Subscribe to LT in the City Weekly

Spread the love, forward to a friend!

View this email in your browser

#WednesdayWisdom

"Don’t give your power away; lend it to yourself. Remember who you are. Move accordingly." ~ Nneka M. Okona

Morning Musings

Last week I attended Jasmine Guillory's book event in Chicago. For those of you who don't know, Jasmine is one of my favorite authors of all time and she's pretty much the Beyoncé of romance novels. 

I've interviewed her before and I also met her last time she was in Chicago pre-pandemic for another book event. Even then, I was pleasantly surprised that she remembered me this time around (although I suppose my name isn't that common). Nevertheless, I was nervous to ask her (and the moderator, fellow author Leah Johnson) a question during the audience Q&A part.



As you may remember, I recently submitted the second draft of my forthcoming book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, last month. What you may not know is I've been an anxious wreck ever since. Part of the reason I struggled with this draft (and the first draft, if we're being honest) is because I feel an immense amount of self-inflicted pressure to ensure it's perfect. And no, friends, the irony is not lost on me.

I so desperately want to write more books--an infertility memoir; a children's book; and potentially a romance novel, if we're being specific. And all of that is contingent upon how well this first book does, at least if I want to continue being a traditionally-published author. There's a lot riding on this book, especially as a first-time Black author. I don't know if you've been paying attention to #LiteraryTwitter for the last few years, but publishing isn't exactly made for people like me.

Which is why sales matter. Which is why pre-orders matter. Which is why it feels like every little thing matters and if you're a Nervous Nellie like me, it's a lot to take in without feeling like you're drowning. Which brings me back to why I feel like this book has to be perfect: a) so that I can write more books and b) if this ends up being the only book I write, I want to make sure it's damn good. Go big or go home, right?

Which brings me to the question I asked Jasmine and Leah: how did you push past that fear and anxiety when they were first-time authors? I got a little choked up asking because it was such a vulnerable question to ask of two bestselling authors in front of a sold-out crowd, but if anyone knew how I was feeling right now in this moment it was them.

To which they both assured me they had the same fears and anxieties and not only that but they still face those same fears and anxieties. Leah encouraged me to remember my why and connect to the joy I find in writing and Jasmine assured me this will not be the only book I write, so keep going.

I don't know if she knows something I don't know, but I'm going to hold onto that and keep writing. And who knows, maybe someday I'll be giving the same advice to another first-time author. 

Love,
L'Oreal

ICYMI

A couple of my fave stories this week from Fortune:

• Why Megan Thee Stallion is my new mental health role model. Never thought I'd get to write about Meg for Fortune, but here we are.

• The life-changing magic of puzzling: Why solving jigsaw puzzles is good for your mind and body. I attended a virtual puzzle & sip last month (highly recommend) and was inspired to write about it!

As always, you can find all of my Fortune stories here.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Oct. 6 (TOMORROW): Join me and Sista Afya for a special workshop focused on overcoming imposter syndrome. I'll be sharing insight into how to trust your abilities and power to thrive in life. 

Links I Love

1. Why Lizzo’s historic play of James Madison’s flute is symbolic of America’s racial discourse (Fortune)

2. What a breast lump actually feels like (HuffPost)

3. The #SoftLife isn’t as easy as it looks online (Andscape)

My Latest Obsession

I know we're only two episodes in, but dare I say season two of Abbott Elementary is even better than season one? Which is impressive seeing as how season one earned three Emmys. Go Quinta!

Now Hiring

1. Communications Director for the Los Angeles LGBT Center

2. Reporter, CFO Brew for Morning Brew

3. Investigations Editor for Injustice Watch

4. Senior Editor of News and Content for University of Chicago

5. Manager of Program for OneGoal Chicago

6. News Reporter for Fortune

7. Senior Thought Leadership Writer for SalientMG

Support This Newsletter

Want to help fuel this newsletter and support my work? Click the button below!

Psst...did a friend forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here so you never miss an issue! Liked what you read? Be sure to follow using the buttons below.