tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31457080472782561562024-03-13T07:23:08.154-07:00life of a street dancerWelcome to my blog! Join me as I navigate this crazy world called publishing. As a dancer, I didn't know one thing about publishing and had to figure it out by myself so I could become an author. I now own 3 publishing businesses The Author School, The Lil' Author Skool and a publishing house called Hashtag Press. But I'm still just figuring it all out!
Buy my books Emily Knight I am and Emily Knight I am...Awakened via www.a-bello.com or Amazon A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-49327236316992952802021-12-17T10:08:00.002-08:002021-12-17T11:50:19.401-08:00 In the words of Carrie Bradshaw and just like that I was a YA author <p><br /></p><p>It feels like the right time but this will be my last entry. I know! I've been writing in this blog for TEN YEARS but this year it just felt off. I couldn't pinpoint why that was but the other day I realised I started this blog because I was a dancer who was trying to understand the publishing world. I also was so scared of anyone reading my work hence why I started a blog. Ten years later I have fulfilled my goals!</p><p>Back in May I had finished my first YA book, a love story based around a Black owned bookshop in Stoke Newington. How I wrote this book when I was heartbroken I have no idea. I vaguely remember sitting on the couch with headphones on playing O Holy Night on repeat at 3am writing. I made my deadline and I wasn't sure if the book was good. My first round of submission for another book had very conflicting feedback and honestly I didn't have it in me to experience that again. I just wanted a deal.</p><p>Fast forward to September 21st and my book was sent on submission. The next day Simon & Schuster emailed saying they had been looking for this book, then loads of publishing houses emailed liking the book. In the end I had 3 of the big 5 interested. It was so crazy. The week after on the Monday S&S wanted to have a chat with my agent Gemma, initially our meeting with them was booked for that Friday. I knew they were going to offer me a deal because no one in publishing wastes the time with a meeting unless they're interested but I wasn't expecting what happened to happen.</p><p>Gemma called me and told me they wanted to make a pre-empt for 3 YA books! Usually it's a 2 book deal so I was so happy. </p><p>"Do you want to know how much money they want to give you?" Gemma asked me.</p><p>"Oh yeah how much?"</p><p>"6 figures."</p><p>I immediately burst out crying, then Gemma started crying cause I was crying. I remember asking 'are they sure?" Honestly I couldn't believe they wanted to give me that much money for this love story that I wrote in 5 months. It all seemed like a dream. They wrote an offer letter and it was one of the nicest things anyone had ever said about me. I knew they were the right people for me after reading that letter. This was all in one week. In the words of Carrie Bradshaw and just like that I was a YA author with a 3 book deal for 6 figures with the big five.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRkxZSkHnh-IYL2RsExS6dIFJ8N6ybJ2qEoXOGBmzf5GLpyVw58565rc847wdKy1V3DuK8ggTimDIDtKT7alLJgdb5rJ50ZMOQFePHtSgNi6yL41BnE0tU9i6PwlVzmBA4s-OLubjI0JctBGkzKil4_FNjBxsC88oN0_GqgHqj_bxF4jdjj6RvpIbCYw=s1350" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRkxZSkHnh-IYL2RsExS6dIFJ8N6ybJ2qEoXOGBmzf5GLpyVw58565rc847wdKy1V3DuK8ggTimDIDtKT7alLJgdb5rJ50ZMOQFePHtSgNi6yL41BnE0tU9i6PwlVzmBA4s-OLubjI0JctBGkzKil4_FNjBxsC88oN0_GqgHqj_bxF4jdjj6RvpIbCYw=w352-h441" width="352" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>So much has changed in my life this year and I'm not the same person I was last year. Sharing my journey doesn't appeal to me anymore and privacy is something I love. Maybe that will change and I might start a new blog with another name showing my journey with a big 5. I don't know but for now I can say we've come full circle. If you read this blog from the beginning you will see my journey and just how much it has been. I'm so ready to see what this new journey will be like. Hopefully a movie deal is coming and more and more books!</p><p>Thank you to anyone that has read my blogs and liked it. This year I got two book deals and this deal is the highlight of the decade and I'm very thankful. My book Love In Winter Wonderland comes out November 2022 and I hope you enjoy it. I'm still on social media and doing stuff with The Author School so holla!</p><p>Peace out! x</p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-66801302637668586992021-10-29T13:47:00.000-07:002021-10-29T13:47:18.221-07:00I have a new book out!<p><br /></p><p>That's right book 4 is out! This is my first anthology and it's absolutely gorgeous. I was asked to be part of The Very Merry Murder Club maybe a few weeks after my dad and I remember just thinking why is this opportunity coming now?! And it's with Farshore and imprint of HarperCollins. There's no way I can do it. I literally couldn't write. My agent Gemma spoke to me and the editors knew what had happened to me so it was really up to me. I prayed on it and God said to me you're not going to feel this way in October so I said yes. I won't lie I was worried that I really couldn't write this book but thank God for his strength and amazing agent and now it's here! </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHn5bHCKdyQ/YXxc3MWxv8I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/chGtprqzHq8-XQE2yl5PTKjfa-ExTMlHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Screenshot_20211025-125314_Instagram-02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1080" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHn5bHCKdyQ/YXxc3MWxv8I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/chGtprqzHq8-XQE2yl5PTKjfa-ExTMlHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot_20211025-125314_Instagram-02.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I've been ill all week but I saw loads of pic on social and my copy hasn't come yet so I dragged myself to Waterstones Islington to take pics of the book on the shelves. The booksellers were looking at me like are you going to buy this book. HA! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOwlx-buE6Y/YXxcGx5SpuI/AAAAAAAAB88/aVgjylSwxdYARuXFxs3XcMEz4q7oxM_xQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20211027_123956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1747" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nOwlx-buE6Y/YXxcGx5SpuI/AAAAAAAAB88/aVgjylSwxdYARuXFxs3XcMEz4q7oxM_xQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20211027_123956.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The amazing thing is I have even more book news. Like it took me a month to digest how amazing it is but it will be announced in I think December. When you hear it though - woo!<p></p><p>I'm on display in Stratford Library as part of Black History Month. How cool is this? It was initially in Newham Library and I'm praying I'll feel well enough to go and see it in the flesh but I was sent a pic and it looks very cool.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw-thE2MBEo/YXxcow_lwqI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/04_eG9opDPIj9Z1vs25MaNudKvzkcAlUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1191/IMG-20211028-WA0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="893" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw-thE2MBEo/YXxcow_lwqI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/04_eG9opDPIj9Z1vs25MaNudKvzkcAlUwCLcBGAsYHQ/w321-h428/IMG-20211028-WA0021.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Talking of BHM, every year I take a pic of the children's/YA books written by Black authors and can you believe 4 years ago I had 6 books and now I have so many it can't even fit in a pic? Such a beautiful sight. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAbDYzkejQg/YXxcQk3UyOI/AAAAAAAAB9A/PYw7JFYtkmoeyJUEwwyLHfA-tqVe5UO8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20211029_134309-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1963" data-original-width="2048" height="357" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yAbDYzkejQg/YXxcQk3UyOI/AAAAAAAAB9A/PYw7JFYtkmoeyJUEwwyLHfA-tqVe5UO8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w372-h357/20211029_134309-01.jpeg" width="372" /></a></div><p><br /></p>I went to a dance show and it's been forever. Dancers Delight is always fun and it was a good show despites starting an hour late and who does a break at 11.30pm? When a group decided to dance on the floor that was our time to bounce but it was nice to be in familiar territory. It feels like I've lived two different lives though like being a dancer feels like forever ago. I did get sick after the show so...<p></p><p>There is so much more I want to share but I'm tired lol so will leave it there but watch<a href="https://youtu.be/ISF260p_oaU"> The Diverse Book Awards 2021 awards show</a> AND Squid Game and Maid on Netflix. All are amazing!</p><br />A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-34026997518262735642021-09-15T06:53:00.001-07:002021-09-16T05:51:39.409-07:00 My meal was £22 and it was so small I ate it in 3 mouthfuls. <p><br /></p><p>Happy World Afro Day! I had no idea this was even a day so yes for us! How gorgeous is this? I can't remember what country it's in but I saw it some weeks ago on Twitter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBO-b-TCj7w/YUH3yUNa6FI/AAAAAAAAB74/NUp7jT5-bmg-PdyBsctE5GZKT5j1Q1OaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/IMG_20210915_130237_983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UBO-b-TCj7w/YUH3yUNa6FI/AAAAAAAAB74/NUp7jT5-bmg-PdyBsctE5GZKT5j1Q1OaACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210915_130237_983.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Getting into the swing of writing these blogs is harder than I thought. I'm not sure why I'm finding it tricky to stay on top of it and I know I'll regret it especially when I read back over it at the end of the year. </p><p>I turned another year older and despite it being a year that is turning out to be unpredictable I'm thankful that I'm here to see another birthday. It's always hard planning what to do, something that I know won't cost an arm and a leg. In the end I spent it eating lol. Helen and I went to this amazing Creole restaurant, literally a hidden gem that had the most amazing food and drinks that were even too strong for Helen! </p><p>I have no idea why it rained on my birthday! In the middle of summer!! Honestly sometimes I can't deal with this country.</p><p>Then I got changed for dinner and Zarah picked me up. We went to a local Cuban restaurant and we were so busy talking that I didn't instruct her where to drive so a 5 min drive turned into 30. The food and company was brilliant and my cake had money inside of it. Yes money! Zarah told me to pull the topper and attached was notes. It was pretty amazing. I don't even know how she made such a stunning cake when I sent her 8 very different cakes as inspiration until she said,"I'm just going to surprise you."</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkQYhOOoTGc/YUH35Qh5O9I/AAAAAAAAB78/jC9GjScG010Ql8puMSCXOt0wbx9IlkRpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1293/IMG_20210809_113519_340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1293" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkQYhOOoTGc/YUH35Qh5O9I/AAAAAAAAB78/jC9GjScG010Ql8puMSCXOt0wbx9IlkRpACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210809_113519_340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>These group of ladies (minus Leanne) have been my rocks especially when my dad passed and I'm so thankful for them. It was a brilliant day full of laughter and love and was just what I needed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMrAwiOIZ5M/YUH3Wy2hpyI/AAAAAAAAB7w/5BlgPhJr_K09fRBR8gz-9RhihftxSPLHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210901_130538_412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMrAwiOIZ5M/YUH3Wy2hpyI/AAAAAAAAB7w/5BlgPhJr_K09fRBR8gz-9RhihftxSPLHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210901_130538_412.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Anneliese took me to watch Tina and anyone that knows me knows that I love the theatre, so to go back and watch a great show 'cause lets face it some West End shows are shit but Tina was everything. We were instructed not to sing because of COVID but how do they expect us not to sing Proud Mary?! Come on now. At the end Tina performs at a concert and you literally feel like you're at a legit Tina Turner concert. The audience was hype! No one has been to a concert for time so we had the best time. Before Tina I had to go to my uncle's burial. He was one of my dad's closest friends that I'v known pretty much my whole life. Was so weird because he was at my dad's so it was like how is he now gone? Hopefully their bromance can continue in Heaven. When we got home I'm glad I had a day planned out so I couldn't just sit home in my feelings. My nephew was at the house when I got home with his crips all over the floor lol. My cat hissed at him so yeah I'll have to work on that relationship. Anneliese and I got dinner and went to this place called Christopher's opposite Lion King. My meal was £22 and it was so small I ate it in 3 mouthfuls. </p><p>Another present I got was I went to FriendsFest! I have been wanting to go forever but every time I realise it's on, it has already sold out but me and Aleta finally went and it was everything I needed in my life. There was a couple in front of us waiting to get their pics taken on the sofa and umbrellas, the one in the opening credits and I said, "Aww can you imagine having a boyfriend that loves Friends as much as you do?" And Aleta responded, "Can you imagine having a boyfriend? I heard it's nice." That took me out! We were in the line to recreate the dance Ross and Monica do and the guy in charge was just giving everyone basic moves. We looked at each other like we're dancers! So when it was our turn we were like we've got this mate! Everyone was watching us like we just performed at the Super Bowl or something. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t0ATjoY60Y/YUH4DGH92oI/AAAAAAAAB8E/fwzo1X_9z8YvWxMe1ut8TArDzQYd1DSUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/IMG_20210706_112404_818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t0ATjoY60Y/YUH4DGH92oI/AAAAAAAAB8E/fwzo1X_9z8YvWxMe1ut8TArDzQYd1DSUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20210706_112404_818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Of course the bday vibes isn't over and yes Leo Season has ended but there are more fun events happening for the rest of the year so I can't wait!</p><p>One thing I've wanted to do for ages is host Waterstones events. I don't know, they always look fun and I've got a stellar personality - of course - so it's like I would be perfect for it. I was hesitant to approach them though because they seemed to use the same people and I wasn't sure I had done enough chairing of panels to be considered. But then this year I did two London Book Fair events so I felt like that should be enough. I got in touch and didn't hear back so I thought okay maybe they don't think I've done enough chairing. Then some weeks later the events coordinator followed me on Twitter! I sent a DM saying I sent an email and they said yeah we already put you forward for an event Faber's doing so they will get in touch. The next day I got an email! Yay! So I'm chairing my first Waterstones event in Nov as well as Wigtown YA Literary Festival with Sue Cheung. I've been approached by more organisations to chair events. Bring it on!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSVm38D9C_I/YUH2yV4CalI/AAAAAAAAB7o/YrIdODQ1GOw2LXwRRbgik7HNjbppxW41gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Magical%2Bworlds_Insta_Square_Online%2BEvents_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rSVm38D9C_I/YUH2yV4CalI/AAAAAAAAB7o/YrIdODQ1GOw2LXwRRbgik7HNjbppxW41gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Magical%2Bworlds_Insta_Square_Online%2BEvents_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Chloe Bailey. Have Mercy. Say no more.</p><p>I got my first ever traditional advance the other day. Wow what a journey I've been on. God is good!</p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-20337717855874962472021-06-25T09:08:00.005-07:002021-06-25T09:08:40.330-07:00Phoebe screaming 'MY EYES' is the best way to describe how I felt seeing that picture.<p><br /></p><p>Did anyone else blink and it's June? I can't even believe 6 months has gone and just so much has happened. Apart from my dad it's been a great year so far and for that I'm grateful. I'll honestly take any good news I can get at this point. </p><p>I hit a career highlight. I got to chair a panel for The London Book Fair! Now to do this you usually have to pitch and I'm sure I've pitched before but this time the amazing Bec, who was organising it asked me to do it! It was so much fun and I wish it was longer but it made me look at my LBF journey and honestly wow. I went from no one talking to me, to winning Trailblazers to chairing LBF. What's so funny is I've always wanted to chair Waterstones events cause they look like loads of fun so hopefully now I'll get asked :). I was asked to do another LBF event - who am I even? Lol. I had to do a Q and A with Yomi Adegoke, co-author of Slay In Your Lane. So glad that I'm getting these fun opportunities.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNDT3Yl3IuM/YNX44-q0LrI/AAAAAAAAB6w/i5l0hubzU1gBxJoxCjhPf_zuEq2wBM4mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s764/0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="764" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNDT3Yl3IuM/YNX44-q0LrI/AAAAAAAAB6w/i5l0hubzU1gBxJoxCjhPf_zuEq2wBM4mgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/0.png" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Can you believe I'm working on book 5? It's so funny going from taking my time writing Emily Knight to now having deadlines. I don't even know how I make these deadlines to be honest. I wrote book 5 in about 5 months while grieving which is so weird to me. I always thought I needed at least a year but I'm much faster than what I give myself credit for. A school is Dulwich in Yr 7 are doing this very cool session on me and my books—how cool is that? Even though writing is hard and sometimes I hate words I'm loving all of these opportunities. </p><p>Cover for The Very Merry Murder Club published by Farshore out in October. Cover by the brilliant Harry Woodgate. My story is an Oceans Eleven style Christmas heist. You can pre-order <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Very-Merry-Murder-Club-collection/dp/0755503686/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1624635202&sr=8-1" target="_blank">here</a></p><div><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNSOuWmijmI/YNX25RAxPsI/AAAAAAAAB6o/JDD95riGKRA5Erkusvj8uvkwlvYfAu7lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/TheVeryMerryMurderClub_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1306" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GNSOuWmijmI/YNX25RAxPsI/AAAAAAAAB6o/JDD95riGKRA5Erkusvj8uvkwlvYfAu7lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/TheVeryMerryMurderClub_Cover.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Have you watched Snowfall? I'm anxiously waiting for Season 5 (lots of 5 in this blog!). I slyly want Franklin to die but then the show will end so I have complex feelings towards him. Don't even get me started on Damson Idris. My fan girl vibesmay take over this whole blog. I started on Lupin which I love but no-one told me it was only 5 episodes—there goes that 5 again lol—so now I'm trying to draw out the new series because I literally will have nothing else to watch. I've started on The Handmaid's Tale and I swear no one told me it was this good.