Signings

How I Got Here

For the last several years, I've written about Black wealth and prosperous Black communities, thoroughly lacing the experiences of my lawyer life in Los Angeles into finely woven love stories where you could be part of a rich, extravagant life. My goal was always to bring readers into the private worlds of success that Black professionals don't (and can't) discuss openly. 

But in 2023, forces bigger than me snatched my creative wig. My life underwent serious changes, as often happens to many of us. Challenges and hurdles started showing up that were beyond my control. My old bag of tricks for how to trouble-shoot issues was not working. 

I've always been the queen of hustle. It's how I reached success and entered the "right" rooms. When I was President of Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, if I sent an email to another Black woman professional at 2:00 a.m., I usually got a response within a few minutes. That's how "on game" we all were. To shine in one of the brightest cities on Earth, one couldn't be a slacker.

For thirty years I lived this life- facing down challenges and tackling them head on to survive.

But this time? My old patterns (of exchanging labor for security) failed me.

Baby, I did not want change. While my life wasn't fulfilling my wildest dreams, it was still good. I was satisfied and I got on just fine.

The universe shook my complacency right on up. 

When the universe (or Source, or God/Allah, choose your higher power) arrives with your purpose, forget your carefully laid plans. You have two options: surrender, or suffer. (I write this laughingly.)

I chose suffering. 🙈 I wanted God to go away. (And I did ask Him/Her to.)

My life here in California was comfortable. 

I lived six miles from the beach!

My husband and I both had resources and he didn't knock my creative dreams.

I was traveling and visiting new places! (And I didn't need to ask permission from a job! Never mind what my credit cards looked like.)

I truly enjoyed (most of) my author friends.

But alas, my spirit would not rest. Not until I was honest with myself- much of my life, I had strategically designed for survival. Not for my own joy. As a result, I was unfulfilled. 

My higher power was leading me to the life I truly wanted, but this time, it would not be based on societal standards, ego, or performative acts for others. It would be Heaven-sent, would fill my cup, and would open doors I didn't know about-- my alignment.

 

Why We Need A Tour

I know I'm not the only one.

I have friends and colleagues who make great money and send their children to top private schools. But they are unfulfilled. They look at my life and wonder what it's like to follow one's passion. They wonder what their passion is, what they would do if they were not taking care of others' needs.

We need to talk. I'm not some lifestyle or personal development guru, but I am a Black woman who moved from Arkansas to L.A., and climbed the heights of power in about 10 years, only to decide that wasn't the life I wanted and walk away.

Yes, I know I'm out here talking about "we're a gift" and we have "soul wealth"; meanwhile the world appears to be on fire. Let's discuss why that's none of our business, and how hard times for everyone else is usually a call to action for us.

This is our time, and it's perfect for a new vision across the land. We were always the gift. Time for us to profit and thrive from within, not without. 

 

📣📣📣 Stores, Cities, and Dates!

Kindred Stories, Houston, TX -      November 6, 2026

Dock Bookshop, Cedar Hill/Dallas, TX - November 9, 2026

Marshall's Music & Books/Patton House & Gallery - Jackson, MS - Nov. 14, 2026

Elaine Country Christmas - Elaine, AR - December 5, 2026

Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing - Little Rock, AR - December 12, 2026