#blackwriters — Public Fediverse posts

“I, Ian” Full-Length Chapter Preview

Knock-knock. 

“Who’s there?” Ian said, jumping out of his inner thoughts as he was finished changing into some sleepwear and fresh from the shower. 

The door swung open to reveal Patrick with a backpack and a small bag of groceries. “Sleepover?” he asked gently. 

Ian smiled wanly, his mind flashing back to the days when he and Patrick had their usual sleepovers pre-curse when they were in high school and their former friends were around. “Sleepover,” he affirmed. “What brings you by?” 

Patrick sighed heavily as he came into the room. “It’s been a week since we went from dangerous dames with chips on our shoulders to petulant gay men who can’t be transformed back thanks to one coffee-making voodoo prince. And even though we have Tremaine MacLaren to teach us what it’s like on the other side, I can’t help but feel disoriented about being…” 

He gestured to his body. “Well, you get the gist.” 

Ian nodded as he went to the closet to grab a rolled-up sleeping bag and a blanket. “That I understand,” he answered. “It still feels so surreal yet it’s so realistic at the same time. I’m just wondering what will happen next for myself since I have a lot of hurdles to climb. I mean, I gave a lot of hell to a lot of guys when I was just Ivy, even towards the girls’ male relatives and male friends. Even more so when it came to Mom’s male clients and her male co-workers.”

There was a slight pause for a brief moment as Ian laid down the blanket and sleeping bag on the floor before the two young men sat down. “I guess you and I are going to have to make the most of this new chapter of our lives,” Patrick said as he set out bags of chips, two soda bottles, and some snack cakes, Ian making a phone call for some pizza delivery. “The one thing that is going to terrify me the most is what’ll happen when our former haters turn on us when they learn who we are and what happened to us.”

“Don’t remind me,” Ian replied, groaning at the thought of his former allies that he had on Instagram before it was closed thanks to Antoine. “They’re going to want to know ‘what happened to Ivy and her propaganda.’ When they get wind of what Antoine did and who we are now, the shit is going to hit the fan. Part of me is mad at him for taking away my social media status and profiles that had me on the top. Then again, I was on the verge of losing everything and I lost the followers who have families who are either identifying as LGBTQ or men in general, if not both.”

Patrick nodded, taking a sip of soda. “I get that,” he remarked. “And I guess you can say that my former social media pages are now nonexistent since I got hit with the curse. And maybe it’s for the best that we lie low until we get fully used to the new normal that we’re living now.”

The bedroom door swung open to reveal Joseph. “Gentlemen, I see that you’re renewing your Friday night sleepover,” he stated as he distributed the two boxes of pizza. “Any plans for this particular sleepover?”

“Mainly talking about learning to get used to this new life as gay men,” Ian replied. “And maybe have a little fun as well. Who knows what the night may bring?”

Joseph nodded. “Well, I’ll leave you two to it,” he said. “Tomorrow, you’re getting registered at Santa Monica College and you still have your shifts at the smoothie place, so make sure to get a good night’s sleep.”

“Okay, Dad. You have a good night yourself.” 

Joseph closed the door. 

Patrick sighed as he opened one of the pizza boxes that had meat lovers. “I wonder what Tremaine will have in store for us when we start school as totally new students. Since we’re basically going to be starting over with people wondering who we are, we’re definitely going to have to be careful with what we say or do.” 

“Well, I think it’s best to show them that we won’t be intimidated and we’re going to still own our grace and swagger,” Ian replied as he helped himself to a slice of pepperoni pizza. “Maybe Antoine will allow us some grace to let everyone know that we’re going to have that glow and style.” 

Patrick frowned. “Maybe it’ll be best to dial that down because that voodoo prince will have eyes everywhere,” he said warily. “And since he magically bound us to his cousin’s rules, you know that the curse will multiply if we step out of line and act like assholes.”

“Point made.”

