Posts Tagged ‘evolution of a man’
will on June 14th, 2009
the storms of life have really been gettting to me recently, and i’m very glad to say that, finally, i can see blue skies once again!
in the beginning of last week, i was really going thru it. i could barely get myself out of bed, and when i did, i moped around like a sad little puppy dog– locked in a state of depression and grief over what I felt was an uninspired life. on top of that, i was frustrated with trying to get my cable and internet service hooked up. cablevision came to my apartment 3 days in a row during the week, and in the end, still couldn’t get my cable installed. it was not shaping up to be a good week.
on wednesday i got a call from my girl, shondell, who has been such a tremendous force of positivity and inspiration for me during these tough times. i shared with her what i had been going through during the week, and she told me a story about a struggle she had, and a lesson she learned in letting go and letting God. she helped me to realize that we, as individuals, really have everything we need in life to be well and succeed; we just need to relax, trust in God, and know–truly know– that in the end, everything will be okay. hearing her testimony really brightened my spirits.
later that same day, shondell texted me telling me to “tune into oprah, RIGHT NOW!” the show was a re-run of a best life week episode on “spirituality 101.” i’d seen the episode before, but the refresher couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. in it, oprah made mention of a gratitude journal that she keeps and writes in on almost a daily basis. as soon as i heard that, my mind started to race and i thought of journaling what i’m grateful for… keeping the good things that are working in my life fresh and present in my thinking. since seeing that episode, i’ve started to write down 5 things from each day that i’m grateful for, as well as writing prayer notes to God. since starting this new thing, i feel so alive and in such great spirits, i can barely contain myself!
in addition to all of that, randomly, on thursday, i picked up my book manuscript and started re-writing “evolution of a man: a journal of self-discovery.” the stuff that was coming out of me was so amazing that i almost couldn’t stop writing. i’ve been locked in ever since! i feel so on fire right now! like i have purpose again. it’s so awesome how quickly things can go from darkness to light. this book is seriously going to be a brilliant and amazing piece of work. i can’t wait for you all to read it! the goal is to have it all re-written by the end of the month… middle of july at the latest, and then re-start the publishing process shortly thereafter.
i feel like my life is back on track right now, and i couldn’t be more excited! thank God for friends like shondell, and for what being grateful and trusting in Him can bring about in our own lives. i’m so freakin’ stoked right now! lol let’s go, people! upward and onward! 
will on April 6th, 2009
i’m starting a new category here on the site called, “gettin’ published & promoted.” it will include both posts and videos on my experiences of putting “evolution of a man: a journal of self-discovery” on the map. the book has been written, edited, and sitting on my desk for a good 5 or 6 months now, and it’s time for me to get my ass in gear and get this book on the shelves.
a friend of mine, over the weekend, offered the advice that i begin to create wish lists for the publishing, promotion and success of my book. the first list he recommended i write, given where i am in the publishing process, was a list of people who i’d like to read and review my manuscript. when the book comes out i’m definitely gonna want some critical acclaim stamped on the back cover, and so it would definitely behoove me to start reaching out to people for their opinion. not a bad idea…
i’ve thought long and hard about it, and have come up with my top 5:
1.) kevin r. scott – writer & multimedia producer: i read kevin’s stuff all the time. he’s all over urban culture, and is one of the coolest people i know. i am inspired by his commitment to excellence and to his community at large. although i just met him in person last week, we’ve been close online acquaintances for years. his is an opinion that i truly respect and admire.
2.) keith boykin – author, speaker & tv host: keith is the editor of the daily voice online news website, and is one of the most prominent and intellectual black voices of my generation… and he’s gay! i was introduced to his work a few years ago, and although i’ve not yet had the chance to sit and chat with him about, well… anything, i’m a big fan.
3.) b. scott – celebrity blogger & youtube personality: b. scott is a rising star in the gay community! in a year and some change he has managed to take himself and his website to new heights in media and entertainment; all the while staying true to who he is and showing, ever splendiferously, that loving yourself first is the most important lesson of them all.
4.) e. lynn harris – author: the first book i read written about black men who love men was harris’s “invisible life.” it changed me forever in that afterwards, i was no longer afraid to be who i am- to truly live my life openly as a gay man. although there were some before him, he was the author who, for me, put black gay men on the map; and now, 12 books later, harris remains a force to be reckoned with as far as black, gay literature is concerned.
