“JDE on Medium” Segment

The following is available to read on my Medium blog page. To read more of my articles, click here.

Well, fine friends, we’re close to the halfway mark of 2024 as of Sunday, June 30th. And as I’m gearing up for the second half of the year, a lot of changes are soon to come for yours truly as a content creator and a person in general. Whether or not I’m prepared to handle such changes is left to me and how I given myself accordingly. To honest with you, I’m going to say that I’m somewhat prepared in some areas yet not so much in others.

As a neurodivergent person of color in his thirties, I have to learn a lot of things aout myself in this crazy world, especially when it comes to my creative lifestyle. I know that I needed to be more adventurous with my storytelling while allowing myself to go the distance with my projects. That’s definitely more so when I wrote my first mystery novel that I plan to publish by the end of this year. I mean, this project has challenged me to take on topics that I never thought I’d address in my teen-fiction series that’s family-friendly and Christ-centered. I also learned that there’s a time to play it safe and when to take risks. 

For my personal life, it’s a bit of a different story.

Sure, I’m rediscovering my passions that I thought I lost and gave up year ago because of obligations and all. But the one thing that I have ye to do is learn to speak my mind. My mind is full of the words that I left unsaid yet I can’t them out because it’s hard to truly say what I want. In my family, emotions really never matter unless it’s something petty or irrelevant. And when it comes to my immediate family members (my siblings in particular), it’s easy to feel marginalized when you’re an easy target even though you’re the oldest. So I have to learn to keep everything to myself or figure out how to channel my feelings into my stories. Even after all that, I feel like I’m easily expendable in a world where the able-minded and socially-adaptable matter while outcasts like myself are placed in the background and left to die.

In short, life’s either about assimilation or elimination. And day by day, I have to fight the waves of rejection to avoid being eliminated by haters who think that my stories don’t matter. 

There’s still a lot to learn about myself, even as I share this article about myself. I know that everything won’t be resolved by the end of this year, but I’m hoping that I can get some goals fulfilled by the end of 2024. And who knows? Maybe this year is when I finally get things set in stone when I work on my writing career while finding a steady job to start my life on my own. All I can do is remember to take things one paragraph and chapter at a time while remembering my goals and the values I grew up learning. 

So wish me luck, readers. Everyone has a story to tell and I, despite the lack of readers, hope to have more people ready to learn about what I have to say. 

Getting Back in Gear: Plans for the Future with My Writing Career and My Blog

Hey, everyone. JDE here.

As of late, I have been very busy with my side projects, so much so that I’ve haven’t gotten enough time or energy to check in on you guys outside of my “JDE on Medium” segments. Lately, I’ve been so caught up with life that it’s easy to forget about my main writer profile and platform regarding my stories on Amazon. And since it’s the summer rush, I’m very busy with keeping myself occupied with my side projects. But I hope to make some changes very soon as I get back on my feet after spending this weekend with a nasty sinus infection that required bed rest. Even now, I’m feeling stuffed up. Hopefully, I can start creating more blog posts in the future. 

Anyway, I’m still letting the rough draft of “The Beautifully Damned and the Eternally Blessed” rest a little before I get to work with revising and editing before it’s ready for the premiere on Amazon by this holiday season. My main goal for its premiere was originally before Thanksgiving, but I decided to wait until around Christmastime so I could get ready for yet another project from my “Vigilantes Among Us” series. All the same, I want to make sure that my first-ever adult-oriented murder mystery novel is going to be a game-changing experience since it’s likely to be very controversial in more ways than one. I told myself that one day I would write this novel no matter how scandalous the storyline may become and how it might put me in a negative spotlight. I’ve been playing it safe for the longest with family-friendly novellas. It’s time for me to shake things up while showcasing a different side of myself. You might love me or hate me for this, but I’m not backing down. Once the holiday season arrives and I launch this novel, I will be taking the next big leap in my writing career.

