Like any artist, I thrive off of positive feedback. This past week, two great people with an appreciation for my work gave me some quotable compliments. The first comes from a cat who found the teaser of [If] Life's Rotten, Write to the Core on Issuu:
"This is an excellent collection of poems. The Roots are one of my favorite groups and I was delighted to see the quote from the "Game Theory" album start this off. The poems "Screw Love" and "Who" stood out for me. I love what you did with the line "Dicing me to multiple personalities" in the poem "New Girl". The idea of writing prompts gives your work an almost interactive feel. Also, the way you word them adds to your poetic message." - djareck.
The other comes from a singer/songwriter whom I recently befriended on Myspace:
"Ain, I am so impressed with your writings. They give such a detailed view of your thoughts and experiences. You do this with a cultural twist that does not seek approval of anyone. Kudos girl! You may have heard this before, but your intellect is similar to that of Susan Rice... Your intellect is similar to hers, albeit your expression is creative as opposed to political. Again, I just want you to know that your energy does not go unnoticed. Keep doing what you do! We are all better for it." - D. Alexander
Ain: The Pimp.
Out of nowhere, she goes “I don’t pimp my poetry.” First, I try to see if anyone else shares my reaction. I scan around the table and try to figure out what the other three people at my Soul Café poetry Meetup are thinking.
She continues, “You’ll never see me passing out cards with my stage name on it, or trying to sell CDs, or trying to sell books. I don't even tell people about my blog. I just do it because I love to do it.”
At this point, I’m thinking “STFU, please.”
Wait. Backtrack.
She introduced herself at the beginning of the meeting and said that in her “real life” she works as a [insert well-paying career here]. Now it makes sense. I can respect that. Unfortunately, she made trying to make a living off of your craft something ugly and illicit.
I wanted to respond with something profound, which I ultimately didn’t wind up doing. I simply hold up my book again and say, “Yeah, well I’m trying to make a living off of my work. This is my life and I want to get paid.” (Actors do it. Musicians do it. Visual Artists do it.)
Of course, once I get into my car and drive away after the meeting I begin to think of more clever responses, for example, pointing out that “pimping” implies taking advantage of a situation, and when I’m in a position to take my poetry to the highest level, I’m going to be a pimping mothaf*cka.
It was almost as motivating as it was insulting when she kind of frowned up her face as if she were in a different class of poets from those who push their work for profit. She almost made me forget about Jessica Care Moore, Saul Williams, Poetri and a beautiful cat by the name of Versiz who has a hot double album.
At the end of the meeting, she spit a poem and split.
By the way, buy my book.
She continues, “You’ll never see me passing out cards with my stage name on it, or trying to sell CDs, or trying to sell books. I don't even tell people about my blog. I just do it because I love to do it.”
At this point, I’m thinking “STFU, please.”
Wait. Backtrack.
She introduced herself at the beginning of the meeting and said that in her “real life” she works as a [insert well-paying career here]. Now it makes sense. I can respect that. Unfortunately, she made trying to make a living off of your craft something ugly and illicit.
I wanted to respond with something profound, which I ultimately didn’t wind up doing. I simply hold up my book again and say, “Yeah, well I’m trying to make a living off of my work. This is my life and I want to get paid.” (Actors do it. Musicians do it. Visual Artists do it.)
Of course, once I get into my car and drive away after the meeting I begin to think of more clever responses, for example, pointing out that “pimping” implies taking advantage of a situation, and when I’m in a position to take my poetry to the highest level, I’m going to be a pimping mothaf*cka.
It was almost as motivating as it was insulting when she kind of frowned up her face as if she were in a different class of poets from those who push their work for profit. She almost made me forget about Jessica Care Moore, Saul Williams, Poetri and a beautiful cat by the name of Versiz who has a hot double album.
At the end of the meeting, she spit a poem and split.
By the way, buy my book.
Prison. Where do you from there?
I attended a panel discussion last week with Michael Eric Dyson, Stic.man of Dead Prez and Kevin Powell. It was a great discussion hosted at Morehouse College about black men and education. I walked away charged and inspired to continue making a difference by using my craft. Of all the topics that the group touched on, MED used a phrase that really stuck with me about how prisons "castrate the future of men." The next day, I came across this independent film on Vimeo that really captured that sentiment artistically. The video was directed by Mario Lizondo of Spain. The storyline was strong. Nice work and awesome delivery!
