life of a street dancer

It's my birthday next week! 29 years old. Seriously how did this happen? I think I blinked and it's my birthday again. One kid said to me, “I feel like you just turned 25.” I'll be on holiday so I can party away my sorrows. I'm only half-joking. I'm running a birthday giveaway on Instagram from the 1st August to win a signed copy of my second book and some battle cards. Speaking off holidays, Zarah and I went to book and we had fraud done! As we went to book our holiday, someone used the money to book themselves a holiday! The bloody cheek. We got the money back but they tried to book twice. The the original deal we found was gone. Typical. Emily Knight I am...Awakened is officially with the typesetters! All glory to God because after I did book 1 I was like how am I going to do this again? It is so stressful! But this time round seems a lot more calm and I just can't wait to hold it. I got a book review for I am yesterday from Pop the butterfly. She said ...

I did it guys. I spoke to 200 kids at The Stoke Newington Literary Festival!!! My first lit fest. I was so nervous. I honestly felt like I couldn't do it and then Kate was talking about a mic and a stage and I was like what??!! But it was in their assembly hall and then I realised they're kids! I am with kids every single day. This is nothing and do you know what? I had so much fun that I wished I could have done it again. The kids were so imaginative and engaged and even knew about Dragon Ball Z (can you believe it?) and it was so cool seeing them buy copies of my book. I tried to go a group selfie, which was an epic fail because the camera didn't take the pic and all the kids just rushed forward, so in the end I did a video shot but then we found out the parents hadn't signed permission for it to be posted! Kate kept complementing me on my crowd control. All them dance classes have paid off. I also met this lovely author called Gareth P. Jones and I was telling him ab...

Guys. Take a deep breath with me. Next week I will be talking to 200 kids. 200. As part of the Stoke Newington Literary Festival 2017 Kids Festival. I've made my presentation which I think is good. I mean if I was in Yr 5 and 6, I would have a fab time hanging out with me. Pray for me guys. But on a serious note, I'm so excited to be part of the festival. I've wanted to be part of it for 4 years so I'm buzzing (but a bit nervous). It's funny when I tell everyone 200 kids, they're all like, “Oh, you'll be fine.” It's like no-one is listening. Can you believe Emily comes out in a few weeks!!! I can't believe how fast it's gone. Technically my advanced copies are being printed out this Friday cause I need them in time for the festival.  I'm still shocked I've published two books! And between my next one and Hashtag Press, I have four more to go this year! Again, pray for me guys. I don't know what smart person told me to publish two b...

Spring is officially here and it is sunny days in London! Hopefully it lasts because it is London I have officially released my book covers for I am and I am Awakened!! Illustration by Alexandra Artigas and cover design by Jem Butcher - aren't they gorgeous?? I am (second edition) will be released June 1st and I am Awakened September 28th AND I am doing a pre-order deal only via my website so you can get both books for £12!! SAY WHAT!!!   www.a-bello.com I am excited but I am also nervous. I forgot how much work it is releasing a book, which is kind of stupid seeing as I run The Author School and we tell authors how to publish a book. I was telling Ebru before we went to see Logan and I was saying, 'What if people think it's s***?' She said the best line I have heard this year and I now say to myself everyday. She said, "It's you. You don't produce s***.” Nicest thing I have heard this year. The London Book Fair was amazing this year. First o...

Can you believe we are in March? Usually, I would think where is the time gone, but I actually feel like I have done a million things and it's only March! Counting down the days till August, when I am far away from London Town. I do love setting up a publishing house, but goodness there is so much to it that I didn't even think about and everything seems to take forever! Do you know what it is? I think it's cause I don't like relying on people for things, I just like to get things done so when Royal Mail turns around and says it will take over a week to sort out a PO Box, it just makes me so irritated! I want to get this ball moving asap. I had a great convo with Stoke Newington Lit Festival and I am officially booked in for a day in May with....200 kids! Lord have mercy! I have a rough idea of what I want to do and have been quizzing kids off different ages to see if it's fun lool. I think once it's more planned, it will go down really well. This is literal...

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone is having a great start to the year. I'm part of the team that is not having the best start. You know when the year starts and you're pumped up with good vibes, and you have this new year, new me attitude? I tried guys, but it's been testing so far. I just feel exhausted. I think last term was way too much. I took on loads of work and I was done with life. Christmas break needed to be at least three months, it went way too quick and I am still not ready to get back on the grind. First week in the new year and some of my contracts came back telling me, “We're not sure if we can re-start the session.” Great bloody start to the year. I decided not to freak out and just let God do what he does best. Thankfully, it worked out and I feel more balanced with the work load, but the hustle of being self employed is so real. I really didn't pick an easy life. On the plus side, I officially have cover art for the re-branding of Emily Knight...

I mean, what can I say? 2016 was the year that changed everything. Dreams literally came true for me and I feel so thankful. Don't get me wrong, I've had relationships that have ended, people I love passed away or got ill, but something positive has come out of every situation. I would encourage everyone to start a blog and really look back at what they have achieved. The growth this year has been fantastic! And 2017 - I'm ready to make it bigger and better. Here are my highlights of the year  - Beyonce Formation Tour  - Leanne's Take Control book launch party  - Watching Simbi a.ka. Little Simz performing at O2 Islington. Very proud!  - The Author School running two sold out events, booking fab speakers  - Launching an online course  - Emily Knight X Artists. Working with Zetman92 has been amazing! See his newest artwork below and via my website www.a-bello.com  - Almost 14K likes on my book fan page  - Three book deal  - Launchi...