As for this blog, there will be some changes coming this fall. Even as I work on my side projects and getting ready to edit my mystery novel, I want to make sure that I enter a new chapter of my life once my birthday arrives and I let go of any and every inhibitions that keep me from my potential. I’ll come clean and say that I’m my worst enemy when it comes to being a creator at times. I strongly believe in the old saying “you’re only as good as your last work,” so I am constantly competing against myself to create something totally new in the literary world whether it’s for my eyes only or ready for the general population or even saved for a special audience in the future. It’s a challenge to get something out because I fear of failure as a writer, of having my grandfather being proven right of me being a writer is not a real career. I want to show him that I am a great artist of words no matter if it’s a success or a failure. But there are certain stories that I can’t show him since he’s a minister and my family’s from a faith-based community. So this year is when I’ll let go all the inhibitions and start coming clean with who I really am to you all. You might give me the hook or the ovation for it, but it is what it is and I am who I can only be. Love me or hate me for it.

With that said, I will be checking in as often as possible, but there are no guarantees at the moment other than the “JDE on Medium” segments. I love you guys so much and I will see you guys later this week!

“JDE on Medium” Segment: Camp NaNoWriMo 2024 and Taking a Chance on Writing My Mystery Novel

The following blog post is now available to read on Medium. To read more of my posts, click here.

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Okay, so Camp NaNo is officially underway and back in January, I told myself that this would be the perfect timing to begin writing the murder-mystery novel that I had planned to create back in 2022 before life went to hell in a picnic basket.

Thing is, I had an unfinished outline and it all looked so stale when I first uncovered it. And the beginnings of the first version of the manuscript was not what I wanted to use, though there were salvageable elements. In a way, I was over my head and I was up a creek without a paddle. 

But I also knew that if I didn’t get my dream mystery novel written, then it would never be writtten at all.

So despite personal matters and some health among my other projects that needed my attention, I was hard at work finishing up the outline from February and all of March. At first glance, everything seemed to go smoothly and I was on the verge of getting a nice story going.

But once the time change hit that threw me off schedule and left me sleep deprived, I knew that I was in deep trouble if I didn’t get close to the ending. I had to get things settled with the character list and get as close to the end of the outline as possible. As for the story in general, I’m taking a big risk with creating an edgier storyline that’s not like my family-friendly teen-fiction serials. This story is mainly for the grown and sexy as it features the topics that might get me in hot water for this by my conservative family members (my grandpa in particular since he’s a minister). But I’ve counted the cost and burned all my ships (to coin a phrase from Hernando Cortes) so I can go all the way with writing this story. For the most part, I’m mainly going by intuition as well as the outline that’s 85% finished. And so far, it’s coming up to speed and I intend to see this through whether it’s a natural disaster or a blazing glorious finish worthy for the bookshelves. 

And in case you’re wondering, I will be publishing this through Amazon KDP and have it out for sale by the holiday season (before Thanksgiving week, to say the least). Right now, I’m just having fun with this story and taking things one or two chapters at a time and one paragraph at a time. And hey, maybe this risky journal is going to be the newest thing that I hope everyone will share with their families and friends! The best and only way to find out is to keep writing and let myself throw caution to the wind. So if you’ll excuse me, I have a masterpiece to write!

Off-Grid and Coming Back Online: March Madness, Camp NaNoWriMo, and More (Why I Have Been AWOL)

Hey, y’all. It may be Easter/Resurrection Sunday for most of you guys, but I am recovering from a nasty March Madness hangover. And in case you’re wondering what’s been happening since the last post, I’ll gladly give y’all the 411 with my life.

For starters, the time change completely threw me off-balance both creatively and personally with sleep deprivation, lack of motivation, and even fighting the urge to quit writing while I was ahead. But it wasn’t until the Wednesday before last that told me to either get back in the game…or lose everything that I had gained so far. So, I decided to slowly yet gradually get back into the game of writing and being an artist. From working on the outline of my Camp NaNoWriMo project (which begins tomorrow) to even writing a blog about what it means to be vulnerable as a writer (which will be shared here tomorrow morning). I even wrapped up a few side projects that needed attention before I began writing my mystery novel for April. Heck, I just wrote this post for my author website to reaffirm my decision to be an author no matter what throws my way.

