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I have always felt this imaginary pressure to produce endless content for social media. If you’re an author, you know half of the war is getting your book written and published while the other half is getting your work into readers’ hands. In other words—promo. You know the drill…you wake up and frantically record a video for TikTok, fix the captions, and repost that shit on all of your other social media platforms. Post something clever on Twitter (I refuse to call it X), and post some intriguing ish on IG stories. Rinse and repeat.
It’s stressful, exhausting, and sometimes fun. I’ve been taking a step back and recharging my batteries. I’m still active, but I’m processing a lot of internal change and allowing energetic shifts to take effect. I’m going with the flow and sinking into ease. There’s no reason for me to overexert myself or force myself to produce. It’s all coming together in due time.
I’ve had some good realizations and I feel like I’m more in tune with my creative heart. I’m listening to that steady beat and I’m following it into some new waters.
Can’t you hear the waves in the distance?
The Ishana Night Shyamalan Debut
It’s always fascinating seeing talent run throughout a family tree and take root in exciting ways. M. Night Shymalan is known for his horror films and his daughters have moved into the entertainment industry, trying to make a name for themselves. Saleka does R&b while Ishana has recently directed her debut horror flick with Watchers. Before this, she worked with her father on Old and Servant where she cut her teeth and honed her skills under her dad’s tutelage. I can’t wait to see this girl blaze her own trail similar to Brandon Cronenberg (David Cronenberg’s son).
Clown in a Cornfield
I finished reading Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare earlier this week and I was surprised by how quickly I devoured this. I’ve met Adam before and I’ve read a few of his older books which are all great. However, his YA hit exceeds the hype and then some. This is someone who has always had the quintessential juice, but it never reached these heights before. Cesare is the equivalent of Kobe back when he scored 81 points against the Raptors, and hits all the right beats.
When you’re a writer, you read on two levels—the analytical writer mind, and purely entertainment. The writer in me saw the set-ups, the seeds, the tricks, and the endless bars strewn throughout the book. I just feel proud of Cesare. Clown in a Cornfield is a certified banger and sure to become a classic in the horror field if it isn’t already.
Writing Updates
Project Bunny Bloodbath is going well. You know every book is its own unique puzzle waiting to be unlocked and put together. I know the basics of writing a book and each teaches me something new. Characters have a will of their own and I was surprised to learn new facts. Always surprising especially when it’s trauma-related. You think you know a character, but you really get to know a character when shit hits the fan.
I’m getting better. I can feel it and I can see it. It’s a beautiful thing to witness and I understand why certain authors begin writing well received books in their mid 30s compared to earlier works. It’s refreshing and inspiring to see.
Currently Watching: Love, Death & Robots Season 3 & True Detective Season 4: Night Country & Ballers Season 5
Currently Reading: Cosmic Horror Monthly #3 & Less Than Zero by Brett Easton Ellis and Bedlam by Charlene Elsby & Bad Foundations by Brian Allen Carr
Currently Smoking: Quiet aka no weed this week
Listening: The Danny Brown Podcast, Back from the Borderline, The Higherside Chats, Agitator, Mutual Aberration Society, Victory Light, and Lost Xplorers
I love it when rappers alchemize their pain and grief into a piece of emotionally moving art. Maxo Kream does exactly that in “NO THEN YOU A HOE” where he reminisces on dealing with his father’s health issues while juggling his rap career. This single made me a bit emotional thanks to Maxo’s excellent storytelling skills.
I’m used to hearing MIKE be deep on every record, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover loosening up on the hypnotic track “On God.” Maybe I need to give Tony Seltzer more credit on the beat cuz this brings the best out of MIKE and company. A killer hook from Earl Sweatshirt and a dope feature from Tony Shhnow makes this work all to well.
Don Toliver hints at some issues in his relationship with Kali Uchis during her pregnancy and the struggles of letting his past ways go. “Deep in the Water” feels moody and cathartic in a sense, but also speaks to a deeper commitment to one another.
Until next time…
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Clown in a Cornfield is great. It definitely opened my eyes to some of the possibilities when it comes to YA horror. And it reminded me that, regardless of the era with its technologies and trends, kids are kids.