Big Body Rejection & Pre-order News
Art by Jared Sylvia
I think transparency is cool and refreshing. This week I received a rejection for my book Project Bullet Baby. I pumped that out like a madman months ago. Of course I was saddened by the news, but not entirely disappointed. I know competition was tight and rejection is part of the game we play. 179 people submitted and I made the top 30 so that’s something. Plus, the novella was rushed to meet the deadline, and needs to be expanded. A few scenes have been brewing in my head so I know the final product will end up becoming a lot better.
On the flip side, I did receive some good news this week. The official release date for Black Gypsies is August 15th while the official release date for God’s Leftovers is August 26th. E-book pre-orders are now live for Black Gypsies. If you support me, run that shit up. Paperbook pre-orders coming soon and obviously I’ll be slinging signed editions as soon I get my hands on physical copies.
Here’s the plot description.
Welcome to Chiraq…
Marcus is a certified Jackboy on the streets of Chicago, stealing car parts with his best friend Gordo to sell at the local junkyard. It's all another day in the life, with his mom on his ass and a bad bitch on his mind being the most of his troubles. That is, until the Jackboys hit a lick on the wrong gangster, trapping themselves in a debt that can only be bought out in blood.
Love, poetry, lean…and a whole lotta gang shit...
“BLACK GYPSIES is a fresh slice of classic underground crime fiction, gritty and grimy, streaked through with poetry, with a heart full of blood underneath. It's meant to be read late night on the L, where the other passengers can hear you whisper "holy shit" as you quickly turn the pages.” - Jordan Harper, Edgar Award-winning author of SHE RIDES SHOTGUN
"BLACK GYPSIES is exactly the kind of book I want to read. Short and sharp. It’s equal parts heart and brutal reality, full of grit and beauty. This book will take you deep into the other Chicago, the side of the city the news warns you about. Where everything is for the taking and only the smart and ruthless live to see another day." - Daniel Vlasaty, author of ONLY BONES
Oh yeah, those are two new blurbs from two of my favorite crime writers—Jordan Harper and Daniel Vlasaty.
RIP to Elizabeth Victoria Aldrich. I never met her in real life, but I was supposed to go to one of her readings in LA. I feel bad that I wasn’t able to make it. We had random interactions online that were pleasant and fun. She even told me to write a book called Goblin Mode and I’ll make sure that becomes a reality in the future…
"Writers are rock stars that want to stay at home”-Elizabeth Aldrich
Currently Watching: Moon Knight & Ozark Season 1 & The Boys Season 3
I finished season 3 of The Boys and loved it despite the deviations from the comic book series. Antony Starr who plays Homelander does a helluva job. Can’t wait for season 4.
It’s safe to say Mad God is one of my favorite 2022 movies and will make my end of the year list. There’s the madman himself Phil Tippett working on the film. I respect the hell out of someone who can work on project for 30 years and see it through to completion. I mean he had an entire mental breakdown a year before it was finished. It’s a brilliant piece of gonzo art and I’m thankful I was watch it.
Protect Nic Cage at all costs. Everything I’ve been watching with this man has been top-notch and Pig is no exception.
Currently Reading: Inspection by Josh Malerman & Ill Behavior by M. Steven S. & Berserk by Kentaro Miura & God Damn Chainsaw Murderer by Sean M. Thompson
I just finished reading Paula D. Ashe’s short story collection We Are Here to Hurt Each Other last night and it’s so damn good. She’s one of those original voices that pierces through the night. A roaring yet truly disturbing debut with undertones reminiscent of Poppy Z. Brite & Clive Barker.
Currently Smoking: Infused Moonrock 24k Blunt
The 20222 XXL freshman and Shittyboyz Lieutenant kills this freestyle and continues to show why he’s a rap standout. Will he stick around…prolly…
Tobe Nwigwe comes through with a triumphant anthem called “Been Broke.” He stays true to his Nigerian roots and keeps the white clothing aesthetic featured in a number of his music videos. I’m impressed he managed to get Chamillionaire to come out of retirement and lay down a verse.
An emotionally vulnerable Mozzy lays his heart bare on “Open Arms.” A realistic depiction of street life with a dope ass choir in the back.
I have no idea who GERM is, but he was born to rap. This shit goes so hard. Had me squinting my face up and nodding.
Go outside, water a plant, talk to some trees, smoke some tree…
Congratulations on the Black Gypsies blurbs! The book sounds enticing….. Can’t wait to read it!!