Between my father buying my first typewriter when I was eight, my mother's mad letter exercises, and Ms. P. putting a sign on the door NO VOMITING ALLOWED,my future was inevitable.
As a teenager, I kept a diary that chronicled my thoughts, emotions, and dreams. This was the beginning of my so-called writing career. High school and college were testing grounds to display my talent. Lack of validation and negative influences altered my path. For the past 20 years, I have worked in the corporate arena expecting my skills and work ethics to be rewarded. However, through honest soul-searching, I discovered that self- worth comes from inner harmony. Therefore, the road I had taken simply brought me back to the beginning - my dream of becoming a writer.
Writing is my only form of creative expression. In September 1992, I co-authored and self-published my first book of poetry, "The Mirror of Perception". Twelve local bookstores agreed to sell our book. I think we made enough to buy lunch that week. I've been told that poetry is not a very lucrative market. My belief, however, is any commercial success is lagniappe. But that's not why I write. I write because NO ONE CAN EXPRESS HOW I FEEL about my life experiences better than me. I also hope that my poems provide some comfort and communicate to those facing difficult times, that they're not alone. Whatever affects my sister or brother, whether it be disease, homelessness, injustice, pain or hope, it affects me.
I believe I've been called to a different type of ministry - the one of storytelling. Like the hieroglyphics our ancestors left behind, I too want to continue telling stories. Currently, I am working on my second and third books of poetry, and a suspense novel.
Just when I got accustomed to feeling sorry for myself about my career choice (keeping my day job to support my writing hobby), I received my first Walt's Friday Inspiration. And, as they say, the rest is history!
That pretty much sums things up. The HBO version of WHO THE HECK IS MONI is under production. Whoopi has agreed to play MONI. (Just kidding. I intend to play myself).