Anyway, I decided that it was now time to snap out of this lethargic funk and started getting back into the game. As you know, my newest addition to my “Vigilantes Among Us/Heart of Inferno” family “Mental Flames: The Burning Memories of Skylar McNeal” is now live on Amazon and available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats. I intend to update the “My Books” page (which is now known as the “Vigilantes Among Us/Heart of Inferno” webpage) in due time, but you can get my novella right now.

As for my planned project for April, “The Beautifully Damned and the Eternally Blessed” will be set for production all April long. I will tell you that it is set to be 30 chapters long and I will be publishing this during the holiday season after some time of letting the rough draft rest and then the editing process in September and October. And, I am going to warn you that I intend to take a walk on the wild side and showcase an edgier and grittier storyline regarding elements of scandals, secrets, and anything that could resemble something straight out of a soap opera. I’ll admit that I’m nervous about what I’ll be writing and even more so when I do publish it during the holiday season. But I told myself that this mystery novel has to be written and I needed to share a more…darker side of my writing style. Right now, I have a good outline set up with intentions to make room for going off-script and I’ll be sharing some weekly insights on this weblog of mine about my Camp NaNo journey as I plan to write this novel in 30 days (give or take a day or two).

To close things out, I am going to make sure that you guys get more out of my author weblog once April arrives with my “JDE on Medium” segments, my short stories and poems, and even snippets of my mystery novel’s rough draft. I can’t guarantee that I’ll be updating as often as I please because life does happen. But I want to try to regain my creative life once again while regaining my personal life. Sometimes you have to step back from the screens and press pause to be able to create something amazing. Even writers from Nora Roberts to Maya Angelou needed a break. Anyway, make sure to find me on social media and follow me on my social platforms so you won’t miss a thing. For now, I am out of here! Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday and I’ll see you tomorrow with my “JDE on Medium” segment!

March Madness: A Month of Plans, Preparations, and “Mental Flames”

Happy March Madness, fine friends! 

The last two months have been rather lackluster other than my blog posts from my Medium page (which will be known as “JDE on Medium” beginning today), so I am going to rectify that with some new developments that’s been made. First off, this month will be when “Mental Flames: The Burning Memories of Skylar McNeal (the second installment of my “Heart of Inferno” spinoff trilogy) will be launched, and during the Easter weekend, no less! And as of yesterday, I have officially finished the publication process for the book through Amazon KDP with the paperback, hardcover, and ebook versions formatted and ready to go. If all goes well, then you can expect to see the announcement for the ebook version that’s available for pre-ordering and the other two versions with the ebook version set to launch on Amazon on March 29th (Good Friday). 

On Monday, I will begin yet another online book tour featuring the books in the “Vigilantes Among Us/Heart of Inferno” superhero teen fiction series to recap you with the storylines so far. I want to make sure that you guys get a copy of all my books AND even gift copies to your superhero fan in your lives. So make sure to check me out on Amazon right now and be sure to follow me on social media (click on the “Links” page) so you won’t miss a thing.

Not only that, this month is when I get more personal about my writing career through my “JDE on Medium” segments that feature my candid look on my creative process and what it means to be a neurodivergent writer of color. I’m not going to lie, I felt like I hold myself back with these kind of posts and I think that it needs to be said regarding my creative outlook. So don’t be surprised when I start letting down my walls and show a more…deeper side of myself to you. This year is bound to be full of challenges for me as I continue my writing career and it’s time that I got real with you on this. All I ask of you is to never judge me on what I have to say because that’s how I usually feel when I try to put myself out there.

