One yesterday, October 1, I had the pleasure of attending my sisters’s five year celebration of her nonprofit, AusomCity313.

Her organization brings awareness and provides social activities and celebratory opportunities for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. My sister has been out and about in the community, networking with key people in the community, making the connections that she needs to provide impact with her organization. As a result, the event was attended by a couple of Detroit’s growing or established talent. And I found myself being unexpectedly inspired by some key stories that were shared.

First there’s Detroit artist Lathun. He is most known for his dance, Freak It, also known as the Bad Girl hustle song. The beauty and inspiration of his story is that he wrote and recorded that song in the mid 90s and is still making money and performing this one song. I’m sure that when he set off on his recording journey, he probably had great plans of recording hundreds of songs over a span of years. But as God would have it, he’s being blessed beyond measure with the one.

The second inspiration came from a Detroit actor blowing up the screen on Tubi. His name is Will Coleman. When he walked in the room, I had to take a second look. Not just because he looked familiar but he was oh-so attractive and well-built. Very pleasing to the eye. Excuse me. I digress. Lol.

After his introduction to the attendees, he informed us about the Tubi movies that he’s been in, and the other opportunities that he has come up with none other than a project working with Tyler Perry. During his talk, he literally encouraged attendees to never give up on their dreams because you never know the path that each opportunity you take advantage of is it going to take you.

Although I’ve been on my writing journey for a number of years, I know I have barely touched the surface of what I can achieve. Stories like these men inspired me to keep going, to keep pushing through all the bouts of discouragement and self-doubt.

Over the past year, I have been receiving daily reminders in my phone that I created for myself. One of them reminds me that I’m a good writer and that there is a audience for my work. Another one of my reminders tells me that my debut novel, unfinished business, is ready to be turned into a screenplay. And the last reminder that I mention here is a simple statement that writers write.. it reminds me to stay true to my craft. Writing on a regular basis, putting ideas together as often as they come.

I’m excited about what’s to come as I look forward to the day when I’m standing before a crowd of people and providing them with the encouragement they need to keep pursuing their dreams.

Actually, I hope I’m doing that with this post 😀

Til next time,

L.A.