The evening went on as Ian and Patrick talked about the days before being cursed, listened to their favorite songs on Spotify, and even watched an old movie on TV. And then…

“You know something? I always wanted to know what it’d be like to hook up with a gay guy when I was Pilar,” Patrick said from out of nowhere. “I mean, I’ve heard of stories regarding women having one-night stands with gay and bisexual guys when they’re totally wasted.”

Ian frowned. “I didn’t because I was still spiteful and hating guys in general,” he replied. “I thought it was tasteless and stupid.”

“What about now?” 

“What do you mean?” 

Patrick sat up, facing his friend. “I mean, what do you think about hooking up with gay guys now that you’re a gay guy yourself?” he asked. 

Ian blinked twice, his face warped in confusion briefly. “I don’t know,” he answered honestly. “I mean, I’m still getting used to being a gay man myself and-” 

“Come on, bro. You know you that you want to at least try something a little reckless and even sensual at once,” Patrick interrupted. “Maybe it’s best that we…well, try something that we’d never considered doing when we were females.”

And without warning, Patrick’s lips branded Ian’s in a kiss.

You’ll never forget he first time! Magic, sensuality, and a transformative journey like none other! “I, Ian” returns with new chapters and plenty of drama and excitement! Available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview (Grand-Finale Week)

“Skylar, did you have fun tonight with Jorge?” Dad asked me upon my entrance inside the house after two hours spent at the upscale diner and a matinee at the movies. And now, both my parents were waiting up for me in the living room with expecting looks on their faces.

“We did, but remembered that we had school tomorrow,” I replied as I took off my jacket. “Jorge gave me his undivided attention and I did the same for him.”

“And are you excited for this Wednesday when you’ll see him again?” Mom asked eagerly.

I inhaled sharply. “I am, but-“

“Ah-ah, no ‘buts.’ This is a week dedicated to you and you alone, Skylar, as your peers are hoping that you’ll make the right choice,” Dad cut me off. “Don’t you think that you deserve to have a bit of happiness of your own, especially with a boy like Jorge who grew up with you?”

“Enrique grew up with me back in the day as well,” I replied meekly.

Mom scoffed, rolling her eyes as she motioned to sit in between her and Dad on the sofa, the TV playing some reality show on mute. “Enrique Pinero’s your grandparents’ favorite, not ours,” she stated. “Yes, his family is well-to-do and they have their connections as well, but the boy is too enigmatic for my and your father’s tastes. That, and I heard that he’s too deep with that Simmons huzzy and her friends. No, Skylar. You and Jorge are meant to be together. Fate is binding you two, and everyone believes that you two need to make it official.”

But not everyone thinks the same way, I wanted to shoot back. “Well, Jorge did say that he wants to continue fighting for me as long as possible,” I replied before giving my parents a recap of what’s been said at the restaurant.

“Sounds like Jorge knows what he wants, and it’s not Simmons,” Dad intoned. “And he’s right with you needing to make the best choice for everyone, even when it means making everyone else unhappy. But your mother and I will not be so forgiving if you choose that Pinero boy or not choose at all. That year-long project is still in effect, and you can’t afford to fail senior year. Not when everything that you dreamed of is in close range for you to touch.”

“And think about the opportunities you’ll enjoy if you choose wisely- and I mean, if you choose Jorge,” Mom added. “You being given a place at the Fernandez table, being the favorite in all the students’ eyes and given many passes by the teachers, being voted ‘Cutest Couple’ in the school yearbook by your classmates. All of that and more can be yours, but not if you make the wrong choice.”

“And what about Greenlee?”

“Forget her for a moment, boy, and think about what you’ll leave behind if you don’t do what’s best for everyone,” Dad admonished me sternly. “As long as she doesn’t try anything reckless or put you in harm’s way, you won’t have to fear her. All you need to do is the right thing.”

