Doing the Damn Thang
I am many things to many people: Son, brother, confidant, friend, novelist, songwriter, mental health professional, asshole, know-it-all, and smart-ass (among others). Daily, I endeavor to embrace positivity and eliminate bullshit. The journey thus far has been challenging and rewarding. I invite you to share in this experience. All aboard!!!!
Friday, July 06, 2012
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Success!
It is with absolute pleasure that I present to you, Joseph Peters et al! God, this is an amazing feeling. Feel free to order your copy through the PayPal link. Also, stay tuned for more updates (i.e. book signings). I am truly blessed. If I can do it, so can you!
Here's the synopsis:
Joseph Peters et al
Literary Fiction
64,000 words
by John W. Brown
Stacey Jones is an 18-year-old girl who, despite stellar academic achievements, ignores everyone’s expectations and forgoes attending college. Complaining of “scholastic fatigue,” she promises to obtain employment, avoid becoming a teen parent, and resume her studies in exactly 365 days. Believing that real-world experience will have a greater effect than their disapproving words, her parents (Carmen and Phillip) reluctantly respect her wishes.
In the months following graduation, Stacey primarily spends time with two friends: Nona and Tariq. Three years her senior, Nona dispenses “sisterly” advice and challenges Stacey to set realistic expectations. Tariq, her best friend since junior high school, exhibits empathy and compassion. Like Stacey, he has decided to postpone his academic pursuits. Facing paternal opposition, Tariq must decide whether the benefits of defiance outweigh the risk of being disinherited. Additionally, he desires to reconcile his sexual orientation and begin dating men.
In addition to managing the lives of her children and husband, Carmen functions as the confidant to her best friend, Roxanne. Further, she monitors the activities of her father, Joseph Peters (“Daddy J”). Somewhat cognizant of her limitations, she ignores convention and takes a one-week vacation – without her family - to Serenity Inn, where she encounters an unorthodox, non-conformist, eccentric woman. Returning home and reflecting on the experiences had while on vacation, Carmen is determined to rein-in her controlling tendencies. However, the receipt of unexpected news precipitates a much-needed emotional breakdown.
Joseph Peters is an 82-year-old man who is hell-bent on not relinquishing his independence and autonomy. A two-time widower, he maintains an active social life and functions with minimal assistance. His life progresses smoothly until his wives – in spirit form - insist that he vacate his home. Upon overcoming Carmen’s resistance and securing familial support, he begins the process of identifying viable housing options. Touring nursing homes and completing countless applications, Daddy J becomes less optimistic. Asked to decrease his level of involvement, he travels to St. Louis, Missouri and visits his sister, Martha.
Joseph Peters et al celebrates the life experiences of our elders and validates the struggles of the young. Through character analysis, the novel examines issues and emotions that are relevant to many persons, such as grief, loneliness, frustration, and fear. Further, it examines the strategies that people employ when attempting to ameliorate suffering. Finally, the novel promotes perseverance, hope, and love.
Enjoy!
Here's the synopsis:
Joseph Peters et al
Literary Fiction
64,000 words
by John W. Brown
Stacey Jones is an 18-year-old girl who, despite stellar academic achievements, ignores everyone’s expectations and forgoes attending college. Complaining of “scholastic fatigue,” she promises to obtain employment, avoid becoming a teen parent, and resume her studies in exactly 365 days. Believing that real-world experience will have a greater effect than their disapproving words, her parents (Carmen and Phillip) reluctantly respect her wishes.
In the months following graduation, Stacey primarily spends time with two friends: Nona and Tariq. Three years her senior, Nona dispenses “sisterly” advice and challenges Stacey to set realistic expectations. Tariq, her best friend since junior high school, exhibits empathy and compassion. Like Stacey, he has decided to postpone his academic pursuits. Facing paternal opposition, Tariq must decide whether the benefits of defiance outweigh the risk of being disinherited. Additionally, he desires to reconcile his sexual orientation and begin dating men.
In addition to managing the lives of her children and husband, Carmen functions as the confidant to her best friend, Roxanne. Further, she monitors the activities of her father, Joseph Peters (“Daddy J”). Somewhat cognizant of her limitations, she ignores convention and takes a one-week vacation – without her family - to Serenity Inn, where she encounters an unorthodox, non-conformist, eccentric woman. Returning home and reflecting on the experiences had while on vacation, Carmen is determined to rein-in her controlling tendencies. However, the receipt of unexpected news precipitates a much-needed emotional breakdown.
Joseph Peters is an 82-year-old man who is hell-bent on not relinquishing his independence and autonomy. A two-time widower, he maintains an active social life and functions with minimal assistance. His life progresses smoothly until his wives – in spirit form - insist that he vacate his home. Upon overcoming Carmen’s resistance and securing familial support, he begins the process of identifying viable housing options. Touring nursing homes and completing countless applications, Daddy J becomes less optimistic. Asked to decrease his level of involvement, he travels to St. Louis, Missouri and visits his sister, Martha.
