I’m sorry your book isn’t going the way you thought, I read it and it was beautifully written while still bring concise. I think you write wonderfully. I’m so happy that are fulfilled because your work has made me a better person
I’ve been trying to get my foot in the door, and consistently feeling like my stuff isn’t made for mass consumption. I’m glad I’m not alone, esp as a black creative. Your words mean a lot to others, thank you for making this video.
I'm looking forward to the direct action series. If you've got stories to be told, they're going to make it harder for you if you don't work on them, that's been my experience
We need your works in libraries. Publishing is one of capitalism's greatest vanguards in restricting our radical imagination. Take care of yourself and keep writing ❤
Thank you for this video! Watching and listening to your vulnerabilities and your honest thoughts was very cathartic while I sat here and ate lunch. I'm in the middle of a gigantic creative metamorphosis while dealing with some financial struggle. But I always return to believing that it's the art that will bring me through and break down the walls. It's the being with the art, the process, the relationship, the completion, every part of the art making journey that will lead to more directions. As well as THE REST. THE REST IS JUST AS VITAL and it's so EASY to forget that! Thank you!
I feel for you. On the book writing front, and that on processing grief. As a writer, as an artist, and as a human being. As I like to think of myself as *Amalgamation*, so too are you. We are the sum of many creative souls before, now, and after. We are more than the accolades, and the titles, and the product of 'us' we've been conditioned to sell within the systems of now. While I haven't read anything of yours, I have listened to many of those James Baldwin videos. I even bought a collection of his essays I found, not too long after one of said viewings. (Notes Of A Native Son) I read the first essay (Everybody's Protest Novel). I've had the book for a couple months. Man. I used to read books with such a voracious hunger as a child and young adult that now at 33, I've been trying to recover even a fraction of with varying success. Now I obsessively draw because it takes so little brain power in comparison to writing, or reading. Though, I hope you'll be able to share your novel with the folks who need it, when you can. Local publishing, or smaller publishers may be the way to go. There really is no shame in that. I know you've probably been aware of that, but sometimes having folks outside yourself say it, can help cement the thought. Make it more concrete.
I do a lot of academic writing and it's so mentally draining to keep sending your work and it getting rejected. I don't think I will ever be able to brush it off. Rest and reflection is an important element of the process.
Well done for writing your book and documenting the process. The submission process sounds like playing the lottery. It's a matter of timing, chance and opinion. For every editor your agent submitted your work to, you're dealing with a number of variables (Did they read it? Were they in a good headspace? What are the objectives of the publisher and will your book align? What are their biases? Are they influenced by industry trends? etc.). Wanting industry recognition for your writing is valid. The intended audience for your work matters most. The route to your audience can vary. Revisiting your character and understanding him through your present day eyes nudged you to visit your grandma in Jamaica (precious and invaluable time) and be present in the moment. Facing your underlying feelings and fears about your career as a writer and questioning the process itself is important. Working harder isn't the answer. Maybe redirecting your focus is. Having your work published, read and discussed can make the time spent writing it feel worthwhile. The open-ended fate of your book can be destabilising as you say in the video, but don't doubt your ability. I understand the emotional toll the process has had on you. Timing is everything and like the wind, opinions shift. Root yourself in things you have the ability to shape.
God I love this channel. I want to write So badly but idk where to start . Thank u for sharing your experiences. I agree with sm that u say. I’m a single mom to my 3 year old n ur videos feel Like a hug to me. U are truly A light and remember rest is resistance as well. Take as much time as u need❤
I really appreciate you taking us on this vulnerable journey. You are good enough. Always remember that, if nothing else. I’m in the process of self publishing. As a black writer I queried a little but started looking at statistics. Only 1-2% of authors are traditionally published. Then add the fact that black authors make up less than 5% of traditionally published authors and 89% of publishers are white. Like, the playing field isn’t remotely leveled. I decided to keep my power and embrace the freedom of taking my story to readers. You’ve accomplished so much already! Best wishes on all your creative endeavors. ❤
I've been struggling as an animator to get stable work. The response of many employers to the writer's strike was to lay off a bunch of people. It showed that their greed knows no bounds yet, it's still been hard for animators like me to get any well paying decent work. This has made being an artist kinda sad as of late, but you've given me some hope. I want to make and find what makes me happy, which will be a long journey. But I hope to one day say I'm happy and have a life filled with all the things I like doing, not just art. Lastly I hope to help bring that joy and happiness to others! Looking forward to you Direct Action 101!!!