Finally, I’m going to share my journey for  the April run of Camp NaNoWriMo as I get things ready for the first draft of “The Beautifully Damned and the Eternally Blessed,” my first adult-themed mystery novel that’s going to take an edgier and realistic turn from my family-friendly series. I’ll showcase my feelings and thoughts while I get the outline all set while letting you know what to expect. This year is when I’ll be expanding my horizons and trying something different. Because sometimes, a writer has to set course for unchartered waters and take a walk on the wild side. And despite my inner censor telling me to play it safe and stick with what I know, I’m going to unleash my inner Mad Hatter and show you guys my version of Wonderland.

All that and more are coming your way for this month, and I intend to go the distance and then some! Get ready, folks, because you’re in for one wild ride. Until tomorrow, have a great weekend!

Camp NaNoWriMo, Story Reveals, Plans for March Madness, and Daring to Be Bold

Hey, folks! JDE here. As you know, Camp NaNoWriMo is a time set in April and July to work on a special project in 30 days where you can set your goals for how things are done. For me, this year is all about making waves with new ideas and continuing to reinvent my writing career. Now, I know things have been stale with my radio silence as of lately; but when it comes to March Madness and my ongoing writing career, this is primetime to get things rolling once again. And what better way to do that than not only launch “Mental Flames: The Burning Memories of Skylar McNeal (book two of my “Heart of Inferno” spinoff trilogy)” this month but also do another online book tour to promote my books AND announce my first-ever adult-themed murder-mystery novel?! 

That’s right! My Camp NaNoWriMo project is a mystery/thriller novel based on art, fashion, secrets, scandals, family, and murders most foul! And I have for you the summary of my project right now! Ladies and gentlemen, here is what you can expect for “The Beautifully Damned and the Eternally Blessed!”

Derrick Booker. Talented artist, skilled designer, murder victim.

With a strained relationship with his parents and older sister, a toxic relationship with his arranged fiancee that led to her being jilted at the altar, and an unsteady friendship with his godbrother; there’s little wonder on who would want him dead the most, especially when the suspects (including his business rival Wendy Daimler) were home yet could hire an assassin to take him out- all while establishing a tight-knit alibi.

His younger sister Jana, the only sane one in the family and the only one whom he never met, was supposed to meet him for the first time on the day he was killed. So now, under his guidance and the accompaniment of one of his trusted investigators, she has to figure out who wanted him dead while figuring out his secrets of the past- secrets that involve illicit affairs, him being emotionally abused by his parents, and a final painting and showstopping dress that tie into this mystery. But the suspects (and Jana’s parents as well as her wandering ex-fiance) all but demand for her to drop the mystery and be  forced into a marriage that she no longer wants. And there’s still the killer who plans to upend the mystery by any means necessary.

Can Jana figure out who wanted to end her brother’s life, preserve her brother’s legacy, and present his final collections for the fashion show in time while trying not to fall for the hunky detective? And can she find her voice to stop her parents and sister’s controlling demands? Or will everything be burned to nothingness before she had a proper chance?

This project of mine is set to begin in April of 2024 as I intend to use April as a way to share previews of this novel alongside the progress of the story with character backgrounds, confessions of what this project means to me, and other things that are on my mind. I will admit that this is the first time sharing a project that’s not from my usual family-friendly repertoire, but I told myself last year that I want to try expanding my horizons and showcase something more daring and bold about my creative flow. To be honest, I felt like I had to stifle my creativity to appeal to you guys who are more conservative and would see me differently if I tried to go beyond my comfort zone. But 2024  for me is a year of revelations, revolutions, innovations, and resolutions. I want to try something edgy and real to see what it’s like to be…well, wicked. It’s a bit scandalous, I know, but I guess I’m tired of playing it safe and going nowhere. You guys probably won’t understand given that I was from a conservative family and all. But as an artist in general, I believe in cutting losses and taking a chance to try something different. And if it means doing something out of the ordinary, so be it. I am a writer in my own way. Sue me if you must.

Anyway, next week is the online book tour for the “Vigilantes Among Us/Heart of Inferno” serials as I begin the publishing stages for “Mental Flames” with an announcement for when you can preorder the ebook version soon to come after that and an updated pricing list for the books. Stick around, folks, because March Madness is close at hand. And this time, it’s time for me to unleash my inner Mad Hatter and walk on the wild side! Until next week, people, I will see you later! 