Joseph Peters et al celebrates the life experiences of our elders and validates the struggles of the young. Through character analysis, the novel examines issues and emotions that are relevant to many persons, such as grief, loneliness, frustration, and fear. Further, it examines the strategies that people employ when attempting to ameliorate suffering. Finally, the novel promotes perseverance, hope, and love.
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Sorry for the delay...
Okay. So I THOUGHT the novel would be ready by August 15. Well, I've experiened a little, um, difficulty; I had to select another print-on-demand company. For those of you who ordered a copy, please bear with me. I would rather deliver the goods late than in an incomplete form. Keep me in prayer, y'all! MUAH!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
It was all a dream....
I write because I must. If I don't, I will live miserably. It is a craft that chose me many, many years ago. Understanding that no one may care about my stories, I persist. Today, Saturday, May 28, 2011, I present to you the first chapter of my debut novel, Joseph Peters et al! I am sooo freaking excited! For those of you who have been wanting to peek at the text for years, I appreciate your patience. I'm certain you won't be disappointed. I anticipate publishing the novel by August 15, 2011. Okay. Here's the link. Finally, here is the synopsis:
Joseph Peters et al
Literary Fiction
64,000 words
by John W. Brown
Stacey Jones is an 18-year-old girl who, despite stellar academic achievements, ignores everyone’s expectations and forgoes attending college. Complaining of “scholastic fatigue,” she promises to obtain employment, avoid becoming a teen parent, and resume her studies in exactly 365 days. Believing that real-world experience will have a greater effect than their disapproving words, her parents (Carmen and Phillip) reluctantly respect her wishes.
In the months following graduation, Stacey primarily spends time with two friends: Nona and Tariq. Three years her senior, Nona dispenses “sisterly” advice and challenges Stacey to set realistic expectations. Tariq, her best friend since junior high school, exhibits empathy and compassion. Like Stacey, he has decided to postpone his academic pursuits. Facing paternal opposition, Tariq must decide whether the benefits of defiance outweigh the risk of being disinherited. Additionally, he desires to reconcile his sexual orientation and begin dating men.
In addition to managing the lives of her children and husband, Carmen functions as the confidant to her best friend, Roxanne. Further, she monitors the activities of her father, Joseph Peters (“Daddy J”). Somewhat cognizant of her limitations, she ignores convention and takes a one-week vacation – without her family - to Serenity Inn, where she encounters an unorthodox, non-conformist, eccentric woman. Returning home and reflecting on the experiences had while on vacation, Carmen is determined to rein-in her controlling tendencies. However, the receipt of unexpected news precipitates a much-needed emotional breakdown.
Joseph Peters is an 82-year-old man who is hell-bent on not relinquishing his independence and autonomy. A two-time widower, he maintains an active social life and functions with minimal assistance. His life progresses smoothly until his wives – in spirit form - insist that he vacate his home. Upon overcoming Carmen’s resistance and securing familial support, he begins the process of identifying viable housing options. Touring nursing homes and completing countless applications, Daddy J becomes less optimistic. Asked to decrease his level of involvement, he travels to St. Louis, Missouri and visits his sister, Martha.
Joseph Peters et al celebrates the life experiences of our elders and validates the struggles of the young. Through character analysis, the novel examines issues and emotions that are relevant to many persons, such as grief, loneliness, frustration, and fear. Further, it examines the strategies that people employ when attempting to ameliorate suffering. Finally, the novel promotes perseverance, hope, and love.
Enjoy!
Joseph Peters et al
Literary Fiction
64,000 words
by John W. Brown
Stacey Jones is an 18-year-old girl who, despite stellar academic achievements, ignores everyone’s expectations and forgoes attending college. Complaining of “scholastic fatigue,” she promises to obtain employment, avoid becoming a teen parent, and resume her studies in exactly 365 days. Believing that real-world experience will have a greater effect than their disapproving words, her parents (Carmen and Phillip) reluctantly respect her wishes.
In the months following graduation, Stacey primarily spends time with two friends: Nona and Tariq. Three years her senior, Nona dispenses “sisterly” advice and challenges Stacey to set realistic expectations. Tariq, her best friend since junior high school, exhibits empathy and compassion. Like Stacey, he has decided to postpone his academic pursuits. Facing paternal opposition, Tariq must decide whether the benefits of defiance outweigh the risk of being disinherited. Additionally, he desires to reconcile his sexual orientation and begin dating men.
