A.D. August 2012

I would like to start this off with a tip of my hat to all the incredible folks that I encountered at Onyxcon 4 in Atlanta this past Saturday, the 18th. There are so many fun and unique people there, some from the previous show and some for the first time. I look forward to meeting up with everyone again next year, Jah willing, and have another grand ol’ time!

Normally, I fill in this blog with an update on past shows and where I will be next or other business related matters. This time, I wanted to shift gears and talk about something different. As I mentioned in May, I am in the process of doing a new book very different than Ms. Johnni. Naturally, this means that the production of the final installment of the Ms. Johnni story arc will be delayed. I really don’t like doing this, but my current situation will not allow for me to complete it when I’d like.

I know that folks who have been following Ms. Johnni for the past few years want to see the finale and trust me, I want to provide that. However, until I’m in a state to do that, I decided that rather wait and do nothing, I would rather focus on another project that I CAN do. I do hope that people are receptive to this and can be patient with me as I work through this.

On another note, there have been many things that caught me by surprise since I started publishing Ms. Johnni. For one, I never intended this story to be aimed at children. Not that there is a lot of overtly ‘adult’ content in this tale, (as there isn’t), but when the concept came to me about an overweight, unhappy and suicidal black housewife, I never saw the themes to be addressed as something kids would enjoy. However, the fact is that there ARE people 13 and younger that like it. So, while I have no plans to change how I write, I will say that I am aware of this segment of the audience. I am also very humbled by this and am thankful for it. 😉

Adding to that, there have been personal and professional events and ordeals that I’ve dealt with that have changed me as a writer, an artist, a businessman and a man. I ask myself sometimes, who do I think I am? I’m putting this weird story out there with plans on going even more into strange territory and I am hoping that people will get it. I’ve been working with the very talented Akiko Stilman, Karli G and my own fiancée, Stacy, on this new project and wonder, “What am I thinking? Why don’t I do something that is safe?”

Then I think, why would I do something that’s been done before? Why not give folks something different and let them decide for themselves if they like it. My whole thought process and creative process is totally different with this and it’s involving things that have to be redone, something that I’ve never done in the past. Am I being cryptic enough about what this is?

For a small sample of what’s in the works, check out our fan page at www.facebook.com/jerichoprojects. And if you haven’t joined, please do. We’d love to have you!

A.