“JDE on Medium” Segment: I Write to Communicate

The following post can be found on my Medium Blog page. For more about my works on Medium, click here.

One of the main beliefs of every writer is telling the truths that lie in their hearts.

I definitely believe that’s accurate in some sort of way because as a neurodivergent writer of color, I have a lot of unspoken truths that I can’t tell anyone in my family or friends because I fear harsh judgment and cynicism that comes from mainly my conservative background. With my grandfather being a well-respected preacher at church and me being a Christian, I have a few secrets that I can’t really express out loud to myself. And with his strong beliefs and how my family was raised in the  faith, I can’t just let myself be open to anyone that I meet (especially when my neighborhood consists of relatives and people who know everyone and all about their business).

That’s when creative writing comes into play.

Poetry and prose (especially stories) mainly help me take all of my unspoken secrets and translate them into what my main characters are feeling and reacting to their storylines. For me, writing is a way to let myself go of all that’s been on my mind and channel my emotions into something that can be made into something that I can be proud of. Of course, most of my stories that I’ve written since 2018 are meant for my eyes alone while others are meant for special audiences that can relate to how I’m feeling.

Why am I explaining all of this? It’s mainly one of my mission statements as a writer, in a way. I strongly believe that everybody has a story to tell. But it seems like most people only want to hear the stories that appeals to them. And with all of the book banning and restricting going on, it can be hard to express oneself these days through written word. It’s like we’ve been taught to write stories that the cynical and agnostics like to hear about. With the world of divisions and dissension that we’re living in, it’s up to writers like myself to let ourselves be heard even when no one wants to listen. So I’m just an autistic Black-American writer who wants to be heard in the right way while translating my latent secrets into great symphony. And I intend to keep creating until the whole world hears my stories loud and clear. They might hate me or love me for it, but it’s who I am as a creator. Sue me if you must.

Sorry for being radio silent for a while, folks. But things have been extra hectic and everything. But never fear because next month is when I begin my newest online book tour as I get ” Mental Flames: The Burning Memories of Skylar McNeal (the second of my “Heart of Inferno” spinoff trilogy) into the publication stage. Not only that, it’s more poems and plans for writing “The Beautifully Damned and the Eternally Blessed” during Camp NaNoWriMo in April. All that and more comes your way as springtime brings for newness and rejuvenation while I work to reboot my life in more ways than one. See you guys later!

“Mental Flames: The Burning Memories of Skylar McNeal” Road to Publication

Hey, guys! JDE here! As January is in full swing, I am working on a few things, mainly the revision/editing process of “Mental Flames: The Burning Memories of Skylar McNeal (the second installment of the “Heart of Inferno” spinoff trilogy).” Things are looking pretty sharp at the moment, but I am not one to take any risks with this project since it took me months to get the first draft written. I am rereading the first draft and checking for any plot holes, misspelled words, and any hidden errors to ensure that this story flows seamlessly without fail.

Now, I have set a date to publish “Mental Flames” and a date to announce when you can preorder the ebook version, but the announcement will come sometime in February since I am still in the editing process. But what I will tell you is that my book will be published before the Easter weekend. After “Mental Flames” is published, I will be working on my first adult contemporary murder mystery novel “The Beautifully Damned and the Eternally Blessed.” I would like to publish that book just in time for the holiday season because e I want to diverge and expand my repertoire by trying different genres while being more bold with my creativity. So this new story will be more contemporary and mainstream while adding an edgy feeling. And surprisingly enough, I will be dating myself to go bold while addressing heavy topics. This book will test my mettle and open new windows.