<p></p><p>It's been so great seeing friends again. I'm really funny about going on the trains for some reason so I'm being all uppity and getting taxi's everywhere. My mum laughed at me when I said I took a taxi to and from Soho when there is a straight bus that can go there. In my defence it was a Bank Holiday money and I was not trying to be around all these people in the heat on a bus for 40 or so minutes. Anneliese took me to this lovely Chinese restaurant. It was the type of boujee where they put cavier on dumpings! Initially I wanted to eat outside until I sat outside and realised I don't really like sitting outside but it was gorgeous. For my birthday last year Aleta got me a bubble tea voucher which is a bit of me and I FINALLY got to use it. It was such a beautiful day and made me feel more comfortable to meet up with others. Zarah and I went to see Leanee's new beautiful house. I don't think I've seen Leanne for over a year and Zarah since summer so it was so great to be around my girls. Lunch with Aleta ended up with her trying cricket salsa. When I tell you this salsa looked grey and grainy and I couldn't believe that she was up for it. The server was so excited to the point that I think this was his creation because honestly why would you care. She said it tasted like jerk. I cannot! </p><p>I had to go to my dad's workplace to get his stuff from his lockers. I didn't really think about how emotional it would be but when I got to Paddington I found myself just looking for him. I thought I was going to grab his stuff but his work collegues (including my uncle who I had no idea worked there and I was so confused!) they gave a really amazing speech, did a round of applause and gave so many gifts. It was incredibly overwhelming and I couldn't stop crying. It's so weird cause I know my dad was the best but when you hear it from others and see how much he impacted everyone he met, I just feel so proud and honoured to be his. I ended up leaving with two bags from his locker I had to meet Helen for lunch and I'm sure I looked a hot mess. But I was so grateful to have that distraction. If I just went home after I think I would have been in a weird mood but nothing like some Helen time and cocktails to improve my mood!</p><p>Baller Boys won Best Children's Book for the People's Book Prize! This is the second year that a Hashtag book has one and it means so much. </p><p>This was my first Father's Day without Dad. I was thinking about what do I want to do and I realised that I don't want to see any celebrations. I'm not here for it. So I didn't go on social media. We sent a lovely card to my brother and we ended up being busy that they day whizzed by. My uncle that works at my Dad's work place, his wife, sister and Mum who's visiting from Nigeria surprised us by visiting and it was really nice to see them. Especially good for Mum. </p><p>I've seen some odd things recently. When I was driving to Leanne's house I saw a Dad and his son riding a horse but it looked more like a pony by Tower Bridge. A dog was strapped to the back of a cyclist, a lady doing Yoga on scaffolding and a cat jumping on the roof of a car to climb a tree despite the owner of the car trying to scare it off—this was all in Hackney so I guess it's not super weird.</p><p>Matt Hancock. The GIF of Phoebe screaming 'MY EYES' is the best way to describe how I felt seeing that picture. Speaking of Phoebe this was everything and more AND I'm going Friends Fest! Yay!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_qSmzcgIvM/YNX8q00RDDI/AAAAAAAAB64/NQSu5t2ofVY6NbAmAt0oNow3T9SGPbTpACLcBGAsYHQ/s764/0-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="581" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_qSmzcgIvM/YNX8q00RDDI/AAAAAAAAB64/NQSu5t2ofVY6NbAmAt0oNow3T9SGPbTpACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/0-1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-56309279014862180562021-04-08T09:20:00.001-07:002021-04-08T09:20:26.541-07:00Hello...it's been a while <p><br /></p><p>Hello...it's been a while. I found it hard to write in this blog because this is almost like an online diary. It's way more personal to me than social media. As you may have heard my dad passed away in January very suddenly with no illness. Yes very random. It's been almost like a rollercoaster of emotions and just all the stuff you have to do when someone passes on. No one tells you about that. Then burying someone in another faith was alot but it was beautiful and Dad would be proud. I don't think I've had a moment to just sit down since it all happened and I'm still dealing with the admin work. I'm so private so sharing the news on social media was not my idea. My mum wanted me to because my dad knew so many people and she wanted to make sure they knew and also could get in touch about the Zoom. </p><p>My dad lived in amazing life and achieved everything he wanted to. It's still weird like it will hit me sometimes and I'll randomly say, “I can't believe my dad is gone.” It's the weirdest thing ever. I'm so thankful that my family is so close, my extended family have been brilliant as well as my dad's friends. I have the best group of friends around me and without them I think I would have just stayed in my room and switched off. The outpouring of love was on another level and his Zoom remembrance was at 100 people capacity so quickly that we had loads of people complaining that they couldn't get in. I knew Dad was popular but damn he was popular. I feel like I see life differently now but I mean that in a good way. I'm way more focused on the things that count and the people that actually mean something to me. Sometimes in life you keep relationships going just because but a death puts every single thing into perspective.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eI09QObalBU/YG7vhrFsOAI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/c9rjaRebM5kATTyDPgWPOFfcxqauX16egCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/140218961_10218076463598840_2045974294065320932_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eI09QObalBU/YG7vhrFsOAI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/c9rjaRebM5kATTyDPgWPOFfcxqauX16egCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/140218961_10218076463598840_2045974294065320932_n.jpg" /></a></div>I've cut of people I've known for years. Some of them never reached out, sent a very standard here for you message but not actually being there like I'm really going to feel led to call them with that lack of effort or one of the worst is going around putting on a performance about how sorry they are this happened...but telling everyone but me. Yeah humans are the worst. Overall we're doing okay, just taking it day by day and I'm allowing myself to feel however I want to feel. It's a process.<p></p><p>What's weird when someone passes on is the world still keeps going. Things still need to be done and in my case opportunities were rolling in. For a few weeks it was like I couldn't even think and simple decisions were just so hard for me. I had to make a choice. I could say no to everything because of how I felt right now or I can take the opportunities and deal with them when they come. I chose the latter and I'm so glad I did. I won't lie I can't remember everything because some weeks are just a blur but here are a few things that have happened this year. </p><p> - I have a book deal with Farshore, an imprint of HarperCollins. 12 year old me is screaming! It's a really fun anthology full of diverse middle-grade authors called <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Very-Merry-Murder-Club-collection/dp/0755503686/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1617882917&sr=8-2" target="_blank">The Very Merry Murder Club </a>and it's out this October. This such a dream but I almost said no to the deal because I just couldn't think at that time. Thankfully I just went with it and I'm so glad that I did. Writing this story helped me get out of the fog that I was in.</p><p>I'm working on a few projects which is keeping me busy which I need and will share once everything is confirmed.</p><p>I'm nominated for We Are The City Rising Star 2021 and I'm part of their #ChooseToChallenge campaign alongside some AMAZING women</p><p>I was part of a World Book Day Campaign on YouTube.</p><p>Emily Knight I am...Becoming was chosen for Book Clubs In Schools.</p><p>We started up a book box! That Playlist Book Box will feature the best diverse book with a playlist to go with it www.thatplaylistbookbox.com </p><p>Work wise everything is going really well. More busy than ever but right now I need that distraction. It's been a lot this year but just keeping my head down and making things happen. I want to try and get back to my monthly posting because I love reading over my blogs and seeing my journey but bare with me x</p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-83968653507108086852020-12-31T08:12:00.001-08:002020-12-31T08:12:01.760-08:002020 - I didn't see that coming <p><br /></p><p>I managed to get through the whole of the year without getting sick (well except the suspected heart attack. It wasn't by the way) but now I'm recovering from a cold and yeah it sucks. Plus it's so cold that even with the heating on, it still feels freezing. </p><p>2020 was a year and a half. I actually had a pretty good year when I think about it but I just found it mentally exhausting. I am not a home body so lockdown was brutal. Not being able to see my first nephew for the first 4 months of his birth because of COVID was shit. Actually the beginning of the year was really shit that's why I didn't blog in January. I remember I quit my own company! Having a book out this year was interesting. YALC got cancelled, no school visits, no launch party in a bookshop.</p><p>So many deaths from Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Chadwick Boseman, George Floyd, Naya Rivera, Nicole Thea and so many more. Then COVID stole the lives of thousands of people. </p><p>The Black Lives Matter Movement was historic. Mentally draining but it was much needed and I was so proud of everyone for speaking up and demanding change. Despite all the shit, there were lots of great things that happened and I'm forever thankful. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xFVnKzYkYI/X-34KZNfqWI/AAAAAAAAB2c/mvAokB0wFQg41XTQT8hixCWtrQO0ylZQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201216_184812-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4xFVnKzYkYI/X-34KZNfqWI/AAAAAAAAB2c/mvAokB0wFQg41XTQT8hixCWtrQO0ylZQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w332-h442/20201216_184812-01.jpeg" width="332" /></a></div><p></p><p>- Emily Knight I am...Becoming coming out to amazing reviews</p><p>- The crazy amount of press I've done this year</p><p>- Signed to The Bent Agency </p><p>- Having a Hashtag book in Vogue Magazine</p><p>- Funding from Arts Council</p><p>- Launching The Diverse Book Awards and ink!</p><p>- My nephew being born</p><p>- All the Verzuz battles that made up for all the concerts I missed</p><p>- Black is King</p><p>- Being on the panel for #AtHomeYALC</p><p>- Signed 3 authors to Hashtag BLAK</p><p>- Part of the World Book Day Advisory Group</p><p>- Our Hashtag Black History Month campaign </p><p><br />- Baller Boys hitting number 1 despite bookshops and schools being closed</p><p>- The Author School turning 5</p><p>- My storytime hitting over 5000 virus </p><p>- Being named an Inspirational Woman by We Are The City </p><p>- The Voice Newspaper picking EK3 as one of their five literary reads</p><p>- Being part of Children In Needs - Children In Read</p><p>- Two production companies interested in Emily Knight </p><p><br /></p><p>I know we're not out of the COVID waters yet but this will end soon. Stay safe and keep your spirits up. I pray for a better 2021 x</p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-405973193275510332020-12-23T07:01:00.002-08:002020-12-23T07:04:26.946-08:00...and my Starbucks Gingerbread Latte, which I heard isn't even around this year. What is going on?! <p>We're almost at the end of 2020 and I realised this is my last blog before I do my annual year review blog!</p><p>I'm finally in the Christmas spirit and ready to eat all that food. The amount of chocolate goods in my house is very disturbing and the fact more is coming today is...anyway let's not get into that! It's weird because it doesn't feel like Christmas and I think it's because I haven't been out loads and been around the Christmas lights and my Starbucks Gingerbread Latte, which I heard isn't even around this year. What is going on?! We're now in Tier 4 which is just lockdown, so God knows why they don't just say lockdown *rolls eyes* but luckily I'm not really affected because where am I going anyway? </p><p>I'm on the last season of Orange is the New Black and this famous shit season, I thought was pretty good! I randomly was watching this Arianna Grande doc on Netflix. I have no idea why but I didn't hate it.</p><p>I've gone pink! I've wanted pink hair for aaaaaages but it's so expensive buying blonde hair that we could dye. I finally found a bundle during Black Friday and voila. I can't lie I was excited but nervous but Annie (my hairdresser) is such a don and she did a fantastic job and I love it. My parents were so against it when I told them and my dad said no-one would take me seriously. Looool! I think he meant he wouldn't take me seriously. But they loved it when they saw it. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMc0G2oV1SM/X-Nbhb9JXeI/AAAAAAAAB2I/oMFk9FHQVmwSHU7EjuE4BYtl2RGpYsDrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201218_122844_051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="2048" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMc0G2oV1SM/X-Nbhb9JXeI/AAAAAAAAB2I/oMFk9FHQVmwSHU7EjuE4BYtl2RGpYsDrACLcBGAsYHQ/w478-h297/IMG_20201218_122844_051.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><p>Emily Knight I am...Becoming was picked as the top 5 literary books to read by The Voice Newspaper!! YAYYYYYY!! Such a great surprise and a much needed pick me up. My mood has been very up and down these past few days but that made me smile. </p><p>My mission to finish all these books is laughable but hey I'm still going to try. My review for Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas is now live <a href="https://carebearreads.blogspot.com/2020/12/review-of-concrete-rose-by-angie-thomas.html" target="_blank">www.carebearreads.blogspot.com </a> it does contain spoilers though. </p><p>Right that's me done! I'm off to watch as many films as possible and I'm going to try and not put on my laptop for the next five days. Wishing you all a beautiful Christmas! x</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr9hKjs5UYs/X-NcRZF48CI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/_RvMsz_a3nc_qstkZVEBIjBhmqBKpoIowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/ek%2Bxmaspng.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="346" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr9hKjs5UYs/X-NcRZF48CI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/_RvMsz_a3nc_qstkZVEBIjBhmqBKpoIowCLcBGAsYHQ/w346-h346/ek%2Bxmaspng.png" width="346" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-56016404590413768382020-12-07T12:42:00.002-08:002020-12-07T12:42:45.043-08:00“If Harry Potter, X-Men and Dragon Ball Z were rolled into one person it would be Emily Knight.”<p><br /></p><p>It's almost Christmas!!!!!!!!! I don't think I've been this excited about Christmas since I was a kid. The fact that I can sit down, eat, watch Netflix and all my movies, read books and NOT HAVE TO WORK, I can't actually wait. </p><p>I met this kid in Tesco and I ended up talking to him and his mum about my book. He asked me to tell him what my book was about and I said, “If Harry Potter, X-Men and Dragon Ball Z were rolled into one person it would be Emily Knight.” He told his mum to buy the book for Xmas! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQoA8RzJCLY/X86RO7_dFNI/AAAAAAAAB1E/SF-gy23nTV4EUB0aT5g028kGpOmJK-BhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200917_162535-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="381" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QQoA8RzJCLY/X86RO7_dFNI/AAAAAAAAB1E/SF-gy23nTV4EUB0aT5g028kGpOmJK-BhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w286-h381/20200917_162535-01.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm praying that 2021 is a better year for everyone and just less dramatic. That presidential campaign got me all kinds of stressed and I don't even live in the States. But there is a female vice president. The first ever and she's Black/Indian—I just love that so much.</p><p>I think we all need some calm so Lord please bring calmness. A few weeks ago I felt so stressed and was trying so hard to keep it together. Last week was shit as well. Our Christmas book got cancelled because of the hold up at the printers and we were fuming. I don't think I've ever yelled at so many people in the space of an hour before. Thankfully all the press is still secured and we was able to be pushed back to Jan and even though The Sun ran the article, they changed the pub date. But I feel a lot better and it's just about to doing that last push to finish the year on a good note. </p><p>The Diverse Book Awards starts next month and I'm so excited! I still can't get over how well year one did. We had so many people contact us to get involved this year with judging, blogging and being a sponsor. I'm hoping to read so many books in the next few weeks before the awards start in mid-Jan. This is a fraction of my to read pile!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQps_fZOhAo/X86R2l_0hmI/AAAAAAAAB1U/IvrCKYtZB8UlsVqfK2aXic_wg9Ihdy3CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201124_022704-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQps_fZOhAo/X86R2l_0hmI/AAAAAAAAB1U/IvrCKYtZB8UlsVqfK2aXic_wg9Ihdy3CwCLcBGAsYHQ/w294-h392/20201124_022704-01.jpeg" width="294" /></a></div><br /><p>Walker Books sent me a proof of Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas. Yesssssssssss!!!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqxZzpDxFhs/X86QCGcR8bI/AAAAAAAAB04/TdVI5Z3pLlsMW72GPU9FneCdr249SdMCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201202_143427-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1554" height="488" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bqxZzpDxFhs/X86QCGcR8bI/AAAAAAAAB04/TdVI5Z3pLlsMW72GPU9FneCdr249SdMCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w371-h488/20201202_143427-01.jpeg" width="371" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Thank you to Shout Magazine for including Emily Knight I am...Becoming in your Book Club. The visuals are so cute! Can you believe that I've almost finished writing book 5?! Mad innit? I don't even recognise myself.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SH4crHLdH74/X86RhnaltAI/AAAAAAAAB1M/ScAS-apUU8UOCdRjFZ64y38KHbaQxto2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1242/129061484_3861027573988870_5505839989693622462_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="994" height="377" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SH4crHLdH74/X86RhnaltAI/AAAAAAAAB1M/ScAS-apUU8UOCdRjFZ64y38KHbaQxto2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w301-h377/129061484_3861027573988870_5505839989693622462_o.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><p>I read that Penguin RandomHouse brought Simon & Schuster for 2.2 billion. And they say there's no money in publishing!</p><p>Finally started watching Orange is the New Black. All I knew about the series was it's set in a prison and there's one season that's really shit but so far I'm loving it. </p><p>Adele. That's all. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2O4EkdeBIcA/X86SKokXLvI/AAAAAAAAB1c/KrLhSlbo5cELskyEr5zTl4GKD2pO3njRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1484/Screenshot_20201025-111646_Twitter-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2O4EkdeBIcA/X86SKokXLvI/AAAAAAAAB1c/KrLhSlbo5cELskyEr5zTl4GKD2pO3njRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot_20201025-111646_Twitter-01.