Justin Pyfrom's Blog

Swimming Through New Waters

It’s beautiful how helpful people become when you’re venturing into my writing career. All week I have been given so many advice and suggestions about how to proceed with my path. Rather it’s advice about marketing and promoting or just general story ideas, I have been blessed to hear so many people who are willing to give their wisdom and knowledge.

One gentleman, a buddy who’s in the production, was gracious enough to give me advice on how to market and promote my current and future book release without spending too much money. He called it “The Broke Man Marketing Strategy” and found it to work about 80% of the time so I will have to give it a whirl when I get to Ohio.

Now, the best form of information came from my delightful bloke from the Green Line Café. This café is in Philadelphia that I strongly recommend visiting. The food is simple but delicious and the coffee, along with the other beverage, is wonderful – both caffeinated and non-caffeinated. Plus, it’s affordable and the atmosphere is so lovely and QUIET!!!! I got so much writing done within two weeks and I’m mortified that I only learned about this brilliant place when I’m about to leave Philadelphia. Such sadness…

Oh! Back to the “best form of information”:

The LGBT+ series is having me dive into fields that I’m not too familiar with. As a gay man, I am completely aware of the woes that surround me and my friends under the L, G, and B community. However, I’m not too familiar with the terrors and woes that trouble the transgender community. Truth be told, I wasn’t even aware of the problems that the community up until I read about the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. (Laverne Cox is a wonder!!!) This gave me the idea of making one of the main characters a Caucasian gay transgender man thus beginning my research on the topic.

And, as you can imagine, I began to have a bit of a hydra problem. Every time one of my questions was answered, I ended up have two new questions pop into my head. This led me to an individual who was pleased to hear about my new series and advised me to seek out and interview people of the trans community. That way, I can the character more realistic and relatable to the public. He was even willing to talk about his experience as a Trans non-binary man and everything he had to deal with in his life – both good and bad. As a bonus, he educated me on “talking” and “addressing” the community when conducting an interview and listening to stories. I must say, I think I made a new fan…or, at least, an intrigued one.

Afterwards, I visited the LGBT Center at the University of Pennsylvania and was invited to a speaking event among the transgender community. (Something I’m really excited about!) I was forewarned that this approach would be far more professional than “bum rushing” an individual for an interview. Just like me and my community, they’re just as guarded.

I’m still going to write the outlines for one side of the series (the crime side) but I won’t write the other side (the trans man’s side) until I get sufficient enough information to make him three dimensional. This series is going to be SO MUCH FUN!!!

Working Progress

This week has been pretty crazed with talking about my book’s (Dimensions: The College Years) release to various entities and individuals. Combined that with the overwhelming support and love from my family and friends, you could imagine how lifted my heart became in such a short period of time. Though the book is growing at a steady rate for an amateur author, I should admit something: I’m not particularly satisfied with the stats of the first installment in the Dimensions series.

My brothers and my close mates understood completely. They told me that I was trying to achieve so many in such a little time. To be patient and proud of my progress so far. Basically, to take the time to enjoy the accomplishment rather than speeding by it. I have a little problem with understanding the aspect of “enjoying the moment”. Ha ha ha

Now, after three days of “enjoying the moment”, I felt the need to get back to working on the next installment of the Dimensions series. But, this time around, my writing schedule is going to put into overdrive for the next few months because I’m going to be working on the outlines for the next two installments of the Dimensions series and the official synopsis of my LGBT series.

For the second installment of Dimensions, I’m pushing for an earlier release date – maybe Spring 2018. This time around, the eight stories are going to follow a common theme among movies. I’m also working with a fellow writer for the third installment of Dimensions; we’re just deciding on the theme and subtitle for that installment.

Now, the LGBT+ series, I have the main characters and the synopsis of the “Season One”. The only thing that’s becoming a problem is Amazon’s unofficial policy of creating episodic novels. They’re mostly concern with customers complaining about being “cheated out of their money.” What’s funny about it is that they actually love the idea of constantly updating the book. They just don’t want the customers/readers – both old and new – feeling cheated for buying the books at different time frames. So! I may be forced to release a full novel as opposed to my original plan of a chapter/episode a week. Hopefully, I can figure something out before the end of the month.

