I looked back and questioned, “How did that happen?” Absolutely baffled that I’m a writer. When I talk to most writers, they tell me that they’ve always loved writing and how writing is a dream come true for them. That’s definitely not my story. I ran from writing. And I questioned God, “Me? Are you sure?”
I had a traumatizing childhood. I go into more details in my book, “The Day My Soul Cried,” but I’ll briefly share with you that my father was murdered when I was 1-years-old, a childhood sexual abuse survivor, and the list goes on. I started down a road of self-destruction. By the age of 16, I was an alcoholic. I was eventually banned from Gary, Indiana public school system. I was a troubled teen.
After graduating from an alternative school barely able to read and write, and after several wake up calls, I decided to go to a local community college, but was unable to pass the entry exam. I cried. The registrar saw how devastated I was and pulled me to the side. She slipped the answers in my hands and told me to come back in a month. I contemplated cheating. But realized that it would be a disservice to me. So, I called her back and asked her to tell me what to study. I studied day and night. I went back to retake the test. I barely passed but I did. I had to study a little harder than the other students because I had a lot of catching up to do. Eventually, I was getting paid to help and do my peers’ homework.
So, how did I become a writer? Well. It was a nagging voice telling me to share my story. But I ran from the idea. But the more I ran, the more it hunted me. But I had this complex that it’s not going to be good enough. And I didn’t see myself as a writer. Eventually, I attempted my first book. I made a lot of mistakes. I had a lot of doors closed in my face. Someone told me that I was a nobody and that no one would be interested in my story. For years, I was unable to write.
Then, one day, I decided to stop giving those negative voices, including my own, power. So, I decided to question the voice. For example, the guy telling me that I’m a nobody, I asked, “Okay, then, how do I introduce myself?” So, I produced and hosted my radio show. Then, a few years later launched my first book, “The Day My Soul Cried” in 2010. I also received my MBA from Colorado Tech University in 2010. In 2011, produced the first Rise Awards honoring those who are making a difference in the special needs community. In 2012, I wrote my first short film, “Never Alone” through Studio 11 Films. That same year, I wrote, directed and produced my first stage play, “Then You Stand.” I wrote a couple of musicals for directors. In 2014, produced the Rise Awards. And in 2016, I published my second book, “Zoey,” and produced the online Rise Awards. In 2017, I received my MA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Screenwriting from Southern New Hampshire University.
Today, I can say “I’m a writer” without feeling like I have to explain. I want to urge you that if you’re struggling with anything, that you know God called you to do it. Know that he chose YOU for a reason. Maybe there’s a story that only you can tell.
I hope by sharing my story that it encourages you no matter what it is. Educate yourself and just do it! You don’t have to get a degree. I didn’t have to have a degree, it was personal for me. But I highly suggest that you master your craft. If you’re questioning if you’re qualified, instead, ask yourself, “How do I get qualified?” And remember the verse that says, “God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.”
Yvonne Pierre is a proud wife and mom of two sons – Zyair and Zyon. Her youngest son was born with Down syndrome which led to her advocacy. Yvonne is a writer, producer, and advocate. For more information, visit www.ypierre.com. You can find Yvonne N. Pierre’s books here.