5.) oprah winfrey – tv host; inspiration to millions across the globe: you gotta reach for the stars! seriously though, oprah is a huge proponent of empowering others by speaking your truth. “evolution of a man” is nothing if it is not my truth and my testimony for self-discovery and living your best life. it would be a pleasure to have oprah read my work and, Lord willing, place that little book club stamp on the cover.
there are a couple of other people running around in my head who i’d like to reach out to (and probably will), but these are my top five. so far, i’ve written to one of them and will be drafting letters to the others this week.
it’s time to get this gravy train movin’!
will on January 25th, 2009
2009, for many people and for many reasons, represents a time of hope, and a chance to find fulfillment and foster change. i recently watched oprah’s best life week series and was struck by a piece of advice from suze orman. she suggested that we all use the year 2009 to lay the foundation for the next 5-10 years of our lives. she was referring primarily to our finances, of course, but it’s really a very sage piece of advice for all areas of our lives. and so i’ve taken it upon myself to evaluate my life as it is right now- look at what i do have, think about what i want, and use 2009 to lay a solid foundation for the next decade of my life.
i find myself, this first month of the new year, in the midst of the most difficult, frustrating and uncertain time of my life. in the last two weeks alone i’ve wanted to let go and give up on several occasions. i have no career, no money, and no social life; and find myself struggling just to get out of bed in the morning. as i begin to approach my 30th birthday, i don’t really know what i want out of and for my life, but i am holding on as tight as i possibly can to my faith that this rough patch is only temporary, and the best is yet to come.
one beacon of hope- something that i do have to work with right now- is my book, “evolution of a man: a journal of self-discovery.” in the last few days, i have completed the final draft, and am ready to publish and release my work. all i have to do now is come up with $1,500 or so for self-publishing and distribution. finishing this project is a tremendous accomplishment for me-words can’t express how proud and excited i am. laying the foundation for my career begins with this project. this book is the only brick i have to lay in place right now. i may be struggling with financing, but at least i’ve got a product- so i can breathe a little sigh of relief. i know that i want a career as an entertainment and motivational entrepreneur (read: mogul), and this book, in my opinion, gives me a great opportunity to begin such a career; but the question that still hangs over my head (and one that i truly hope to figure out in 2009) is “what do i want to do?”
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career aspirations aside, i’m doing a bit of groundwork in my personal life as well. i am really serious (this year more than ever) about staying healthy and fit, and being social offline and outside of my apartment. in the past couple of weeks, i’ve been working out like crazy in my home wii fit- bowflex equipped gym. the deal i made with myself was to work out for an hour a day, 5 to 6 days a week. 3 days a week i do half an hour of cardio on the wii, followed by a 20-30 minute bowflex workout; and the other 3-4 days i’m strictly wii-fit (aerobics, yoga and strength training). working out hasn’t been nearly as difficult as i thought it would be- especially after meditating in the morning. usually i avoid working out at all costs, but something in me has changed. i still don’t look forward to hittin’ the gym so-to-speak, but now that my spirit is on board, it is now much easier to talk myself into working out than to talk myself out of it.
getting my social life together, however, is going to be more difficult. when it comes to being social (mostly with people whom i’ve never met) i am more of a wallflower than a butterfly. it is my goal to dramatically change that in 2009. i really need to get out, meet new people, try new things, and further open my mind. being a creature of habit, i’m very set in my ways, but i have made a promise to myself to get out of my own way and enjoy all that new york city has to offer. i combed the pages of this week’s time out nyc magazine, and highlighted many events all over the city that sparked my interest. there’s definitely some really cool stuff out there, and i can’t wait to get started. the biggest obstacle for me these days, though, is braving the cold weather of winter. I HATE BEING COLD! but i’ll just have to suck it up, buy some thermal underwear, and call it a day until mother nature brings the heat once again.