All I could do is just nod. They just didn’t get it because they didn’t have it bad growing up like I did as a queer kid in a very conservative state in the Deep South. Or maybe they didn’t want to get it at all or just don’t care about the consequences…

You’ll never forget the first time! “Edge of Seventeen” is reaching the final several chapters all this week, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Edge of Seventeen” Sneak Preview

“Good morning, Centennial Grove High! It’s not only midterms week, but it’s also Homecoming week as our Grizzlies get prepped to take on Merck-Barnes High School’s Red Devils,” the cheerful voice of the school secretary chirped as everyone was filing through the halls. “And beginning with tonight’s town-hall meeting in the school gymnasium, our school’s having a week’s worth of events to celebrate our school spirit! Make sure to focus on your grades if you want access to the after-game school dance on Friday and get your tickets to Friday’s game and dance!” 

“It’s the week of school spirits and excess good-time fun,” Rhea harrumphed as she, Shandi, Andretta, Andelle, and I met up at our lockers. “If not for this year-long senior project, I’d be glad to stay home and thrash to some KISS or Linkin Park on Friday night. But I think that I might have a fair shake at being crowned queen.”

“Any of us could be crowned Homecoming monarchs, Rhea,” Shandra stated as she shot a brief glance. “Some more than others, given the current circumstances.”

“Well, my main worry is how everyone will be jockeying me to choose whom I’ll be official with- Jorge or Enrique,” I remarked as I unlocked my locker and got what I needed for the morning. “Add in Greenlee and her gang as well my family and the guys’ families, and I have a real party on my hands.”

“But the other option is to fail senior year and possibly repeat the grade,” Andretta remarked. “Mama and Daddy say that Uncle Julius has been acting strange lately and Aunt Mary Ella’s been miffed at him as I don’t know what.” 

“You guys don’t think that he’ll be working with Greenlee in wanting me to be with Enrique so she can have Jorge to herself, do you?” I asked. 

“Damned if I know, but we gotta keep our eyes sharp and our ears to the ground,” Andelle stated. To me, “And you have to focus on these midterms and Jorge and Enrique courting you so everyone will get off your back.”

“Really, loser? I think that’s not fair for O’Hara to hog all the guys,” came the delightfully drawling voice of Greenlee as she, Jeannine, and Kendall sauntered over with matching smug sneers on their faces. “And besides, everyone who’s anyone knows that Skylar has to be with Enrique. That, and at least drop out of the race for the Homecoming crown.”

I vainly fought the urge to roll my eyes. “You’d know that I can’t bow out,” I shot back. “Everyone who’s been announced as finalists for the Homecoming court need to have a fair shot like you do.”

“Is that right?” Jeannine said sarcastically. “Come on, O’Hara. If you really have the proper school spirit, you’d do Greenlee a solid and drop out right now. Not just out of the competition, but from the school completely. You may be on the diving team and all that, but you really have no place here. Not as long as Jorge is making googly eyes over you when he should be doing so over Greenlee.”

“Lord Jesus, do you have a muzzle that your parents need to use on you?” Andretta spat. “Bitch, you come for my cousin and I’ll come for you and your lady mistress too! Same thing goes for your friend here. And Skylar here is destined to win the crown.”

Just as Kendall was getting ready to crack her knuckles, the bell rang that signaled for everyone to head to homeroom. “To be continued,” Greenlee said threateningly as she motioned for her friends to follow her. 

I sighed as we got ready to do the same. “Batten down the hatches, girls, because a storm is coming to Texas by the name of Greenlee Simmons,” I intoned. “And whether or not I’m prepared, I gotta get through this long week.”

And that was the truth…

You’ll never forget the first time! ” Catch up with “Edge of Seventeen,” available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

“Ry’Mir’s Dive” Final Full-Length Chapter Preview

As the Devil of the Pool, it’s my duty to sort out who’s worthy of being part of the swimming and diving teams…and the ones who are too tainted for the pool.

