Last Call. Late, but Last Call

It’s 11:20pm on my side of town.  Almost 24 down from when this was supposed to be posted. But fuck time, fuck the temple, the tyrants and time-keepers with their horrible and wrinkled hands.  It’s a new day beautiful; coming with consequences, both wonderful and scary in its effect.  So enjoy the day, enjoy the post, enjoy the words, and above all, enjoy life!

when you can

Last Call for ’24 (for blog)

Last call 

comrade,

Last call 

chief,

Last 

call citizen,

some seek relief.

Our wrongs, our 

rights, our 

peace fingers 

follow into the night

as we celebrate

life—

Around the sun

around the horn

around the joy

around the scorn

24 in a day

24 when Kobe played

24, divisible in the shade

Last call

lil’ children

Last call 

lucky couple

Last call 

spammers 

Last call

trolls with trouble

To the 

pressure pushers, the 

narrative thieves, the 

corrupt politicians &

the religious zealots 

always in need

Finding a new 

patsy, for this 

new year, maybe 

harder than you think

Many,

grown wiser

Research revealed 

reasons & this 

dedication

for information

is creating a 

new season

Last call 

for the experience 

Last call 

for the moment

& manipulators laying 

doubt at 

the feet of 

self and supporters 

So drink hearty

if hero status you 

seek

Drink hearty

for health you 

reap

And finally

Drink hearty

for our future

is at 

the brink.

Rain Poem (in 3 parts

Peace peace,

So I try and write every day.  One of the things I try and do daily is an online exercise called #vss365.  It stands Very Short Story 365 days a year.  It gives a word prompt and you get to create from it. This exercise keeps me pretty motivated to write.

In any case the word for today was "rain" so I did a couple poems, and a concept based on that.  So like, enjoy the damn video already! lol 

 

Celebrate Your Books, No Matter Their Age

 We must celebrate our  books often.  Celebrate them on snow days and sunny ones.  Celebrate them with videos and readings and music!  I'm celebrating my book, Fire Molten & Ash today with this video.  So celebrate with me, watch, listen, buy and read!

Click this link to buy https://payhip.com/b/W78E6

(also it's my birthday month, and this would be a great present for me...and You!...or like the book lover in your life)

New Poem "I Sit"

 so I wrote, and edited some thangs, enjoy.

Love Online Open Mics? Check out Tuesdays With Terra

What up peoples! On Tuesday, June 9 I did an open mic/IG live with Terra who does an open mic at 7pm, est. She calls her open mic, Tuesdays with Terra, and she is a really really dope host. I also know that she is a big fan of spoken word. She is also a phenomenal writer herself. 

It was really cool going on with Terra because I like to participate in open mics that I can do from the crib. I also like IG lives/open mics because you get to see the faces in the reactions and everything else like that. I’m definitely endorsing Tuesdays with Terra for any open as well as her page. Her profile is dope, she’s on IG under @t.june_writes so check out her profile.   

The other thing that I really enjoyed about the open mic was, while I was talking with her she was really going through my page and trying to like figure out who I was! She mentioned this blog, and that was a deal sealer for me! It was my first time being there so that was a very dope experience. 

She’s a writer who cares, she’s a writer who listens, she’s a host who cares and she’s a host who listens so definitely check out Tuesdays with Terra and give her some support. 

The final thing that I like about Tuesdays with Terra, is it people will DM her poems  (because some people don’t really like reading their poetry) however Terra will read their poetry if you just  DM her! 

So open up those phones, if they’re not open already, go to IG (instagram) and search t.june_writes and check her out!!

P.S. Terra, if you seeing this, I’ll be back!!

Trials and Triumphs: Navigating Website Updates & Sales for Indie Authors

What's good Readers, Writers, & Authors

Today, I want to share a behind-the-scenes look at a challenge many self-published authors face: maintaining and updating our websites. It’s an essential part of our journey, yet it’s often fraught with frustration and technical hiccups. Allow me to take you through my experience and explain why having a website is so crucial for any author.

The Digital Labyrinth

When I first embarked on my self-publishing journey, the idea of creating a website seemed like an exciting endeavor. It was my little corner of the internet where I could connect with readers, share updates, and, of course, sell my books. Little did I know that the digital labyrinth I was stepping into would test my patience and resilience.

Technical Troubles

Updating a website is not for the faint-hearted, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. For instance, a simple task like adding a new blog post or updating book cover images often turns into a multi-hour ordeal, involving troubleshooting broken links, misaligned text, and unexpected formatting errors. And let’s not forget the occasional website crashes that make your heart race and palms sweat.

Time-Consuming Tasks

As a self-published author, you wear many hats: writer, marketer, social media manager, and, yes, webmaster. Each of these roles demands time and attention, and updating your website can easily consume

hours that could have been spent writing your next masterpiece. Balancing these responsibilities often means late nights and early mornings, trying to squeeze in website maintenance amidst your writing schedule.

The Importance of a Website

Despite these challenges, maintaining a website is not just a necessary evil but a cornerstone of an author’s success. Here’s why:

Building Your Brand

Your website is your brand’s home base. It’s where readers get to know you, your work, and your story. A well-maintained site with regular updates keeps your readers engaged and informed. It’s a space where you can express your personality and build a loyal following.

Direct Sales

Selling your book through your website is a game-changer. Not only do you avoid the hefty commissions taken by third-party platforms, (ie Amazon) but you also have the opportunity to offer exclusive content, signed copies, and special discounts. This direct connection with your readers can boost your sales and deepen your relationship with your audience.

Central Hub for Marketing

Your website acts as a central hub for all your marketing efforts. Whether you’re running a blog, sending out newsletters, or sharing on social media, everything should point back to your website. It’s where readers can find all the information they need about your books, upcoming events, and how to connect with you.

Credibility and Professionalism

A professional-looking website lends credibility to your work. It shows that you’re serious about your writing career and willing to invest in your brand. Readers are more likely to trust and buy from an author with a polished online presence.

New Updates to my website iwritebooks.yolasite.com

I'm very happy to announce that I will be releasing some music and spoken word poetry via my new store.  I have partnered with payhip.com to upload some new and unreleased music.  Payhip has made uploading material super easy, and I am able to structure the works to be affordable and enjoyable.  I've updated links to the site and added a few pictures

So be on the lookout for more spoken word singles and possibly some EPs (if those are still a thing)!

Embrace the Journey

As daunting as it can be, managing and updating your website is an integral part of being a self-published author. It’s a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Remember, every update and every tweak brings you one step closer to building a stronger connection with your readers and achieving your goals.

So, if you’re a fellow author wrestling with your website, know that you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this digital labyrinth together, and the rewards of a well-maintained website—greater reader engagement, direct sales, and a solid personal brand—make the effort worthwhile.

Thank you for joining me on this behind-the-scenes look at the trials and triumphs of website management. If you have any tips, experiences, or questions about maintaining your own author website, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Together, we can support each other in this multifaceted journey of self-publishing.

Happy writing and happy website updating!

Another Open Mic Jam

Sorry, no words, only sound.

Below