Anyway, I am mainly focusing on getting “Mental Flames” published before Easter weekend and I want to continue sharing my stories, poems, and so much more about myself and my journey as a indie/self published author. Right now, just continue to support me by getting my books on Amazon (check out the “My Books” webpage or click the Amazon button) and follow me on social media so you can check out my life outside and inside my creative lifestyle. In the future, I will share a couple more snippets from “Mental Flames,” but right now I am just focusing on the editing stage. With that, I will see you guys later with poems and so much more. Have a great day!

Happy 2024! Revelations and Resolutions

Happy 2024, one and all! JDE here!

The new year is in full swing and I am planning to get a lot of things done for 2024 which include revising, editing, and publishing “Mental Flames: The Burning Memories of Skylar McNeal (the second book of the “Heart of Inferno” spinoff trilogy);” and getting to work with my first adult-themed murder mystery novel named “The Beautifully Damned and the Eternally Blessed.” Not only that, I want to make sure that I share more of my stories, poems, and Medium articles that charter my journey as an indie/self-published author.

My goal for 2024 is to continue to discover more about myself as an artist and as a person in general. I want to reignite my love for the arts; be in tune with my mental, physical, and spiritual health, and continue to fine-tune my writing craft while showcasing the best of my talent with all of you. My mantra for 2024 is “Revelations and Resolutions,” where I continue to know more about myself and my purpose in life while having my goals and ideas come to pass in full circle. It’ll take a lot of work on my end, but I know that I can show up and show you the best of what I have to offer. Anyway, I’m going to use a good bit of today and the rest of this week to start working on revising “Mental Flames” as well as beginning the outline for “The Beautifully Damned and the Eternally Blessed (which will be my Camp NaNo project for April 2024).” Make sure to follow me on social media and get my books on Amazon (or check out the “My Books” webpage) so you won’t miss a thing!

Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas to one and all! I can’t believe that Christmas is three days away! Hence me getting ready to call it a year before I take January to work on the editing process for “Mental Flames: The Burning Memories of Skylar McNeal,” the second installment of the “Heart of Inferno” Spinoff Trilogy.” I’m not going to lie when I say to y’all that 2023 has been full of surprises and challenges. From dealing with the chaos of the first three months and getting a new computer in April to help me get back on my feet to plodding through “Mental Flames” and writing articles on Medium; I’ve been it with it all and so much more. Heck, there’s been times when I was all but ready to give it all up and be done with life in all. But again, folks, it was the grace of God that allowed me to move forward and help me through it all. And now, I’m just working on getting ready for 2024!

Anyway, it’s the season of festivity, love, and peace. And while I know most of y’all are going out to celebrate, I know that some of y’all aren’t feeling the holiday spirit with some problems in your lives. I hear you, it’s not looking good right now. But I promise you that it’s going to get better. Keep your heads up and believe that things will soon falling in place. A little bit of hope and love is what the world needs right now, even more than that since this world seems to be falling apart with dissension and hate. But there’s still some good in the world. And it’s up to us to be light in a world of darkness. So keep your heads up and know that while it’s okay to cry and not be okay, remember that hard times don’t last long.

For what’s to come in 2024, I’m working on the editing stages for “Mental Flames” but will also work on a new adult-themed murder-mystery novel that will be outside of my usual teen-fiction repertoire. And I will let y’all know that it’ll be published between late 2024 or early 2025. I have some other ideas on hand, including more blog posts about my ongoing writing career that’ll be available to read on Medium and others. As for my spinoff weblog, that’s been shut down as of late (turns out that you can’t spam with repeats from this main blog, oh well); but I will be sharing poems and short stories soon, especially with the one that I owe y’all from last week. Anyway, if you haven’t gotten my books on Amazon, then it’s the perfect time to do so right now! All of my books from my ongoing series are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats for reason prices. And if you get the ebook formats, you can read them instantly on the Kindle app (free on iOS and Android)!

With that said, it’s time to lock up for the Christmas holiday, but the first installment of my short-story anthology collection will debut on Tuesday! And from my heart to yours, I wish everyone a joyous holiday season: Merry christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and a VERY happy new year! And to all the troops serving the USA and protecting us from harm, thank you for your service! God bless you all!