We are looking for donations for children's books, book bags, and even financial donations for the children of Camden, New Jersey. Camden has been identified as an impoverished area with great resources in increasing the literacy among the children there. ADC Kid and I have been charged ourselves with creating an event to bring in local authors, where these authors: Talk to the children read to them, and potentially give out some of their books to the children with the right financial backing. Please join,, sponsor the event or book/book bag, and assist these children with increasing their literacy activities at home and school. Feel free to use the contact information attached or message me here.
On Thursday, April 14, 2016, I had the opportunity to interview Se'Quince Aiken, who has been an author since 2014. Se'Quince has Cerebral Palsy and does not seem to all that to stop her from her goals and objectives. She is an author, an owner of her own company, and is a very inspiring young lady.
She will be a Featured Author in the Children's Book Festival developed by ADC Kid and Hampton Publishing House LLC. The event will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 12 PM at the Haddon Avenue Street Festival.
About five years ago, I was at the age that I started to reflect on my life and my accomplishments. You know that age where you start putting your life into perspective and start identifying whether or not you are reaching the goals you set for yourself? The age that I state usually occurs at age 25. Well, that was my exact age. My thoughts focused on obtaining a Master’s Degree, writing, performing poetry, and publishing a couple of books. I ultimately knew that when I set my sites on accomplishing things, they definitely would come true because I was dedicated to my purpose and succeeding. Even if my projected timeline was not accurate, I made sure to adjust the time I allowed myself to complete a particular goal. A good example of this is when I completed my graduate degree. Initially, I gave myself two years to complete the program. After adding certificates to my degree and making the necessary changes for me to be successful, I had to readjust the completion time to four years, instead of two.
My overall objective for my life was to complete my graduate program, publish two books, and make my name a household name by the time I was 30 years old. Well, how do you think I am doing? All I can say is I have made strategic strides for myself in accomplishing my goals. I obtained my Master’s at 29, attended and participated in numerous book festivals and events, rekindled my creative ability to design and interpret things, and will have published four books by the time I reach 30. The books in which I have published deals with relationships and domestic violence, poetry, and a children’s book. All of which are interests of mine.
So, what can I say to you about being successful and reaching your goals? You have to give life your all. Success never comes to those who wait for it. Success comes to those who work hard, are patient, and knows what defeat feels like. Sometime in life, we have all felt the feeling of being defeated at something we loved to do or wanted to learn to do. Do you think the Michael Jordan gave up when he shot an air ball? How about Tyler Perry? Do you think he gave up when he was homeless and living in his car? Not at all! Michael and Tyler let the feeling of defeat serve as a lesson to not feel that way again. And if they did happen to feel that way again, they knew just what to do to change their circumstances. That is exactly what I want you to do. I want you to not let defeat keep you positioned on the ground. I want you to get up, look defeat in the face, and say no more.
The truth to following steps in being successful is that we all define our own steps. Life is different for everyone, so one thing that worked for one person may very well work or not work for another person. It is ok to repeat what has been done before; however when all else fail, go with what you know or what feels right.
~Start defining your own success and opportunities
Ok, so do you remember last month when I was discussing traveling to a new place outside of Ohio? Well, I made up my mind, scheduled my trip, and reserved my room. The decision came to me while I was updating my status on a popular website; Facebook. I received an invitation to participate and attend the Michigan International Books Festival. I thought to myself, why not? Why not experience the feeling of talking and encouraging the youth, selling some books, and performing poetry? I was now ready to man my own table, after observing the authors at the National Black Book Festival in Houston, Texas.
The Michigan International Books Festival is an event "aimed at educating and encouraging youth to read and author books. The festival will bring together hundreds of book writers, role models and teachers of the literary craft." My niece will attend this event with me, with hopes of developing her interest in creating a comic book.
Let me say, come one, call all, we'll have a ball at the Michigan International Books Festival. I hope to see you there.
I'm truly excited about attending the National Black Book Festival in June. I'm looking forwad in networking with other authors, performing at the poetry event sponsored by CushCity.com, and the fact of being in Texas. I will be among great authors and my best friend, who plans to attend the event to also enjoy the festivities and get some new and exciting books.
So a few months ago, I had a conversation with a well known author about attending the event. She told me that I would really enjoy being in the presence of others with dreams as big as mine. That very fact made me smile with excitement because my energy would be magnified by others around me. She told me that her favorite parts of the event was networking with other authors, signing books, and stuffing her suitcase full of books from other authors.
I can't wait for this opportunity and I will keep you updated as time progressing toward leaving for the event.
