Old School Hustle in a New School World: The Journey of a 90s Novelist Adapting to 2024
As an old-school novelist whose roots stretch back to the gritty grind of the 90s and early 2000s, my journey has been anything but linear. I’ve seen the literary world transform from a place where books were sold hand-to-hand on the streets to a digital marketplace that thrives on algorithms, social media trends, and viral moments. It’s been 20 years since the peak of my hand-to-hand hustle, but that addiction—the thrill of selling directly to readers, hearing their reactions in real time, and seeing the dollar exchanged for art—still courses through my veins. However, times have changed, and so have I.
The Pivot into Tech
Navigating today’s tech-driven landscape has been a challenge, to say the least. It’s not enough to write a great story anymore—you’ve got to market it, create an audience, and stay engaged 24/7. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube dominate the cultural narrative, and they’ve become integral tools for storytellers like me who want to remain relevant.
Incorporating these tools hasn’t just been about staying afloat; it’s been about expanding my reach. My novels, once passed from hand to hand in neighborhoods and urban centers, now have the potential to reach audiences globally with the click of a button. But the transition hasn’t been seamless. It’s meant learning to storyboard children’s graphic novels, designing comic book series, and crafting nonfiction books that serve as both inspiration and guideposts for a new generation. It’s also meant relinquishing a bit of that old-school pride and embracing collaboration with younger creatives who speak the language of the digital world fluently.
Reinventing My Craft
I’m writing children’s books to teach financial literacy, crafting graphic novels to empower young readers, and penning nonfiction books that reflect the wisdom I’ve accumulated from years of personal and professional growth. My works are no longer just entertainment; they’re tools for education, empowerment, and change.
And yet, despite these pivots, the essence of my grind remains the same. Whether I’m selling a novel on a street corner, mailing a children’s book to a library, or promoting my latest project on Instagram, I’m still driven by the same relentless spirit that fueled my rise as a novelist in the 90s.
The Addiction of Hand-to-Hand Sales
There’s something intoxicating about hand-to-hand sales that digital downloads just can’t replicate. Maybe it’s the eye contact, the connection, or the immediate feedback of putting your work in someone’s hands and seeing them react in real-time. I can’t lie—it’s an addiction I haven’t fully shaken off. Even now, in the age of online sales funnels and viral marketing campaigns, I still hit the streets. I still love the conversations, the hustle, the grind. It’s where I feel most alive.
But I’ve learned to balance that passion with a more strategic approach. The digital world isn’t a replacement for the streets; it’s an extension. It allows me to expand my reach while still honoring my roots.
Managing Time, Life, and Striving for Increase
Balancing it all hasn’t been easy. Between writing books, managing social media, and staying engaged with my audience, there’s barely time to breathe some days. And then there’s life itself—family, personal growth, and striving for increase. It’s a delicate dance, but one I’ve committed to mastering.
What keeps me going is the knowledge that my work is bigger than me. It’s about creating a legacy, not just for my family but for anyone who picks up my books, reads my words, or hears my story. I’ve come to understand that time management isn’t just about dividing hours in a day—it’s about being present, prioritizing what matters, and always moving with intention.
The Relentless Spirit
Adapting to the times doesn’t mean losing who I am. I’m still that relentless storyteller, entrepreneur, and creative. But I’ve learned that evolution is the key to survival. Whether it’s through a social media post, a children’s book, or a late-night conversation with a stranger on a street corner, my mission is the same: to inspire, to connect, and to leave a lasting impact.
In this new era, I’m not just chasing sales or accolades. I’m chasing growth—personal, professional, and spiritual. The world has changed, but my hustle remains the same. And as I continue to pivot, adapt, and evolve, one thing is certain: the story isn’t over yet. In fact, it’s just beginning.