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-48536113942123326842020-10-23T10:17:00.006-07:002020-12-01T03:02:32.439-08:00And a Black couple!!!!! The UK could never! <p><br /></p><p>Hello! Yes I know I didn't blog in September. So sorry but I literally didn't have any time. I thought October was my window to relax but it's looking more like December :( as I still have 2 books to publish by the end of the year. I. AM. EXHAUSTED. There is a never ending amount of stuff to do and unfortunately it's nothing I can pass on to others so I really have to suck it up and just get it done. Lord give me extra strength please. </p><p>I have been so stressed out for the past month and I'm so glad everything is starting to get back to normal. I noticed that my tolerance for things was at a minus 1 and I just didn't care to talk. Every single little thing was irking me so much. I mean things still irk me but it's a lot better now. But I've been evaluating my boundaries. Boundaries is my biggest thing at the moment. I HATE when people email me, then WhatsApp me, then DM me the same conversation. Why??? Why do people do that? Especially when its work related. So now I've got a publishing assistant on Hashtag Press, I'm getting a new phone number because I feel like the world has my number. I'm trying to say no more and just be more picky about what and who I give my time to because I think that's the only way I can stay balanced (or my version of balanced). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmcjz3FyznU/X4jVCwS7XVI/AAAAAAAABzo/t9HmoLkVzBcCSMAe8MC7LCPBD2i1aedagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200917_162712-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1668" height="379" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmcjz3FyznU/X4jVCwS7XVI/AAAAAAAABzo/t9HmoLkVzBcCSMAe8MC7LCPBD2i1aedagCLcBGAsYHQ/w309-h379/20200917_162712-01.jpeg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><p>I have a third book!! Yay!!! <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk" target="_blank">Emily Knight I am...Becoming</a> is out now and the reviews have been out of this world. Literally PR organised a blog tour for myself that was massive and every single one of them said such great thing about the book. I'm just so happy. All the late night writing till 3am and juggling this book with book 4 was a lot (I wouldn't recommend it) so when people love it, it just makes my heart full. The lovely Sophie Anderson, author of The House With Chicken Legs gave me a fab endorsement as well. This book has already brought me so many opportunities and it hasn't even been a month yet so I'm excited to see what happens next. My book launch was online, which to be honest I didn't want to do but I'm glad I did as it was so fun. Helen and her daughter Ellie hosted it and I just spent the hour laughing pretty much. It does suck that going into schools is pretty much a no but hopefully I'll be back in soon. It was pretty frustrating when my books took a week to get into the systems and then it disappeared of Gardners for a week due to an ISBN issue. BUT it's all resolved now so I can breathe. </p><p>My press for the book has been I think the best on yet. I got to do so many great interviews. Here's my latest one with <a href="http://thebritishblacklist.co.uk/tbb-talks-to-a-bello-author-of-the-emily-knight-i-am-series/" target="_blank">The British Blacklist</a>. They have supported me from book one and I appreciate them so much.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hR-PBPMApiY/X4jWh3Xv7pI/AAAAAAAAB0I/fCBRxX7_eY4wpnJJ2I3Cev_nG0SFmqjNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Screenshot_20201012-134607_Samsung%2BInternet-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1065" height="655" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hR-PBPMApiY/X4jWh3Xv7pI/AAAAAAAAB0I/fCBRxX7_eY4wpnJJ2I3Cev_nG0SFmqjNgCLcBGAsYHQ/w340-h655/Screenshot_20201012-134607_Samsung%2BInternet-01.jpeg" width="340" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Speaking of book 4. IT'S DONE!!! I swear I don't feel like I've worked this hard on a book. Writing fantasy for me is so easy but this commercial YA—bloody hell. I sent it to my agent Gemma Cooper at The Bent Agency but then she said it was too long. Grrrrr! Never one to say no to a challenge I managed to get it down from 78K to 68K. Then just as I thought okay I am done, the teens tell me all the changes to GCSE. So you guessed it. I had to do one more edit but it's signed off now. God knows I deserve an amazing deal with all the effort I've put in.</p><p>My bookshelf with children's and YA books by Black authors is growing!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ed4Ko5xEY4/X4jWROkB4II/AAAAAAAABz8/MkeNG16iCegmQoE-GHoPMUTvYYaokc9mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201013_113204-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1906" data-original-width="2048" height="418" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ed4Ko5xEY4/X4jWROkB4II/AAAAAAAABz8/MkeNG16iCegmQoE-GHoPMUTvYYaokc9mwCLcBGAsYHQ/w449-h418/20201013_113204-01.jpeg" width="449" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Guess what? I'm part of the World Book Day UK Advisory Group! I know right! Basically we were approached by them about The Diverse Book Awards and possibly doing something together (which we are) and then I was asked to join the group. We had our first meeting earlier this week and it was full of booksellers like Waterstones, book charities etc and I'm really all about pushing the diversity, getting more indie publishers involved and making World Book Day UK fun for teens. </p><p>The fact we had to move The Diverse Book Awards online was so jarring! Do you know how excited I was to throw that party? I had such a clear vision of it and how epic it was going to be. Moving it online is the only option during these circumstances but I refused to have it on Zoom. No thanks! We basically channeled The Emmys and pre-recording everything. It's sooooo good and it's<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytqSiHglgjA&t=1089s"> live! </a> I won't spoil the winners for you, if you haven't seen yet but I am so proud of this first year and can't wait to do it all over again (with better planning)</p><p>The fact that we waited for so long and Breanna Taylor's murderers didn't even get charged! I just can't even comprehend how anyone can live with that decision. I pray for peace for her family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_FR3d9EJwE/X4jVqeNcwpI/AAAAAAAABzw/hgIyS-s-GuElqyiYf0Qk1PmeuXC7WchiACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Screenshot_20200927-002432_Instagram-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1080" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_FR3d9EJwE/X4jVqeNcwpI/AAAAAAAABzw/hgIyS-s-GuElqyiYf0Qk1PmeuXC7WchiACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot_20200927-002432_Instagram-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Helen has been telling me for ages to watch Sex Education on Netflix. I finally got round it to it and watched two seasons in a week. I love it! It's so hard to find shows that just grip you but if you haven't watched it, it's hilarious and I'm hoping season 3 comes soon. I told Helen to watch Power and now she's hooked. How good is Power Book 2?? The fact I'm rooting for Tariq is confusing me so much! I just started re-watching Gossip Girl and it reminds me of being 21, living in Catford. All we did was watch Gossip Girl, throw house parties and babied the cat. </p><p>I got a tweet a few weeks ago from Children In Read which raise money for Children In Need and they asked me if I could donate a signed copy of EK3. How cool? Help me to raise money by bidding <a href="https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/childreninread2020#buzz_expend_105363">https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/childreninread2020#buzz_expend_105363</a> and there are loads of books. JK Rowling just joined in as well. </p><p>Have you seen our <a href="https://www.hashtagblak.co.uk/black-history-month-2020" target="_blank">Hashtag Black History Campaign?</a> </p><p>Love Island USA is so much better than the UK one. It's the level of drama and Black Girl Magic that I have needed!!!!! How can America take a UK show, not even do it on an island but on a roof top in Vegas and still do it better! And a Black couple!!!! The UK could never! Justine dancing already won the show. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTbjFhotOkY/X4jWa6o4KmI/AAAAAAAAB0A/eEv7-CQKVJUP5dc60VR4nraOBlDGKW46wCLcBGAsYHQ/s827/20200923_213426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="827" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTbjFhotOkY/X4jWa6o4KmI/AAAAAAAAB0A/eEv7-CQKVJUP5dc60VR4nraOBlDGKW46wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20200923_213426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Trump. The fly. No free school dinners. Another lockdown in London. I have no words. </p><p>#ENDSARS</p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-54855193943134044472020-08-31T12:00:00.005-07:002020-08-31T12:00:57.997-07:00The Birthday Blog: Long Live The King<p><br /></p><p>No one saw it coming. I woke up and it was the first thing I saw. I just kept saying, “What? What?” It took me a while to process it. I have nothing but respect for Chadwick Boseman. His grace and class especially with what he was going through. It's just amazing. I remember when Black Panther came out and just the excitement. We were getting a Marvel movie for the culture. Do you know how deep that is? Like I never thought I would see it. I took myself to the cinema because everyone was being long and the guy at the cinema upgraded my ticket for free and gave me free snacks. I remember he said, “Sis, you're gonna love it.” And I did. It was everything I wanted and more. Then the fact it's one of the top 10 highest grossing movies EVER. We all wanted it to win an Oscar. On some level we knew it wouldn't - come on we know how the Oscar's role but it should have. My 30th birthday was a Black Panther theme and it was the best party. </p><p>When the film came out, I read that Chadwick was 43! I couldn't believe it. I remember just being like wow this guy is something. What he created for us and the representation of African culture was beautiful. Everyone needs to see themselves reflected. I know that hence why I wrote Emily Knight but for a juggernaut like Marvel to do it was something else.</p><p><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgnrr6K9NCw/X01CSF2MHpI/AAAAAAAAByA/vvxT4e6wGKoPhQWl-pBtpqiAxNZGwh2jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s675/IMG_20200829_103820_123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgnrr6K9NCw/X01CSF2MHpI/AAAAAAAAByA/vvxT4e6wGKoPhQWl-pBtpqiAxNZGwh2jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_20200829_103820_123.jpg" /></a></div><br />I mean what a legacy to leave behind. I re-watched Civil War, Black Panther, Infinity War and Endgame. I cannot believe he had cancer the whole time. Truly a King in every word. I sat and prayed for his family and I just felt that he was at peace and was home. Only later that evening did I find out he was a man of faith. That explains why he had the strength to go as hard as he did. RIP Chadwick Boseman. <p></p><p>It made me think a lot about legacy and what impact we're making on the world. People are too caught up in the 'now' culture, being an influencer and all that stuff. At the end of the day you need to think, what do you want to be remembered for? The outpouring of love for Chadwick Boseman across the world - you can see the impact he made. My goal in life is to leave a legacy and an empire for my family. What's you goal? </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj1umd6dojg/X01DaRnHoWI/AAAAAAAAByg/tGTpamqfYwYA_faRZcczTuxkYzXF-a2jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1325/Screenshot_20200831-002915_Instagram-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj1umd6dojg/X01DaRnHoWI/AAAAAAAAByg/tGTpamqfYwYA_faRZcczTuxkYzXF-a2jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot_20200831-002915_Instagram-01.jpeg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>After months and months I got to see my friends on my birthday. I swear in that moment when I was seated with them, talking and eating and just bussing jokes I realised how much these ladies mean to me. I'm so lucky to know such awesome people. Funnily enough it was one of my best birthdays. I just wanted something super chilled and somewhere where everyone can feel safe. I met with Zarah near my house and we went for lunch up the road. She had made me the most gorgeous baked goods and my cake—girl! That cake was everything. Then Ebru picked me up and we went to Ping Pong St Katherine's Dock where the rest of my friends were for my birthday dinner. It was a beautiful evening and especially, in this movie for a year, to make it to another birthday is truly a blessing. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrPpjwa2eA8/X01DBCeiSsI/AAAAAAAAByU/6bimfIUHdJEb5B3Yz-i9BKYg8P2o8mFuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200814_201009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrPpjwa2eA8/X01DBCeiSsI/AAAAAAAAByU/6bimfIUHdJEb5B3Yz-i9BKYg8P2o8mFuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200814_201009.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-263lHDLavVk/X01C2zgKQII/AAAAAAAAByQ/uySh4-pv_FItIjYyg1sog_3ty63jl1fFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-20200806-WA0044-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-263lHDLavVk/X01C2zgKQII/AAAAAAAAByQ/uySh4-pv_FItIjYyg1sog_3ty63jl1fFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG-20200806-WA0044-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Emily Knight I am...Becoming has gone to print! Only a few weeks till it's out. I'm nervous but so excited. I got an amazing endorsement for the front cover from Sophie Anderson, author of The House With Chicken Legs and my online book launch party is happening on the 17th from 7-8pm.<a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/emily-knight-i-am-becoming-book-launch-live-tickets-118170490117" target="_blank"> Book here </a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADbyj4rFuA0/X01CgVX11kI/AAAAAAAAByE/m9VCKfPQBw0WsA5KipxVX3LKK3ZJbh1CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Copy%2Bof%2BCopy%2Bof%2BCopy%2Bof%2BAdd%2Ba%2Bheading-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADbyj4rFuA0/X01CgVX11kI/AAAAAAAAByE/m9VCKfPQBw0WsA5KipxVX3LKK3ZJbh1CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Copy%2Bof%2BCopy%2Bof%2BCopy%2Bof%2BAdd%2Ba%2Bheading-2.png" /></a></div><br /><p>I stayed up till 3am a few times last week and till half 3 last night to finish the edits for my forth book. I looked at my laptop and said, “God I want to get this done.” That energy must have come from him because as soon as I closed my laptop I could barely stand up. </p><p>Black is King. I say it all the time but Beyonce for me is just something else. Not only does she look so beautiful in the movie but the visuals are stunning. Between her and Chadwick Boseman's work ethic I literally have no excuse to be lazy. </p><p>Greenleaf on Netflix finale had me in tears. I loved that it was about a Black family of faith. When they would preach you would feel it in your spirit. I wish there were more shows like this. A must watch. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBc-3Mnl_Hg/X01DhCOyUaI/AAAAAAAAByk/QVofAcoy8lAi3MPK05ZB_OxzA9NuDcMEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1079/Screenshot_20200815-012112_Instagram-02.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="715" data-original-width="1079" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBc-3Mnl_Hg/X01DhCOyUaI/AAAAAAAAByk/QVofAcoy8lAi3MPK05ZB_OxzA9NuDcMEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Screenshot_20200815-012112_Instagram-02.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A lot of really cool things have happened and I kind of wish I had blogged earlier this month because my mind is so consumed with the legend that is Chadwick Boseman that I can't even get everything out. I'll share in my next blog. Stay safe everyone x</p><p>Pre-order<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emily-Knight-I-am-Becoming/dp/1916161782/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HE4SZ729K373&dchild=1&keywords=emily+knight+i+am+becoming&qid=1598899173&sprefix=emily+knight%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-1"> Emily Knight I am...Becoming</a></p><p>Follow me on Twitter <a href="www.twitter.com/abellowrites">@ABelloWrites</a></p><p>Instagram <a href="www.instagram.com/abiolabello">@abiolabello </a></p>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-29536339754549607782020-07-31T11:51:00.011-07:002020-12-31T07:43:44.582-08:00...but she's offended because I have BLM on my header?<div><br /></div>Where is the year going? I know 2020 is on a maaaaaaad one but it literally is my birthday next week and I'm just like huh? Weren't we just put in lockdown? It feels weird celebrating a birthday in these circumstances. I'm the Queen of just being extra around this time but I just feel like blah. The world is so weird right now. I am currently sitting on my laptop, sweating like a crazy girl (it's 32 degrees) and trying to finish work so I can watch Black is King. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukN3OoO9W8g/XyRmOBHXYUI/AAAAAAAABwY/5qA5c2NvBPUI6khB4AceJgzMHRUqtsn0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2047/20200731_122105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1770" data-original-width="2047" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ukN3OoO9W8g/XyRmOBHXYUI/AAAAAAAABwY/5qA5c2NvBPUI6khB4AceJgzMHRUqtsn0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h283/20200731_122105.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div>I have been BUSY. Now I'm always busy but this has been on another scale. Literally drowning in work. I'm so pleased that The Diverse Book Awards longlist is done!!!! I can't even believe we found the time to read all those books. Oh the relief is just on another level. It was a tough week getting everything together so we can drop the longlist today. Then a publisher had to pull out one of the kids books but the press release had already gone out. Le stress! The reactions to the longlist has been amazing and I'm so curious to know what the judges pick for the shortlist. I already have my three winners so I'm hoping we're all on the same vibe! I love that we're all celebrating UK Diverse books and I've read so many new books. The longlist is<a href="https://www.thediversebookawards.co.uk/the-longlist" target="_blank"> here</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember how I said YALC got cancelled? Well Walker Books decided to host #AtHomeYALC and asked me to part of it! The line was so sick. I got to do the Teen Fantasy panel with author Joseph Elliot and it was so fun. We were all so nervous beforehand. I think because you can't see the audience so it just feels weird but it all worked out. So glad I got the chance to still push Emily Knight I am...Becoming. You can watch my panel and others via this link - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgDFmb0hVp4&t=455s" target="_blank"> #AtHomeYALC Teen Fantasy Panel</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdIqjm9S_0U/XyRk8oq2r9I/AAAAAAAABvo/6W3qeLXQAosFqYmd4foQUYvelR9qSDDbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200726_191523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdIqjm9S_0U/XyRk8oq2r9I/AAAAAAAABvo/6W3qeLXQAosFqYmd4foQUYvelR9qSDDbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h308/20200726_191523.