Years ago I cut an artery in my finger and required stitches. The doctor advised me to keep the wound covered for a few days for protection but to then remove the bandage so the wound would heal properly. I have never forgotten this sage advice about covered wounds. Meanwhile On The Other Side Of Town is a novel that was born out of a time of pain and confusion in my life when I needed to let my emotions, frustrations and pain out in order to heal properly.

I have also learned that by opening my wounds I am able to invite others to heal as well. I have been blessed with the gift of words and I have used them in many ways over the years. I am a writer, minister, radio host and public speaker but above all I am a person. Everyone and anyone can relate to my stories because we are all just people living our lives with the same ups and downs, trials and tribulations.

My novel - and indeed all of my books - have been well-received but have lacked that extra exposure to make a real impact. Visual media has always been fascinating to me as a means to take the paintbrush of written words applying them to the canvas of screen and creating a visual masterpiece for all to see and enjoy. I believe that Meanwhile On The Other Side Of Town is ready for feature film treatment as it is several sides of several stories told through the eyes of one person trying to find answers to all of the questions while also questioning herself.

There is yet another reason I want to get my project off the ground. African American women are woefully underrepresented in the film and television entertainment industry. Black people have been fighting for decades to be seen, heard and respected and while things have certainly gotten better we still have a long fight ahead of us. I am willing to step up and fight for every Black woman that is overlooked and underappreciated. I seek the privilege of not just being known as a Black filmmaker or a female writer but simply as a great storyteller with a platform.

Investing in my project is investing in the future of hundreds or even thousands of other little Black girls. My story is troubling but not unique. I am the little girl abandoned by her father and left with a struggling mother and siblings trying to make ends meet. I am the young latch-key kid that was followed and sexually assaulted because she spends most of her time home alone because mom is working. I am the fat kid that gets teased by her classmates and even teachers because food is her only comfort. I am the quiet bookworm who writes morbid poetry to try and let out her mature emotions caused by adult experiences being handled much too soon. I am the lonely teenage girl who doesn't get to go to her own homecoming or prom. I am the depressed young lady still struggling to find her way not being able to afford - or find the right path - in college. I am the strong Black woman who found redemption and reformation in her own life. I am the beautiful Black butterfly who finally realized her worth. I am the African Queen that had been held down for too long. I am in so many ways - Every Woman. I am the dream.

I am Louise Beavers. I am Hattie McDaniel. I am Lena Horne, I am Maya Angelou. I am Donyale Luna. I am Alice Walker. I am Ruby Dee. I am Whoopi Goldberg. I am Halle Berry. I am Angela Bassett. I am Briana CaBell.

So how do you fit into all of this? This movie project requires a team to succeed and I am seeking true team members. While some contributors are nameless, faceless wallets I am a real person and want to work with other real people to do real things. I want to take my supporters, readers and viewers on a journey. Not to trail behind me but to stand with me and be seen.

Meanwhile On The Other Side Of Town is several stories wrapped up in one. It is about singlehood, marriage, spirituality, trauma, violence, drama, life and death. I promise that you can find yourself somewhere in these characters and story. In order to tell this story properly I need the right people with the right experience and as we know that all costs money. With this campaign – and your help - as well as private funding we are endeavoring to take our film concept to the next level.

Although Meanwhile On The Other Side Of Town the novel is already a best seller it takes time and money to turn a book into a screenplay. Screenwriters are on standby for $800 - $1000. Consultants and proofers are upwards of $45 an hour. I intend to do this project right and I surround myself with the best possible people to make that happen.