The latter’s mainly for the ones who are not the typical breed of being the American athlete of color: the homosexuals, the retards, the ones who are from the gutter, the scholarship kids- you know, those whom my parents have taught me to shun altogether

And when I joined this team, I was already disgusted that Langley supported everyone and anyone from that spectrum as long as they were putting in the work. So from my freshman year to today, I made sure that the football team would scare off any newcomers or persuade them to be part of the Gridiron gang or the cheerleading teams.

And despite being on the swim team, Battle and his two cronies- especially Parrish- knew that I could be trusted to keep their misdeeds out of the spotlight as long as I could exploit or ruin anyone unless they played ball with me and them.

Then came Ry’Mir Odoms from Missouri.

I course I knew all about him and what happened to him regarding Costello. That little brat put my uncle behind bars and my family was devastated. I initially hoped he was going to be wise enough to save face and leave the team and Harvick University all together. But once he started showing his balls, I knew that he had to go. And the football and cheerleading teams know it too. That’s why they’re all for what needs to be done: exposing his ass as the disgusting future pedophile that he and his friends are so all of them would be rightfully removed and I get what I deserved.

And if all else fails, Ke’Vante and his crew could easily put him and his Italian twink of a boyfriend out of their miseries for good.

Now that he refuses to quit, there’s nothing stopping me from enacting my revenge for my uncle Winston Costello. And I would make sure that the family name would be restored while no one would know who I am.

They think that they know me, but they have no idea.

And I’m still pissed off at Lancaster and his gang for standing up for him. Those Denzels and Vogues too! If they get in my way, all of Harvick University will be covered in their blood.

When the meet against Howard begins, there’s no going back! Bring it on, boys and girls, because the Devil’s got his pitchfork sharpened to perfection!

This Friday and Saturday, the final 4 chapters of “Ry’Mir’s Dive” drops and we’ll know the identity of the Devil of the Pool and see how it all ends! You’ll never forget the first time! Available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

“The Guardian of Couture” Sneak Preview

“I actually can’t believe that we have the grandson of Joseph and Elodie Mae Lancaster and Henry and Rachael Monroe as the newest Guardian, taking up the same role that his parents denied,” Francis said as he, his fellow Couture senior members, and the other editors-in-chief and their assistants were taking in what’s been said. “Part of me still thinks that we’re waiting for him to change his mind- grab that NDA and walk away with only the memories of his first two weeks at Couture.”

“Well, Francis, he didn’t sign that NDA and I don’t think he plans to,” Emilia remarked, shaking her head and smirking to himself. “Alcide’s meaning what he says and saying what he means. He has nowhere else to return to in Texas as his state-trooper older brother and his cronies will shoot him dead if he returns. And if not for that, he basically burned all his bridges regarding his hometown and his family.”

“And speaking of family, what’s your take on his younger sister Paige?” Jim Nelson from GQ asked. “Anyone else thinks that she’s a bit lofty in what she said?”

“I would’ve known via Dark Mauve if the young woman’s words weren’t being as truthful,” Anna Wintour replied. “Same for Ellen. Some of those heroes at that ballroom have the ability to tell the difference between liars and honest people. And they’ve been listening in on this meeting. There’s no form of deception from that young woman.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean that she wasn’t training herself to hide her emotions,” Francis rebutted. “Then again, Alcide did say that he never had a proper chance to get to know her better since their parents kept them apart.”

“Back to the matter at hand, we do need to prepare ourselves for the rest of the weekend as well as prepare Alcide,” Ellen stated. “He and the other interns- River, Gio, and Kumiko- will be still on the clock with performing errands for everyone while being prepped for the first real event: New York Fashion Week. And let’s not forget that they’ll be at tomorrow evening’s gala that features the villains and rogues as well as the Mafia families.”