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxOMK_tsTEo/XyRk-3B9oII/AAAAAAAABvs/JUk9FcwfRJwBUIWGKZoSnSutfPfeqtKNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/At-Home-YALC-1080x1080-Instagram.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="641" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxOMK_tsTEo/XyRk-3B9oII/AAAAAAAABvs/JUk9FcwfRJwBUIWGKZoSnSutfPfeqtKNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w641-h641/At-Home-YALC-1080x1080-Instagram.jpg" width="641" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RavOgWjzBBs/XyRk_0zuKmI/AAAAAAAABvw/7wvi5pYPb7soJExWP7hPqA_uhG5JFdbEACLcBGAsYHQ/s1064/Screenshot_20200721-125410_Instagram-01-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1054" height="513" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RavOgWjzBBs/XyRk_0zuKmI/AAAAAAAABvw/7wvi5pYPb7soJExWP7hPqA_uhG5JFdbEACLcBGAsYHQ/w508-h513/Screenshot_20200721-125410_Instagram-01-01.jpeg" width="508" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then YALC did a giveaway of my book that hundreds of RT which is so cool and I'm obviously in a great mood then this lady tweeted that she wanted to enter but she didn't want to because my Twitter header has Black Lives Matter. I laughed for sooooo long. I am black with a black girl on the cover but she's offended because I have BLM on my header?! Make it make sense. She then went on the whole All Lives Matter and I so wish I had the time to really check her cause I was in a right mood but I didn't have time. So I left her a very classy response and then all my friends and publishing peeps jumped on her. It all worked out in the end! </div><div><br /></div><div>We revealed our three authors for Hashtag BLAK! I can't believe it took a whole year to find them all but it has so been worth it. So now we have Being Amani by Annabelle Steele, A Dance For The Dead by Nuzo Onoh and Ten Steps To Us by Attiya Khan. We found our two black authors just like we set out to do. And Hashtag has gone from having a few YA authors to load which makes me so happy!!! All their books are on pre-order<a href="www.hashtagblak.co.uk"> www.hashtagblak.co.uk </a></div><div><br /></div><div>I May Destroy You is AMAZING!</div><div><br /></div><div>I finally met my nephew the other day. He was born during lockdown so it's been about 4 months since his birth that me and my sister drove to Kent. The drive was alright but I had this dick literally on my car. The thing is my car is telling me a speed limit but he is trying to get faster. I'm thinking go around me then. Of course he doesn't so I just ignore him. Then we hear this loud noise like someone is pressing a horn. Me and Lola are looking around like where is this noise coming from? I need to get over to the other lane so I move over and then the car behind me speeds up, the driver looks at me and the noise has stopped. That's when I clocked that the fool was beeping me!! The cheek. My nephew is sooooo cute like he literally looks like a doll. It's so strange to see the Bello features on a small human. Oh I want him to be a creative so bad. I need some allies in this fam!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xk7bJZU-pRg/XyRlx7kk3tI/AAAAAAAABwA/y6EmSMonZsoMi2UNq3sOZVfjLFN72ltiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1334/Screenshot_20200722-224614_Instagram-01.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1080" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xk7bJZU-pRg/XyRlx7kk3tI/AAAAAAAABwA/y6EmSMonZsoMi2UNq3sOZVfjLFN72ltiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w265-h328/Screenshot_20200722-224614_Instagram-01.jpeg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LllUXW09iQ/XyRlyCwuJZI/AAAAAAAABwE/u1xgAX2DDkAm4ukiLopFNiGEngMe4W3HwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Screenshot_20200723-031952_Instagram-01.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LllUXW09iQ/XyRlyCwuJZI/AAAAAAAABwE/u1xgAX2DDkAm4ukiLopFNiGEngMe4W3HwCLcBGAsYHQ/w262-h262/Screenshot_20200723-031952_Instagram-01.jpeg" width="262" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>DMX vs Snoop Dogg Versus was what I needed in my life. Ahhhh it was soooooo good! I swear these kids have no idea how epic X is. I stayed up till 4am and it was worth it. Versus is making up for all the concerts I booked that got cancelled. </div><div><br /></div><div>Good Girls is back on Netflix!! Yay!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Twitter is weird. They can literally keep racists like Katie Hopkins on there for years but when people are tweeting about what may be a cure for COVID they're blocking accounts! Twitter literally told me to delete my tweet or I can't access my account. Where is that energy for the racists please?</div><div><br /></div><div>And are we wearing masks or not? Everywhere I've gone people aren't wearing it but I thought it was the law? Just a few weeks ago I had to wear a mask to the hairdressers and now they're saying I don't need too. So confusing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I just want to say a massive thank you to anyone who voted for me to win The People's Book Prize. I didn't win Best Children's Book but Jessica won Best Non-Fiction and we only went and won Publisher of the Year!!!!!!!! The trophy came and looks very cool. Kind of can't believe it. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's so hard doing all of this stuff. Just trying to keep up and still have a high standard but I will say that I'm really seeing the fruits of my labour and I'm so thankful to God that it's all working out. I'm busy till October :) but it's all paying off and that's what matters.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIPrwd8rTZY/XyRmZ5ELEsI/AAAAAAAABwk/w6q_KqKDRTkcNJP0qEj_4bNPIXTEB0_tQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/FB_IMG_1595596965920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIPrwd8rTZY/XyRmZ5ELEsI/AAAAAAAABwk/w6q_KqKDRTkcNJP0qEj_4bNPIXTEB0_tQCLcBGAsYHQ/w262-h262/FB_IMG_1595596965920.jpg" width="262" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqOHgAEskuA/XyRmbcmNDSI/AAAAAAAABwo/lqql9gCtZBsZARP29DROinL7zhlAHyeywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/FB_IMG_1595596970634.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqOHgAEskuA/XyRmbcmNDSI/AAAAAAAABwo/lqql9gCtZBsZARP29DROinL7zhlAHyeywCLcBGAsYHQ/w262-h262/FB_IMG_1595596970634.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mesECb7qRY/XyRmdAvxeqI/AAAAAAAABws/gYHkbymh86k-xcFYzBe9G6s2U2qerGCQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/IMG_20200731_181629_723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mesECb7qRY/XyRmdAvxeqI/AAAAAAAABws/gYHkbymh86k-xcFYzBe9G6s2U2qerGCQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h328/IMG_20200731_181629_723.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next blog will be the Birthday Blog. I'm intrigued how this is working in these weird times. Now I'm off to watch Black is King. I swear Beyonce is everything. She is literally the only celebrity that I look up too. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXZS__MA5hE/XyRmFF4t04I/AAAAAAAABwQ/Fhoy1iqQ5LQzDWmuBJVNNHasm1VV6OQ-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Screenshot_20200731-122040_Twitter-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1080" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xXZS__MA5hE/XyRmFF4t04I/AAAAAAAABwQ/Fhoy1iqQ5LQzDWmuBJVNNHasm1VV6OQ-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h175/Screenshot_20200731-122040_Twitter-01.jpeg" width="328" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Just because it's not trending anymore, BLM will always be my main focus. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbEmYqulthE/XyRnl4jsgpI/AAAAAAAABxc/aXZ9y6XxwhUFty9F17inpP0t3JM_8bqPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1594551347800.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5KendSoUJg/XyRnl4zWkvI/AAAAAAAABxg/Ej_OifdD3mwCPijWEH3DWqHjPz7LBuYjACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h219/FB_IMG_1594551340654.jpg" style="text-align: start;" width="328" /><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="219" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbEmYqulthE/XyRnl4jsgpI/AAAAAAAABxc/aXZ9y6XxwhUFty9F17inpP0t3JM_8bqPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h219/FB_IMG_1594551347800.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5KendSoUJg/XyRnl4zWkvI/AAAAAAAABxg/Ej_OifdD3mwCPijWEH3DWqHjPz7LBuYjACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1594551340654.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5KendSoUJg/XyRnl4zWkvI/AAAAAAAABxg/Ej_OifdD3mwCPijWEH3DWqHjPz7LBuYjACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1594551340654.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5KendSoUJg/XyRnl4zWkvI/AAAAAAAABxg/Ej_OifdD3mwCPijWEH3DWqHjPz7LBuYjACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1594551340654.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>R.I.P Naya Riveria and Nicole Thea. I knew Nicole from Boy Blue when she was a teenager. I literally had no idea she was this popping YouTuber. And Naya was my fav in Glee. Who doensn't love Santana. Heartbreaking and I pray they are both in peace.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EHlYCBuutg/XyRnJuWHflI/AAAAAAAABxE/AGLneO-txjs8zVd66vvxR9Flp9mi-gVNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1481/20200713_191818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1481" data-original-width="1125" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--EHlYCBuutg/XyRnJuWHflI/AAAAAAAABxE/AGLneO-txjs8zVd66vvxR9Flp9mi-gVNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w249-h328/20200713_191818.jpg" width="249" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="2048" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYQTPrrbCFU/XyRnKBXZfGI/AAAAAAAABxI/HoColWoB2LgNHntNnHS23o5jtAqMdqdaQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h186/20200713_203210.jpg" width="328" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBNsvaAoKKc/XyRnWYvifdI/AAAAAAAABxM/iNjKRGAGbZMeUxTxWGcQ0GZyywfg9sGLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s300/Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBNsvaAoKKc/XyRnWYvifdI/AAAAAAAABxM/iNjKRGAGbZMeUxTxWGcQ0GZyywfg9sGLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-32570943905221608772020-06-30T11:18:00.001-07:002020-06-30T11:39:23.484-07:00I had the strangest week.<br />
Hey all!<br />
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How weird is this year? First of all I can't even believe it's going to be JULY! My birthday is in a month and I don't even understand how it has come around so fast. I am literally like where can I even go on my birthday?? Can I have a launch party in September? I have no clue. One part of me wants to plan stuff and the other part is like just chill. This weekend would have been my epic summer weekend at British Summer Time Fest. All cancelled. YALC got booked for that. Cancelled.<br />
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I've been doing various interviews about Black people in publishing. I really pray that these conversations aren't in vain and we see some real change for once. I'm tired from having these same conversations and I hope the narrative changes quickly. I have been seeing some dumb things. Someone posted 45 books to help children understand Black Lives Matter and put a book about a Chinese character. Another said white authors here to help Black authors. Oh don't worry I have been calling them out. Honestly this level of ignorance is the problem. I am determined to use my platform to help Black writers as much as possible.<br />
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I had the strangest week. A few weeks ago there was a hashtag trending on Twitter called #PublishingPaidMe and it literally made me feel sick. It showed how Black and white authors were being paid very differently in advances. Matt Haig was on £600K (you can see the tweets at the end of the blog). It never even dawned on me that was a thing. That was like the icing on the cake for me with this publishing industry and the bullshit. I did some interviews about it for <a href="http://www.bookbrunch.co.uk/page/article-detail/?sf1=cms_pagename&st1=bello-and-lewis-share-black-lives-matter-thoughts&utm_source=daily-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-newsletter">BookBrunch</a>,<a href="https://www.thebookseller.com/blogs/how-were-trying-change-story-hashtag-blak-and-diverse-book-awards-1206701"> The Bookseller</a> and an interview about diversity in publishing and children's book for <a href="https://www.culturewhisper.com/r/kids/ya_author_abiola_bello_interview/15655">Culture Whisper </a><br />
The next day Helen messaged me and said an offer has come in for my new YA book. Usually that would have made me jump with joy but I just felt exhausted. I asked her for a few days to think about it. That same day I saw a call out from literary agent Gemma Cooper on Twitter that said if any Black authors want feedback for a book to get in touch. I figured why not get feedback before I potentially take this deal so I sent the book to Gemma. Gemma's closed for submissions so for me it was just feedback. A few days later, Gemma asks to read the rest of the manuscript. I'm still in a bit of a weird headspace but I had just done The Bookseller and BookBrunch interview so I just sent the book in, forgetting that I didn't get my feedback. The next day, Gemma asks if I have representation. Now I'm like oh shit! Let me break down why.<br />
So I was signed to Raimondi and Campbell Literary Agency but I left them a few years ago. Then I was submitting this new YA book to literary agents. Two of them were interested but both were going on maternity leave. One got back to me and said no and the other asked me to wait until she was back at work in some months but I didn't want to wait that long for an answer. During that time Helen had set up The Literally Agency and wanted me to sign to her. I was hesitant to sign with Helen as we do so much together, I thought is this too much? But then Helen will do her absolute best by me. I ended up signing to Helen and she pitched the book. We had 7 publishers interested. Anyway fast forward and the deals offered I didn't like, then it went all quiet with publishers saying I like it will get back to you...then nothing. When Emily Knight I am...Awakened got Carnegie nominated that brought more interest and I got an offer of representation from Trident Media in NYC who our massive! The prob was I was already signed to Helen and they didn't want this YA book as it's very UK but they were interested in my next book if I decided to go with them. Then one of the 7 publishers got back and offered a deal. You see the problem?<br />
I spoke to Helen about it and she was totally fine with me swapping agents and agreed that we are very entwined lol. So now I am signed to one of the best literary agencies The Bent Agency and repped by Gemma! God is great! I am so excited!<br />
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Lizzie McGuire cast did a live reading for an episode and it was one of the best things ever! Then of course I went on Disney+ and binge watched the episodes.<br />
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Our children's book we released during lockdown. Bookshops were closed. Schools were closed. Baller Boys by Venessa Taylor hit the NUMBER 1 BESTSELLERS SPOT!!!! And it keeps selling out. OMG!!!<br />
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I am literally drowning in books. Between The Diverse Book Awards and submissions for Hashtag BLAK, I am so done.<br />
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These Verzuz battles on Instagram are keeping me going. Nelly vs Ludacris. 112 v Jagged Edge. Living my best 90's/2000 life! I just wished they started earlier so it wouldn't be 1am UK time. One of the best ones though was Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond—that Gospel music was so needed! I know it will never happen but I want a Beyonce v Rihanna one. A girl can dream.<br />
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My brother had his first Father's Day! I can't wait to meet my nephew. He is the cutest thing! Only thing that annoys me is when we FaceTime and my dad waves he gets all excited and when I do it he literally doesn't move!<br />
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Anyone need help getting an agent? Or book marketing and PR? Well Helen and I just dropped our new online course and this one is fire!! Helen's course is actually part of a 6 month course and it's only a fiver. No joke. <a href="https://www.patreon.com/theauthorschool">Sign up today </a><br />
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Katie Hopkins got banned from Twitter! Drinks all round!<br />
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A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-76025209871695257212020-05-29T05:14:00.000-07:002020-06-30T11:43:07.576-07:00I can't breathe. <br />
Those are the word George Floyd said when a policeman put his full weight on his neck.<br />
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I'm sure you've seen the images, the video and the words 'I can't breathe' and it makes me feel physically sick. I cried for a full day after reading his story.<br />
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This is not my usual blog post but I express myself best through words and need to get this out.<br />
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My Twitter is split in half. It's either Black Lives Matter or Hey let's talk about publishing and right now the publishing side is the least of my concerns. I was actually getting pissed off at the lack of authors, agents and publishers saying nothing about what's happening but I had to remind myself that this is the same industry that only publishes 1% of books with someone of colour as a lead. Who use the #weneeddiversebooks and don't publish or hire ethnic people. Explains everything right? I also don't need a thread on books by black authors unless it is about race. Black authors you should be reading anyway not when #BlackLivesMatter is trending. Read the damn room. As author Angie Thomas put it 'The publishing world is full of Karen's.'<br />
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My heart feels so heavy and black people are tired. Let me explain why.<br />
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1. Ahmed Aubery went for a run in Georgia and was followed by two white men who shot and killed him.<br />
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Their defence: They had multiple burglaries in the area and assumed the jogger was the person.<br />
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2. Christian Cooper was bird watching in Central Park, New York and asked a white lady to put her dog on a lead. This was in a section of the park where dogs had to be on leads. She was offended and called the police saying, “An African American was threatening her and her dog.” She pretended to cry and got hysterical as the man did nothing but film her stupidity. Oh and she was strangling her dog in the process.<br />
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Her defence: I'm not sure but I'm guessing she didn't like a black person telling her what to do.<br />
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Verdict: Fired from her job and dog taken away from her ONLY after the video went viral and people shouted about it.<br />
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3. George Floyd was arrested in Minneapolis for apparently having a bad cheque. He was already in handcuffs and Derek Chauvin a policeman was the one who put his knee on George's neck, and kept it there while George said, “I can't breathe.” Tou Thao was the Asian officer who just stood there and let it happen. I strongly dislike Tou Thao.<br />
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His defence: Said George was resisting arrest but the video shows that is untrue. Keep in mind this officer has had many complaints against him throughout the years.<br />
