Dreams Die when you Give Up, Work Hard and Make it Happen

Published: Sat, 03/25/17

“Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.”

― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

Hey Family

I amazed myself a week ago with how I handled a particular situation. It brought back some tough memories of rejection and helplessness but it also reminded me how far I had come.

I remember my early days in my journey as writer. This was the days before the self publishing revolution and a time when the gatekeepers dominated your access to traditional publishing. In those days, the only way forward was through the gatekeepers and that was supremely difficult especially for a black kid with my unique style of fiction

Imagine my challenges with the Urban Fantastic genre. The rejections came thick and fast. Interesting enough the feedback from these gatekeepers was encouraging. I came away thinking my writing style wasn't the problem but my characters and plots were a point of contention. It also seemed like my futuristic thrillers were too political or unrealistic (Huh!) and my horror fiction too niche (What!)

Self Publishing Secrets

It was a depressing period but I never gave up.

So, fast forward in time and I'm in Central London at an event called Sisters in Science Fiction a week ago and I'm networking. I meet this gentleman whose associated with a Sci-Fi book Club saying he would be interested in introducing some new talent to his members. I approached him after the proceedings and was told with a straight face they don't accept self published authors because the quality of their books are suspect.

I didn't get angry because this man will never understood how hard I work to give my readers the best reading experience I can give them from cover to content. And that takes a team of professionals. Paid professionals. I thanked him and was about to move on when he stopped me and earnestly said.

"Anton I have a contact in a small press. I could introduce you two at our next meeting."

I look him up and down and laugh.

'No thanks," I say. " I'm good."

What a difference a decade makes.

Back in the day I'd be scrambling to take up his offer. Never again. Massive changes in the publishing world have made it possible to control your own literary destiny. Look at me, talking to my family of readers, who have access to my work anytime and anywhere.

I couldn't ask for anything more.

Thanks for the support guys I appreciate the hell out of you.

Peace!

Above is the final cover for the first of my 4 Part Sci-FI Fantasy Young Adult series . Joshua N'Gon: Last Prince of Alkebulahn. I'm creating an Early Notification List for you guys who want be informed when the book is ready. I'm projecting June 2017 for publication but I'll periodically stay in contact with the group and make sure to give you a taster of the characters and the story with updates on launch times especially 1 week and a day out. Join the list HERE.

Look forward to hearing from you.

P.S. If you haven't got my futuristic thriller yet - In the Days of Dread, its still available for free for you guys facilitated by the great guys at Instafreebie. Share the link with your friends. Check it out here.