I also have to take a moment to thank Mr. Alejandro Lara again for all of his help in helping me create my comics. He is currently one of my primary contributors for concept art for the Chimera Chronicles and he will be my new artist for the Illicit Liberties series as well. It has been a struggle to get a committed artist, but as I develop a budget and find a competent artist to work with I can breathe easier and push forward with my next project once I get the latest one completed. I feel like I am really honing my comic scriptwriting craft now that I have consistent help.
I am truly happy and blessed to have had the small accomplishments I've had. I am also toying with the idea of taking "Prayers for a Son" to the next level and developing a Christian anthology for next year with stories based on the sermons of Pastor Kevin Williams and others. More on that later...
Besides boasting about my writing successes, I also have to vent a little more... I haven't been especially happy since the results of the presidential election. There has been so much division, fear, sadness, and just complete ridiculousness carried on in the mainstream media and through social media. America just seems like a circus and Trump is just enjoying his time as the ringleader. While I see no good coming from him though, I see a lot of good coming despite him.
The increase in organizations and people advocating for social reform. The inspirational marches and uplifting speeches (not the riots and hate speeches) from celebrities and leaders that seem inspired by those from the civil rights era. The overall unity for hope against someone who tries to present himself as a savior by trying to keep people afraid with "alternative facts" and fake news (that's real when it's convenient for his ego). I think singer Jidenna said it best in an interview on the Breakfast Club where he stated that in order to have a Moses you need a Pharaoh. He acknowledged that under Obama's leadership, Americans, especially African Americans, became comfortable. But as my pastor, Dr. Kevin Williams, and other great speakers would say, in order to achieve greatness you can't remain comfortable... This time of discomfort will be our time to seek greatness. I already see a shift in the atmosphere and I truly believe that great things will come about in these next four years regardless of the ignorance and fear being spread from the throne of the White House.
There is always a light waiting to shine in the darkest of times. I'm optimistic for a better day ahead. And there is always more to come!