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Verdict: Derek has been fired but not arrested for murder. ONLY after the video went viral and people shouted about it. Now there are riots.<br />
*UPDATE Derek has been arrested for third degree murder.<br />
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4. Three young black men were working out in the gym in their WeWork and a white man asked them if they should be there, demanded to know their office number and then called the police stating that they didn't look like they belonged in the office.<br />
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His defence: He didn't think these black males could afford the rent.<br />
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Verdict: Pending but I haven't heard WeWork say a damn thing.<br />
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Forgetting about race for one second, just as a human do you think this is the right way to treat another human? Do you think it is okay to put your knee of the neck of someone when they tell you they can't breathe?<br />
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I don't like talking about race. I am more than just a black girl but there are people that only see my skin. I have dealt with racism in work, when driving my car. I have had friends say micro-aggressive racial comments. I remember at The Author School last year someone actually asked me, “So what do you do here then? Do you work for Helen?” I'm not saying that was about race but it's that assumption that I couldn't possibly be in charge. When I told her she was surprised. The Author School has been running for 5 years by the way.<br />
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I love John Boyega and I loved him even more when he cussed out the racists people on social media. It was a tweet that said 'I really fucking hate racists.' You would think people would be like OMG me too! Yet there was one girl, a black girl actually who said hate is a strong word. A Nigerian man who said, “Me too. My ex hated white people and I broke up with her.” Another person said he is white and gets racist comments said to him because he lives in Hawaii. The reason why John went crazy on everyone was very clear. HE WAS TALKING ABOUT WHITE ON BLACK RACISM. It was obvious yet people were offended. Why? <br />
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Considering all the shit black people have gone through, we don't go around killing white people for you know slavery amongst other things.<br />
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Let's clear up a few things please.<br />
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#AllLivesMatter: The reason why this hashtag is stupid is because we know this already. No one is denying the racism that so many different ethnicities face or that everyone's life is important. Yet this hashtag only appears when a black person speaks up about racism. Aleta told me she was dealing with an Asian girl who used this hashtag saying Asian's had racism over COVID. They did but black people in China were the ones getting the blame from the Chinese people. And Trump started the conversation that China was to blame for the 'Chinese disease' not black people.<br />
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If you are not black you have more privilege. I got a caution a few years ago yet my friend who looks white did worse than me and didn't get a caution. That's privilege.<br />
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White Privilege: This is a real thing. White people are not the victims. Nothing irks us more than white people trying to cry racism when they created the race system in the first place. A white person is not treated the same way as black people.<br />
For example: A white male shoots up a school killing hundreds of people. He is placed in handcuffs and declared mentally unstable. A black person has a bad cheque. He is placed in handcuffs, has his neck squashed by an officer's knee and killed.<br />
We very much know we are not the same. Nor are we saying ALL white people are racists because they're not. So when you get triggered you need to check with yourself if maybe you are racist. When people say black people are thugs. I'm not triggered cause I know I'm not one.<br />
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Can White People Experience Racism?: No. Racism it's prejudice plus power and influence. All white people have that and they are not the victim. Ever. This is why Karen from Central Park who called the police and was very clear she was going to say an African-American was threatening her. She knew what power she had.<br />
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But Why Riot?: Because people are upset and we hit our boiling point. Remember the riots that happened here because of Mark Duggan? And that spread throughout the country yet it started in London. And let's be clear. All races joined in the riots and are also involved in the one in Minneapolis. Also white people riot over shit like football! So enough said.<br />
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What Should White People Do?: Speak up. If you are my friend and you can't see my blackness and speak up for injustice. You are not my friend. Bye Karen. White people are very quick to take black culture and then go quiet when shit pops off. If something isn't okay, say something. It's really not very hard.<br />
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The Main Reason We're Pissed: It happen all the time and it's UNPROVOKED! I have a dad, brother and a nephew and the fact they can get harmed because they are black is a joke. I have always wanted to live in Paris or Malibu. I cannot live in the US when they kill black people for sport and no-one really cares.<br />
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America need to evaluate their police officers. A few weeks training is not enough to give someone a gun and a badge. Doctors have to train for years to save life. Aren't the police meant to protect?<br />
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There's lots more I can say but I have businesses to run. If you don't like what I said in the above, I really don't care. This is what it is and what we deal with everyday. It's 2020 and we are tired. Can we just be black in peace?<br />
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Follow me on Instagram @<a href="http://www.instagram.com/abiolabello">abiolabello</a><br />
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Twitter @ <a href="http://www.twitter.com/emilyknightiam">emilyknightiam</a><br />
<br />A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-75049896919130937482020-04-30T15:11:00.001-07:002020-12-31T07:36:05.679-08:00My book cover is now out! Isn't she pretty?<br />
Sooo how are we all doing? I legit don't even know what week of lockdown this is, I just know that I am over it. I didn't even realise that I just miss working in different environments that is not my house. I'm pretty good at self-motivating myself but for the past few days I've just had this what is the point attitude. The problem is I run quite a few companies so as much as I want to live in lazy town I can't!<br />
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The good news is the Government have issued a small companies loan that we should be able to get. That will be a massive help seeing as bookshops are still closed. I feel so bad for those who have books that had to be pushed back or published via ebook first. It's not ideal but I love when people still push on ahead. And we've come out of the peak! Hopefully everyone can be that little bit more patient so we don't get a second peak.<br />
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My book cover is now out! Isn't she pretty? I just wanted pure fire and I got it! Ale Artigas is my amazing illustrator did such an amazing job and in September I will have book 3 out. Madness! I also have a book trailer created by Luisa Martinez Negret and Andrew Coleman and I love it. You can watch it here in all of it's glory <a href="http://www.a-bello.com/">www.a-bello.com</a> Make sure you use the hashtag #EK3<br />
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Now what you guys can do is <a href="https://www.hashtagpress.co.uk/product-page/emily-knight-i-am-becoming-by-a-bello-temp-cover">pre-order</a> the book! And hopefully you will love it as much as I do.<br />
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The Author School online course is now live! We have video, pdf's to download and one-to-ones with Helen and I. There's three tiers from £5, £10 and £20 that you pay monthly or you can cancel (hopefully not). Have a look and see if we have something here for you! And it's super affordable for all writers! <a href="https://www.patreon.com/theauthorschool?fan_landing=true">The Author School </a></div>
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I haven't watched as much Netflix as I thought I would. Why am I more busy than before is a mystery? </div>
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I started a book review blog! I did my first review on And The Stars Were Burning Brightly by Danielle Jawando and you can read my review <a href="https://carebearreads.blogspot.com/">here</a>. You may be wondering err why are you doing a blog? Well I have books from summer that I haven't read and I figured if I do a blog because I need content I will read quicker. Fingers crossed!</div>
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I did a story time a few weeks ago over on my Facebook author page. I read from the Prologue to Chapter 2 of Emily Knight I am...Awakened and guys I hit over 5,000 views! I said to myself before I started I hope 100 people watch it. Why do I do myself like that? I need to start having more confidence in what I bring to the homeschooling parents!</div>
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I went to Tesco today and it was raining so there was no cue. This man literally stood right next to me. So I said, “Can you move back?”</div>
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He started yelling, “Why do I need to move back. I got tested yesterday and I'm fine.” Then he started singing very loudly, “Everyone stay away from me!” </div>
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I very lovingly said, “Can you just shut up?”</div>
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Follow me on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/abiolabello">@abiolabello</a></div>
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Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/emilyknightiam">@emilyknightiam </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.a-bello.com/">www.a-bello.com </a></div>
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A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-15045156700297121882020-03-31T09:45:00.002-07:002020-12-31T07:34:27.900-08:00You have to protect your mind. Remember this will come to an end. <br />
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We are on week 2 of lockdown in London. Hoping everyone is doing okay! I work remotely so not much has changed for me. Walking down the road is a trip. It's literally a ghost town and finding toilet roll and pasta is like stumbling across a pot of gold. I miss seeing my mates, church and driving! I literally volunteer to go to the shops just so I can drive! The lockdown had to happen though. When I was driving to the shop I could see bare people in the park just laying down, sunbathing and me and everyone in the cars were just staring at them like wtf?! But despite all the crap the lockdown has made me very appreciative of my health, my family, that I have a garden to all least go for run in without people breathing on me. I am bored enough that I'm messing about with filters on Instagram. My uncle and cousins have natural blue eyes so it's defo my mum that ruined the gene.<br />
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The publishing world is slowly closing down and loads of books are being delayed. We haven't been affected yet except having to postpose The Author School full day, but Helen and I always have loads of ideas of how to overcome these challenges so hopefully our businesses won't be affected too much. If you want to buy a Hashtag Press book, best to order directly from us<a href="http://www.hashtagpress.co.uk/"> www.hashtagpress.co.uk</a> or Waterstones online if they have it in stock.<br />
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Since being on lockdown it has given us time to actually put into place a lot of online content (we've been talking about doing it for years) and now we have the time to do it! Lots of FB live and IGTV and now we're putting our online course together so writers we've got you! We're also doing some story times and submission callouts for Hashtag. I actually don't love pics and videos but I'm slowly getting into it. Use this time wisely to do something new. Not everyday Netflix :) and switch off the news and Twitter and anywhere where fear is manifesting. You have to protect your mind. Remember this will come to an end. Keep your faith and stay safe.<br />
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So I am self-employed and have been for over 10 years but I also have a limited company. Unfortunately that puts me in the 5% off people that the Government can't help. I know right. But this is how God is so good. Helen and I received Arts Council funding for Hashtag BLAK!! I'm so grateful that we are able to really build up that imprint into what we want it to be, especially in these very strange times AND we signed our first author!! More info soon but it's a YA book and I love it!<br />
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I was today years old when I realised that I was a millennial. I actually thought millennials were born in 2000 so the way I would cuss and be like these damn millennials are so lazy, so entitled and yeah I am part of them!<br />
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Who has been watching Noughts and Crosses on BBC1? I love how Nigerian it is! That book was actually the first book I had and for a long time with a black female main character. It's amazing how relevant the book is today. The racists came out on full force on Twitter lol. It's actually amazing that people can be so racist and yet not see it, like that is a skill in itself right?<br />
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Have you joined Tik Tok yet? I don't think I'm bored enough to do it yet but I did learn the JLo superbowl choreography which I was proud of myself for. I love the Tiki's Tok's with families dancing on it. I might have to persuade my family to do one. Now that will be worth getting an account for.<br />
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Good Girls on Netflix is sooooo good.<br />
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Before the lockdown happened, I wanted to get some hand weights. My family laughed at me for wanting to get it and I explained that the gyms would defo close at some point and I wanted to be able to work out. So I ordered some from Argos but for some reason it delivered to Sainsbury's. I went to Sainsbury's who were stocked up! So of course I had to do a shop as I was waiting for them to get my weights. When I tell you they couldn't even carry the weights. Here I am with 2 bags of shopping, weights I can't hold and then the cashier says, “Do you need toilet roll?”<br />
Me: Oh yes you have some?<br />
Cashier: In 10 minutes we will<br />
That's when I notice that the delivery truck is there and about fifteen people in the store with no shopping just waiting for toilet roll! In the end I had to order a Bolt to get my shopping home. The driver carried the weights. The gym closed the next day. Now my family are asking me if they can use my weights. Typical.<br />
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Remember to vote for Emily Knight I am...Awakened to win 'Best Children's book' for <a href="https://peoplesbookprize.com/winter-2019/emily-knight-i-am-awakened/">The People's Book Prize</a><br />
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Follow me on Instagram @abiolabello<br />
Twitter @emilyknightiam<br />
<a href="https://www.hashtagpress.co.uk/shop">30% off Emily Knight I am...Awakened till April 15th </a><br />
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<br />A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-75850191415371185062020-02-29T11:34:00.002-08:002020-12-31T07:31:46.972-08:00...yes I did say his name in the mirror 5 times. Does that mad man need to be resurrected?<br />
Good news! Remember in my last blog I had two parking fines? And one went up because they claimed I never paid but I did? So I called up to pay over the phone and the payment literally was pending in my account for a week—basically the council couldn't be bothered to take out the money. So now I'm really annoyed as this is the second time I tried to pay for this damn parking. I called up, spoke to this lovely girl who asks me when I got the letters. Turns out I didn't have my full days to pay so they lowered it back down to £65. I will take £65 over £130 anyway so was happy with that!<br />
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And the good news keeps on rolling! I literally had the worst start to the year. It felt like every day there was something crap happening to the point I wanted to quit my own company (I know!) and just doing something not publishing related. I kept praying about it and I felt in my soul everything was going to work out but you know when you're just like WHEN??? Well my book is in the final of <a href="https://peoplesbookprize.com/winter-2019/emily-knight-i-am-awakened/">The People's Book Prize</a>!! Yay!! And not just mine, so is 3 other Hashtag titles AND Hashtag is up for Best Publishing House. EEEK!!! There's also one other huge thing but will reveal all in my next blog.<br />
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So I had a few people ask me what happened with Chocolate City Comics? To sum it up Tobias who runs it, is just some fraud guy and it's such a shame. I thought he seemed really nice but I got that wrong. I went to them for artwork for my website. He then said I should use it for a pitch bible to pitch to producers and he knows all these producers and big actors. So I'm thinking okay cool. Anyway he gets me my artwork—one was of Emily, Lox, The Osaki Triaining School. Tobias turns round and says, “Who would be your dream cast?”<br />
I said,“ I want it to stay as British as possible and always thought John Boyega would be a good Lox Knight.”<div>Tobias then says, “Well I know John let me ask him.” This boy sends me fake texts of John saying yeah and he wants a meeting with me when it's done then proceeds to get artwork of Lox done in John Boyega likeness. It all started going downhill when I asked for a few more pics and Tobias literally disappeared for a few months but he is still on social media posting cause he is the only one that runs it. When he finally gets back in touch, he said he will send the artwork over by the end of the week. Another month goes by with nothing so I ask for a refund. That's when he really came alive! I still have the messages. By the end of his weird ranting he said he would refund the money on Monday. He didn't. So I got a lawyer on his ass. Ended up speaking to John Boyega's team and they don't know this guy and defo didn't give any authorisation for him to draw Lox in John's likeness. Can you imagine? I wanted a pic of MY character and this guy then made up a whole lie with his chest saying we should draw it as John. Why???? Even the forest pics that he gave to me are on another person's site. I literally will never understand how someone even acts like that. So now Tobias has outstanding money owed to me and the courts and countless claims against him, when all he had to was give me the artwork or refund the money. I would strongly advise you not to work with this strange person and if you like the artwork he promotes then approach the artists directly.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqEvAhOgE3A/Xlq3BBQGLjI/AAAAAAAABnQ/w46daFKFRb4iMsu1kos5qQDAyBL-igu_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Hashtag%2BBlak%2B.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqEvAhOgE3A/Xlq3BBQGLjI/AAAAAAAABnQ/w46daFKFRb4iMsu1kos5qQDAyBL-igu_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Hashtag%2BBlak%2B.jpg" width="319" /></a>Now back onto great things! I did an interview with The I Paper. You can have a read of it <a href="https://inews.co.uk/opinion/comment/at-a-job-interview-i-was-asked-if-i-was-there-to-clean-the-kitchen-working-class-people-of-colour-on-tackling-discrimination-1890824">here</a>. I love this press I've been doing lately that have allowed me to be so honest and transparent.<br />
