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!

We got some mid-month poetry for U

 What's good peoples!!  I'm sitting here at my day job, (as a highschool dean) and just tryin' to get through my day.

Can I tell ya'll it's been rough AF today!!  Well like I tell the students, find a coping skill, use the shit out of it, and get through the day.

My coping skill is...yep, you guessed it--writing, posting, and publishing poetry.  So here is my poetry for the day, celebrating the month, and helping me cope!

Told you poetry is powerful!!

This That: My Job Sucks, Because I Work At A School Shit

I (adults)

It’s the 

two cents 

that’s senseless, 

but keeps 

adding up to 

the deficit I feel

when working this job.

These team messages 

be like a 

torch bearing mob,

or like 

the Italian mob,

but their messages 

ain’t gangsta’ enough

to be the 

Mob Boss–

I applied, was confirmed,

& accepted,

so let me do my, damn

job!

Support is cool,

but should only be given

when asked.

So if you just chimin’ in

it’s not really 

appreciated, & 

actually, it makes my day

more ass.

_____________

This That: My Job Sucks, Because I Work At A School Shit

II (students)

Ain’t wastin’ my 

breath

on babies who 

don’t believe they can

succeed

especially if their 

mind-frame ain’t 

ready for seeds 

to be, planted.

Wandering the halls

skippin’ class;

makin’ me lose my cool

& hollerin’---

dammit!

I’m like the 

Big Bad Bandit 

whose job it is t

to punish–

Refocus room like a jail cell

for youth &

I’m the Devil

running Hell,

whose job it is to,

set fire on they ass

till they learn from the blues,

they give, to 

others

The Long Pause Ends

 

It's November.  I can believe it, even if I don't want to.  I haven't blogged in about 4 months.  

Recap:

• School started in August--1st time history teacher, teaching in a pandemic in some aftermath of summer racial protest
• Working from home with family.  Bounced between having a three year old and one year old at home while I was working.
• Financial issues as only working one job, and depending on book sales.
• Worked on various marketing strategies for book; ie book reviews, articles written about book, personal videos on IG, Facebook, & Twitter, ads through Facebook--still not a bestseller
• Inconsistent #vss365 writings
• On hiatus with Wherdzmyth magazine, however did write one article last month
• Felt need to write creative post

So yes, has been a busy bit of time for life.  Teaching is not an easy job.  Do I enjoy it more than working at the mental hospital?--absolutely do!  Do I miss really focusing on writing, developing stories, or creating marketing materials for books?--absolutely do!

Because I started back doing some #vss365 writings and posting them on Instagram and other places, I thought, meh, what the hell--go 'head and do a blog post too.  So this work is from 10/31, and has a bit of a halloween feel, but not totally. Please enjoy the ranting creativity of the word #danger.

#Danger, danger

like Things Stranger,

Penny It’s is rising 

from Hell’s grip—

& Nightmares masks

are manufactured on Elm

as sharpened gloves

remain on charred helms

It’s the 31st so quench 

your thirst w/the blood

from infected innocents 

@ your door

#vss365 #danger 

I initially posted this piece on Twitter, and thought I'd get a good response.  Not that I was seeking hard for a good response.  But I thought it was a good piece for Halloween and a bit clever.  However, I was wrong.  Not a real big response.  And speaking of Twitter, I haven't been getting a much in the way of engagement from them as late.  So it may get lowered on the social media food chain so to speak.  

The next two are blog exclusives! 

The voices are

waking 

placing my safety 

in #danger

As sitting still or

sleeping becomes impossible 

in this pre-manic state,

I want to swallow 

this fearful hollow hole

tied to my frontal lobe

Yet I am late 

with my lithium 

here come the 

white coats, ready to

take me,

captive once more.

I really liked this piece; wrote it while being a 1:1 with a mentally ill patient during a shift I picked up at the hospital.  Who can say the dangers of mental health aren't real. Who can say living that best life isn't hard, isn't frustrating.  Just realized the pic cut the words off a bit, but that's why the poem is written across from it...you know balancing the picture with the poem.

NEXT!!

#Dangerous puss popped

from space pimple.

The ooze from 

ozone layer infection created

COVID—

It wasn’t the Chinese.

They were just

victims of Venus’

vicious plan to vaporize 

the human race.

As we run to the polls

placing our fate

to liver spotted faces

because we refused to try

fresh faces;

we deserve our choice.

Climate control 

refused by the boys

allowed the lack of belief 

to make the world 

bleed

Who's not up for a selfie poem.  I really enjoyed writing this one simply because it's political, it's conspiracy, it's Covid; we vote in like 48 hours...it's just a lot of stuff I liked writing in this piece. 

I hoped you enjoyed this post.  I've been thinking of doing a mash-up rough cut spoken word piece of the last few #vss365 poems.  If you think it'd be a good idea, then drop a line, and let me know.

And for those who don't know #vss365=VeryShortStory365 (like in days)

Until next time readers!!