“You’re never too young to change the world.” –Sean “P.Diddy” Combs

And here we are again, another book. It’s crazy that I now have two books on Amazon. Honestly, I don’t feel any different.  I’ve reached a level of consciousness where I’m not defined by accomplishments. Sure, writing a book is a big accomplishment, but I’m more excited for the impact that the books will have rather than the fact that they are out. Three days ago I had a moment where I was in my room balling my eyes out in gratitude. Have you ever had a moment where you can just go down your list of “things” and everything is good? That morning I was proud of myself that I was in good health, my bills were paid, my loved ones were good and I had another book on Amazon. That was a good morning. 

Since I made the announcement on social media that my book was out, I have received a lots of advice, marketing tips and questions about my intent. Friends, family and classmates wonder why I choose to express myself through books. It is common knowledge that writers don’t make a lot of money. Book writing takes a lot of time, money and dedication so why write one book, let alone two? This is the question that I have received time and time again. I’d like to address this question in this blog and share some  insight on why I wrote these two books.

I Want To Represent An Idea

I heard a quote at Morehouse once from my professor who said. “ If you want to hide something from a Black man put it in a book!” I know that many people believe the stereotype that black men, particularly young black men, don’t read. I hate this stereotype. Growing up I watched my father read the bible, he and my mother were always making sure that my siblings and I read. Unfortunately, I know that the way I was raised is not common. It is a fact that most black men don’t read. It’s also true that most Americans don’t read regularly. This is true because there aren’t a lot of role models outside of academia that advocate for leisure reading.  I want to always be known for not only reading but writing. I want people who know me to know that I read and so should they. My hope with my social media accounts and two books is that my supporters will understand the importance of reading and writing.

I Want to Talk to Us

There’s a lot of good writing out in the world. I also believe that there isn’t a lot of positive writing by black authors for young readers. I want to refute this perception by creating affordable, positive and easy to read writing that will inspire people. I’m bored with self-help guru’s and life coaches being over 40 and white. I want to create work in the world for young people that will speak directly to them and let them know that they, too, can be great no matter what age or background.

I Want To Be Different

With social media and the hundreds of open-source platforms, everyone can produce content. It is very easy to hop on Facebook live and talk, post YouTube videos and even make graphics. There are millions of people who will take that route to build their platforms. Although these are great mediums to get started, everyone is doing them. I want to be different. Anyone can hop on social media and start trying to influence people. One thing that everyone can’t do is write a book. Book writing is hard. It takes a lot of money, time and effort. I’m willing to make the investment to write books.

Inspiring storytelling isn’t a hobby of mine, this is what I was born to do. I take every bit of it so seriously. It is my intention to share with my supporters that I’m not “just another guy with something to say.” The investment to write books is telling and I know that it will differentiate me from a lot of the others out there looking to inspire.

I Want To Share What I’ve Learned

The way my life was set up, it truly is a miracle that I’ve been able to accomplish what I have. Spiritual teacher, Marianne Williamson defines a miracle as “A change in perception from fear to love.” As a young child, I was deeply afraid of going to college. I always knew that it just wasn’t an option for me because I was black, male and lived in a poor neighborhood. As a young adult, I was terrified to get on a plane or live anywhere other than Ohio. Today, I’m in graduate school, I’ve lived in NY and LA and have loved it along the way. This life and experience that I’ve been given is only by the grace of God, that humility makes me want to share what I’ve learned with anyone who will listen. The two books are just expressions of me sharing what I’ve learned along the way. 

Conclusion

I’m excited to see what will come of these books. I put my heart and soul into both of them. Anyone who reads just a page of my work will walk away feeling better. I’m anxious to see where this author journey will take me. One day I will be on the New York Times Best Sellers list, traveling the country, inspiring the masses and on TV. Until then I’m going to keep working on my craft and pumping out good stuff for you all to read.

To purchase any of my two books head over to my Amazon Author’s Page by clicking HERE.