Blanca nodded. “Ra’Keem, Ja’Nisha, and Snow had themselves a ball getting the theme Walking on the Dark Side: The Sartiorial Finesse of the Fashion Underworld in line with the decor and commissioning the other designers to create the dark-themed gowns and tuxedoes,” she stated. “We know most of these celebrities from tonight will be there tomorrow as will Trump and his brood, the Obamas, the Bushes, and even the Clintons. But we’ll also see some of the foreign dignitaries from the UK- Scotland in particular, Italy, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, China, Germany, Japan, and even Brazil and Mexico. Megan Thee Stallion has RSVP’d as have Cardi B and Offset, Gene Simmons from KISS, T.I., and several other celebrities.”

“Hot damn,” Derrick whistled. “I bet these new Guardians will be on their radar more if they haven’t yet. Especially Alcide since this moment has been waited for everyone’s whole lives. He was so…well, chill isn’t the proper way to say it when the reveal happened. But it’s kind of accurate. Did I even mention that the Usos and the McMahons have won bets on how these kids would reacted? They won the pot and then some.”

Ellen fought the urge to smile. “Alcide’s definitely like me when I was his age,” she mused. “But it doesn’t mean that his journey’s going to be any easier. He and the others are stepping into a whole new world where fashion and comic books collide in more ways than one. And I promised my late friends that Alcide would be as prepared for the challenges ahead. But it’ll be up to him to make his own choices and cut his own losses…”

You’ll never forget the first time!  Catch up with the first 15 chapters of ” The Guardian of Couture” today, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

Weekly Wrap-Up Check-In

Hey, y’all. JDE here. And as you can tell, it’s almost the end of the first half of 2026 and yours truly is feeling all types of emotions and yet needs to pull it together.

As I write this post, I’m wondering what my next move will be like for the rest of this year regarding not just my writing career but also my personal life. And yours truly is thinking about making some move that may or may not jeopardize my already-strained relationship with my family members. I won’t get into all the details, but you can say that I’ve been told what to do and how to do it and yet want to be taken seriously and have independence for life. Because I know that nothing can last forever and I need to start preparing for life outside my family when they pass on.

As for my current job, I’ve been learning a lot about work as a front-service clerk (janitor, cart-service manager, and bagger) at the grocery store and yet I still need to know more about financial stability and all that. Seems like I have to know more about my futures and understanding how it’s serving customers despite how I’m feeling. I’m improving, trust me, but I’m understanding that I can do more.

And when it comes to my writing career, I understand that I need to continue to find the balance between my work life and my creative-writing life- let myself make time for writing, blogging, and creating. Now, I am going to make this clear: I’m going to invest more time in writing poetry again since I’ve been looking at my old portfolio that’s full of written poetry coming from 2017 and 2018. And I intend to transcribe them as well as a short-story piece that I’ve also written back in 2018. I don’t know when I’ll publish them, but when I do I’ll be sure to make the announcement when the time comes. This is going to be when I share all my aspects of my life in my rhapsodic spoken words.

As for my stories on Wattpad, I’ll be working on my ongoing pieces- three of them being close to finished before the end of July while the rest of them being finished by the end of the year. And I intend to publish one of them by next year. All I ask is that you bear with me as I get through with them all while sharing sneak previews and what to expect. And remember, folks, that I’ll be starting a spinoff blog known as “Unscripted Jarrick Exum” and the launch date for that website is set for my 35th birthday (August 29th).

This new blog will detail everything regarding my ongoing journey as an indie/self-published author, my life with Asperger’s Disorder (autism), and my take of the world’s version of events. And I will give you fair warning: I won’t be holding back. So get ready for the official launch, you guys, because I intend to be unfiltered and unapologetically authentic about myself and how I see the world.

With that said, you guys, I thank you all for listening to my words and giving me this space for venting my emotions. I still feel a bit mentally and emotionally exhausted, but I am feeling better about talking about what I want for my next move in life and what I’m envisioning for my future. As for any future sneak previews from my ongoing stories on Wattpad, I will share something next week. I will see you guys later.

“Nacirema Requiem” Sneak Preview

Gentle readers, the thrill of excitement and cheer was in the hallways of Northwest Grambling High School as the first football game of the season means that both the school itself and the opponent (this year being Southeast Grambling High) were hosting the events leading to the game and the dance afterwards. Even more so, despite the fact that Corwyn Allerdyce and her fellow band of anti-Nacirema allies were out on their hate-centered campaigns.

