Darrell Mitchell of oddblackboy.com
Tell us about yourself.
I was born the son of a Landscaper and Homemaker in 1984 Hampton, VA. I am the youngest of four children and I love my family. Since 1995 I knew I wanted to write books and maybe some movie screenplays. Being in my imagination was daily for me and it’s the only thing I never get tired of. My goal of helping people become their true selves was born from a need to be my own true self. I always knew I was different and now I can embrace and share it!
What inspired you to create your blog/business?
Keeping it short, I’ve always been the type to walk left when the crowd went right. I noticed that sometimes I wasn’t alone. In creating OddBlackBoy.com, I hope to have others who walk left join me in creating our own space. Also I’d like to make a living at what I love doing most which is writing.
What is a typical day in your life?
Before it was Up, Work, Home, Gaming and Bed. Obviously that got ultra dull quickly so now I spend my days of quarantine creating and blocking out the several novels I want to write.
How to you stay productive and motivated working virtually?
I keep in mind what I’m trying to keep away from. Escaping that 9-5 drudgery, even now when work is scarce and we should all be thankful to even have income. In the end I know that would be the death of my spirit to go back to punching that clock and being another worker bee.
How have your friends and family reacted to your project?
I am fortunate to have a strong support system. Everyone who knows me says this is probably the best thing for me to do now. It’s what my father always wanted for me. To find my niche.
What has been the scariest part of having a blog and how have you overcome it?
Public ridicule has held me back the most. From what I understand this is common. Realizing that putting myself out there is the only way to true success has pushed me through the still present fear. I tell myself ”Keep Going,” when I get to the point of wanting to quit.
What have you gained from your business up until now?
This would be my first business and so far I’ve learned that I am not working less harder than before. It’s just a different kind of hard. I haven’t made any more YET but I definitely have a plan. Several actually.
What message do you have for students who are starting the challenge now?
Remember why you started. That drive that pushed you to type ”starting a blog” and what made you invest that money into yourself is what’s going to keep you going. Don’t worry about perfection. Be consistent. You will make it.
How has the 30 Day Blog Challenge helped you?
Before starting the 30 Day Blog Challenge, I was just a mechanic with dreams of writing books. Now I am closer to being an author than ever before. Doing the challenge has pushed my ”It’s Possible Boundary” to its max. I feel like all of those dreams and goals I have are not only reachable but surpassable.
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