I recorded an audiobook, y'all!

a lesson on taking up space

Jul 12, 2023

#WednesdayWisdom

“It’s courage season from now on.” ~ Lalah Delia

Morning Musings

Black woman in a recording booth wearing headphones and dressed in green overalls holding a book

A few months ago, ya girl got an audiobook deal for Stop Waiting for Perfect! Naturally, I was excited. An audiobook isn’t a given for every book, so this was a BFD. Back when I’d signed my original book deal, I mentioned to my agent I wanted first dibs on narrating. It wasn’t a guarantee, but I had to shoot my shot.

Fast forward to this week and I spent 1.5 days recording the audiobook—a dream come true. Even if it gave me a bit of an anxiety attack Sunday night. First, I had to audition to narrate the book. Yes, that’s right. I had to send a short sample of me reading the manuscript to be considered as the narrator.

Family and friends couldn’t believe it when I told them this, but that’s the biz. My agent had negotiated that even if I wasn’t selected, I’d have a say on who did get to narrate it. But I’m glad (and honored) the publisher decided to go with me!

As I mentioned, I spent most of the night before in a panic. I felt like I should’ve been doing more to prepare. And with all of the book promo in general, I can’t help but feel mounting pressure for everything to go right. Admittedly, there’s a lot riding on this book. If I want to make a career out of being an author and writer, then I need this all to go well. Like, really well. So…I panicked. It felt like my heart was about to beat out of my chest Sunday night.

But come Monday morning, I was ready to take on the world, in true L’Oreal fashion. Jade, the sound engineer, immediately feel at ease. And after a few spritzes of my anxiety spray (which, fun fact: you’re not supposed to spray directly on your face), I stepped into the booth and began reading my book.

It was fun revisiting my work after so much time apart. I cringed at a few typos and places where I know I would write it differently now. I also stumbled over several words (specifically “literary,” “literally” and “inevitably) more than a few times. I made a mental note to not just these words as much in future books.

After sitting and reading the book aloud for roughly 10 hours I can definitely say it’s perfectly imperfect. And yet, I’m still very proud. I stepped out of my comfort zone and let me tell you, being in that booth felt magical. It felt like I was talking to a friend. It felt like I was talking to all of you. And I want to do more of this—more of this friendly conversations both on the page and in your ears.

I’m perhaps most proud of myself for celebrating afterward with a glass of rosé, a slice of pizza and a cup of pistachio gelato at Eataly afterward. I often encourage people to celebrate their wins, but rarely take the time to do so myself. Yesterday I did and it felt great.

I’m behind on a shit ton of emails and I’m not sure yet what awaits me in my inbox. But today, I did the damn thing and I’m going to bask in this moment.

P.s. Stop Waiting for Perfect is on sale at Bookshop and their free shipping ends TODAY!

On the Podcast

In this month’s episode of The LT in the City Podcast, we discuss the impact of perfectionism and social media envy, Beyoncé and the Renaissance World Tour, and the highs and lows of entrepreneurship with Aisha Beau Frisbey. We also talk about the importance of embracing imperfection and prioritizing self-care.

ICYMI

I had a great time talking about “soft girl success” with Emilie Aries, host of the Bossed Up Podcast! We discuss the humbling journey of new motherhood, overcoming perfectionism to take career risks, and envision a way forward in pursuit of a softer form of success that doesn't involve chronically sacrificing our wellbeing— a radical act for women and Black women in particular.

Podcast episode cover featuring a Black woman wearing a lime green shirt

Links I Love

Keke Palmer is the Internet’s Sweetheart (The Cut)
If You See Me Dancing With Usher, That’s Between Me and Usher (
Hung Up
)
Opinion: Why Did Seeing a Strong Black Woman on ‘The Bear’ Make Me Cry? (Los Angeles Times)

Now Hiring

Vice President, People for Babylist
Senior Writer for Ritual
Engagement Reporter for The Marshall Project
Communications Manager for Soul City Church
Director of Marketing and Communications for Chicago Humanities Festival
Director, Regional Communications for Braven
Social Media Editor for Buzzfeed
Director of Foundation and Government Grants for Hope Chicago

Get your copy

See You on (Book) Tour!

Below is a list of book events so far, more to come!

Monday, Aug. 14: Cafe con Libros in Brooklyn, NY
Thursday, Aug. 17: Ama La Vida (virtual)
Thursday, Aug. 17: Women & Children First in Chicago, IL (register here!)
Friday, Aug. 18: Lululemon in Chicago, IL
Thursday, Aug. 24: Evanston Public Library in Evanston, IL (register here!)
Sept. 15: Barbara’s Bookstore in Lombard, IL (register here!)

Thank You

A special thank-you to April, Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel, Angel, Sarah, Camesha, Vix, Anna, Stephanie, Dominique, Tiffany, Emily, Mabinty, Lindsey and Casey for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support!