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The submissions we're getting for Hashtag BLAK have been AMAZING!!! I'm hoping we can sign at least two authors in the next few months. If you feel you have a book for us then please have a look at the guidelines <a href="http://www.hashtagblak.co.uk/">www.hashtagblak.co.uk </a><br />
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How beautiful was Kobe and Gianna Bryant memorial service? Beyonce singing literally gave me chills! I can't get over how together Vanessa Bryant is. She literally is such a queen. She's having to share her families grief with the entire world and she has held herself so amazingly though it all.<br />
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Finally joined the braid gang. I swear I've been saying I wanted braids since last year spring. It's actually crochet twists but I like them! Took some getting used too but glad I got them done so I can finally stop banging on about it!<br />
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Whenever you are around teens as much as I am, you end up annoyingly get into the things that they're into. One of which is Tk Tok. So yes I did learn the original Renegade dance and yes I was like what the hell are all these moves? But yes I did get it. Snaps fingers. You can see it on my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/abiolabello">Instagram </a><br />
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I really thought Siannise and Luke T were going to win Love Island. They are actually adorable together. Speaking of adorable I went on the cutest date the other day. Why can't my days be like that all the time?<br />
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My car is so weird. It does this thing where if I have it in neutral but it's still on and I leave it for some minutes it re-starts itself. The other day my car got all dusty cause of some work being done to a house I was parked by. I just assumed the rain would clean it and all the ten million storms we've had. It did get kind of clean but not all the way so today I figured I'll just get it washed. They thought I was mad cause the car literally kept re-starting itself. I had to keep turning it off to not freak them out,<br />
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So my latest baby is The Diverse Book Awards. It's open to any fiction book from 2019 (doesn't matter how you're published). Entries close in May so if you have a book, please get involved. We've had loads of entries but never too many I say. <a href="http://www.thediversebookawards.co.uk/">www.thediversebookawards.co.uk </a><br />
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We published our first book under our self-publishing imprint Ink! I can't wait to see it. If you need help self-publishing help holla at me!<br />
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Someone tweeted and said all major sports events cancelled but The London Book Fair is still happening. This is about the coronovirus. To be honest I don't know if they should cancel or not but what I don't get is when the virus is spreading it's because people are coming to other countries from infected countries. Why aren't they being tested when they land?<br />
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I've given up swearing for Lent. Pray for me cause I swear so much I don't even know I swear.<br />
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Have you seen that video of that gymnast dancing to Beyonce and absolutely killing it??<br />
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Candyman is being re-made! Listen Candyman freaked me out the most as a kid and yes I did say his name in the mirror 5 times. Does that mad man need to be resurrected? I'm not even scared of horror films but I know I'm going to pee my pants watching it. And of course I'm going to watch it with Ebru because I'm sure her screaming will make me laugh loads. <br />
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<br /></div>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-35609313722462973492020-02-01T15:45:00.001-08:002020-02-01T15:45:50.939-08:00 'Do you look at my Instagram and think I need money?' <br />
I'm late to the party but HAPPY NEW YEAR!! My start to the year has been up and down but working through the downs so they have become ups (if that makes sense). There is something so annoying about January. I think I've had one good January where everything just went smoothly. Yeah I would love those times to come back.<br />
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Started of the New Year with not one but two parking fines. I just can't with this. One of them you can't even see my car and they're like it's defo you. How?? And then the other one literally suspended my entire road so then I had to park up the road. The next day or maybe the day after they suspended that road and gave me a fine. I said they should have said days prior that the road was going to be suspended and given warning. They claimed they did. THEY DIDN'T. So then I paid the stupid fine and then got a letter the other say saying I didn't pay it. I am so over these idiots.<br />
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I feel like this year everyone has the mentality of saving and just levelling up. I really just want to go to the next level and just make smarter decisions in every way. I also want to try new things and see how creative I am in other areas of the arts. I don't want to ever look back at my life and think ah I should have tried that. Another thing I want to do more is self-care. When I'm stressed my body reacts so dramatically. I even had to go in an ambulance and get checked over so I need to just take it easy. Easier said than done right? Running these businesses can be a lot at times and just getting the balance right will always be a challenge I think.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2hK3sWRLto/XjYGjdLtbgI/AAAAAAAABmk/ZPUNgdpP5Rog_aBDS_9XvlbHlZ2F6Rp7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Screenshot_20200126-202912_Samsung%2BInternet-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="1080" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j2hK3sWRLto/XjYGjdLtbgI/AAAAAAAABmk/ZPUNgdpP5Rog_aBDS_9XvlbHlZ2F6Rp7gCEwYBhgL/s320/Screenshot_20200126-202912_Samsung%2BInternet-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">I'm sure like most people in the world, you knew where you were when Kobe Bryant died. It was such a surreal moment because I saw it on social media and then maybe 5 minutes later I found out one of our books Ticking off Breast Cancer hit the number 1 bestseller list on Amazon. I don't think I have ever felt such extreme emotions in the space of a few minutes. I grew up on basketball because of my brother and we used to play basketball in the park throughout my whole childhood. The three teams I can remember that we loved were the Sixers because of Iverson, Chicago Bulls because of Jordan and the Lakers. Kobe and Shaq were the Lakers. I was devastated to hear about Kobe and the way it happened was awful. A few minutes after that I then heard about his daughter Gigi and the other victims. My heart broke. I can't even imagine his wife losing her husband and daughter that was so similar to her husband. The outpouring of love for him was just so beautiful. Can you imagine leaving such a legacy behind. Inspiring so many people with your gift. Nothing to do with race or gender just your talent. He will never be forgotten and left his mark on the word. That is truly amazing.</span><br />
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I did my first interview with About Time Magazine. Have a read <a href="https://www.abouttimemagazine.co.uk/life/monday-motivation-abiola-bello-author-co-founder-author-school-hashtag-press/">here </a><br />
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The Author School Full Day for March 23rd is live! Speakers include Usborne, Merky Books, Danielle Jawando, Darley Anderson Literary Agency and more! <a href="http://www.theauthorschool.com/">www.theauthorschool.com </a><br />
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I have a date for Emily! It's out September 17th and I'm so excited but nervous. I've finally finished all the editors notes so now just doing a read through of the book to make sure it flows well. Then I'm going to print it out to catch any little bits before it goes off for a proof. Can you believe I'm on my 5th book! Halfway through as well and it's defo the quickest book I've ever written.<br />
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Aleta literally makes me laugh! We were talking about how people can ask you to do something but it's almost like they think they're doing you a favour. And how people want to pretend they don't have money and what you to use your skill for a cheap fee but then when you stand your ground suddenly they have money! But it's like they think you'll say yes to their cheap fee because you need the money and they don't see that some things just aren't even worth your time! So Aleta was telling me about her situation and then she said, 'Do you look at my Instagram and think I need money?' I hadn't laughed that hard in a good while.<br />
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If you ever are just board and need to laugh go on Wendy's Twitter. Whoever runs their social media needs a raise!<br />
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So I've gone back to teaching dance! I haven't taught dance in about a year and a half so I was a bit worried that I would hate it but surprisingly I have enjoyed it. Thankfully all the schools are local and the kids are great. So far so good. <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); font-family: inherit;">I went to teach dance at a school the other day and this girl told me she was reading a book called Emily Knight.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">Me: Oh fab! Is it this one? </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">I show her the screen saver on my phone of first book. She says no so I'm thinking it's some next book.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">Girl: Its like darker with a forest and it's called Emily Knight I am...Awakened</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);" /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">Me: (pretending I don't know) Oh cool do you like the book?</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); display: inline;"><br />Girl: Omg I love it! I've read it twice. My friend got it in Waterstones. They highly recommend it!<br />Me: That's so nice! I heard there's a third book in September<br />Girl: Are you joking?? Yes! I can't wait! I need to tell my friends<br />Me: (trying not to cry) You know that's my book? I wrote it<br />Girl: Err the author is called A. Bello<br />Me: Yes that's me. Abiola Bello<br />Girl: You're name is Abi<br />Me: look that's me!!!<br />I show her the author pic at the back<br />Girl: Abi! I am spellbound that you wrote this book</span></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33); display: inline;">Queen and Slim is a must see!</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">How cool does the Ivy Park collection look? There was an </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">outfit</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);"> that I loved so I went to see if I could order any. All gone. I need to wait till the hype calms </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">down</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);"> and hopefully will get it. I loved </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">the whole campaign and especially that Sainsbury's were claiming the colours. So hilarious. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">I've been on a fitness kick for a while now. Just being more active and making—what I think— is better decisions when eating. I have cut back on bread, sugar, literally don't eat chocolate/desserts anymore. And I can see some lines appearing on my stomach!! I haven't seen abs or abs trying to pop out in a few years so it was very exciting! </span></span></div>
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">Every time I have a plait in my hair I feel like a Targaryen. Ladies if you want your hair did hit up VIP in Holloway Road. No-one better! </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">Follow me on Twitter @emilyknightiam </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">Instagram @abiolabello</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(28, 30, 33);">And buy my fab books <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emily-Knight-I-am-Awakened/dp/0995780641/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KDGYBK9JSNC9&keywords=emily+knight+i+am+awakened&qid=1580599075&sprefix=emily+knight+i%2Caps%2C790&sr=8-1">here </a></span></span></div>
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A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-40894639916154271062019-12-31T07:09:00.000-08:002019-12-31T07:17:34.208-08:002019. Well where do I start?<br />
Happy New Year! I felt like the heatwave went on forever and then suddenly we're at New Years Eve. This year has been full of surprises - good and bad but God is so good that all the bad ended up working in my favour. I feel like last year taught me loads about myself but this year taught me about business. I have hired and fired, I have a lawsuit against someone, Hashtag Press turned two but with that came lots of bumps that had me and Helen like WTF?! But we overcame it all. Emily Knight I am...Awakened literally blew my mind with the awards - Carnegie, London's Big Read, The People's Book Prize. I got nominated for a Black British Business Award. I didn't end up signing Beats with any of the publishing houses. If it's not a big house it makes no sense for me to sign as I have my own one. I started on a new fantasy series that I am obsessed with and Emily Knight I am...Becoming is out in 2020. I spoke to producers and I finally understand this whole film adaption world. Helen and I started up three new ventures -our imprint Hashtag BLAK, our self-publishing company ink! and The Diverse Book Awards. The Author School turns 5 next year. Isn't that wild? 2020 BRING IT ON! This whole year has been incredible growth. I said 2019 would be a game changer and it really was. Here are my highlights for the year - are you ready?<br />
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- Hashtag Press 2020 competition. Yousra S Imaran debut book is out in 2020!<br />
- All the Girls Can Do Anything panels and my incredible female guests<br />
- Egmont publicity video I got to film<br />
- Ironically dating apps which I was so against has actually worked out<br />
- Carnegie nominated<br />
- Finishing Emily Knight I am...Becoming and my editor telling me 'Don't dread the notes. This manuscript is so strong.' GET IN!<br />
- Beyonce. Homecoming. For the culture!<br />
- Seeing Michelle Obama at the O2<br />
- Game of Thrones - Arya freaking Stark was a highlight for sure<br />
- Distribution in South Africa<br />
- I got to tick of a bucket list and was invited by Arvon to lead a session<br />
- The launch of our diverse imprint Hashtag BLAK and having Luisa on board<br />
- Avengers Endgame was everything. I have never held my pee for so long<br />
- The Spice Girls at Wembley. Geri apologised. My life was made<br />
- Stormzy at Glastonbury showed how you use a platform<br />
- Winner of London's Big Read<br />
- Stranger Things 3<br />
- First time watching Love Island and I can't believe I never watched it before - Ovie!!<br />
- Getting back into dance has been more rewarding that I ever thought it could be<br />
- Performing at the Myself 10 yr anniversary show at Stratford Circus<br />
- My birthday - Lille, Hamilton and Magic Mike<br />
- My knight rider car that I didn't want and now it's winter I'm appreciating the heated seats<br />
- The Youth Takeover Show<br />
- Thorpe Park - stuck with the boys ALL DAY<br />
- Releasing Gen Alpha-Z<br />
- Leading the SYP event at Hachette<br />
- Hashtag Press bestseller Ticking off Breast Cancer by Sara Liyanage<br />
- Going to the Graham Norton Show and seeing Regina King, Emilia Clarke and Jason Mamoa<br />
- Fly for Jack show<br />
-Launching ink!<br />
-Launching The Diverse Book Awards 2020<br />
- A Quick Ting On launch party - how all book parties should be!<br />
- Meeting the Merky Book team and discussing all things diversity<br />
- Missy freaking Elliot liking my dance video. AAAAHHHH!!<br />
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It's been a fabulous year but they're have been downsides. The terrorist attack at London Bridge, dealing with an idiot con artist, having someone trying to ride the coat tails of my company, going on dates with the dumbest boys in life, feeling so overworked that I legit had an eye twitch for two days - I can laugh now but it really wasn't funny. The Tories winning again for fucks sake. Don't ask us about Brexit as none of us know what the hell is going on.<br />
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I have felt since the summer that 2020 is going to be an epic year. I can just feel in it my bones :) So thankful to God for keeping me here and blessing me. Let's keep elevating and pushing ourselves. If I can start of this decade working in retail, teaching dance and performing and not knowing a soul in publishing and ending it with owning six different publishing ventures and an award winning books series - trust me you can do it too!<br />
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I'm excited!!! Thanks for reading my rants all year :)<br />
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Happy New Year peeps! xxx<br />
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<br />A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-43991105316204485572019-12-27T14:56:00.001-08:002019-12-27T14:59:56.048-08:00...but my hair was in such a state that I couldn't do it to myself. <br />
Next week we will be in 2020. How crazy is that? I hope everyone had a great Christmas. Mine was good. I got stuck doing the cooking again! But there was no arguing so a success! It's always so strange that gap between Christmas and New Years because I feel like there's all this stuff I want to do before the year is up and yet just chilling out has been the best. This break has been so overdue and I am really loving just moving at this glacier speed. I told myself I would have finished my new book by the end of the year...yeah I love how ambitious I am! I haven't worked on it since I've had my break.<br />