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i have no doubt that 2009 will be a great year for me. there’s much to do and much more to look forward to. i’ve lost myself in the last 8 or 9 months, and it’s really important to me that i get my life back. although i’m not entirely sure of where i’m going, or what i’m doing, i know i will find my footing very soon, and begin to lay the foundation for an incredibly bright and successful future. here’s to 2009!
yes i can!
will on November 30th, 2008
since the thanksgiving holiday, i’ve gotten a huge boost of energy and drive when it comes to getting nye media off the ground. watching “charlie and the chocolate factory” after dinner led to inspired thought, which sent me straight to my computer- jotting down ideas, and creating plans for 2009.
when it comes to my book, “evolution of a man: a journal of self-discovery,” i’ve come to the conclusion that i’d like to give self-publishing a try. releasing through a major publishing company would be absolutely amazing, don’t get me wrong; but, in the end, i would still have to do most of the work, and would really only be using them for their name. since everything else i’m doing revolves around creating a name for myself, why should this book effort be any different? i’ve heard a lot about iUniverse- a self-publishing company, and am looking into working with them.
earlier this month i met with publisher and author, steven fullwood, and he gave me the sage piece of advice to create a marketing plan for the book. so many authors put all their eggs in one basket so to speak, believing that the content alone is enough to sell their work- “the book will sell itself!” steven impressed upon me the importance of knowing my target market, and creating a plan that reaches them effectively and from all sides of the globe.
although he gave me this information almost a month ago, i’ve been very stalled in actually putting it together. i really just didn’t know where to begin. it took me a really long time to put the book into a category as opposed to targeting everyone on the planet. i settled on “gay african american,” and am writing the plan to target black gay men. even though i feel that anyone who reads the book will gain inspiration, it does tell the story of a black gay youth transitioning into manhood. so, really, choosing the category should have been easy. my little thanksgiving jolt this weekend got me moving again, and after doing a bit of research, i came across a really helpful marketing guide for self-publishers. for anyone on the same journey, here is a brief outline overview:
how do i formulate a selling plan?
step one: target your audience! who are they? where do they shop? how can they be reached?
step two: outline your goals and objectives!
* events, pre-publication reviews, distribution, marketing & publicity, post-publication reviews
step three: determine a realistic budget you can stick to! get quotes and estimates for everything
* printing, press kits, flyers, publicity, distribution, print advertising, isbn numbers, websites, postal
for more information, visit writers write
i am finding this outline very useful and helpful, and my plan is coming along quite nicely so far. about a week ago, i contracted an editor to review my manuscript for grammar and content- so now is really the perfect time to start outlining my goals. the edits are due back by december 20th, so i’ve given myself a december 19th deadline for my marketing plan.
wish me luck!
will on November 10th, 2008
ok, here’s the deal. a year ago, i started a personal photo project with a photographer friend of mine. it was a photo time capsule- a pictorial collage noting my style and workout progress for the year. i used my photo shoots to express who i was as person at the time, and to learn how to be comfortable in front of a camera. unfortunately for me, my friend moved to san francisco earlier this year, and so i was unable to complete the project.
last week smokestack came over and, while we were drinking and talking, he offered to take some pictures of me with my digital camera. i recently did a bit of shopping, and he noted that this was the perfect opportunity to do a little promo shoot for “evolution of a man.” i thought it a good idea, so i went to my closet and put a couple outfits together. i was really excited and ready to go… until i got in front of the camera.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I’M DOING!
i froze. completely solid. i have all the animation and energy in the world under normal circumstances, but when my friend started snapping away, i had no idea what to do. i was posing all over the place looking unnatural and weird. didn’t know what to do with my hands; what my face should look like; how i should move my body…nothing!
*sigh*
i can’t even look at some of these. smokestack kept telling me that i was “giving him nothing” and all i could reply was, “i don’t know what to give.” lol. the one thing that became quite apparent (at least to me) throughout the entire shoot was that i’m incredibly uncomfortable in my skin. and to be honest, i’ve always felt that way. i’ve never been very free with my body at all. i’m always super conscious of just about every body part and what it’s doing. especially my hands. if you were to come across me walking down the street, you would see me fidgeting with my clothes, switching the placement of my hands and arms, and looking from side to side checking for anyone who might have noticed my discomfort. i just don’t know what to do with my body. period.