This was really powerful. I haven't even read your work yet but I know just from hearing you speak so vulnerably, I'd read anything you write. Your book will find a publisher when the time is right (which is so woo woo, I know, but the universe is not vibing with it right now). Watching you close out the video with such optimism is beautiful. You got this
Wow! Thank you so much. So many kind words. I'm just hoping to develop as many of my creative skills and offer what I can. The writing life can so hard
The industry is brutal and the more I learn about it, the more you realize the extent to which it is not a meritocracy. Great books get published and so do a hell of a lot of bad books. None of it makes sense. Regardless, you should be so proud of yourself. Maybe, something better for you will come soon.
watching this was sweet and i really appreciate you sharing this piece of your life online like this! just being able to get a glimpse into your journey &how you process desire/work/disappointment &creativity is very inspiring. i hope you get to share your novel with others in the way you want to in the future, but the work you share now is also very impactful!
Self publish King. Every word you speak and write is worth listening to if for no other reason than because YOU say so! And if you believe it, I believe it too! I was in the same boat until I got out of denial and realized I had to place the power in my own hands. I couldn’t have anyone else be responsible for telling MY story. And it was the best decision I ever made. Either way, I hope it all works out for you the way you want it to Black man. I support you 💯 percent. Respect to you! 🫡🏁
Stay tuned for my DIRECT ACTION 101 series in 2025!
I’m sorry your book isn’t going the way you thought, I read it and it was beautifully written while still bring concise. I think you write wonderfully. I’m so happy that are fulfilled because your work has made me a better person
I’ve been trying to get my foot in the door, and consistently feeling like my stuff isn’t made for mass consumption. I’m glad I’m not alone, esp as a black creative. Your words mean a lot to others, thank you for making this video.
I'm looking forward to the direct action series.
If you've got stories to be told, they're going to make it harder for you if you don't work on them, that's been my experience
We need your works in libraries. Publishing is one of capitalism's greatest vanguards in restricting our radical imagination. Take care of yourself and keep writing ❤
Thank you for this video! Watching and listening to your vulnerabilities and your honest thoughts was very cathartic while I sat here and ate lunch. I'm in the middle of a gigantic creative metamorphosis while dealing with some financial struggle. But I always return to believing that it's the art that will bring me through and break down the walls. It's the being with the art, the process, the relationship, the completion, every part of the art making journey that will lead to more directions. As well as THE REST. THE REST IS JUST AS VITAL and it's so EASY to forget that! Thank you!
I feel for you. On the book writing front, and that on processing grief. As a writer, as an artist, and as a human being. As I like to think of myself as *Amalgamation*, so too are you. We are the sum of many creative souls before, now, and after. We are more than the accolades, and the titles, and the product of 'us' we've been conditioned to sell within the systems of now. While I haven't read anything of yours, I have listened to many of those James Baldwin videos. I even bought a collection of his essays I found, not too long after one of said viewings. (Notes Of A Native Son) I read the first essay (Everybody's Protest Novel). I've had the book for a couple months. Man. I used to read books with such a voracious hunger as a child and young adult that now at 33, I've been trying to recover even a fraction of with varying success. Now I obsessively draw because it takes so little brain power in comparison to writing, or reading. Though, I hope you'll be able to share your novel with the folks who need it, when you can. Local publishing, or smaller publishers may be the way to go. There really is no shame in that. I know you've probably been aware of that, but sometimes having folks outside yourself say it, can help cement the thought. Make it more concrete.
I do a lot of academic writing and it's so mentally draining to keep sending your work and it getting rejected. I don't think I will ever be able to brush it off. Rest and reflection is an important element of the process.
