020.  Both "Time Will Reveal" and "Suicide Amy" are ready for publication.  I just need to work on the cover art for Suicide Amy, which I'm currently working on right now.  Of course, I have my doubts about that; my writing career, financially speaking, has been quite dismal over the years.  Why bother to drop new projects that aren't going to be supported?  I do all that I can to promote my works, but ppl still won't support shit.  I couldn't even tell you the last time I registered any sales online, despite all of the online promotion that I do, whether through my email Mailing List, or through social media.  Wtf is the point of all of the emails to my personal Mailing List, if cats WON'T purchase shit, or come out to any of my events...?

But, I digress...

Right now, I'm looking forward to trying to end the year out on a strong note, and focus on promotions for next year.  This struggling shit is for the birds.  Hopefully, my fortunes will change in the coming new year.

Catch you on the rebound, people.  See ya in the next post.

Uhuru sase, y paz.  Keep the fist raised.  

October Flow/Latino Heritage Month Pt. II

Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit's October.  It is now officially fall, and there are now officially TWO months left in the year.

So, my birthday passed this past Tuesday.  I am now officially 45 years old.  Happy birthday to me.  Had to WORK on my birthday, but hey...welcome to adulthood.  Just took a nap after work.  The older you get, the less that you want to be reminded of it.  I was never to the type to go out and party on my birthday, anyway.  Maybe if I had a special someone in my life, it would matter a little more, but for now, it's just another day.

It's the SECOND HALF of Latino Heritage Month.  Been pretty quiet on my end, so far.  Other than 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), I haven't done much on the activist front.  Too many fake-ass people involved in that movement any fucking way.  If you don't have academia kissing your ass, or being hyped up because your ass is computer savvy, nobody really recognizes, or fucks with you.  Of course, activists like me have been doing this fighting since before most of these fuckers were BORN, but, hey....who really cares about experience...?

The year 2020 is coming up.  One...I need a new catchphrase for the Universal Africana Literary Arts Movement; "Back/Fresh on the scene..." worked well in the twenty-teens, but I need something new that's gonna get me through the next decade.  Two...I'm considering doing a dual book release for 2020.  Both "Time Will Reveal" and "Suicide Amy" are ready for publication.  I really don't know if I should do a dual book release, or not...considering the lack of sales and support from my so-called fan base.  Why bother to publish books that people aren't going to support? Even if I did get around to doing more personal appearances, would that really make a difference....?  Personal appearances hardly made a dent with my first three publications....and that was when I was working on my writing career FULL TIME!!!!  I'm getting to the point where I'm wondering to myself wtf is the point, and why the fuck should I even bother...?

Episode three of "The Rough Draft" has been a bit delayed.  I'll probably have it uploaded by next week.  I should have it uploaded to YouTube by next week.  I'll also share the link to it here on the blog.  Hope that you're subscribed to me on YouTube!!!  Check out my other videos, and don't forget to leave comments!!!

Other than that, I'm just maintaining.  looking forward to ending the year on a strong and positive note.  Hope that I can do a Kwanzaa event, or two before the year is out.  I could use some hand-to-hand sales right now, if just for some confidence.

Uhuru sase, y paz.  keep the fist raised.