Peace, peace, peace, peace, peace, all! Hope we are all doing well. I'm hanging in there best I can.Hopefully as many of you have seen or have been keeping up with me online I have released my book lessons and libations.
May 2 was an awesome release day!! And all the days leading up to that day were amazing days!
I appreciate everyone who has supported me in this project. 😀😀😀
If you are aware, then you are also aware that I am selling this book for free on my website and I’m leaving you the link here. payhip.com/StoriesAndSound
I just wanted to pop in here and give you guys an update. Also on that site are my other works chicken soup and a shot of Jack and my first poetry book fire, molten and ash, so if you enjoy lessons and libations, please come back and get those other two books.
I have been dropping a lot of different posts on social media platforms i.e. IG Facebook, and Twitter so you can definitely check out those posts there as well.
I’m gonna leave you guys with this picture which is kind of a synopsis of lessons and libations. Wish you a happy Monday and two fingers deuces. ✌
So I was sitting here doom scrolling through Instagram. And I came across a quote by bell hooks that said, "no one healed in isolation". I t hit me in such a way that I am still in awe, and as I dictate this message... I realize that’s what I’ve been doing.
Being an isolation is a special kind of drug. It’s a special kind of comfort that is more than mashed potatoes and gravy or turkey on Thanksgiving with fresh veggies from a good haul. Isolation is not necessarily a place that you go, but a place that you end up. It is sometimes the destination that happens when you go into the world. But you don’t have a destination in mind. You just end up going out into the world and experiencing it and the people.
And sometimes you end up getting burned.
And that’s one of the things that lead to isolation.
And you get comfortable in whatever sickness that it is, that you know, that you understand, that you smell and feel and hear and touch and taste every single moment.
I wanted to write or dictate this message because, in all the things that I’m doing right now with promoting my book and working and thinking about the jobs that I don’t have; the job that I don’t have, is the one I want the most. The onethat don’t pay any money But it has a title, a purpose and every day duties.
I’m in isolation and if I do not heal in isolation, then I will continue to be.
Peace, peace, peace, ladies, and gentlemen this is your host poet 402 and I just wanna send a shout out to all the poets and the writers. Happy April! Happy National Poetry Month! So in honor of 30 for 30 I am
putting down my pen and a little bit of creative energy for this project here. Hope you guys enjoy the video underneath. The poem will be the written out under this post
Just a reminder, ladies and gentlemen, I am still working hard at the new book. If you’re following me on social media, I am putting up some videos about the title release, as well as giving thanksfor some of the poets and writers and podcasters who are helping my in this word journey
Thank you again for the support and remember comments are always welcome
I’ve been keeping something under wraps for a while, but it’s finally time to share—I’ve been working on a new book!
If you’ve been following my journey, you know that storytelling is at the core of everything I do. From Chicken Soup and A Shot of Jack to Fire Molten & Ash, my writing has always been about capturing real, raw moments with characters who feel like people you know. And this next book? It’s no different.
This project has been a labor of love—one that blends lessons, struggles, and a touch of the unexpected. I want this book to be a quick but powerful sampler of my writing, something that showcases different sides of my work. Expect a mix of flash fiction, prose, poetry, & stories that hit hard and linger long after the last page.
I’m aiming for an April 20th release, and I can’t wait to share more details in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes insights, and of course THE TITLE RELEASE! If you’ve enjoyed my past work, I promise this one will be worth the wait.
Let’s raise a glass (or a pen) to the next chapter!
Drop a comment or hit me up—what do you hope to see in this book?
Today was a great day! I woke up with some creative plans, direct deposit in the bank, and the get-up-and-go to make it all work.
We all know that being an indie artist is not for the weak. It ain't fair-weather friend time when your dream is on the line, and your life-line to this thing we call life.
In any case, I posted this video which seemed to touch people in the right way. I'm pretty happy about it, so I also just posted it here, because I believe it's in the "stories" section of most of my social media. When it's there, it's a limited time, but I wanted to share it with everyone because digital don't die. (That's why it's important we put good energy out into the universe--it comes back, truss!)
Also just been in a creative bag. I'm gettin' things done, and feelin' pretty good about the process. So the other night, I was just f'n around on in the studio with some sounds and came up with a lil tune. Next thing I know, I'm f'n around with some phone footage and a pen and paper. I didn't want to write a whole poem, but I wanted to present this work in a different way. So here's a bit of creativity on overload. I'll also put the poem in poetic form here. Enjoy it.
We Digest Differently
A few,
lines for
Life, some
substance
for stanzas,
Allowing the
corner,
for the consumer--
b/c I overstand
we digest
art
differently
_________________
See, I told you it was short, see, I told you I wanted to present it in a different way. All in all, this was a good day, a productive day, a busy day without the benefit of sweat, stink, and a stiff back at the day's end. I hope your day was peaceful, & productive.
Remember, keep an eye out for announcements coming!
What's good? Hoping all is well in your world, in your life, and with your people. Was feeling a bit creative this weekend, sooo...I put together a lil video, a lil poem, and a lil music. I titled it "The Colored Poem" (has nothing to do with race, but more color based) Remember to comment and thanks for comin' thru!
There’s something about sitting in a room full of storytellers that makes you want to write. That’s exactly how I felt after attending a panel of award-winning mystery and thriller authors at the Tattered Cover Book Store. The event featured an impressive lineup: Jennifer K. Morita, D.M. Rowell (Koyh Mi O Boy Dah), Cayce Osborne, Wes Browne, Alex Kenna, Maria Kelson, and Mindy Carlson.
Each author read a brief excerpt from their work, giving us just enough to hook our curiosity and leave us wanting more. It’s one thing to read a mystery novel on your own, but hearing the words spoken aloud by the person who crafted them adds another level of intensity. The cadence, the pauses, the way they delivered suspense—it was a masterclass in storytelling.
The variety of stories and styles was striking. Some leaned into psychological suspense, others into hardboiled crime, and a few had a literary flair that elevated the genre in unexpected ways. What united them all was their ability to grip an audience, both on the page and in person.
Beyond the readings, the authors shared insights into their writing processes, how they build tension, and what keeps them returning to mystery and thriller fiction. It’s always fascinating to hear how different writers approach their craft—some are meticulous plotters, while others let the story reveal itself as they go.
One of the most inspiring moments of the night came when D.M. Rowell spoke about her Native and Kiowa heritage. She shared how her cultural background shapes her writing, weaving history and tradition into her stories in a way that honors her ancestors while crafting compelling narratives. Her passion was palpable, and it was a reminder of how deeply personal storytelling can be.
Maria Kelson also stood out to me—not just because of her insights into writing mystery but because she
spoke about being a poet. In a room full of crime fiction writers, hearing her perspective made me feel a slight kinship. As someone who has written poetry, I understand that poetic sensibilities can shape prose in interesting ways, bringing rhythm and lyricism to even the most suspenseful of stories.
Tattered Cover, with its cozy but lively atmosphere, was the perfect backdrop for an evening like this. The audience was engaged, asking thoughtful questions and soaking up every bit of wisdom these authors had to share. Here are some other pictures and videos of the authors.
It was a good night—one that reminded me why I love storytelling and the community that surrounds it. If you ever get the chance to attend an event like this, take it. You never know what sparks of inspiration you’ll walk away with.
And finally here are the videos I took of the event.
Ok kids, that's all I have. Keep an eye open for more update on projects I'm working on, as you can tell from this post, I am very hard at work. Until next time--peace!