+1 friend. I do scientific writing. I feel you.
thank u for continuing ur work
Well done for writing your book and documenting the process. The submission process sounds like playing the lottery. It's a matter of timing, chance and opinion. For every editor your agent submitted your work to, you're dealing with a number of variables (Did they read it? Were they in a good headspace? What are the objectives of the publisher and will your book align? What are their biases? Are they influenced by industry trends? etc.). Wanting industry recognition for your writing is valid. The intended audience for your work matters most. The route to your audience can vary.
Revisiting your character and understanding him through your present day eyes nudged you to visit your grandma in Jamaica (precious and invaluable time) and be present in the moment. Facing your underlying feelings and fears about your career as a writer and questioning the process itself is important. Working harder isn't the answer. Maybe redirecting your focus is.
Having your work published, read and discussed can make the time spent writing it feel worthwhile. The open-ended fate of your book can be destabilising as you say in the video, but don't doubt your ability. I understand the emotional toll the process has had on you. Timing is everything and like the wind, opinions shift. Root yourself in things you have the ability to shape.
God I love this channel. I want to write
So badly but idk where to start . Thank u for sharing your experiences. I agree with sm that u say. I’m a single mom to my 3 year old n ur videos feel
Like a hug to me. U are truly
A light and remember rest is resistance as well. Take as much time as u need❤
This is my first video I’m watching from you and feel so inspired, and pursuing your videos I can tell I’ll love being here. Subscribed :)
wow, thank you for watching!
I really appreciate you taking us on this vulnerable journey. You are good enough. Always remember that, if nothing else. I’m in the process of self publishing. As a black writer I queried a little but started looking at statistics. Only 1-2% of authors are traditionally published. Then add the fact that black authors make up less than 5% of traditionally published authors and 89% of publishers are white. Like, the playing field isn’t remotely leveled. I decided to keep my power and embrace the freedom of taking my story to readers. You’ve accomplished so much already! Best wishes on all your creative endeavors. ❤
I've been struggling as an animator to get stable work. The response of many employers to the writer's strike was to lay off a bunch of people. It showed that their greed knows no bounds yet, it's still been hard for animators like me to get any well paying decent work. This has made being an artist kinda sad as of late, but you've given me some hope. I want to make and find what makes me happy, which will be a long journey. But I hope to one day say I'm happy and have a life filled with all the things I like doing, not just art. Lastly I hope to help bring that joy and happiness to others! Looking forward to you Direct Action 101!!!
It really is odd time since so many industries are changing. But I'm wishing you the best and I can't wait for you to see the series come out in 2025
This was really powerful. I haven't even read your work yet but I know just from hearing you speak so vulnerably, I'd read anything you write. Your book will find a publisher when the time is right (which is so woo woo, I know, but the universe is not vibing with it right now). Watching you close out the video with such optimism is beautiful. You got this
Wow! Thank you so much. So many kind words. I'm just hoping to develop as many of my creative skills and offer what I can. The writing life can so hard
The industry is brutal and the more I learn about it, the more you realize the extent to which it is not a meritocracy. Great books get published and so do a hell of a lot of bad books. None of it makes sense. Regardless, you should be so proud of yourself. Maybe, something better for you will come soon.
watching this was sweet and i really appreciate you sharing this piece of your life online like this! just being able to get a glimpse into your journey &how you process desire/work/disappointment &creativity is very inspiring.
i hope you get to share your novel with others in the way you want to in the future, but the work you share now is also very impactful!
Oh that means so much to me. I'm definitely thinking of ways to share my writing differently next year
We are all 40 years too late.
this is a really beautiful video, thank you for sharing your path through writing
Thank you so much!
Vintage Vinyl! GOD I miss that place so much 🥺
i loveeddddd that store!
Grit.
Can I read your book I would love to
the new novel? or my memoir?
Self publish King. Every word you speak and write is worth listening to if for no other reason than because YOU say so! And if you believe it, I believe it too! I was in the same boat until I got out of denial and realized I had to place the power in my own hands. I couldn’t have anyone else be responsible for telling MY story. And it was the best decision I ever made. Either way, I hope it all works out for you the way you want it to Black man. I support you 💯 percent. Respect to you! 🫡🏁
this is really a big thing im gonna think about in the coming months. thank you for the encouragement!