In addition to managing the lives of her children and husband, Carmen functions as the confidant to her best friend, Roxanne. Further, she monitors the activities of her father, Joseph Peters (“Daddy J”). Somewhat cognizant of her limitations, she ignores convention and takes a one-week vacation – without her family - to Serenity Inn, where she encounters an unorthodox, non-conformist, eccentric woman. Returning home and reflecting on the experiences had while on vacation, Carmen is determined to rein-in her controlling tendencies. However, the receipt of unexpected news precipitates a much-needed emotional breakdown.
Joseph Peters is an 82-year-old man who is hell-bent on not relinquishing his independence and autonomy. A two-time widower, he maintains an active social life and functions with minimal assistance. His life progresses smoothly until his wives – in spirit form - insist that he vacate his home. Upon overcoming Carmen’s resistance and securing familial support, he begins the process of identifying viable housing options. Touring nursing homes and completing countless applications, Daddy J becomes less optimistic. Asked to decrease his level of involvement, he travels to St. Louis, Missouri and visits his sister, Martha.
Joseph Peters et al celebrates the life experiences of our elders and validates the struggles of the young. Through character analysis, the novel examines issues and emotions that are relevant to many persons, such as grief, loneliness, frustration, and fear. Further, it examines the strategies that people employ when attempting to ameliorate suffering. Finally, the novel promotes perseverance, hope, and love.
Enjoy!
Friday, April 29, 2011
When Bloggers Resurface
I know it's been over a year since I last blogged, but I'm back! New and improved. One year older and wiser. Getting ever-so close to becoming a published author. Enjoying life, meeting new people, and having wonderful experiences. The elapsed time has shown me how much I miss communicating with my fellow bloggers and folks who stumble on to the site.
What can you expect from the one and only Losojosnuevos? Commentary that is thought-provoking, witty, hilarious, and sometimes off-the-wall. What do I expect from the "blogsphere?" To interact with and be affected by the many people who share their observations, hopes, wishes, fears, and desires.
Let's get it in!!!
Friday, February 05, 2010
When Friends Resurface
Hey, everyone! Happy 2010! I know I've been gone for a minute, but I'm back (for now). My body has healed sufficiently, so I will be returning to the gym this month. I'll have to start over, of course, but I'm not afraid of the challenge. I'm still waiting to receive my certificate from the Library of Congress. I haven't written any songs lately and I'm not inclined to resume writing the sequel to the first novel. Work is rewarding most days. My family continues to function as a source of support. Overall, I can't complain.
How many of you remember the post I wrote last March? You know, the one about my friend who vanished. Yeah, that one. Anyway, about a month ago, I got a friend request on Facebook from said friend. I kid y'all not! It was quite a shock. Turns out, T has been going through a lot. Consequently, he relocated to the United Kingdom. He's doing well, thank God. I made him vow to never terminate communication with me EVER again. If he can't call, text messages will do.
This experience was humbling and raised my level of awareness. See, I used to be close to my biological father's son (I used to refer to him as my brother with ease). After maintaiing consistent contact for nearly a year, I disappeared. I stopped visiting the house and returning phone calls. At that time (2001), I was isolated from my immediate family and extremely vulnerable. His mother was making demands that I believed were unreasonable. No one cared that I was operating in crisis mode; it was all about what I could do for them. When I did call him ( in 2004, after his mother tracked me down and gave me his telephone number), he was pissed. Dude returned my phone call at 12:00 A.M., said he didn't need to hear from me, and hung up. We haven't spoken since.
Just as I grieved losing contact with T, "W" must have grieved my absence. I truly regret abandoning him. My actions mirrored my biological father's; years earlier, he left them and created another family. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to reconcile. I would like that.
How many of you remember the post I wrote last March? You know, the one about my friend who vanished. Yeah, that one. Anyway, about a month ago, I got a friend request on Facebook from said friend. I kid y'all not! It was quite a shock. Turns out, T has been going through a lot. Consequently, he relocated to the United Kingdom. He's doing well, thank God. I made him vow to never terminate communication with me EVER again. If he can't call, text messages will do.
This experience was humbling and raised my level of awareness. See, I used to be close to my biological father's son (I used to refer to him as my brother with ease). After maintaiing consistent contact for nearly a year, I disappeared. I stopped visiting the house and returning phone calls. At that time (2001), I was isolated from my immediate family and extremely vulnerable. His mother was making demands that I believed were unreasonable. No one cared that I was operating in crisis mode; it was all about what I could do for them. When I did call him ( in 2004, after his mother tracked me down and gave me his telephone number), he was pissed. Dude returned my phone call at 12:00 A.M., said he didn't need to hear from me, and hung up. We haven't spoken since.
Just as I grieved losing contact with T, "W" must have grieved my absence. I truly regret abandoning him. My actions mirrored my biological father's; years earlier, he left them and created another family. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to reconcile. I would like that.
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