I'm only part-way through Vanity Fair's special issue but this is well done so far.

Ta-Nehisi Coates still refusing to pass around empty words of hope because his pragmatism prevents him from doing so, Killer Mike explaining (again) why he spoke in Atlanta- the complexity of his decision to do that, and how it felt to see that police precinct burn in Minneapolis (we share the same sentiment), Al Sharpton convening with the Floyd family before they buried him, and talking about how a call from Obama on the day of his funeral allowed them to "exhale" if only for a few minutes, and Amy Sherald's breathtaking art. I mean, really. Her work, man. Jacqueline Woodson is featured here too, though I haven't yet read her contribution. Anyway. You can read the issue for free online.

Fitting it drops on the day we're talking about Jacob Blake being shot seven times in the back by police, while his children were psychologically tortured as they watched and pleaded and screamed from the backseat of his car. Reminder: Philando Castile was also shot in front of his girlfriend's 4 year-old-daughter. When you dehumanize a group of people, their children also become expendable. 

Got to talk #blackromance, #blackbooks, #blackwomen, #protectingblackwomen, and #jacintahowardbooks with Sistah Girls Book Club for #blackindieauthorday. A lot of #hashtags but it was so much fun talking to Lissa Marie, who is dope and awesome. Love Sistah Girls.

Check it if you have a second. You have to join the group to see the interview. Don't worry, the group is dope and full of book recs, Q&As, topic discussions and lots of fun stuff: ​https://www.facebook.com/LissaMarieS1/videos/10223705605216392/?query=jacinta%20&epa=SEARCH_BOX

If you haven't read The Prototype Series, you can check it out right now for FREE on Radish in episodic format. Head on over there and download the free app if you're into it. Or if you've already read it, tell a friend. Sharing is caring! ​​

I wrote this back in 2019 while I was blocked, finishing up Loving Cassie. You can grab it now for FREE if you're into apocalyptic short stories. The plan is to possibly write a full-length dystopian novel at some point in the near future. 

A new short+sweet story is available to read over at Book+Main! 

And here's the playlist if you're into it...