V. H. King's Ink

Throughout the challenges I’ve faced over the years, there are three main things people tell me. The first is that I’m strong and I’ll get through it. The second is that I’m lucky to be where I am. A word of advice? Don’t praise me for how well I’ve handled a lifetime of racist, queer-phobic, and ableist experiences. No one should have to constantly defend their personhood, much less be put on a pedestal for “handling all of this with such grace”.

The third thing I’ve heard in countless variation? Let me know if there’s anything you need! Famous last words–a lot of conversations end this way. Plenty of people ask about me, but they don’t talk to me. Granted, maybe they don’t know how to connect with me, so here’s a quick list:

• read and comment on my writing
• share my work with others
• buy a book or journal
• share creative opportunities with me

Now, not everyone can or will support me in the same way; it would be absurd to expect that to be the case. Besides, I’m not naïve enough to think I’m everyone’s top priority. (That actually sounds like a nightmare.) However, I’ve had enough of people promising they’ll be there for me–as if the offer of support suffices for actually supporting me.

There are meaningful ways you can interact with me and support my craft, so keep reading for details. There’s no commitment required to do any of these things with frequency. But if I cross your mind, and you wonder how I’m doing? Here’s how you can reach out:

READ AND COMMENT ON MY WRITING

Whenever anyone asks how I’m doing, how I’m feeling, I have no idea what to tell them. Speaking out loud has never been my strong suit; I’ve always maintained that the best way to get to know me is through my writing. So if you’re curious how I’ve been lately, read about it here.

I can’t tell you how often new posts will show up. I have ideas. I have dreams. And…I’ve already got plenty of writing here on my site. When you leave comments on posts you’ve read, you’re connecting with me in a far more meaningful way than if we met for coffee. My writing says as much as I possibly can about my anxiety, my faith, my anger, and my hope.

HELP ME SHARE MY WORK

I don’t know if I have words for my dreams anymore, but my writing is how I find my resolve. I choose to keep living, and for everyone who hopes I’m doing well, my words here are the most honest answer you’ll get out of me. But these words aren’t just for me; they’re for you too, and for your friends, and for your family.

I don’t know how far my words will reach, but I know I can’t keep them to myself. That knowledge doesn’t make it easier to share them, though. Scheduling posts on this site is the easiest way for me to put my words out there. Going a step further by sharing links to my writing is a practice I only sometimes have capacity for.

I don’t know which posts will resonate with you, but I encourage you to pass them along to those you think will appreciate it. Take a risk and share your feelings, too. In our own ways, we can remind each other that we are not alone.

SHOP MY PRINT PRODUCTS

I’m not in the position (mentally or physically) to aggressively promote myself and my work. My energy is limited more than ever, which means I have to prioritize the activities that most nourish me: body, mind, and spirit. I hope to one day fully dedicate myself to completing all those bits and pieces of manuscripts that have been floating around my head (and my hard drive) for decades. I can’t promise if, or when, that will happen–and yes, that scares me.

In some ways, it’s downright terrifying to realize the characters and stories I hold dear might only be scattered fragments trapped in my overworked brain. Writing full-length novels and poetry series was never guaranteed in the first place–but I’ve managed a thing or two over the years. I don’t have a publishing contract or a sales quota or anything else driving me. I made something with the tools and knowledge I had, and now I’m offering it to you. Find it on Ink in Print.

PASS ALONG CREATIVE OPPORTUNITIES

I’m going about this whole writing and art thing similarly to students who are the first in their family to go to college: they might have plenty of encouragement, but not a lot of guidance on the specifics. I am no stranger to unsolicited advice on how to sell my work, but given my experiences and my values, I tend to be selective with where and when I submit my work.

I am most interested in creative opportunities in spaces that honor my BlackQueerDisabled self. What programs, resources, and opportunities are there for writers and artists like me? I don’t know what’s out there, and I don’t always know where to look. So if you come across something you think I might be interested in or could benefit from, please send it to vhweirdink@gmail.com.