Prevail: Happy 7th Anniversary!

Posted on July 6, 2019 by BuddahDesmond611

I cannot believe it’s been 7 years since the release of my first project, Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics. It’s arrival marked one of the brightest and darkest periods of my life.

Two weeks prior to its release, I found myself jobless. A total WTF moment that sent me reeling… Spiraling down. I was singing a tune that was akin to the jazz standard “Good Morning Heartache,” except in this case it was “Good Morning / Good Afternoon / Good Night Depression, Anxiety, Shame, Low Self-Esteem, and Lack of Confidence.” It took awhile to grow through it. While I didn’t realize it immediately, it proved to be a blessing in disguise.

This reality check gave me the chance to do things I always wanted to do. Publish my work. Write, write, and write some more. Perform. Connect and work with other artists, creatives, and organizations committed to the arts and social justice. Complete my MBA. I did what I had to do. About a year or so later, the landscape had changed. My outlook was much brighter.

Life is a trip. At times, you may feel ill equipped for the journey. You may even hate certain portions of the journey. But it’s necessary. It lays the foundation for what’s too come. As I say, “No matter what happens in life, we must PREVAIL!“ Much love and gratitude to all who’ve been there with me and continue to support me throughout this journey. You are true blessings!

Prevail is available at Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle) and Barnes & Noble.

Happy 2nd Anniversary to “Prevail!”

Posted on June 20, 2014 by BuddahDesmond611

I cannot believe it’s been two years since the release of my first volume of poetry Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics. Seems like it was only yesterday when I saw the email that the book had gone to the printer. And roughly 10-14 days later, it was available to purchase. Seeing my work published, especially this collection, was a major milestone. I went through a lot to get to that stage. And my what I’ve learned in the time since it was published.

I was trying to do everything when Prevail came out. To maintain the little bit of sanity I have left, I had to pump my breaks. I realized that if I broke my goals up into smaller pieces, execution wouldn’t be as difficult. This allowed for quick wins, which in essence brings you closer to achieving your ultimate goals (versus trying to attack everything head on all at once).

My goal this year was increasing visibility in the DC metro area (i.e. attending more events, performing, and making connections/building relationships). I went after some opportunities, while other opportunities came to me (all of which I’m extremely grateful). I’m in the process of planning for events for the latter half of the year (I’ll be sharing news about this soon). Aside from releasing my next two projects, the goal for 2015/2016 will be increasing visibility in other regions of the country.

After going through the publishing process with my first project, I feel like I could teach a course or two. There’s no need to spend a lot of money buying packages through an on-demand or vanity press when you don’t have to. Doing it yourself may be a more cost-effective option, especially if you have access to the right resources. Whether you self-publish or get picked up by a publishing company (indie or mainstream), you will still be on the hook for marketing/promoting your work. At this stage, I’d rather have more control over the finished product and how its marketed/promoted.

Information about my next two projects is forthcoming. In the interim, be sure to check out my previous posts about Prevail. And if so inclined, buy a copy of Prevail, write a review, and tell a friend!

Thank you for your support. Until next time… Peace, love, and many blessings! ~ BuddahDesmond

Happy 1st Anniversary to ‘Prevail’!

Posted on June 13, 2013 by BuddahDesmond611

Wow, it’s been one year since I published my first book Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics. I still recall the happiness and sense of accomplishment I felt holding Prevail in my own hands for the first time. Prevail represents a dream come true. I stuck to my guns and made it happen. Not without a lot of support though. I couldn’t have done it without those (my spouse, family, friends, and mentors) who’ve encouraged me along the way.

It was a rocky journey making the dream happen. If I’d listened to all the things people told me—that I wasn’t good enough, that I didn’t fit the mold, that I didn’t do things the traditional way (as if that’s something wrong)—I wouldn’t have this book or anything else published. I wouldn’t be working on my next book. I would’ve stopped writing… I would’ve stopped doing a lot of things. But I didn’t. I persevered. Yet I know there’s still much more to do. More dreams to achieve. Still more to learn. More platform building to do. Many more people to connect and build genuine relationships with. More outreach. And I welcome it all.

As I say in the introduction of Prevail, “We never know what’s coming to us in this life, but we do know that if we get through it—whatever it is—we will be better, stronger, and wiser. No matter what, we know we must prevail.”

Thank you for your support! Until next time… Peace, Love, and Many Blessings, BuddahDesmond

Prevail is available at iUniverse, Amazon (Paperback | Hardcover | Kindle), Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million (Paperback | Hardcover), and other retailers.

Buddah Desmond

Author of Prevail: Poems on Life, Love, and Politics

Category Archives: Anniversary

Prevail: Happy 7th Anniversary!

Happy 2nd Anniversary to “Prevail!”

Happy 1st Anniversary to ‘Prevail’!