Let’s Win the Game 🎲💎🕹️

Published: Thu, 07/18/24

Updated: Fri, 07/19/24

Either You Play the Game or Watch the Game Play You.

J Cole

I’ve accepted that I’m a late bloomer. I could have saved myself the heartache of thinking I was somehow deficient when I was younger, but as they say, with age comes wisdom.
Well, in some cases, at least.
It hurts when you’re told you can’t do the one thing you feel is your destiny on this earth. Just because your burgeoning talent, discipline, and passion haven’t caught up with you yet doesn’t mean you will never get there. You’ll just take longer than what is expected of you.

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If you can't change the cards your dealt, change how you play your hand.

And that’s how this article began.
A stray memory.
You know me; my head is in the clouds, spinning tales of imaginative worlds and alternate realities. But sometimes, the real world interrupts my musing, and I must stop and take notes.
I seem to be coming across people with so much talent who, for whatever reason, are just beginning their journey of making a difference in the world. Yet they are being told that the game is over, and they have nothing to contribute because of their age, the colour of their skin, their religion, or their sexual orientation.

🌠 Enter the Character Creation Challenge! 🌠

Every unforgettable story starts with compelling characters. This month, we’re inviting you to breathe life into a new character fit for a speculative fiction universe. Whether your creation belongs in the corridors of a spacecraft, the depths of an enchanted forest, or the bustling streets of a dystopian city, we want to see what you can imagine!

Challenge Details: Create a character based on the theme of "Survival in a Strange World". Your character should possess traits that make survival possible in unusual or harsh environments. Think about abilities, skills, personality traits, and physical characteristics that would help your character thrive.

How to Participate:Character Description: Submit a detailed description of your character (300 words max). Include their name, age, appearance, abilities, background, and how they cope with the challenges of their world.
Character Art (optional): If you’re artistically inclined, feel free to include an original drawing or digital artwork of your character.

Judging Criteria:

Originality: How unique is your character?
Relevance to Theme: How well does your character fit the survival theme?
Detail: How vividly and thoroughly have you described your character?
Creativity in Abilities: How interesting and fitting are the character’s abilities?

Prizes:

🥇 First Place: A feature in our next newsletter, a $25 bookstore gift card, and a chance to write a guest post or interview about how you came up with a character in the Character Creation Challenge.

🥈 Second Place: Your First Line Hook featured in my newsletter and a $15 Amazon gift card.

🥉 Third Place: Your First Line Hook in one of my Facebook posts and a $10 Amazon gift card

Submission Deadline

Get ready to Create a Character that will thrill and excite readers. DM me on Instagram at @AntonMarks_Author. Be sure to get your submissions in by 31th July 2024.

Let’s face it: not all of us were dealt a royal flush in life. Some of us came to the table with a handful of mismatched cards, wondering how the hell we’re supposed to win this game. Maybe you weren’t born with a silver spoon, or you’re feeling like life’s race started without you. Well, I’m here to tell you that the game ain’t over yet.

quote changed my life and saved my mental well-being.

Trevor - Agent of the Nation of Rasta Fari

In the Days of Dread - Futuristic Thriller.

The Late Bloomer’s Advantage

Y’all know I didn’t publish my first novel until my late twenties. In a world obsessed with child prodigies and 30-under-30 lists, it’s easy to feel like you’ve missed the boat. But here’s the truth: there’s no expiration date on success.

Think about it like this: while everyone else is burning out from their early sprint, you’re just warming up for the marathon. You’ve got life experience, perspective, and a hunger that those early birds might have lost along the way. Use it.

Flip the Script on Your Disadvantages

These so-called disadvantages are your superpowers. Maybe you grew up in a neighbourhood where dreams went to die. Perhaps the colour of your skin or the accent in your voice made people underestimate you. Here’s where you get to be the author of your own story.

That tough upbringing? It gave you resilience. Those prejudices you faced? They honed your ability to navigate complex social situations. In my books, I often write about characters who use their unique backgrounds to solve problems no one else can. That’s you in real life, my friend.

The Autodidact’s Toolkit

Here’s a secret: information is the great equalizer in today’s world. You don’t need a fancy degree to learn. The internet is your oyster, and knowledge is the pearl. Whether AI, writing, business, or underwater basket weaving, if you can imagine it, then you can learn it.

Set aside time each day to study. It doesn’t have to be hours—even 30 minutes of focused learning can add up. Read books, take online courses, and listen to podcasts. Be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.

Find Your Tribe

Success isn’t a solo journey. Look for mentors, peers, and supporters who share your vision. It can be challenging to create something new and different from the norm. In my case, I found open-minded people who appreciated stories that were culturally different from the usual.

Your tribe might be different. Maybe it’s a group of aspiring entrepreneurs or a community of self-taught artists. Whoever they are, find them. Learn from them. Grow with them.

Create Your Own Lane

The beautiful thing about starting late or coming from behind is that you’re not bound by traditional rules. You can create your own path.

In my writing, I blend African and Caribbean folklore with futuristic tech. It’s a niche I carved out for myself and sets my work apart. What unique blend of skills and experiences can you bring to your field?

Don’t just follow the established playbook—write a new one.

The Underdog’s Mindset

Lastly, embrace the underdog mentality. Let every “no” fuel your determination, and let every setback sharpen your focus. The world loves an underdog story—why not make yours the next one they tell?

Remember, fam, success isn’t about where you start. It’s about where you finish, and more importantly, how you run your race. So lace up those shoes, stretch those muscles, and get ready to win this game—disadvantages and all.

Until next time, keep your head in the stars and your feet on the ground.

Peace, love and power.

Be Your Own Hero.