Check it out:
God Bless You - Short film from Lizondo on Vimeo
Check it out:
God Bless You - Short film from Lizondo on Vimeo
Yelp Review of the Day!
I Yelp, which means I write candid, totally honest reviews of places I go. Yelping is fun and affords me yet another opportunity to write. Anyone can Yelp. If you dig going to new places and sharing your experience with others (whether it's to brag or bash), Yelp is a great spot to do it. Not to mention you get to meet pretty decent people in your area, find out about new and interesting spots, and get invited to some pretty swanky Yelp-hosted events.
Where was I going with this? *Glances up at post title*
Oh yeah, my review for West Egg Cafe was the Review of the Day! I don't think it's sad at all that this was a major highlight of my weekend. Hell, it ain't easy. If you live in the Atlanta area, or if you visit often, feel free to follow my reviews. You may be lucky enough to run into me. There's only so much cyberstalking one can do until your curiosity to meet me in person becomes too much to handle. Just joking. Not really.
Aside from getting a total high off of my popular review and writing two more today simply because of that recognition, I've been working on my girl's bio. She takes incredible photos. I know I've dropped her info more than a few times but she's ridiculously dope and pretty green behind the lens so that makes her even more impressive.
I'm hoping to shoot with her again soon. Of course, I have to deliver a banging bio 1st. The life of a creative is forever filled with awesomely boast-worthy barters.
Now if I can only convince Coldwell Bank, Chase, Capitol One, Verizon and Kroger that they need my services...
Where was I going with this? *Glances up at post title*
Oh yeah, my review for West Egg Cafe was the Review of the Day! I don't think it's sad at all that this was a major highlight of my weekend. Hell, it ain't easy. If you live in the Atlanta area, or if you visit often, feel free to follow my reviews. You may be lucky enough to run into me. There's only so much cyberstalking one can do until your curiosity to meet me in person becomes too much to handle. Just joking. Not really.
Aside from getting a total high off of my popular review and writing two more today simply because of that recognition, I've been working on my girl's bio. She takes incredible photos. I know I've dropped her info more than a few times but she's ridiculously dope and pretty green behind the lens so that makes her even more impressive.
I'm hoping to shoot with her again soon. Of course, I have to deliver a banging bio 1st. The life of a creative is forever filled with awesomely boast-worthy barters.
Now if I can only convince Coldwell Bank, Chase, Capitol One, Verizon and Kroger that they need my services...
Back from Detroit & Back to the Grind.
One of my favorite bloggers turned 21 last Friday and I traveled to my hometown of Motown to celebrate. We had a blast with family and friends. I left my computer in the A and avoided work and writing for the entire weekend.
Now I'm back in my sanctuary, encircled by the smoke of lavender incense and listening to Gil Scott-Heron, searching for inspiration. I had a short story deadline today that I decided not to meet. I really had hopes on entering a Creative Loafing contest but since creative writing isn't supposed to be stressful, I'll reach for the prize next year. For the rest of the day, I'll be working on a bio for my beautiful friend and photographer, TT Coles.
I'll also be going to this event at Sugarhill tonight: (see you there?)
Looking forward to the artistic motivation I get this evening to usher in a creatively productive weekend that will set off an amazing week :-)
Now I'm back in my sanctuary, encircled by the smoke of lavender incense and listening to Gil Scott-Heron, searching for inspiration. I had a short story deadline today that I decided not to meet. I really had hopes on entering a Creative Loafing contest but since creative writing isn't supposed to be stressful, I'll reach for the prize next year. For the rest of the day, I'll be working on a bio for my beautiful friend and photographer, TT Coles.
I'll also be going to this event at Sugarhill tonight: (see you there?)
Looking forward to the artistic motivation I get this evening to usher in a creatively productive weekend that will set off an amazing week :-)
Free Book Marketing Guide.
