TIME TO CONSTRUCT
The newsletter might have gotten quieter,
but the real world has not.
I’m sure you’ve come across creatives announcing on social media that they are either leaving the platforms or at that they’ll post when there’s something to post about– a prime example of us craving quality over quantity. I very much share the same sentiment and hope to make Fistbump the Sky something that will be remembered, not just something that will be looked at and scrolled past.
I also promised that I will no longer be oversharing any information or secrets for the sake of content.
Following this train, today’s letter is free of planet secrets, but a few things I would like to share, because Winter is about to hit the Southern Hemisphere, making this the perfect time to build.
BUILDING RELATIONS
Any author hopes to one day see their books on store shelves. I’ve been lucky enough to have the support of a few amazing stores across South Africa who’ve been there since the beginning, back when I was still figuring everything out. Yes, even before the books had the sleek looks they have now.
Each store initially received five prints each time a new book came out. These were then available as free copies for readers. As risky as this might sound, I’m glad I did it as it was a great way of building trust, testing reader interest, and receiving exposure.
Now, nearly a year later, we have begun preparations to sell the books in stores. On top of that, we’re going to be having our very first Fistbump the Sky book launch. Did I mention it’s in person?
I’m absolutely terrified and, considering my people skills, you would be, too. The great thing about being an independent author, however, is that you KNOW you have to set your fears aside and try. It’s simply not worth it not to. We are still deciding on a date, so thank goodness there’s still some time.
Until then, the art books in the Fistbump the Sky series are currently available on the online store for those too far to attend any of the events.
BUILDING CONTEXT
The hunt for events continues on!
I’ve noticed an increase in zine and illustration events this year, and I am here for it! Anyone who has ever visited South Africa can tell you that storytelling runs in our blood, so it’s about time there were more writing events.
As the next event in-person event will be taking part in September, I’ve decided to use this time to add more context to the table display and merchandise, such as making brooches with icons from the art book series: The Fantastical Encyclopedia of the Imagined World of Fistbump the Sky, and adding more zines to the catalogue, as they are the perfect on-brand way of introducing new readers to the planet’s lore. These zines include:
“WHY HUMANS ARE BANNED FROM PLANET FISTBUMP THE SKY”
“PECULIAR DISEASES”
“HOW TO GREET GODS PEY, AG, AND KALA”
“TIME ON PLANET FISTBUMP THE SKY”
“THE PLANET’S FURY” … Maybe.
It took a minute, but having each piece of merchandise be its own thing and created chaos and too may questions. However, if each product references one of the art books in the Fistbump the Sky series, interest is created and context is given. Adding information to the packaging and a few FAQ zines to the table didn’t hurt, either.
BUILDING THE STOR(IES)
Have you ever had an idea in your head that just won’t disappear, no matter what? Well, that’s been me for a while now. The question, of course, is whether I will be able to pull it off. Let me explain:
“The Fantastical Encyclopedia of the Imagined World of Fistbump the Sky,” as you know, is a series of books, written by a group of specialists that were forced chosen to write an encyclopedia for a world where writing is practiced by few, and history was never recorded. It is also one of three stories.
The second series is (going to be) a story written in the form of letters and found documentation, otherwise known as an epistolary.
The third (and true) story will be created by threading the art book and epistolary series together, so that it will be ‘written’ through the Rashomon effect. Thus, written lies and hinted truths, writing a non-written story.
That is the aim, in any case.
I will be documenting this process on the Youtube channel– which I will share once I feel more confident in my video skills– and on the separate newsletter, Slugs of Life, which is where all Behind The Scenes and more personal things are written. That way, those who wish to follow the Fistbump the Sky stories can do so without any non-related materials or spoilers getting in the way.
My sentiments are the same as yours: What have I done?
This is going to be a massive writing construction that will fail wonderfully if not planned carefully. Then again, if I succeed, that would be sick.
