Book. Mother. Publisher.
As I grew, I learned publishing is free.
My mother worked hard to provide life opportunities.
First off, Happy Mother’s Day! I love my mother. She did so much for me. She’s nurturing, caring, and motivating. I only have good things to say. When I was 18, it was just me and her. She must've been scared and frustrated. I wasn’t the best student. The world is harsh. I didn’t have a solid plan. I just knew I wanted to be an actor.
At 22 years old, I auditioned for Juilliard. My mom advised me to stay with a cousin in New York. I called, and they said, "Alright." I took a plane and auditioned. I did not get in. When I came home, my mom encouraged me with reassurance. Therefore, I had a new perspective and had visited New York City. I’d never been there before and realized how much I didn’t know.
I expanded my desires and modified my dream to work in the acting industry. I went to community college. I studied. I became an open vessel. When I turned 24, I completed my four-year degree at Georgia State University and was accepted to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. I was entering their master’s of fine arts program.
I’d worked through school and learned to manage my money, building a life. I’d moved, which was frightening and complex, but I was an open vessel. I was determined to persevere. I worked retail and learned everything. I ascended.
When I was 28, I’d completed the Academy’s program and had a movie idea. The movie became my first book. It wasn't very soothing, but I knew I was learning. I published that book when I was 36 years old. I was so proud, but posting that book taught me there’s so much more to publishing: marketing, development, distribution, etc.
Creating my first book was an entire process, and the business lessons I learned became more functional. I realized I could influence it. I could control the creation, pivot, and be flexible.
Publishing a book is free. Everyone should know. Today, there are more tools than a few years ago. It's time to use them. Amazon charges zero dollars to publish a book. Create your ideas; get them produced. Take action. You have the right to write. Doing it makes you learn.
In film school, I noticed something typical but very profound. Most teachers and industry professionals are in practice. They interact with other professionals. They work with cameras and lights. They do the work like a scientist in a lab. They’re putting in 10,000 hours to get good at something. They're taking action. So when they go to the movies, it’s crucial. They take their time because they know what works and what doesn't. It's second nature.
It applies to most other professions but, more importantly, books.