Greetings fellow writers! I came across this really handy guide from Wheat Mark for writers on marketing your own work. Thought I'd share. Admittedly, I haven't really read it thoroughly, but the skim through was impressive enough to post. Hope it helps!
Click here for the PDF and save as a copy!
Ciao.
Click here for the PDF and save as a copy!
Ciao.
Tuesday Dose of Inspiration.
This is a short of my dear Margaret. She's truly an inspiration for women (and men) who are dedicated to their grind and those who step out on faith and take their career/passion into their own hands. Much love and respect to Ms. Kargbo. Enjoy.
There's Something About Margaret - The Short Film from Ryan DeVon on Vimeo
There's Something About Margaret - The Short Film from Ryan DeVon on Vimeo
Excerpt from "Black December Rising."
"Everyone in the Metro was feeling the friction of a music-less city. Five years ago, after a wave of rebellions swept every major metropolitan, the powers-that-be made a collective decision to ban all music that evoked pride, anger, conscience, sympathy, or anything else that may prompt an otherwise idle human to be proactive. This quickly led to the disbandment of local radio stations, music channels, and major music labels. Indie labels still existed underground, but to hear music that wasn’t already pre-approved by the country’s leaders was unlawful by the books.
True Corazon, Detroit’s dedicated mayor of six years, immediately fought tooth-and-nail to keep music in the city of Detroit, claiming that the very backdrop of Motown was decorated by the sound of music. “Without music, this city may become the very nightmare you are trying to circumvent,” she said addressing The Civil Panel of Music Moderators. Her plea was heard, and Detroit became the only city to boast speakers in every light post, which shuffled through an arrangement of countless tracks and changed colors to fit the mood. The city moved along to the same arrangement, and while some people griped about having their day’s soundtrack left to chance..."
I'm having a great time writing this piece of experimental fiction. Stay tuned for more...
"The novel is an event in consciousness. Our aim isn't to copy actuality, but to modify and recreate our sense of it. The novelist is inviting the reader to watch a performance in his own brain." - George Buchanan
True Corazon, Detroit’s dedicated mayor of six years, immediately fought tooth-and-nail to keep music in the city of Detroit, claiming that the very backdrop of Motown was decorated by the sound of music. “Without music, this city may become the very nightmare you are trying to circumvent,” she said addressing The Civil Panel of Music Moderators. Her plea was heard, and Detroit became the only city to boast speakers in every light post, which shuffled through an arrangement of countless tracks and changed colors to fit the mood. The city moved along to the same arrangement, and while some people griped about having their day’s soundtrack left to chance..."
I'm having a great time writing this piece of experimental fiction. Stay tuned for more...
"The novel is an event in consciousness. Our aim isn't to copy actuality, but to modify and recreate our sense of it. The novelist is inviting the reader to watch a performance in his own brain." - George Buchanan
Obama-Inspired Art.
A lot of visual artists came out in support of our President-Elect, Barack Obama, and created pieces that inspired a generation. The most popular visual was the Hope piece by contemporary artist, graphic designer and illustrator, Shepard Fairey. His work spawned several incredible spin-offs. However, there's nothing like the original:
My Favorite "Ill-Advised Nonconformists."
I'm not just a fan of this blog because they featured me. Nor am I a fan because one of the beautiful bloggers happens to be my little sister and friend, Lia :-) I'm a fan because they've already hipped me to a few artsy gems. If you're into culture, art, fashion, literature and what-not, this is a great blog that strays from what's trendy, opting for vintage and unique finds.
You should be a nonconformist, too.
You should be a nonconformist, too.
Thoughts on the Election.
I didn’t vote for the black guy this year, like many others, I voted for a reasonable, intelligent, forward-thinking MAN with an impressive political and social ideology, who happens to be black.
I entered this election with the same enthusiasm as I did in ’04, when Kerry stood to end the dangerous Bush/Cheney regime. However, I didn’t cry tears of joy when they announced that Barack Obama was the President Elect simply because I imagined the end of eight years of “Bushit.” I broke down because in the words of Young Jeezy, “My President is Black.”