Finally, I’ve also been working a couple of individuals on a few marketing campaign and strategies for my current book after my move to Ohio. However, before anything, I want to make sure that I become part of the appropriate community and guilds. The main goal is to maximize my exposure to the public without breaking the bank; it’s a very interesting process. Still, though, I have to say…this journey is going to be a splendid one.

Start of Something New

So, my first book (Dimensions: The College Years) was released to the public via Amazon. The process took nearly eight months to complete due to a wide variety of reasons but, nonetheless, I am overwhelmed with pride and joy that I have finally had a completed project under my belt thus effectively beginning my career path of a writer. Or the author, whichever one you prefer to use.

Now, while the book is complete and released, you can’t expect me to stop at just one book, right?

Of course not. I am already working on the second installment of the Dimensions series that will be a little darker than the previous installment. I’m also taking an avant-garde approach as I’m working on an LGBT series but I need to get approval from certain channels before continuing.

Please, as I am following to begin regularly blogging my life and progress as a writer, check back regularly to see how my series is going and what fresh ideas I’m coming up with along the way. Also, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and my Author Central Page (Amazon) – all listed at the bottom.

First Week of Calvert 11 Done

This is my first year teaching eleventh-grade English, and I’m already doing well. English III has always been American Literature in the States. The best example of history affecting literature and vice versa. I made a promise to my students that I would be as objective as I possibly could.  It’s not as hard as I thought it would be, but the promise was still there, and my students appreciated that. Or, at least, I think they were. Again, they are teenagers, so it’s a toss-up. Now, for the debut week of school…

The first week of school was chaotic, but I’ve come to expect that from Limai. Late registrations, meeting new parents & students, altering schedules, and so many other things. That third part is mostly for my students because they really wanted to self-study for this year, and I’m always here for that. I’ve gotten accustomed to the chaos because it always balances itself out in the weeks to come.

So, this year, I’m teaching Grades 9-11, and I have a new vigor with the ninth graders. They were already told that I was their teacher, and they were beyond excited. In fact, they were hoping that I was their teacher; they didn’t want anybody else. That shocked me. I don’t know…it just does. I know I’m just doing my job, but I didn’t think that I was becoming popular. My boss says that was always the case, but I didn’t actually believe him.

Speaking of the boss, I got a new one. I’m pissed that my best friend is done, but that’s to be expected when management realizes that they can’t bully you. I fear that I may be next. They knew I do not suffer for fools.  Well, all I have to do is last three more years, right? Anyway, the new guy is okay but a bit too much of a…how do I say it…people-pleaser. Hopefully, we   (foreign teachers) can bring that out of him. This year is, indeed, going to be quite a year.

Now! I must get back to work. Please don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and Fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2024. At the moment, I’m at 163, but I am teaching three grades and studying…

So, This is What Loneliness Feel Like

I can’t believe I’m having this particular feeling. I usually don’t have this kind of concern as I’m always around friends and family. I have been in Nanchang for four years and my friends had to leave for one reason or another. Now, I’m here in this quiet city by myself without…any community. No LGBTQ+. No gaymers. No Dungeon & Dragons players. So, this is what loneliness feels like.

Usually, I like being alone. This is because I could be around my friends and family, or go home when I felt drained. The main point is it’s a choice. Now, after my immediate boss (a gamer and all-around good guy) went back to South Africa, I’m officially alone and it’s not a good feeling. Don’t worry, my friends back in Chongqing noticed it and are making the time to come and visit me and vice versa.

Another friend is going to be leaving at the end of the school year to go back home. He wants to be back with his family and start one of his own, which I understand. Still, this is the last straw for me. After my students graduate, I’m definitely leaving China. It’s not just the lack of community, but the psychological suffocation that I’m always dealing with it. So, if I don’t do well on my mock Spanish proficiency test, then I’ll move to Thailand. I’m actually going to be going there for Chinese New Year.

Now! I must get back to work. Please don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and Fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2024. At the moment, I’m at 189, while still teaching three grades and taking two classes. I’m definitely going to reach 200 before the year ends.