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I just clocked this morning that my third book is out in just over 9 months. Why that gives me anxiety I have no idea! I am debating whether to have a book launch party. I just don't know if I can be asked to organise it. Next year is already looking full on. Grrrr I just need another me really.<br />
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I was thinking about my highlights for the year and one of them was defo a secondary school in Luxembourg which picked my Emily Knight book as their book of the month for their Year 7's! Love!!!!<br />
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YOU is back. I literally was thinking about re-watching season 1 and the next day Aleta told me season 2 drops on Boxing Day. I have stayed away from social media to avoid anyone ruining it. I also started Greenleaf and re-watching Game of Thrones. Now knowing how it ends, they really do tell you throughout the series what's going to happen! Speaking of thrones I saw Nathalie Emmanuel who plays Missandei in the hairdressers! I was looking at her and thinking she looks so familiar so I said are you an actress and when she said yes, I was like OMG YOU WERE ON GOT!!!! I had to work so hard to keep my fan girl vibes down cause I knew Annie would cuss me and it was so hard! I really wanted a pic but my hair was in such a state that I couldn't do it to myself. I told Annie and Afosina off. They should have told me she was booked in!<br />
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And just to top off my 2019, Missy FREAKING Elliot liked my video! I went to Aleta's class and it was to a Missy track. Daniella asked someone to film it so I was in the video. I posted it and Missy liked it. My 2019 is complete!<br />
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Not long now till 2020. This decade has been life changing and I pray that the next 10 years is as amazing as this one has been. I have one more blag dropping on NY Eve x<br />
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Have a read of the fun piece I did for <a href="https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/gen-alpha-z-1219160.html">Female First Magazine for Gen Alpha Z. </a>Cheers Literally PR for sorting<br />
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Oh and I changed the iPhone to a Samsung. Sorry guys I'm too loyal :)<br />
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Instagram @abiolabello<br />
Twitter @emilyknightiam<br />
Books available <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=emily+knight+i+am&ref=nb_sb_noss_2">here </a>A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-18217386787111308712019-12-04T10:24:00.000-08:002019-12-04T12:12:23.155-08:00 I do look back and think how did I do all this dancing?? No wonder I was so skinny. <br />
It is so freakin' cold! My feet are literally frozen even when I'm in my house. As soon as the heating goes off, I feel like they're ice blocks. Well guys we're almost at the end of the year. The end of a decade. I swear if I told myself back in 2010 that this is what would happen to my life I legit would have said, “Are you on crack?” But look at God! And I can't wait for next year. My third book is coming out and I just can't wait to hold it. I was doing some more edits on it yesterday and I am determined to get through it before the year is up.<br />
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In preparation for book 3 I was thinking about the original Emily book and I decided it's time to let that go. I adore my first cover by Giles but the second edition is the one I need to focus on, plus I was still using the ebook from the original. I'm so grateful for that book cause that literally started everything but it just makes more sense for it to be under Hashtag. An ebook for book 1 will be available in a few weeks.<br />
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Can you believe The Author School is five next year?? I remember crying in Leanne's house just feeling so shit and wanting to do more! She asked me what was holding me back and so dramatically I cried, “MONEY!” That's when she told me to apply to Virgin StartUp and well you know the rest. We're planning on so much stuff to celebrate. One of them is The Diverse Book Awards but we also have panel talks, events and of course a party (any excuse for me to dance and for Helen to drink wine). Watch this space www.theauthorschol.com<br />
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I moved from Samsung to iPhone and I feel so guilty lol! I literally have been with Samsung since the LG Chocolate phone. Remember that? But I'm looking at this iPhone like it's a stranger in my house.<br />
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Why is it so hard to find employees? I swear we've gone through a few this year and I just don't understand why it's so hard to find people that actually work. So we're back to square one again - just me and Helen. Thank God we have Luisa running Hashtag BLAK. At least we got one right!<br />
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How funny that my year started off with production companies and the year is ending with production companies. God is good!<br />
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I did it! I performed on Stratford Circus at the Myself Decade show and I didn't flop. I actually enjoyed the rehearsals and getting to know the new girls as well as seeing my old ladies. It felt like I'd never left and when it came to tech I was so excited but a few days before I wasn't. Some of the choreo got changed and positions and I was like err what? We ran it through infront of everyone and my spacing was just a hot mess. So the next lesson I was like can we confirm spacing and once that was down I was good. I swear me and Aleta shouldn't be allowed to sit next to each other. We just laugh way too much! The new girls are way more nice than we ever was. No wonder Kloe was always stressed around us lol. It was a really good show! My highlight was defo doing Janelle Monae with 22 year old me dancing. I do look back and think how did I do all this dancing?? No wonder I was so skinny. Adding it in to my timetable was really tough and I don't think I was on time once to a rehearsal but it was a good outlet. Leanne said she got teary eyed watching me perform which was so cute. It was defo some nostalgic vibes. People kept asking me if I was coming back to the crew and I was like err I don't think my body can even deal.<br />
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In the middle of work and rehearsals I was planning a surprise 30th party for Jamilah! I have no idea why I decided to do a Pink Party in November. I think I was just thinking about the Instagram pics rather than the fact that no-one can get pink stuff in winter. I even refunded about 10 dresses from Misguided cause they were all crap. The one I ended up wearing was Topshop that I liked but didn't love. A girl can't be picky! Thankfully everyone stuck to the theme and no-one told her!!!! And the cake. OMG! You know when you have a vision for a cake and then you see it and taste it and it's even better than what you thought. Yeah that.<br />
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I went to the Quick Ting On book launch party and when I tell you it was the best book party I've been too. From time I saw the long line of black people I was like okay! There was West Indian food, hip-hop music playing like it was such a vibe. I said to Luisa, “Why can't publishing events be like this?” It felt like I was in a club talking about books which is basically all of me!<br />
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So I started a new business. Now before you roll your eyes and cuss me this was needed! See I was looking at book comps to enter my authors books into and realised very quickly that there is only ONE book awards just for diverse books. So I'm like this is stupid, we need more and da-dum! The Diverse Book Awards 2020 opens in January www.thediversebookawards.co.uk<br />
The love we got as soon as we tweeted was insane! And that goes to show how needed it is.<br />
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Gen Alpha Z is here! And it's gorgeous and I'm so so proud of these young authors. Grab a copy!<br />
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If you really want to laugh use the hashtag #TwitterMomentsOfTheDecade I have been crying with laughter. I actually forgot about Kanye's interview with Sway “You ain't got the answer Sway" which is just iconic.<br />
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Follow me on Instagram @abiolabello and Twitter @EmilyKnightiam<br />
www.a-bello.com<br />
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<br />A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-46116736031119478642019-10-31T13:52:00.000-07:002019-11-02T11:33:35.921-07:00Plus the guests was Emilia Clarke, Jason Momoa, Regina King, Camilla Cabello - hello is this not made for me?!!It's officially winter time! Hello fur coat and scarves. I actually like this weather when it's crisp and the sky is clear and I was those annoying people moaning about the heat so I figured I should just enjoy the cold!<br />
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This month was Breast Cancer Awareness Month and of course Black History Month! I did my annual post of the books that I have at home with a black main character written by a black author for children/YA and it has grown! There is way more to get but my to read pile is actually a joke right now. Actually my submission pile is a myth right now. I am literally whizzing through to make sure I don't miss any gems and I am reading a manuscript now for Hashtag BLAK and am really into it. Fingers crossed Helen feels the same!<br />
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Our book Ticking off Breast Cancer by Sara Liyanage became a bestseller on Amazon and Waterstones!!!!!! I am so so happy for her and I think this is our 4th bestseller so I am well chuffed for our little pub house.<br />
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We took part in #DVPit this year. So Helen and I had never heard of this until recently. It's basically a day on Twitterland when authors pitch their books and if you're a publisher, editor or agent you can like their tweet, then it's up to the authors to submit to you. I think I got over excited and was liking so many things but so many sounded so good! We got loads of submissions for Hashtag BLAK (hence me trying to whiz through) and I am so excited to read through them all. We really want to sign at least one author before the year is up. Fingers crossed.<br />
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El Camino was literally the closure I didn't even know I needed. Breaking Bad will forever be one of the best series ever.<br />
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Dance has been going well. My knees have stopped hurting - thank God! And I have learnt most of the stuff for the show. It's been so nice seeing the girls that I literally spent years and hours with again and it's funny how we fall into our old habits. And I got to see my Rosa!!!!! I'm sure she is in old entries of this blog. That's been one of my highlights. But what wasn't was all the floor work like bloody hell I haven't done floor work in years! So guess what I had to do? Order knee pads and the joke is I threw away my knee pads 2 months ago cause I was like why would I need these? Then I had no idea where to get knee pads from. I must have ordered about four different shit types until Aleta sent me a link and they were perfect. I was knee spinning all over the place.<br />
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I actually eat so badly. I used to eat pretty well and I got better but recently I don't know what I'm doing. I must think I'm 25 and can eat whatever and that is not life anymore. I'm reading through one of our book we're doing in Jan called Get Strong, Get Fit, Get Happy and there was a section on nutrition that made me sit up. It made me realise I need to start taking health more seriously!<br />
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Kim K's Legally Blonde video for Halloween is actually one of the best things I've seen.<br />
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Oh and I had to remove my Lox Knight picture from my last post. It's a long story and don't worry I will tell all but a warning - DO NOT WORK with Chocolate City Comics. The guy Tobias (who hides his identity because he is a white man making money off black art) runs the company and is a scam artist. Trust me on this.<br />
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Only 4 tickets left for The Author School on November 11th!! And Bea Colley from Southbank just joined the panel which I am so excited about. If you haven't got a ticket - get one!! www.theauthorschool.com<br />
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I went to the Graham Norton show! It was so fun. We had priority tickets and made friends with this mother and daughter in the cue but when we got seated we were separated. We were in the middle but then there were all these cameras and the stage was in the left of the room so I was like ah man we're going to be blocked. So I went down and asked the only black guy I saw as staff and asked how to get to the front.<br />
Man: Oh there is one person in charge of seating but he just went past<br />
Me: Okay let me run toilet and then we'll find him<br />
After the toilet.<br />
Me: Where's the man?<br />
Man: Oh he just left. Really sorry I'll hook you up next time<br />
Me: Next time?!<br />
So I go back to my seat so annoyed and tell my cousin. She has to go toilet next so I said ask the man if that seating guy is around and result!! We got moved right to the front and we got our mother/daughter friends moved too!!!!! Plus the guests was Emilia Clarke, Jason Momoa, Regina King, Camilla Cabello - hello is this not made for me?!!<br />
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Last week was half term and I took my teens from church to the Nike X The Movement Factory for Movement Week. It was so so good. It was basically a week of free dance workshops and they did Afrobeats which they loved. Plus we got free tees and bags which was great. They now want to do more dance stuff at church and I honestly don't know why this always happens to me!! I think they are good enough too but dance can be such a shit show and they are so innocent to it so a part of me wants to keep them away from that. Not sure if I'm being selfish though?<br />
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The Fly for Jack show at Stratford Circus was AMAZING!! I didn't get to go to the meet up in East London when he passed so I was like whatever celebration they do next for him I'm there. It was such a beautiful show to honour such a talented beast! And at one point Tashan was talking about Jack and all these lights started flashing. Apparently it was a fire alarm and we were told to evacuate but they said it was a false alarm. Hopefully it was Jack making it known he was enjoying the show for him. R.I.P Jack.<br />
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Make sure to follow me on Instagram @abiolabello and Twitter @EmilyKnightiam<br />
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<br />A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-68520694875006771372019-10-01T11:28:00.000-07:002019-10-31T12:50:43.050-07:00Apparently Adele is dating Skepta which makes this the best Nigerian news ever!<br />
Happy October! I swear I blinked and we're here. I'm currently on annual leave—forced to take by Helen. I feel like I just need a day or two off, she said, “Take a week. Book a holiday!” I am trying very very hard to not work but it I am finding it difficult. Usually on my birthday I feel well rested during August but this August just seemed full on for some reason and I didn't feel like work slowed down at all. So I'll try to enjoy my time off.<br />
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I have a title for my third Emily Knight book. Are you ready? It's Emily Knight I am...Becoming. Yay!!!!! And I got my editors notes back and I dread editors notes. The email actually said 'Don't dread the notes. This manuscript is so strong.' Ya'll I almost fainted. I was reading through them and it's stuff that at the back of my mind I did think have I said enough about this? Should I have more on this character? And basically my thoughts were right. For once I'm excited to work though the notes but not quite yet ;) after some chill time. EK 3 is out September 2020 and you can pre-order your signed copy <a href="https://www.a-bello.com/product-page/emily-knight-i-am-title-reveal-soon">here </a><br />
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I've been working on a new fantasy story. I won't say much until it's done but very much loving it. I think it's going to be more of a teen book but if I say so myself, it's a very cool idea.<br />
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I'm going to be honest about this blog. I did try to blog weekly or every other week and to be honest it's just not me! I prefer bundling a months worth of info into one post so that's what I'm gonna do. I don't have the time to do this weekly stuff. I tried, I failed and I'm okay with that.<br />
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Happy Nigerian Independence Day. Apparently Adele is dating Skepta which makes this the best Nigerian news ever!<br />
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I had my last birthday present at the beginning of September. I FINALLY went to see Magic Mike curtesy of Ebru. She thought it was a magic show! I cannot deal!!! I'm not sure why she thought I would be so excited to see a magic show. She asked me if I knew what the show was about and I said yeah, it's a strip show. She was like what????? Looool and she has never seen Magic Mike which is crazy! I said watch the second one, the first one is missable.<br />
It was really good but it wasn't as sexy as I wanted it to be. Like I wanted a Jada Pinkett-Smith type person to be hosting it but instead it was a Scouser who was more the funny friend, which did kill the vibe. The guys were good and the dancing was good. Some of the music choices was a little bit odd. A guy I know is in the show and I had no idea. At one point he was doing this solo on the stage and one of the dancers came over to where I was sitting and was trying to catch my eye, then the girl near me who was soooo drunk, shouted in his face, “I WANT A LAP DANCE!” So he took her with him and I assumed it was because he was going to dance but it was actually the dancer that I knew! He put her on the table and it was a lot. He put some cream on her boobs (she had a low top and thinking of it, so did I so that's probs why he was going to pick me) and then licked it off, then made her to do it to him which she looked very happy about. I would of died of embarrassment if I had to do it to him. I did get 3 lap dances and they made it rain on me, which was fab.<br />
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Thank you LoveReading4Kids for making Emily Knight I am...Awakened your weekly staff pick. You can read the amazing review<a href="https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/16328/Emily-Knight-I-am-Awakened-by-A-Bello.html"> here </a> and can you believe that EK 2 is 2 years old! This book has honestly done me so proud. Amazing reviews, Carnegie nominated and winner of London's Big Read. My girl has done so good!<br />
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I got to speak to BBC Radio Derby about Hashtag BLAK and we are still looking for Black British authors so submit to info@hashtagblak.co.uk<br />
