Cutting Deeply

Art by yonil

I’ve been gone for a hot hot minute. Probably the longest time I haven’t posted since I started this newsletter. I’ve been dealing with a lot of emotions and trying to find balance. On a grander scale, the universe has been coming through and demolishing a lot of old ways of thinking. This is a combination of The Death card and The Tower card in the tarot. Transformation, upheaval, old structures crumbling down, things that no longer serve me being stripped away in rough, but necessary ways.

The good thing is I look for lessons in all of this and believe things happen for you instead of to you. I have a more grounded view of myself and I have a heightened awareness of certain behaviors/issues. Also, I got myself in therapy for the first time in my life. I tried couple’s therapy years ago, but this is my first foray into individual therapy. So far it’s cool and it makes me feel similar to how I feel when I receive tarot readings. A lot of times, things I already know are brought to my attention and recommended, but it’s affirming and keeps me accountable since I come back week after week.

Also, I’m getting back into the art of throwing kettlebells around. My work schedule is crappy so I have to make do with what I have at home. Kettlebells helped me out a lot some years ago and the intensity of the workouts wring out those excess emotions swimming through my muscles and clears my head. Of course this helps out with writing and everything else in life…

30 Day IG Posting Challenge

One of my best friends encouraged me to post every day on Instagram during June and I got some interesting results. I posted most days, but not everyday, but I still consider it to be a successful social media experiment.

The numbers speak for themselves. I noticed accounts who don’t like anything I post, suddenly liking and engaging with reels. Also, I noticed more book sales that month. Who knew promoting your art would lead to more sales and more engagement?

Hum of the World Sale

My horror short story collection The Hum of the World is one dollar for Kindle for a limited time. If you’re curious about my short fiction, this is the perfect time to pull the trigger and see what I’m about. Buy it here.

Scavenger’s Reign

I finished watching Scavenger’s Reign recently and the show is quite simply amazing. It’s full of wonder and chock-full of imagination. A group of people from a ship get stranded on a foreign planet and are forced to survive. Some of the best animation and TV I’ve seen in a long time. It’s available on Netflix right now and I encourage everyone to watch it so we can get a second season.

Writing Updates

We finally got back on the writing saddle after weeks of no fiction writing. The Broken River Books group chat has been on fire in terms of hitting daily word counts of 500 at the very minimum. Project Bunny Bloodbath is moving forward and it feels good to slap some words on the page. This is my main focus right now since I have a self imposed deadline. The book cover for this one has been done for a while and I can’t wait to show y’all when the time comes.

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Currently Watching: Love, Death & Robots Season 3 & Blue Eye Samurai & Breaking Bad & The Boys Season 4

Currently Reading: Cosmic Horror Monthly #3 & Less Than Zero by Brett Easton Ellis and Bedlam by Charlene Elsby & A Collapse of Horses by Brian Evenson & The Holy Bible

Listening: The Danny Brown Podcast, Back from the Borderline, The Higherside Chats, Agitator, Mutual Aberration Society, Victory Light, and Lost Xplorers

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When I saw Denzel Curry and That Mexican OT aligning forces, I knew high level rapping was on deck. It’s also nice seeing these two tear it up with a From the Block performance.

I’ve been iffy on JPEGMAFIA for a long time, but when his music hits, it hits. The explosive electro punk elements of this are the most appealing aspect of “don’t rely on other men.” The rapping is dope reminiscent of Yeezus mixed in with elements of NIN. Those guitar riff halfway through»»»

Starlito is prolly one of my favorite rappers of all time. A combination of vulnerability, grit, bars, and versatility are all on display above as Lito kills a medley of beats. It’s also cool seeing older rappers take better care of their health.

It’s a shame J. Cole’s new tape got overshadowed by the Kendrick/Drake beef and his retraction/apology when he dropped “7 Minute Drill.” I respect the authenticity, but I wish more people paid attention to this dope song “Trae The Truth in Ibiza.” The soulful production and bars go crazy.

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Until next time…

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Sign up for a tarot reading with me here.

For business inquiries & blurb requests email grantwamack@gmail.com