I once read somewhere the hardest part of writing comes after the manuscript is complete. Later, I read that all first drafts were trash. I thought the people who wrote those things were idiots. How wrong I was. Some people have problems putting words on the page. This is why most manuscripts are never finished.Continue reading "Manuscript Anxiety"
Inspiration Comes from Everywhere
As you'll find if you read my blog thoroughly enough, I grew up in the Robert Taylor Projects on the Southside of Chicago. If you do any research, you'll find it was not the ideal place to grow up, being overwhelmed with drugs and gang activity. But it is where I am from, and IContinue reading "Inspiration Comes from Everywhere"
A Personal Reflection on the Business of Self-Publishing
As a self-published writer, I find myself seeking tools that can not only help me sell more books but that can also help me in my writing process. To help other writers braving this unforgivable landscape we call self-publishing, I am writing this blog "The Business of Self-Publishing." The greatest advice I can give toContinue reading "A Personal Reflection on the Business of Self-Publishing"
Increasing Book Sales With KDP Rocket
*Updated 01/25/2025 This article is about how to increase book sales with Publisher Rocket. As a note, "Publisher Rocket" is formerly "KDP Rocket". It was designed by Dave Chesson, This is a Publisher Rocket review that's straightforward and describes the benefits of the program. To continue, Publisher Rocket is a program that is not aContinue reading "Increasing Book Sales With KDP Rocket"
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck is not your normal self-help book, and it is not for the faint of heart. This book doesn't coddle you into feeling better or amp you up into believing you can do anything. Instead, it tells you how life is and suggests that you just deal withContinue reading "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck"
What It Means to Be a Self-Published, Indie Author in 2018
A lot of writers who do not have book deals classify themselves as self-published or indie authors. They take on that title and expect instant success. Most of the time, if their first book does not do well, these "authors" drop out of the race to being America's next great writer. Over the last twoContinue reading "What It Means to Be a Self-Published, Indie Author in 2018"
A Review of A Higher Loyalty by James Comey
James Comey’s book A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership is a trip through the mind of one of the humblest men to pen a book and put it all on the line. At times, Comey opens to the point of vulnerability, expressing his true feelings and daring not hold back. Years from now, thisContinue reading "A Review of A Higher Loyalty by James Comey"
Becoming Writer: Formal Education as an Author Versus None as a Writer
Yesterday, a fellow blogger asked me a good question about formal education as a writer versus no formal education as a writer. A lot of writers struggle with this. Some see education as the end all, be all that will make them a best-seller. Others who don't have this education sometimes feel inadequate. It tookContinue reading "Becoming Writer: Formal Education as an Author Versus None as a Writer"
This Year So Far as a Writer
This year has been one of the most successful and stressful for me as a writer. I am in my third semester of a Creative Writing MFA program that requires a bunch of reading and writing, I have done a poetry reading, gotten into a car accident, written a novella, published a novella, worked onContinue reading "This Year So Far as a Writer"
A Newborn
Nearly three months ago, my third beautiful daughter was born. Her eyes are a color I have never seen before and I cannot name. I was hoping for my first son, but I'm blessed either way. The question is, where do I go from here?
The Reeders Block 