Black History Month Author Spotlight: Secily Wilson
Autherine Publishing is committed to creating more diversity in the publishing industry by supporting both emerging and established authors. In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the voices of black authors by featuring emerging authors. Please read their stories and continue to follow their writing journey.
Secily, congratulations on your book! Please introduce, She Said the P Word to our audience.
Did you know that there is real power in the letter P! Many people are surprised to learn that the letter P actually has meaning. It represents the number seven. If you are a Biblical scholar or numerologist, then you know that means completion. It also represents spiritual knowledge, wisdom, independence, family.
“She said the P word”, my debut book, is an Amazon Bestseller. I’m certain the title has you scratching your head wondering what P word is she talking about? My book title was lightly inspired by my appearance on the game show the Family Feud, with host Steve Harvey. It was an epic TV moment that went viral on YouTube. If you ever wondered if what you say matters? The answer is yes! What I said on national television was enough to bring the king of comedy to his knees.
Throughout the pages of my debut book, I take you on a journey of endurance, strength and courage that helps unleash the power of your words. This book is proof that what you say is just as important as what you do. When you’ve been knocked down and counted out, there’s only one response… Get back up and say the P word!
Why was it important for you to write this book?
The most important reason why I wrote this book was for me. Oftentimes we bury unresolved issues that fester and can later come to the surface in unexpected ways. It was cathartic for me to right and mentally and emotionally resolve issues. The other reason for writing this book was to be a voice for the voiceless. To empower, inspire, and encourage other people, especially women, who may believe they are the only ones going through adversity. Resilience is the key to perseverance and overcoming. We all have a backstory. We all face adversity at some time in our lives. We all become paralyzed because of the pain. I want readers to shift their perspective when they read my story. Becoming transparent allows other women to see themselves in me and unleash their power.
Describe your writing process or writing schedule?
Writing for me was very intentional. I wrote and completed my book in the middle of the ultimate P word, the pandemic! Having that time of seclusion and quarantine forced me to write. There were times when it became very frustrating because I felt isolated and couldn’t become creative. I leaned on the Power of prayer to help me focus and my publisher to keep me motivated and inspired. In order to continue being intentional with my writing I put a writing app on my phone that synced up to my computer. That allowed me to write if I had an inspirational thought, even while I was on the go and did not have my computer. I would set an hour or two on the weekends, no phone, no distractions to focus and write.
Who is your favorite black author and how has that author inspired your writing journey.
One of my favorite Black authors is Alice Walker. She won a Pulitzer Prize for The Color Purple, which happens to be one of my favorite movies. As a child she was accidentally shot in the eye with a BB gun. She turned her pain into power and in turn empowered women through her writing and activism. That is my why.
What words of advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Everyone has a story. Not everyone is willing to write it. Those who do must be bold enough to share it with others. Former First Lady, Michelle Obama said it best. “Even when it's not pretty or perfect. Even when it's more real than you want it to be. Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own. My best advice is, find your voice and whatever your story is…...OWN IT!
What has been the most challenging part of the writing or publishing journey?
The pandemic was certainly one of the biggest challenges. I am a first time self-published author and navigating the publishing world was unknown territory. It was a challenge to publish, market, promote, sell and launch the book. Fortunately I had a great Posse who helped to preorder my book and pushing it into a # Bestseller category Amazon. I could not have done that alone.
What is next on your journey and how can we support your book?
What’s next is to enjoy the NOW! I’m taking this time to revel in the success of the book. The outpouring of love and positive feedback has been overwhelming. As a result of writing “She Said the P Word”, I had the opportunity to create my first TEDx Talk on YouTube titled: Unleash the Power of the P. I would love your support by watching, commenting and sharing the YouTube link and by purchasing your copy of “She Said the P Word by clicking this link: https://www.thesecilywilson.com/products/she-said-the-p-word
Autherine Publishing is an independent, minority-owned publisher that specializes in books and educational materials that are culturally diverse with a preference for books that teach and inspire (self-help, memoirs, poetry, life and business instructional). EXPLORE OUR SERVICES. We are also the parent company of the Island Mindful Path, which publishes inspirational courses and products. We can help with all of your publishing needs including, book coaching, idea development, manuscript editing, cover design, production, book promotion and ghostwriting. We are committed to transforming your story into your legacy! Contact us if you have additional questions. Follow on Instagram.
