A little bit of this
Greetings,
It can be easy to assume that we are all so connected that, should you share it on social media, many will hear about it. And yet, I am constantly reminded that it isn’t the case. I will mention to someone that I have a book out and it will be news to them, meanwhile I thought I had been punting it well. Or I will share the name of a person or place that I consider important and the person I am talking to has never heard of said person or place.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hype, especially when it is coming from the voice inside our own heads.
1
In Did I mention I’ve got a book coming out?, Simon Kuper seeks to answer an important question. for writers, at least: “The financial rewards are scant and demands for self-promotion endless, so what keeps writers writing?”
I don’t know if there is a singular, final answer. Yet, every day, I try to figure out how to promote my book, while also not trying to overdo it. Is it possible to overdo it?
2
There are so many stories to tell, particularly African stories. Often times, they aren’t told because of accessibility or who is telling the story.
Mutant is “an intimate documentary portrait film featuring Isaac Mutant, a controversial and outspoken rapper from the Cape Flats.” Six years in the making, written and directed by Lebogang Rasethaba and Nthato Mokgata, I watched Mutant earlier this year on the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival.
For context and a peek into the journey of making the film, check out Inside the head of a Mutant.
3
I loved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories growing up. I enjoyed the two Sherlock Holmes films starring Robert Downey Jr and Judd Law. I loved the series with Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is a created character, like James Bond. At yet, it seems, he had a secretary for many years. The curious case of Sherlock Holmes’ real life secretary.
4
Culture, heritage, identity, etc … these things are all jumbled up in a world that still seems to lean towards race before anything else. I continue to internally navigate them, coming from a mixed heritage and having been influenced by multiple cultures. There are so many going through the same.
Bernardine Evaristo on a childhood shaped by racism: ‘I was never going to give up’
5
I chatted to Olwethu Leshabane on IG Live recently about my book. See posted the video and transcription on her site Art of Superwoman. Check it out Listen To Your Footsteps - Review.
6
“We’re not really taught how to recreate constructively. We need to do more than find diversions; we need to restore and expand ourselves. Our idea of relaxing is all too often to plop down in front of the television set and let its pandering idiocy liquefy our brains. Shutting off the thought process is not rejuvenating; the mind is like a car battery — it recharges by running.”
Advice on Life and Creative Integrity from Calvin and Hobbes Creator Bill Watterson.
7
I recently started following Darrell Freeman on Instagram for his reels and videos playing the bass or the synth bass. If you enjoy funk, check out this Spotify playlist he curated. I’ve been playing it repeatedly over the last week.
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Easy, Kojo