2022 Year in Review
Art by Toni Demuro
The end of the year is quickly approaching and of course I had to reflect on 2022. A LOT happened this year, a multitude of sudden transitions, and I’m trying to figure out how to break down my wins for y’all. Might as well use bullet points. Also, the kindle version of Black Gypsies is $0.99 for a limited time in honor of the Winter Solstice. So scoop that up.
Oh, I almost forgot the kindle version of God’s Leftovers finally dropped on Amazon. Cop that too.
Broken River Books published my long-awaited crime fiction debut Black Gypsies
The OG Jordan Harper blurbed Black Gypsies and called it “a fresh slice of classic underground crime fiction…”
Bizarro Pulp Press published my debut splatterpunk novella God’s Leftovers
I blurbed Nightmare City
Participated in my first book reading since Korea in 2016
Worked with Twins&Talent Literary Agency for book promo and they did great work
I was on a million podcasts talking crazy
Recorded my first ASMR video
Nictitating Books scooped up my short story collection The Hum of the World & Other Stories slated to be published in 2023
Finished a solid draft of Project Bullet Baby
Worked on the Suicide House book collab with my people from Broken River Books
Started this newsletter
Went on a few shroom trips
Finished my portion of a secret collab book
My short story “Rolling With the Gawd$” was accepted in Bear Creek Gazette coming out next year
Managed to get people to tap in jiu jitsu with an armbar and leg triangle
My books were displayed at LA’s Books & Stories
Edited a couple of short story collections for a mystery writer/friend
Published a new digital edition of D.F. Lewis’ book Weirdmonger , bringing his classic short story collection back into print
God’s Leftovers made The Sunday Book Club 2022 Best Reads List
Infiltrated booktok and got some cool reviews on youtube
Smoked some amazing strains this year
Dream Report: I had a dream last night that I was talking shit about certain playwrights in a subtle way and then Tyler Perry turns around in the front seat and looks back at me. I’m uber stressed because I had no idea he was in the vehicle.
Started a new youtube channel recently. I’ll be playing around with ASMR, roleplay ASMR, and tarot. It would be amazing if y’all would like the video and subscribe to my channel. Veda ASMR is my quasi mentor and said my voice is literally ASMR so here we are….
Shoutout to Ben over at his youtube channel Book Shore for putting together this video of the last and only reading I did this year. Entertaining and different than what you would expect. Plus, the beach shot transitions are slick.
On the writing front, things are moving along with Project Melancholy and Project Blacker Gypsies. I’m rather pleased with Project Melancholy so far despite this being a new genre for me. If you find yourself getting super bored this weekend, you can go on an easter egg hunt and find the real name of Project Bullet Baby somewhere on my twitter page. You just have to scroll back until you see it…happy hunting…
Currently Watching: Moon Knight & Ozark Season 1 & Love, Death & Robots Season 3 & White Lotus
Currently Reading: God Damn Chainsaw Murderer by Sean M. Thompson & Nudes by Elle Nash & Blame! by Tsutomu Nihei & To Rouse Leviathan by Matt Cardin & Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Currently Smoking: Miss Grass - Quiet Times Minis
Currently Listening: Black Tapes Podcast & The Danny Brown Podcast
I have a confession…I love Rosalia. Beautiful visuals, sexual overtones, and an amazing voice that reminds of Southern Spain, sangria, and just puts me into a space of nostalgia. This song has been the writing music for Project Melancholy and I think it’s doing what it needs to do.
“Shadow Wizard Money Gang…we love casting spells…”
This song has no right going this hard…sponsored by the shadow government, JOEYY drops bars about flexing and spending obnoxious amounts of money on “Gout.” This shit has been on repeat non-stop thanks to the hypnotic production and DJ drops.
Doechii’s voice, the inflection, the layering, and the outfit are superb. “Stressed” is a soulful cut and the confidence rings true in her delivery. Juust reminds me that I need to listen to more music from ole girl.
Kanye is a true alchemist when it comes to making art and music. He takes his pain and confusion and turns it into something beautiful yet full of sorrow on both tracks, returning to the soulful sample chopping we all love on the production. I need an album of this…give me Donda 3.
Until next time…drink something warm, cuddle with somebody special, kiss someone under the mistletoe, and inhale a scent that smells heavenly…