(Video + Pics) The Writer's Loft (My Book Signing) feat. The Howard University Marching Band!

I DID IT!

Sorry for the wait. Two weeks ago I had my first book signing for my novel A Lesson Learned. If you missed it, you missed something special. This was one of the best days of my life! If things keep going as planned and God keeps showing out this will be one of the best years of my life! I've been planning The Writer's Loft (the name of the book signing) since January. Keep in mind that A Lesson Learned came out on March 7th and the book signing was April 9th. I put my heart and soul into A Lesson Learned and I did the same for The Writer's Loft.

I didn't want a traditional book signing, just like I didn't want a traditional book roll out. I looked for a few book signings on YouTube and they were mostly in book stores. I was determined to not have a book store - book signing. If you want to make an impact in this world you have to think outside of the box. Don't go with the flow, be the flow. The ideas and visions I had were out of this world and I knew I would need help, but I didn't know who to ask. But when you're walking in your purpose God will bring you what you need before you can ask. My friend Taney knew I was putting out a book, but she had no idea I was thinking about my vision for the book signing. She called me in January and stated that she wanted to help. She was starting her event planning business Lark Events and Management so it made sense.

We started brainstorming right away. Coming up with marketing schemes, finding venues, negotiating prices with the owners, food, decorations, etc. We visited six spots, but The Manor in Washington D.C. spoke to me. The ambiance and the price was just right. I explained to Taney that I wanted to do something grand. I was thinking of a celebrity guest, but that was too far fetched and pricey. Especially for the celebrity I would want. But she said why not get a marching band since A Lesson Learned is about college stories. Genius!

The Howard University Showtime Marching Band

The first school she contacted was Howard University and they were excited about my book A Lesson Learned, but it took a few months before they were on board. But the band director Mr. Newson finally told us to mark them down in "pen and not pencil." The marching band was a surprise and nobody knew! I explained several times on social media, emails, texts and phone calls to get there by 7:00pm. The band had to leave by a certain time and I didn't want anybody to miss it. The original plan was to hide them in the kitchen, but once they arrived almost 50 deep with their giant tubas and drums we were stuck. Luckily, The Gryphon next door allowed us to hide them there for 45 minuets. I was so grateful for that because I didn't want people to see them beforehand.

Initially Mr. Newson wanted the band to perform contemporary songs, but I told him that couldn't happen. I wanted them to get down while adding soul to it. Just like the HBCU's marching bands do! I sent him videos of the band performing Fetty Wap "Trap Queen," Travis Scott "Antidote," Rae Sremmurd "Come Get Her," and the HBCU classic by Cameo "Talking Out The Side of Ya Neck." When he saw the band already knew those songs he agreed. Thank God for that! At 7:00pm I snuck out the venue and went to tell the band it was time. What a incredible feeling to walk the streets of Washington D.C. with over 40 band members behind you as you're getting ready to enter your event. God was showing favor and the joy inside me was shining bright. As I grabbed the microphone I told the crowd to get their cell phones out and get ready for the surprise. As the band walked in everybody looked shocked and confused. "Oh it's about to be lit," I heard one of my friends say. It was magnificent to see the looks on their faces. Once the band lined up and hit the first note, It set the unforgettable tone for the night.

As you can see I was partying my life away while they performed! I was on a high for about a week after this. After they performed I explained the inspiration behind the book, took questions and read a poem that summed up the book. Every story was describe perfectly within the poem. I signed a plethora of books which was surreal. As I started signing books I noticed it was a line from the stage to the back of the club of people waiting for me to sign their books. Initially my publicist wanted me to sit at a table and sign books, but I wanted to walk around, talk to people, and be personable. But I wasn't able to do that until later. My eyes even started hurting from the flashes of the camera

This was a great night! I encourage everybody to find their purpose and go for it. Pray everyday, treat others how you want to be treated, be grateful for every thing, give back and I promise it will work in your favor. God is good! I also have to thank my mother, dad, sister, uncles, army of aunts, John, Wesley, and Rasaan for helping out. Also to my late Grandma Brown, even though you're not here you were still helping in spirit - I see you! If it wasn't for y'all I don't know how I would have pulled it off. I am forever grateful to all of you! Enjoy the pictures below.