The Birth of Black Gypsies & Other Miraculous Occurrences
Art by Mike Kleine
We’re knee-deep into August and I feel like Gucci Mane in 06’, dropping two books in the same month. My baby Black Gypsies drops Monday and I’ve been sending out digital ARCs of God’s Leftovers to reviewers, which drops on the 26th.
Black Gypsies is probably my most entertaining, well-written, mature, literary book to date. I started writing this gritty novella back in 2014 and Broken Rivers Books was the sole target I had in my sights. I grew up in different parts of Chicago, watching a lot of gang violence play out in the city, and bleed into the rap space for years. This was an obvious treasure trove of crime fiction, but no one was touching it. I sincerely believed someone more seasoned than me would step up and write a Chicago-based crime novel playing off the themes of drill music a la Chief Keef, Lil Durk, King Von, etc., gang violence, hitting stains (licks) and survival. I waited and waited and no one did it. So I said fuck it, guess I’ll do it myself.
People always say write the books you want to read. So over the course of seven years, draft after draft, and real life getting in the way, Black Gypsies was finally born.
That’s the first copy I’ve seen of Black Gypsies in the wild along with the fantastic Ghosts of East Baltimore by David Simmons. Don’t be a goofy, and buy that shit. August 15th is the official release date for Black Gypsies, but I’m letting you know the paperback was secretly published on 8/8 for astrological reasons.
If you want a signed copy, you can buy one off the new Literary Loud Big Cartel website here and you can secretly buy a signed copy of God’s Leftovers too. You might even get a couple of exclusive God’s Leftovers-themed stickers and a bookmark from me too. I plan to expand the digital storefront over time, where you can buy signed books, maybe some chapbooks, limited edition items, and eventually merch. Y’all can always tell me if you want something specific to come to fruition in the comments.
Another banger book trailer from Mike Kleine above. He did the edits, original music and I contributed input about certain shots/content.
The other piece of great news—God’s Leftovers is available for preorder directly from my publisher Bizarro Pulp Press here. It’ll be available on Amazon August 26th.
The big 5 publisher merger live tweeting report from John Maher has been pretty entertaining and eye-opening. If you’re bored, check out a portion of it at the link above and follow the thread.
There’s a pretty significant update above. Suicide House is turning out to be a crazy ass book. If you love horror, BRB authors, and weird fiction, you’ll love this. It’s fun collabing with other writers; helps me stretch my writing muscles and grow.
When it comes to solo projects, Project Hum is going well and the deadline is looming so I’m entering that hyper-focused state of mind, bending and molding these stories into better shapes.
Small scenes and dialogue have been jotted down for some other projects. I’m pretty pleased with the way things are moving forward though. I really want to get Project Bullet Baby done before the end of the year so I can send it out to beta readers.
Currently Watching: Moon Knight & Ozark Season 1 & The Bear Season 1
When it comes to The Bear…I like the Chicago shit, the air of authenticity, and the subtle surreal flourishes, but I found myself underwhelmed. It could be the non-stop hype I've heard on Twitter though. I'll give it a couple more episodes though...
Currently Reading: Ill Behavior by M. Steven S. & Berserk by Kentaro Miura & God Damn Chainsaw Murderer by Sean M. Thompson & Nudes by Elle Nash & Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Currently Smoking: CLSICS Grand Daddy Purp Pre-rolls
Currently Listening to: Black Tapes Podcast & The Danny Brown Podcast
The Pisces spitter Speak drops some great bars on “Spidertrack” and I honestly wish this was couple minute longer because there’s zero fluff present.
Kali has me hype on her “Waddup Freestyle” and doesn’t overstay her welcome on this fiery track.
I’m going to be honest, I don’t have many celebrity crushes, but Coi Leray is number two, if not one for me. And this One Wish Freestyle combined with this outfit sent me over the moon. Coi talk that shit…
“I see you work your magic… oh, won't you put on a show?”
This is my informal introduction to ya Aunty’s favorite boy band Weston Estate. I love seeing a pop group of brown boys catching a wave of attention for their catchy ballads. I’m curious to see how they grow and how long the boy band lasts.
Until next time…
Hahahaha. I'll have to be careful about reading your 'stack around fam. Congrats.
CONGRATULATIONS on your book releases!! Black Gypsies here I come!!