Post by Dr. Erroll G. Southers

Just do it! No, this isn’t about shoes. You’ve probably heard the saying: “Everyone has a book in them.” One of the questions I’m asked most about my memoir, “Inside the Castle Walls,” is: “How long did it take you to write your book?” People usually expect the answer to be, “A few months.” The truth? It took years. Even though I’d journaled throughout most of my career, turning those experiences into an honest, historically accurate memoir required much more than putting words on a page. It required reflection, research, rewriting, and the willingness to revisit some difficult moments. Then I encountered another obstacle. The publishing industry made one thing clear: unless you’re already famous or have a massive social media following, the path isn’t easy. After Justin Hienz and I completed the manuscript, endorsed by a powerful and personal foreword authored by my 45-year friend Arnold Schwarzenegger, we sent it out. The responses were remarkably consistent: “Great story but…” “You’re not famous enough.” “You don’t have enough social media followers.” “I can’t pitch this to the Top Five publishers.” Fortunately, my life has never included a chapter that ends with, “And then he gave up.” People believed. Nick J. Gouché and Gouché Publishing House believed in the book. My manager, Steven Adams of ALTA GLOBAL MEDIA, continued believing in me. My daughter, Maia Southers, built the website that fueled strong presales. Then Glenn Gainor of Hollywood Ventures Group, one of the first to read the book, saw its potential, and helped make something I never imagined possible: “Inside the Castle Walls” was optioned for film and television adaptation. Since then, speaking invitations have continued to grow, readers have embraced the story, the reviews have been incredibly encouraging and it’s become an award winner. Here’s what this journey reinforced for me: No one else should tell your story. Only you can tell it with the authenticity, perspective, and lessons you’ve learned. As Olympic champion Sha’Carri Richardson said, “You don’t get no do-overs.” So don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait until you’re “known.” Don’t wait until everything feels perfect. Start writing. Write your book. What story have you been putting off telling? https://lnkd.in/gbkpmATe #insidethecastlewalls #brownuniversity #usc #altaglobalmedia #hollywoodventuresgroup #nbcla #apa1906network