As for Ryan Samuels and Amanda Tybee (now sharing the respective bodies of the gay African-American version of Ryan and Armando Rivera), it only means that they needed to be prepared for the challenges to come as they were experiencing a world that was contrary to what they were taught by their extremist-centered grandparents (who were in hell). And for Amanda (sharing Armando’s body and memories), she- or rather he- was going to have to face the things that she stood against in her old life. For Ryan, it meant being able to live a life he was forbidden to have.

Currently, they were meeting with Trenetta and Ivy (the captains of the football team) to talk about the first planned event: the town-hall meeting hosted by both schools. “I’m sure you guys know that we’re going to need to make sure that everyone is going to be on their best behavior,” Trenetta said as they met over lunch. “With these hate-mongering folks coming around, this only means that no one is going to start any fights and force us to cancel the game and future games.”

Armando nodded.

“What about Corwyn and her gang?” Ryan wanted to know, eyes narrowing in silts. “I mean, I know she has no choice but to work with us if she wants to graduate, but I’m not happy with the idea of her being around Armando if she’s going to be around either of us.”

Neither am I, Amanda said in Armando’s head. And I’m not thrilled about this whole gala, either.

You have no other choice, the real Armando shot back. This is part of your transmigratory experience to see what it’s like to be me.

Out loud, “I’m inclined to agree, but our hands are tied on that front. At least Ryan can make sure that I’m kept on my toes and away from Allerdyce’s grasp.”

“Yeah, but for how long?” Ivy asked as she shot Armando a concerned glance. “You know about what happened at her party, right? I wanted to punch her after that stunt she did with her seducing you in her bed.”

Wait, you were seduced in her bed? What in blue blazes did that bitch do to you? Amanda exclaimed in horror.

Armando brushed her off, focusing on the present moment at hand. “Well, it’s not going to work this time,” he promised himself. “Her kissing me twice and groping me at the first meeting proved that she’s too brazen, but we got work to do.”

“And so we will,” Trenetta responded, clapping her hands twice. “Now, the town-hall meeting is scheduled for tonight at Southeast Grambling, and all the football players from both schools will be there as well as the captains of all the sports teams from both schools. WSTC is providing the media coverage as it’s set to air live during the six-o’-clock news on their subchannel. And yeah, the town mayor’s going to be there, so make sure to stay on the adults’ good sides.”

After a bit of small talk and watching the football teams leave, Ryan faced Armando, letting his former self shine through as Amanda did the same. “You okay?” he asked…

Is everything okay, readers? You’ll find out when you read “Nacirema Requiem” as it returns with all new chapters! You’ll never forget the first time. Available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it!

“The Guardian of Couture” Full-Length Chapter Preview: Chapter 12

Folks, I live by several usual maxims that my grandparents have taught me while they were alive. And in the chapters to come as I tell this story, I’ll be sharing them with you, starting with this one: “When you least expect it, expect it.” That has gotten me through my first four years in exile from Texas and also while in high school before.

And as Gio, Kumiko, River, and I took in the ballroom and how everything was decked out, I was living in that same maxim at the moment. Now, let me make a few things clear: I wasn’t surprised on how the way that the hotel’s large ballroom was decorated in the theme Heroic Figures in the similar styles of the Met Gala and the Academy Awards in all its grandeur finest with some of the designers showcasing various gowns and tuxedoes with subtle hints of superheroic glamour. And I wasn’t surprised on how all the celebrities, politicians, and social-media influencers who had been invited were dressed to the nines: Jimmy and Jey Uso in matching black Balmain tuxedoes while Jimmy’s wife Naomi was in an alluring old-Hollywood gown by Dior, George and Amal Clooney in matching Givenchy, the Trump family in various shades of monochromatics and reds by Michael Kors, Alicia Keys in a stunning red gown by Chanel, and more.