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I'm still dancing! And still loving it. I posted a vid of me in action on my social media and it got so much love. Really encouraged me. Then I got a message from Kloe asking me to come back and do the 10 year anniversary for Myself in November. I was very hesitant, mainly because I'm just having fun, so adding rehearsals and a million girls didn't sound like it would be super fun. In the end I figured let me do it and see how it goes. It will be good to see the girls I danced with and hopefully we'll actually be dancing together! I went to Kloe's class just to get back into her style and she was going through Hip-Hop grooves before the routine. Why did my body feel so awkward doing it?!<br />
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Gen Alpha-Z is almost here and the short stories are INCREDIBLE! Thank you to Egmont for all the amazing books and sponsoring this round of The little BIG Book Comp. You can pre-order Gen Alpha-Z <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gen-Alpha-Z-Original-Stories-Presents/dp/1999300688/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=gen+alpha-z&qid=1569952579&sr=8-1">here </a><br />
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I was lucky enough to do two panel talks this month. One was bringing back my Girls Can Do Anything panel to host Sara'a book launch for Ticking off Breast Cancer (you have to buy this book. Plus it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month). The night was just something else. Leanne and Caroline Jones were also on the panel and just to hear from these ladies about cancer and how it has affected them was honestly one of a kind. Then Helen and I got to host an SYP event all about non-traditional ways to get into publishing and it was in Hachette. First of all they have the best publishing house office that I've seen so far. It's so creative. It was really cool talking to all these people who wanted to get into publishing and just showing them that really if Helen and I can do it, you for sure can!<br />
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How good was Top Boy??? I binge watched that in like two days and Jamie is so fine. I was fully rooting for him to be Top Boy. I just loved his relationship with his little brothers and obvs his face. Dave's character was so good. I wished they did more with him though.<br />
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Then I was watching the Mercury Music Prize which Dave won best album and then it hit me. Dave is 21 years old and has a successful career. He is focused on making music. Now I know books take much longer to make than music but sometimes my focus is on so many different things when it just needs to stay on writing books. I'll get distracted by this event, social media, deals. I have released 3 books and each time I have done, it comes with all these blessings and opportunities. None of what I'm doing now wouldn't have happened if I wasn't a writer. So I had to remind myself keep your work focus on writing books and everything else will fall into place as it has done.<br />
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A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-71245118498507066182019-08-31T09:36:00.003-07:002019-08-31T09:45:06.719-07:00The Birthday Blog!<br />
How has a year gone by so quick? Last year I was in Wakanda for my 30th and now I'm 31. I'm trying not to moan too much about it cause every time I say, “Uh! I'm 31!” I get a side eye from people older than me. At least all the kids keep telling me that I look 24. It's what a girl needs to hear!<br />
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For the first time, I think in years, I was so not excited for my birthday. The weather was on a mad one. It was either crazy hot or raining. What is the point of being born in August if you don't get guaranteed good weather? Luckily I have amazing people who planned the best stuff. Aleta and Alisha started it off first with taking me to this super gorgeous cake place in S. Kensington. The cake was everything!<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w50DxEc3S88/XWqgKQZERtI/AAAAAAAABgc/uBOU_8D5NyUE7wGU4541FHvm6B-JXMCLACLcBGAs/s1600/68290444_10214396268956274_5094682690322432000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w50DxEc3S88/XWqgKQZERtI/AAAAAAAABgc/uBOU_8D5NyUE7wGU4541FHvm6B-JXMCLACLcBGAs/s320/68290444_10214396268956274_5094682690322432000_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>On my actual birthday (6th) Helen and I went to Lille. See we were meant to go to Paris but the price doubled a few days after we decided to go. I had never been to Lille so I didn't mind going.<br />
Helen brought a whole feast on the Eurostar including a birthday balloon which literally kept hitting my face at every opportunity!<br />
It was actually such a cute city. I mean French food is always on point. I had this desert that had some form of invisible fire on it and had so much alcohol. I didn't realise that he was pouring alcohol. I thought it was syrup or something so I was like put more on. Helen kept looking at me like err this girl doesn't even drink. We were meant to go to the zoo and a fair after lunch but it was closed. Everything closes on Tuesday in Lille! We ended up finding my spiritual home—a Dragonball Z store! Then we thought let's get a city bus to see the city! We found the tourist shop and went in to book—it was all sold out! I asked the lady what is there to do here? She told us to go to some place in the middle of the city, so we started walking and then saw these bike people. We ended up getting a whole tour of the entire city on a bike! We even saw a gorgeous waterfall. We passed the city bus and thought it would be like how it is in London with the top of but it literally looked like a coach. How pissed would we have been?<br />
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I ended up giving my balloon to the most beautiful toddler at the park - plus the balloon was becoming a liability. I swear little kids speaking French is the cutest thing. During the tour, we saw a bubble tea place! Of course we went back there before going for dinner and getting some champagne. This girl was on the table next to us and she said, ”Excuse moi,” so I thought she wanted to get past but she looked a bit nervous. Then she said, “Happy birthday.” It was so cute! All in all I had a great day with one of my favs in my fav country with gorgeous weather.<br />
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The next day Zarah took me to Junkyard golf in Shoreditch and she brought me cupcakes and truffles!!! I haven't had her truffles in soooooo long. I mean I did tell her if she comes with no truffles, our friendship is done. Golf was so jokes. Zarah literally kept hitting that ball everywhere but the hole or just missing it completely and I was in tears. Of course we ended up at Absurd and took bday shots with the manager.<br />
The day after that I SAW HAMILTON!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe it when I opened Anneliese's card. I mean how do you even get Hamilton tickets?? They're always sold out. My excitement was on another level of life and when I tell you the show is incredible. One of the best things I have seen on the West End. It's all in rap and r&b and it's just so perfect. I literally downloaded the soundtrack when I got home because it is really that good.<br />
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And I got a new car that is giving me Knight Rider vibes in terms of how tech and smart it is!<br />
All in all my 31st birthday was amazing and I realised that I was focusing on all of the wrong things. I kept dwelling on the things that I didn't have and was magnifying it instead of just looking at my life which is pretty great and I am super thankful for it.<br />
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Talking of being thankful, I'm not gonna lie, I was feeling sooooo bored. And me being bored is never good cause that's when I just do dumb things. I just felt like God can we take it up a level please? Becareful what you wish for. I'll reveal more soon because I'm learning not too spill the beans on things prematurely but trust I'm not bored anymore!<br />
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The Youth Takeover show was AMAZING!!!! The week before the show, all the kids went on holiday or camp so there was some pieces for the show we couldn't go through properly. I was super calm and feeling fine and then maybe the day before the show at about 5pm, everyone was messaging me and suddenly I was stressed. On the actual day I felt like time just flew by and I wished we had more time but it went really well and I am so proud of them. My fav piece was the Reggaeton, which I knew would be good but it was actually sick. I really don't know any young people that work harder than they do. Until next year! To see videos go to @rccyouthldn Instagam<br />
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Our annual Thorpe Park trip happened the other day. We went from having 7 teens to 13 and I got stuck with the boys!! I love how hard boys act and yet on they Ghost Train they're literally grabbing me and screaming. How I broke it down on my social media is literally the best way to describe it<br />
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10 THINGS I LEARNT ABOUT TEENAGE BOYS.<br />
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<i>1. They will kick a bin full of wasps in a long queue and try and push you towards them. They will find it funny.</i></div>
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<i>2. They will wander and you will shout, "Boys!" ALL. DAY. </i></div>
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<i>3. They will refer to you as their other mum and not understand your side eye. What's wrong with big sister?!</i></div>
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4. They will scream like little girls on the rides and then act like it didn't happen.</div>
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5. They will square up to the zombies in Walking Dead and get told off...by the zombies <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1/16/1f926_1f3fe_200d_2640.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🤦🏾♀️</span></span></div>
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6. They will watch you drink your slushie and will ask over and over again, "Are you going to finish that?" You will get so annoyed that you give them the rest and then when you ask for a sip, they will cough and blow bubbles in the slushie so you won't drink it <span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t6f/1/16/1f612.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">😒</span></span></div>
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7. They will ask you to buy them everything and when you ask them to buy you something they will be confused.</div>
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8. They will make you shout, "Can you leave me alone for 5 minutes?!" </div>
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9. They will have energy. ALL. DAY.</div>
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10. They will make you laugh all day long</div>
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Follow me on Twitter @emilyknightiam<br />
Instagram @abiolabello<br />
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<br />A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-29807442005842507932019-07-29T16:54:00.000-07:002019-12-11T12:27:05.189-08:00Ovie is going to have girls upon girls on him. Where's the cue?<br />
The Lion King was EVERYTHING!!!! I swear me and Ebz were acting like we were in a sing along, a talk along, laughing too damn loud. It's visually such a gorgeous film and there are a few different lines but it's still the same movie. I wish Rafiki was more fresh though. He was a bit more turnt in the animation and I wonder why Whoopi Goldberg didn't do the hyena's voice. Timon and Pumba are even funnier in this one.<br />
Ebz: Oh my gosh, Timon is you!<br />
(To be fair everything Timon said was defo something I would say)<br />
Me: Does that make you Pumba?<br />
We stayed to the end because you know that Marvel has programmed us to think that there is a bonus part. There isn't but the soundtrack is live! We were getting side eyes from the stewards but we didn't care. Hakuna Matata.<br />
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This is the look of a woman who's officially in Leo season. It''s my birthday in 7 days. Let bear month begin :)<br />
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The Open Pitch Day at Hashtag BLAK was ...interesting. First of all there was a million graduations at Southbank so we had to go to the members area. Then there were no seats, so we were in a random corner, sweating and tweeting like mad so people would know where we were. Then Twitter wasn't even telling me about any DM's so missed people messaging me. How annoying! Thankfully we saw a free table right in the middle and grabbed it. I don't know why we didn't think to have any form of sign saying Hashtag BLAK. Thankfully every author that walked by looking confused or lost was for us. In the end it was good and we did talk to some great people with books that sound good so fingers crossed. We probably will do another one again, maybe in the evening this time.<br />
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We have a summer sale on! Hurray! Head on over to <a href="http://www.theauthorschool.com/">The Author School</a>, <a href="http://www.hashtagpress.co.uk/">Hashtag Press</a> and <a href="http://inkpublishingservices.com/">ink!</a> for some discounts for the whole of August! You're welcome writers!<br />
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Love Island is over! First time watching it and I am obsessed. So glad for Amber. She so deserved it. Everyone is cussing India for coming in late and potentially winning with Ovie but Greg I'm sure came in at the same time and won! Ovie is going to have girls upon girls on him. Where's the cue?<br />
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What I love the most about what I do is when, without realising it, I inspire someone. Let's keep it real I don't think I'm inspiring so it's always so surprising when someone thinks I am. I had the NICEST tweet sent to me with a blog link attached by a writer called Tenelle and it was called <a href="https://tenelleottleymatthew.com/2019/07/5-people-in-publishing-who-inspire-me/">5 People in Publishing who inspire me</a> and one of them was me!!! It actually made me cry. I was just like wow! I can't believe someone thinks of me like this.<a href="https://tenelleottleymatthew.com/2019/07/5-people-in-publishing-who-inspire-me/"> </a> Just reminds me that you never know who's watching you!<br />
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My next book Emily Knight book 3 is out in 2020!! If you're not up to date with the series, I honestly don't know what to say :) Purchase a copy via <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emily-Knight-I-am-Bello/dp/0995780609/ref=sr_1_1?crid=EUCFQVQQ00ER&keywords=emily+knight+i+am&qid=1564443716&s=gateway&sprefix=emily+kn%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> or via my <a href="http://www.a-bello.com/">website</a> and then you get free merchandise.<br />
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Follow me on the Gram @abiolabello and Twitter @emilyknightiam<br />
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The Birthday Giveaway starts August 1st! Make sure to enter xA. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3145708047278256156.post-14117350676169312132019-07-21T17:09:00.002-07:002020-10-15T16:12:19.298-07:00... but my knees really hurt. What kind of old age issue is this?!<br />Do you know I've been featured in Cosmopolitan UK Magazine?—yes I was in Cosmo! <a href="https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/worklife/careers/a14471156/changing-careers-tips-advice/">https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/worklife/careers/a14471156/changing-careers-tips-advice/</a><br />Just wanted to throw that out there :) <br />
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I'm back in dance! No where near the life I was living before. I want to have the choice of filming myself for the Beats book and I figured if I give myself a year of training I will kind of, maybe where I was. I've made myself accountable to two people who I know will ask me what classes I've done so no excuses. So Monday came along and I was planning what classes to do for the week and Aleta tells me she's teaching back to back and I should do it. I'm not gonna lie, I did think wtf? TWO HOURS! Then I remembered I used to dance for four hours back to back so if I can't do two then I really have fallen. The first routine was to Diva, Beyonce Homecoming album which is actually one of my fav songs so I really loved that one. I was done after that class. I was drenched, my head was full of counts so when we went into the second routine, a Chris Brown song, my head was still on Beyonce. It took me about 30 minutes to finally get it together! I took my tired ass to the changing room and I literally just sat there not moving. This girl asked me if I was okay. I tried to explain how tired I was but no words came out. Me and Aleta went for a Jamaican patty afterwards and chilled out outside. I was surprised that the next day my body felt okay but my knees really hurt. What kind of old age issue is this?!<br />
Real talk, I am so proud of myself for just going for it. I'm going to try and do two classes weekly but now I'm seeing this heat wave and I'm like err...<br />
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Speaking of Beyonce I am obsessed with her Spirit video. How gorgeous? If you haven't seen it you should and the song is beautiful as well. I just love how she celebrates her blackness from her videos to The Lion King: The Gift album. I LOVE that The Lion King is majority a black cast. It's about Africa so let's represent better. I can't wait to see The Lion King in a few days. I'm not sure what people can complain about—it's pretty much the exact same film! I do think it will be weird hearing Nala sounding Texan but I can overlook that.<br />
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We launched our, I want to say 16th book under Hashtag Press on Thursday. There is no better feeling than seeing a book in print for the first time especially one with such a pretty cover.<br />
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Michael is out of the villa! Thank God. His bizarre self needed to be kicked out.<br />
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My birthday is soon and I don't feel excited. 31 is such a random age and to be fair, going to Wakanda last year was always going to be a comedown this year. I'm just hoping that the weather doesn't play up. The fact I have to wonder about the weather in August shows me that I am not living in the right country!<br />
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This Takeover show that I'm organising for the 25th August is actually stressing me out. There is so much material to do and it's literally August next week. I'm trying not to stress out but I am stressing out. Deep breaths are not making me any calmer. Plus, I have a week to finish my last edits for Emily Knight book 3 to get it to the editor and I don't even know how I'm going to have time to do it.<br />
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I miss Game of Thrones. I started re-watching it but then I remembered how annoying the season was when it ended so I can't be bothered to deal with the disappointment again.<br />
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Fingers crossed we meet some talented authors for Hashtag BLAK!<br />
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Make sure to follow the blog! Instagram @abiolabello and Twitter @emilyknightiam<br />
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<br />A. Bellohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11921467106383632651noreply@blogger.com0