#litmih

[vhkingsink]

I planned on publishing my latest project two years ago. In no way could I have predicted everything I've been through. I've had to (re)learn, (re)imagine, (re)integrate my identity in ways I did not expect.

And some days I still ask myself--is it too late?

[vhkingsink]

every time this world tries to destroy me, i commit to finding a way to heal, rebuild, and recover my hope. you can't kill me that easily.

There are a million sayings about the things that were meant to kill you. Does it make you stronger or just stranger? Probably a bit of both

[vhkingsink]

Make (No) Plans

Self-publishing requires self-compassion–along with a lot of patience and faith. Nothing is promised, but there’s so much to hope for.

Part of being a BlackDisabledQueer writer and artist is...being disabled. I have hopes for a few more poetry volumes, and even though I don't have detailed plans, I still have dreams.

[vhkingsink]

How to Ask for Help

LESS THAN ONE WEEK--and LitMiH will officially be out! Here's your last sneak-peek: a poem written to be felt in the body when the spirit aches deeply and the mind stays frantic.

now I wake from this restless sleepinsides coiled tight, unable to breathe—anticipation and expectation stealing my peace. self-imposed standards shredthrough my stomach lining: acid and bilestifling my lungs. these days I bite my tongue to keep from grinding my teethbut it only leaves my jaw aching, rantinganxious pleas across a screen while second? guessing? does this sound? too much?…

[vhkingsink]

Choking On Permission

I’ve spent too much time starving myself into silence. Now that I’ve decided to open my mouth, what do I have to say?

Lately I've grown (more) strongly worded and (highly) unapologetic--kind of like LitMiH. I'm proud of myself, but I know I've only gotten to the (next) beginning of my journey. There will be much required of me, and I'm here to do the work.

[vhkingsink]

telling myself that LitMiH's release doesn't have to be perfect and BELIEVING that? absolutely powerful!!! giving myself room to grow is revolutionary--especially as a BlackDisabledQueer.

[NOTE: it shouldn't HAVE to be, but it is, and i will honor my worth even when society does not--because this too is prayer. ]

[vhkingsink]

tomorrow is Wednesday! that means more rambles on the making of Late in the Midnight Hour!

[vhkingsink]

A Place for Anger

The more I work on illustrations for my poetry compilation, the more I grapple with a whole mess of things I didn’t realize I’d been grievin

All of the illustrations for LitMiH were done with brush pens and alcohol markers. I liked the way the colors took on a life of their own, on Canson Marker Paper. Bold lines, visceral contrasts, beautiful layers.

Something about it was like a song to me. I started working on iterations of a few previous pieces, and although not all of them are the ones you'll find in the final manuscript, I learned a few things along the way about the emotional weight bursting from the page.