At 51,839 words. Feel like this book has turned into a donkey that I keep beating, trying to get it to submit to my will. But just like a donkey, my novel just sits there, looking at me with vacant eyes as if saying, “Is this all you’ve got?”
Watching the Oscars Sunday night, I was captured by Oscar-nominated star, Gabourey Sidibe. Not for her dress, or for her hair, (I know—shocking right?) but for her courage.
This girl didn’t have half the acting experience as some of her peers. (Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, and George Clooney just to name a few.)
She wasn’t in the business that long when she got discovered, in fact she wasn’t in the business at all.
But the one thing she has that no one can deny, is a god-given talent to act. She belongs on the screen.
I think it takes courage to sit in a room full of people that you used to watch on television—people you might have looked up to—and find yourself not only talking to them, but actually being nominated for an award with them. They are no longer your role models, but your peers.
When I switched gears from being a hairstylist to a writer, I questioned whether or not I belonged. What gave me the right to say that I could write a novel, something I’ve never attempted to do in my life? It took courage to stand in front of people, to watch their face twist in a smirk of doubt as if to say, “Writer? But you’re a hairstylist!”
Wrong. I was a hairstylist. Now, I’m a writer.
Gabourey Sidibe was a student. Now, every time her name is said, people will preface it with, “Academy-Award nominated.” She is an actress.
It takes courage to put yourself out there, to believe in yourself when you have no track record to speak for you. But looking at Gabourey’s face tear up as Oprah talked to her about her role in Precious, it was clear that she belonged.
And I do too.
Wow…you certainly do belong Mrs. Spencer. I remember the day that you told me that you submitted your short story to Essence. I was so surprised, yet happy for you. I kept thinking…if she becomes a writer who’s going to do my hair? LOL!! You have come along way and I am so proud of you. We never know what life has in store for us or what door God will open for us. I must admit now that I feel a bit foolish when I think of how hard I cried when you told me that you were done with hair and that you were moving on to writing. I cried for days until my husband demanded that I pull myself together. He reminded me that you hadn’t died, but simply changed professions. Of course, men don’t realize how much a good hairstylist means to a woman. This life is full of surprises and can truly be amazing at the same time. In just a number of years I’ve gone from client to friend and now to one of your biggest fans. I can’t wait to read your next book.
Love Always,
Tracy Mouton
Tracy, girl you almost had me crying when I read this! I have to admit I do miss doing hair,I truly loved it. But another door has opened for me and scared as I was–I walked through.
I like the fact that our relationship has changed (for the better in my opinion) and no matter what, I can see us being friends.
Your transformation from hairstylist to writer must have been scary at first. Tell me, what gave you the courage to pursue such a drastically different careet choice? Other women could benefit from your experience I’m sure. You could be such a role model for other women afraid to take a chance. Speak, Katrina, speak. Tell us where your courage comes from. I’m listening.
I think anytime you step out on faith can be scary. You’re not sure of your footing. No one knows their future, so all anyone can do is try. Because without trying, how will we know if we will ever succeed? Thanks for the positive comment Nina.
Hi Trina,
Haven’t read any witty words from you lately so I guessed you’re writing away on your next book. How many words as of yet? I know it will be as funny and insightful as the others were. Hope to read that all is well.
So far I’m at 55,000 words. I’m putting a lot of work in this novel, I’m hoping that this one does well. All my books so far have been funny, let’s hope I get the insightful part right!
Don’t worry, I’ll be back tomorrow talking about Facebook.