maybe it’s because i don’t like my body. maybe it’s because i don’t really think i’m anything worth looking at or photographing. it’s weird. i like being in front of the camera- hell, i love it; but i never know what to do or how to act. it’s like i try to be someone better than myself in front of the camera. almost like i’ve been doing this for years and am a pro at it…except i’m not. i’m so not! in my head i think “every shot must be perfect-” putting so much pressure on myself that i end up falling flat. today, i caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror while dancing and playing around in my living room and all i could think was, “now, why can’t i bring this energy and confidence to life when i’m in front of the camera?” i know i have it in me to let go and allow my natural exuberance to show up on camera. i just have to take the time to find it, and bring it out!
the shoot the other day wasn’t all bad, though. there were a few shots that i really liked:
see, will… you can take some nice pics!
smokestack and i talked about my “modeling” a bit more, and he agreed to help me on my new journey of getting comfortable in my own skin. we’re going to do more shoots in the future- both in my apartment and out in the city- and he’s going to coach me on being myself in front of the camera, and allowing my spirit to come through naturally. i’m really excited. i know i’ve got a long way to go, and that it really starts with me believing in myself; but i’m confident i will get there soon. i want this [to be a media personality] so fucking bad! i know i will be a great role model and inspiration to many around the world- all i need is a little training and practice. the rest is up to me.
onward and upward, kiddies! i got lots of work to do. anyone have any tips?
will on November 1st, 2008
here we go! i just got back from the post office (always an interesting experience) where i mailed the first batch of query letters and self-addressed stamped envelopes to publishers & literary agencies across the country. aside from writing the book itself, this is my first effort to put my name out there, and find some backing for Evolution Of A Man!
so, send all your good energy and best wishes this way. somebody’s gonna publish this book… and it’s gonna be HUGE!
will on October 22nd, 2008
this is the frame paused on my computer because i just HAD to write this post!
[sidebar: i'm catching up on all my missed television due to my 2 week trip to texas. my dvr went crazy and so i pretty much have to catch up on everything online (which i love 'cuz i can have porn playing in the background). anyway, after watching an enticing (and very well produced) "making the band 4" finale, i rounded to "the hills" for some beverly hills reality (or so they say...).]
when the opening credits and natasha bedingfield’s “unwritten” began to play, i sang along in the spirited and jovial essence that is my weekly hills viewing; but when i got to the lyrics, “reaching for something in the distance, so close you can almost taste it…” i got waaay too excited and almost started crying. i’m trying to stay really calm, humble, and quiet about it, y’all, but i am really, really ecstatic about my book, “evolution of a man.” like, i’m so friggin’ close to my dream of publishing a book and unleashing my presence on the world (lol) that i can hardly sleep at night! seriously. i got very little sleep in texas because i was dreaming about the possibilities of my work and it’s impression on society. i really feel that it is a unique story that will open a lot of minds and doors (my mission statement is coming soon). it’s frustrating, because i haven’t slept in over a week, but at the same time… i’m living for it! if i’m gonna have a restless night, i’m pretty damn glad it’s because i’m dreaming of and imagining my successful future.
albert einstein once said: “imagination is everything. it is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” let me tell you, i’ve been dreaming and imagining myself in all sorts of interviews, encounters, appearances, and meetings- i’m seriously about to do some shit; and i can hardly contain myself!
if something doesn’t happen soon, i’m gonna burst!
ok… back to “the hills”
will on September 29th, 2008
ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, i give you:
Evolution Of A Man: A Journal Of Self-Discovery
At 24, Will McNair was lost. Although he had a successful year in New York City under his belt after moving from California, as well as a very promising job at Google, he felt inadequate and unaccomplished. Having grown up in South Central Los Angeles the sheltered son of a preacher man and woman, he hid his sexuality and identity from the world out of fear and insecurity. But on January 8, 2004- just a few months short of his 25th birthday- Will set off on a search for himself.
In Evolution Of A Man, written as his personal journal from 2004 – 2008, Will openly and candidly explores who he is as a person of greatness, while struggling to let go of the past and move into the future. From addressing insecurities and breaking away from the strict ideals of his parents; to losing his virginity and finding peace with his sexuality, Evolution Of A Man paints an intimate picture of what it means to face yourself, challenge your fears, and realize your own true potential.
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i cannot tell you how excited i am about this project. it’s been a long and hard journey, but the end result was well worth it! now that the book is done, i’m looking for publishing and marketing help. so send me those contacts, people lol. it’s time to get this thing off the ground!