I wasn’t surprised by all of that.

No, folks. What took my breath away and put my soul on high alert was the general staffers- the same ones with athletic bodies whom were deemed very excitable and eager for newcomers like myself and my friends and how we were to stay away from them until tonight. And they weren’t in their monochromatic office-chic outfits.

And they weren’t wearing those retro-centric Coca-Cola glasses either.

No, sir. They were wearing superhero costumes, and not the ones you find in Halloween costume stores or the cheap knockoffs from Amazon.  Real, authentic costumes that were straight out of comic books. And these people were showing off their superpowers and grinning at us four interns with a mixture of teasing, condescension, and eagerness.

“Surprise, guys,” Jorge Ramirez (the Hispanic general editor) said as he approached us, his gold-and-red costume in a blend of leather and spandex giving me the vibes of a fiery humanoid phoenix coming to life. “You just stepped into a world of comic books and haute couture.”

“Damn right,” Veronica Seeley (in a superhero costume similar to Wanda “Scarlet Witch” Maximoff, but in a tight bodysuit in purples and blacks complete with a headdress covered in elegant crystals) drawled as she stalked towards me, giving me a cat-eating grin. “This isn’t a game anymore, boys. This is real life, one that you’re now a part of.”

“I’ll bet,” Gio breathed, smiling with his eyes full of awe as a female photographer from Time sent him a saucy wink as she literally skated past him, her body now a walking ice sculpture. “And you think you can handle everything under the sun.”

“I am loving this,” River remarked as he saw both Ian and Vincent (in matching retro-centric blue-and-white superhero suits complete with blue brief-like trunks and matching boots) circled around him like jaguars stalking around their prey. “If my spiteful parents could see me now.”

“Mine too,” Kumiko added, nodding at a fire-manipulating general editor from Elle who was happily chatting away with Barack and Michelle Obama (both of them in Tom Ford reds, the designer himself nodding along and sharing a laugh).

I nodded twice before turning to Ellen. “Now I get everything,” I said. “And I take that this is part of my internship?”

“All that and so much more, Alcide Lancaster-Monroe,” she replied as Francis and everyone else from her circle surrounded me. “All the general staffers here are superheroes and antiheroes, all of which you and your cohorts will need to be familiar with for this summer. But as for myself, the other editors-in-chief and senior staffers, and administrative workers at our magazines are completely normal as well as the custodians and cafeteria workers. But of course, some of the IT workers and security staffers are superheroes themselves, so you’ll be getting to know them as well.”

“And the celebrities?” Gio asked. “Are they-“

“One-hundred percent normal, but we do work with them when the time comes,” Beyonce stated, she and Blue Ivy looking like ethereal beauties in white Reem Acra gowns while Jay-Z was dapper in a mob-boss Zegna tuxedo. “And that means you’ll be working with us as well.”

“Oh, wow,” River breathed. “And the other interns who don’t know about this? Do they know-“

“No, and they’ll only remember what transpired before tonight since they never made it,” Ja’Nisha commented with her husband standing next to her. “And in the years prior, those who don’t accept this are given other memories of the night.”

“Altered memories?”

“Just a precaution for them to keep what they saw to themselves,” Francis answered. “As for you boys, there’s still time for you to reconsider and walk out while you can.”

“That won’t be happening,” Gio interjected as his editor-in-chief came towards him with another copy of what looked like the NDA. He glared everyone down. “You guys saw a lot of potential in us when we approached the interview stage before getting the job. And you know our stories. My family wants me to work for what I have and tell me to never back down from a challenge. And you should be familiar with River, Kumiko, and Alcide’s stories by now- families rejecting them unless they assimilate to their conservative and hate-mongering ideals while Alcide’s hometown refuses to accept him and will likely shoot him dead if even returns for a day. We’re too invested to go back to what we know by now. So, you’re going to have to get used to seeing us until the internship is over and we face the unknown together.”