Last of All

This is going to be a short post as I will be beginning the reconstruction of my website. Just know that 2024 has been good to me – despite the chaos – and 2025 will only make things better for me.  I’m three classes away from completing my Master’s and even closer to re-releasing my debut novella.  I’m also going to make sure that I deliver at least one short story/flash fiction to a magazine. It’s time…

Now! I must get back to work. Please don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and Fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2024. At the moment, I’m at 192, while still teaching three grades and taking two classes. I’m definitely going to reach 200 before the year ends.

2024 Reading Challenge (November)

For 2024, I’m doing something different. Instead of telling you every story I’ve read each month, I will tell you my top five favorites. So! While I have read fifteen books for November, here are my Top 5 favorites. No reviews, this time, though.

So, This is What Loneliness Feel Like

I can’t believe I’m having this particular feeling. I usually don’t have this kind of concern as I’m always around friends and family. I have been in Nanchang for four years and my friends had to leave for one reason or another. Now, I’m here in this quiet city by myself without…any community. No LGBTQ+. No gaymers. No Dungeon & Dragons players. So, this is what loneliness feels like.

Usually, I like being alone. This is because I could be around my friends and family, or go home when I felt drained. The main point is it’s a choice. Now, after my immediate boss (a gamer and all-around good guy) went back to South Africa, I’m officially alone and it’s not a good feeling. Don’t worry, my friends back in Chongqing noticed it and are making the time to come and visit me and vice versa.

Another friend is going to be leaving at the end of the school year to go back home. He wants to be back with his family and start one of his own, which I understand. Still, this is the last straw for me. After my students graduate, I’m definitely leaving China. It’s not just the lack of community, but the psychological suffocation that I’m always dealing with it. So, if I don’t do well on my mock Spanish proficiency test, then I’ll move to Thailand. I’m actually going to be going there for Chinese New Year.

Now! I must get back to work. Please don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and Fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2024. At the moment, I’m at 189, while still teaching three grades and taking two classes. I’m definitely going to reach 200 before the year ends.

Hello, More Gray Hair…Come Join the Others

This blog post is going to be short because my “to-do” list has gotten a lot longer if you can believe it. Parent-teacher conferences, for one, is coming so I need to prepare for that. On top of that,  I have to make sure that the outline for my graduating book is done before I go on my holiday to Thailand. I actually can’t wait to write this story. It has been circling my brain for the longest time and I finally get to work on it as my graduating project. It’s also going to be my audition piece for my MFA program…

Now! I must get back to work. Please don’t forget to follow me on my social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads) on my web page’s right side. Also, I love hearing suggestions of what books to read outside of my norm (Science fiction and Fantasy) as I am a part of the Goodreads’ reading challenge for 2024. At the moment, I’m at 180, while still teaching three grades and taking two classes. I’m definitely going to reach 200 before the year ends.

2024 Reading Challenge (October)

For 2024, I’m doing something different. Instead of telling you every story I’ve read each month, I will tell you my top three favorites. So! While I have read eight books for October, here are my Top 3 favorites.

In the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría Hudes & Jeremy McCarter

I have been trying to get around to this book for the longest time. I have loved the musical and the movie musical and the emotional journey behind it all. Between you, me, and the four walls, I would be honored to work with Lin-Manuel Miranda on something. Anything, really. I would terrified about writing a musical, but I wouldn’t be opposed to writing a script together.

Tribal Justice: The Struggle for Black Rights on Native Land by Allison Herrera & Adreanna Rodriguez

True Crime has always been a guilty pleasure of mine. My purpose for reading is to understand how and why the legal system needs improvements. This goes double for people of color who always had to fight for their lives in a system that’s naturally against them.  As a bonus, I got to learn something extra about the Native American’s approach to law enforcement.

Technically Speaking by Michael Elliot

Romance is something of a hit-and-miss with me. I think because the tropes have been done to death. This one, on the other hand, takes the mistaken identity trope and flips it on its head in a very honest way. I love a love story that is told as a happy accident, rather than the driving force.  That’s a more realistic romance to me.