IT WAS A LATE NIGHT IN NOVEMBER WHEN I GOT THE TEXT MESSAGE & THEN WE WERE ON THE PHONE
The road to being featured on Good Morning America was not paved with shortcuts or serendipity—it was the culmination of years of dedication, smart decisions, and a relentless work ethic. While some may view such an achievement as an overnight success, the truth is, it was decades in the making, marked by consistent storytelling, strategic self-promotion, and an unyielding commitment to craft. My appearance on the show wasn’t by chance; it was the natural next step in a journey that has long been building momentum.
When I asked the Good Morning America producer how they discovered my story, their response was humbling yet revealing: “You’ve already been in our discussions. I saw that you’ve been on ABC World News before.” That comment underscored an essential truth—success often comes not from a singular, explosive moment but from a series of cumulative efforts. Every interview, every article, every feature is a footprint, a breadcrumb trail that leads to bigger and broader opportunities. And for me, this trail has been decades in the making.
My journey began with self-publishing, selling books from the trunk of my car, and connecting directly with readers. Over time, this hustle led to features and recognition that slowly but steadily elevated my profile:
More about my hustle: I’VE BEEN DOCUMENTING THIS JOURNEY!
Accolades and Coverage That Built the Foundation
- The New York Times: “His ability to transform his life experiences into compelling narratives has made him a notable figure in urban fiction.”
- Publishers Weekly: “Self-publishing street lit phenomenon Aaron…serves up a smoldering batch of raw erotica and criminality.”
- Library Journal: “An interesting and suspenseful book about life in the suburbs for African Americans.” — Leslie Hayden
- ABC World News: “The books he [Relentless] penned behind prison walls are now breakout hits.”
- The Journal News: “Relentless Aaron’s authenticity in his writing is highlighted. A coordinator at the Yonkers treatment center for troubled children noted that many of the kids were already reading his books and found his background relatable and motivational.”
- New York Daily News: “Relentless Aaron draws intense inspiration from his surroundings, translating the raw energy and grit of city streets into compelling street-lit novels that resonate with readers.”
- Ebony Magazine: “Relentless Aaron is celebrated for his raw storytelling and impactful urban literature, transforming personal experiences into narratives that resonate widely. His journey from street book sales to major publishing deals highlights his authentic and vivid depictions of urban life.”
- Time Magazine: Highlighted by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Time Magazine recognized my work for its dedication to urban literature and my efforts to uplift the community, inspiring future writers with my relentless energy.
- Actor/Director Bill Duke: Praised my “relentless tenacity and hard work,” noting the significant impact and lofty goals I continue to achieve.
Each of these accolades represents not just recognition but a brick in the foundation of my career. They are proof that authenticity, when combined with hard work, can carve out a path where none exists.
The Magic Formula? It’s No Magic at All
For those looking to replicate this kind of success, let me be clear: there’s no magic to it. My formula has always been simple:
- Hard Work: Consistency and effort, day in and day out, even when the results aren’t immediately visible.
- Mastering My Craft: Whether writing behind prison walls or pitching books on city streets, I’ve committed to refining my storytelling and understanding my audience.
- Smart Thinking: Knowing how to leverage opportunities and build lasting relationships has been crucial. This includes treating every connection as a potential gateway to greater possibilities.
- Faith in God’s Timing: Timing is everything, but it’s not about my timing—it’s about divine timing. Being prepared when the right moment arrives is what transforms opportunities into realities.
What My Journey Means for Others
If my story teaches anything, it’s that success isn’t reserved for the privileged or the lucky—it’s for those willing to do the work. My life’s journey, from self-publishing to becoming a featured guest on Good Morning America, proves that the combination of grit, resilience, and faith can open doors even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Whether it’s the acclaim of The New York Times or the recognition from community centers where young readers connect with my work, the path to success is marked by an unwavering belief in the value of one’s voice. And that belief, reinforced by hard work and smart thinking, will always create opportunities.
The next time someone asks how I landed on Good Morning America, I’ll tell them this: There’s no secret, no quick fix, and no magic wand. What there is, however, is the power of persistence and the faith that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a bigger picture.
That’s not just my story. It’s the essence of being Relentless.