I then faced Ellen. “You saw a lot in me when we first met, ma’am. And you said that you wanted me to understand how my late maternal and paternal grandparents were involved,” I said. “And I intend to find out everything and see this summer internship through to the end. All I ask is for the tea, the whole tea, and nothing but the tea.”

“So help you me?”

I whirled around to see the one and only RuPaul looking like a true Glamazon in a custom-made gold-and-silver gown by Zaldy (the designer himself in shades of gold) that hugged her frame like a glove. My friends gasped as I took the drag queen’s hand and shook it. “Exactly, Mother RuPaul,” I said. “Thank you for getting me through my high-school years and showing what it means to be unapologetic through your reality show.”

“No, child. Thank you for not backing down and letting haters try to steal your glow,” the drag queen commented. “The same goes for your friends. All of you are going to be bringing a lot to the table, and everyone will try to knock you down. But remember to live without fear or regrets.”

We all nodded as Jim Nelson from GQ came to us. “All right, you four interns, this night will be all about you,” he said. “Remember that you’re to get familiar with all the supers and antiheroes here. And you’re still on the clock even though this night is about you. Don’t be surprised if you’re to run an errand or two by the celebrities.”

My friends and I glanced at each other briefly. “Looking forward to it all,” we said in unison.

You’ll never forget the first time! “The Guardian of Couture” returns with new chapters, available EXCLUSIVELY on Wattpad! Don’t miss it! 

@whatebonyreads, Black Royalty, wrote:

I will never be okay with Black book characters being voiced by white narrators!

#blackwomen #92percent #blackbooks #blackauthors #blackwriters #blackmastodon

“The Guardian of Couture” Teaser Promo, Part One

Couture Magazine isn’t just a fashion bible — it’s a battleground. Behind the glossy covers and celebrity spreads lies a world where interns are tested beyond coffee runs and copy machines. From clogged toilets to 24/7 on-call chaos, survival means shedding illusions and stepping into the fire.

But the real test? The Primal Premiere. That’s when the staff — those impossibly beautiful, retro-glasses-wearing editors — reveal their true selves. And if you’re not ready for what’s underneath, you’re not ready for Couture.

I should know. I lived it.

My name is Alcide Lancaster. I survived the summer internship that changed everything — spandex, secrets, Fashion Week madness, and the September Issue. I uncovered a legacy my grandparents once protected, one my family rejected. But I embraced it, with allies, love, and legends by my side.

This is my story.

You’ll never forget the first time.
Exclusively on Wattpad, hitting the runway May 2026. Don’t miss it!

"Urban renewal means negro removal"

- James Baldwin

#blackmen #blackpeople #blackamerican #blackwriters #blackauthors #blacktivists #blackessayists #blackplaywrights #blackorators #blackfirsts #blackgay #blackhomosexuals #blacklgbtq #blackhistory #blackconsciousness #blackmastodon

Vie Georgina Kiersten on Bluesky:

"STARTING TOMORROW! Download Splinter and Fall into You and hundreds of other FREE BLACK BOOKS from November 12-16! This is a multi-day event that centers Black authors and readers! Make sure to mark your calendars so you don't miss out! #BRAE2024"

Note: I'll post the link tomorrow, as soon as I have it.

@romancelandia @bookstodon #BlackReaders #BlackWriters #BlackBooks #BlackReaderAppreciationEvent #BRAE2024

AN EXTRAVAGANT, SPRAWLING PICARESQUE set in Zaire in the last years of the Mobutu regime is a symphony of voices from every walk of life, from tough street kids to the secret police to high society. Vivid and fascinating. B PLUS

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-villains-dance-fiston-mwanza-mujila/1143139648?ean=9781646051274

@bookstodon

#book #Books #bookreview #bookreviews #fiction #novel #novels #historicalfiction #zaire #DemocraticRepublicoftheCongo #Congolesewriters #Africanwriters #Blackwriters