Listen to "My President Is Black" (Ft. Nas)
The significance of having an African American President extends beyond the borders of the country that enslaved our ancestors for 400 years. I saw the photos and videos of celebrations around the world from people who were touched by this indelible historical mark. People of all hues, ethnicities, and religions took to the streets when the decision was final: Obama will be leading this potentially great country for the next four, glorious years.
This election is sure proof of our progression, in spite of the quiet acts of racism by our legislative, judicial and executive braches that occur daily. Change is around the bend. It has always been there, but this election has widened our scope and made us more privy to our own possibilities. Obama cannot be solely responsible for transforming this country; we must travel on our own two.
Election night, I sat, glued to CNN and BET and listened as commentators followed, predicted and reflected on the race. Never have I been so engulfed in the business of politics, but the historical implications of either outcome had everyone—blue to white collars—poised to embrace the moment.
Watching the scores on the bottom of the screen became surreal as Obama’s electoral votes climbed. Then, there was that defining moment, as the votes jumped beyond 270 and the projected winner was announced: Barack Obama.
I could only cup my hands and cry. Instantly I thought of my great-grandfather, at 97, relishing in this triumph. I thought about my future sons, my brothers and the nephew who’s still in my sister’s womb. I thought of my parents, who worked tirelessly in various movements for just an inch of this type of victory. I screamed. I shouted. I shed tears on top of tears.
We finally got more than our “40 acres and a mule.” We got the respect of a nation who is ready and willing to thrust the future of our country into the hands of a reasonable, intelligent, forward-thinking MAN with an impressive political and social ideology: A BLACK man at that. We have the adoration of the world.
And now, I believe in the adage and can firmly exclaim, “Yes, we can!”
I entered this election with the same enthusiasm as I did in ’04, when Kerry stood to end the dangerous Bush/Cheney regime. However, I didn’t cry tears of joy when they announced that Barack Obama was the President Elect simply because I imagined the end of eight years of “Bushit.” I broke down because in the words of Young Jeezy, “My President is Black.”
The significance of having an African American President extends beyond the borders of the country that enslaved our ancestors for 400 years. I saw the photos and videos of celebrations around the world from people who were touched by this indelible historical mark. People of all hues, ethnicities, and religions took to the streets when the decision was final: Obama will be leading this potentially great country for the next four, glorious years.
This election is sure proof of our progression, in spite of the quiet acts of racism by our legislative, judicial and executive braches that occur daily. Change is around the bend. It has always been there, but this election has widened our scope and made us more privy to our own possibilities. Obama cannot be solely responsible for transforming this country; we must travel on our own two.
Election night, I sat, glued to CNN and BET and listened as commentators followed, predicted and reflected on the race. Never have I been so engulfed in the business of politics, but the historical implications of either outcome had everyone—blue to white collars—poised to embrace the moment.
Watching the scores on the bottom of the screen became surreal as Obama’s electoral votes climbed. Then, there was that defining moment, as the votes jumped beyond 270 and the projected winner was announced: Barack Obama.
I could only cup my hands and cry. Instantly I thought of my great-grandfather, at 97, relishing in this triumph. I thought about my future sons, my brothers and the nephew who’s still in my sister’s womb. I thought of my parents, who worked tirelessly in various movements for just an inch of this type of victory. I screamed. I shouted. I shed tears on top of tears.
We finally got more than our “40 acres and a mule.” We got the respect of a nation who is ready and willing to thrust the future of our country into the hands of a reasonable, intelligent, forward-thinking MAN with an impressive political and social ideology: A BLACK man at that. We have the adoration of the world.
And now, I believe in the adage and can firmly exclaim, “Yes, we can!”
Word.
"A new era has dawned for Africa and for the entire world. It is almost like what happened in South Africa after Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected President of that land. Then, as now, people of color everywhere — in Africa, in the U.S., everywhere in the world — had a new spring in their walk. They held their heads high, and their shoulders were straighter.
Obama's election has given hope to people everywhere that change is possible, that this debilitating status quo of a polarized world of "them" and "us" can change. People the world over want the U.S. to take its rightful place as leader in the commonwealth of nations. They want to see a U.S. without the arrogant unilateralism that led to the disastrous Iraq invasion, to the rejection of the Kyoto Protocol and the refusal to sign the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court. All this left the world resenting a bullyboy U.S.
The world now expects the new President to close down that abomination, Guantánamo Bay; to bring viable initiatives for peace in the Middle East; to bolster a good Bush project, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); to take real notice of Africa and other developing parts of our global village.
Today, those who want to end the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance, those who want to promote justice, peace and greater tolerance among different faiths are celebrating because Barack Obama is the new President of the United States."
By Desmond Tutu (Archbishop emeritus)
From TIME article, "The World's View of Obama's Win."
Obama's election has given hope to people everywhere that change is possible, that this debilitating status quo of a polarized world of "them" and "us" can change. People the world over want the U.S. to take its rightful place as leader in the commonwealth of nations. They want to see a U.S. without the arrogant unilateralism that led to the disastrous Iraq invasion, to the rejection of the Kyoto Protocol and the refusal to sign the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court. All this left the world resenting a bullyboy U.S.
The world now expects the new President to close down that abomination, Guantánamo Bay; to bring viable initiatives for peace in the Middle East; to bolster a good Bush project, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR); to take real notice of Africa and other developing parts of our global village.
Today, those who want to end the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance, those who want to promote justice, peace and greater tolerance among different faiths are celebrating because Barack Obama is the new President of the United States."
By Desmond Tutu (Archbishop emeritus)
From TIME article, "The World's View of Obama's Win."
I've Got My Mojo Back.
Many posts back, I mentioned starting a novel, tentatively titled Black December Rising.
Well, in true Ain fashion, I quickly lost interest about three pages deep. Even after switching my focus from classic literature to experimental fiction, I wasn't feeling too novelistic. However, after rereading the draft that I'd penned months ago, my bug is back and I'm happy to announce that I've regained my Mojo.
Black December Rising is by far already my favorite project. I'll be spending the next several months, gladly, stationed in front of my computer cranking out an amazing piece of fiction (claim it).
With that said, the blogs may become a little less frequent. I've already gone over-budget creating the proper Feng Shui in my space so I can maintain my Mojo and motivation. I will certainly keep y'all updated on the progress and post when I can.
Write on, my people!
BTW, Obama '08. Tomorrow is historical. I hope you all make it to the polls.
Well, in true Ain fashion, I quickly lost interest about three pages deep. Even after switching my focus from classic literature to experimental fiction, I wasn't feeling too novelistic. However, after rereading the draft that I'd penned months ago, my bug is back and I'm happy to announce that I've regained my Mojo.
Black December Rising is by far already my favorite project. I'll be spending the next several months, gladly, stationed in front of my computer cranking out an amazing piece of fiction (claim it).
With that said, the blogs may become a little less frequent. I've already gone over-budget creating the proper Feng Shui in my space so I can maintain my Mojo and motivation. I will certainly keep y'all updated on the progress and post when I can.
Write on, my people!
BTW, Obama '08. Tomorrow is historical. I hope you all make it to the polls.
First Stop. Google.
The goal of all upcoming artists should be for accurate results to bud after typing their name in Google's search box. I can say that I've accomplished that goal with a few decent placements on various websites. Cool. Now what?
There are many things on the horizon for me and as my creative career blossoms, I'm looking forward to enjoying a life where I can truly survive off of my work. However, aside from aiming for high book sales and a future filled with the luxuries now on my growing wish list, what would make me an "accomplished artist?"
Many people look forward to palm tree lined streets adorning plush retirement communities. Being able to retire and live off the fat of the land while you spend your days traveling and volunteering is supposed to the finale of the American Dream.
I can't imagine retiring as an artist. It's creatively impossible. So the last stop can only be creating for the sake of art, which may be a good place to end.
There are many things on the horizon for me and as my creative career blossoms, I'm looking forward to enjoying a life where I can truly survive off of my work. However, aside from aiming for high book sales and a future filled with the luxuries now on my growing wish list, what would make me an "accomplished artist?"
Many people look forward to palm tree lined streets adorning plush retirement communities. Being able to retire and live off the fat of the land while you spend your days traveling and volunteering is supposed to the finale of the American Dream.
I can't imagine retiring as an artist. It's creatively impossible. So the last stop can only be creating for the sake of art, which may be a good place to end.
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