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Talking DISCONNECTED, an IM Love Story, with Writer Dillon VanOort

October 30, 2012 in blogs, Influencers, Interview


I read ‘DISCONNECTED,‘ about three days after meeting Dillon VanOort and read it in less than an hour. I had no clue who he was, or whether he was a good writer. Within the hour, I had an answer to the latter question. This dude can write. What was the book? A screwed up love story told through IM chat messages. Hilarious. Biting. So true. Love for the Millenials.

Tell us a bit of your background. Who are you? How did you get into writing?
I’ve always been crazy for stories as long as I can remember. I grew up on movies, watching as many as possible and spending most of my days in a comic book shop down the street from where I lived. As a kid I would write knock-off Star Wars short stories. I just liked writing, but I never took it seriously until right before college. That’s when I saw FIGHT CLUB for the first time and it blew my mind. It was the most thought provoking film I’ve seen to this day. I watched it at midnight and when it finished around 2 AM I watched it again. I was the most inspired I have ever been in my life after seeing that movie. I stayed up the rest of the night thinking about the movie, thinking about life and thinking about movies and books. I decided then I wanted to be a writer. So, skipping ahead a few years, after college, graduate school and a few internships, I made my way to Los Angeles.

As one of three brothers, did you enjoy being the artistic one? Did you always want to be a writer?
I didn’t particularly enjoy being artistic, although I never considered myself artistic, more just into comic books and movies. For that reason I was never truly into sports as much as my brothers.

‘DISCONNECTED‘ is a hilarious, quick read, but you definitely have issues with liking the main character. You love him and hate him simultaneously. Tell us where Clark came from?
Clark, and the book, is comprised of characters based on many of my best friends, and stories they’ve told me over the years. Most everything in the book is something either I’ve experienced in some form, or something someone close to me has experienced. I relate to it for that reason. Clark can be likable at some points, and at some points not likable at all because I wanted to show how real people deal with relationships; most people deal with relationships and failed relationships with immaturity because they don’t think clearly, they think with emotion. I wanted to show Clark dealing with emotions and often the decisions that arise are self-interested (sometimes selfish), self-loathing, and self-sabotaging.


Oh Clark. We’re more technologically separated than we’ve ever been, but we are physically close to our technological objects. Like sleeping next to your iphone or ipad. Do you think it’ll get worse for us humans?
I’m not an expert in the science of growing trends in technology and physical contact, I only know what I experience. And from what I experience I imagine humans will become more reliant on technology and more dissociative in the process. It has its advantages of course; I can see my brothers face or talk to him online, and he lives on another continent. But, at the same time, it makes it easier for people to cut off physical contact with one another and that’s where DISCONNECTED comes from. When I wrote the book I was working a busy job where I didn’t have minutes in the day to call family members or go out with friends and I spent the majority of my time communicating to everyone, literally everyone, via instant messenger. I was cut off, but at the same time I was connected and same with all my friends. And one day I just thought, “a book comprised of instant messenger conversations would be kind of funny.”

What were your inspirations for the characters in ‘DISCONNECTED?‘
It happened at one of my previous jobs where, for the most part, I only communicated with people through instant messenger or email. One day I was at work and arguing with a friend over instant messenger. She wasn’t happy with the outcome of that conversation so she told a few of our mutual friends what happened, at which point seven instant message windows opened with various people yelling at me online. Then my computer crashed and I though to myself. “something like this would be a really funny book.”

As far as the story in the book goes, it’s completely fictional. The characters are based on friends of mine or experiences that I’ve had or they’ve had and have told me about.

Good stuff. So, how/why did you actually write an entire book in IM format? Was it annoying as hell?
The story was actually easy to write and I did it in about two weeks. The format for the book, the instant message boxes, the time stamps and smiley faces too much longer. I worked on that for about six months trying different styles and fonts before I was happy with the format.

Also, long did it take you to write an IM book? Geez. Why IM? Is a TEXT book next?
I wrote DISCONNECTED in two weeks. Formatting the book, however, to get the right “look” of an instant messenger conversation, took a few more months. I used the instant messenger format specifically because I wanted to convey the idea of disconnection. Using a love story based in instant messenger conversations I decided was the best way to do that. I think I’m done with that for now though, I don’t see a “texting” book on the horizon for me. I communicated everything I wanted to about society’s need for dissociative connection with DISCONNECTED.

You’re written a bunch of other screenplays, pilots, books. Where do you get inspiration for your new projects? How long does it take for each idea to go from seed to fruition?
Inspiration, for me, comes from a variety of places. Sometimes from a situation in my life, sometimes from thinking about a concept or idea I read in a book or pulled from a movie. And for reasons I’ll never be able to fully comprehend, the time it takes to complete each project is different. Sometimes I can get started the next day and finish an entire book, like DISCONNECTED, in two weeks. Other times it takes months. I once had an idea for a book and didn’t start writing it until two years later, because it wasn’t complete in my head.

Where can we pick up a copy of ‘DISCONNECTED’ and most importantly, are you going to write a script based on this?
DISCONNECTED is being sold through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. As for script, let’s see what happens.

What projects are you working on now? Give us a sneak peek.
Right now I’m working on a new novel that should be done within the next month. After that I’m adapting a separate novel of mine to a screenplay. But that’s all secret, so no sneak peeks.

Advice to aspiring screenwriters/bookwriters out there?
The only way to fail is to stop trying. I’m sure someone else has said that, but I’m going to steal it.

Favorite Movies Ever?
Fight Club. The Green Mile. The Shawshank Redemption. Braveheart.

Last meal on earth?
Macaroni and cheese.

Quote you live by?
“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.” – Kurt Vonnegut

For more on Dillon, check out his work on his website, or follow him on Twitter.

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2009…Now Things Make Sense

October 9, 2011 in Influencers, inspirational, LA

I wrote a blog post in 2009 about how I used to continuously watch Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech because I was so close to giving up my dreams/goals. Things were bleak in my work and personal life, and the best option seemed to be to just quit. Take the easier path. Save some money. Buy myself a designer bag. But deep down, I knew that this wasn’t an option.

Sometimes you have to ask yourself if you’d rather swim in comfort or almost drown by doing what you want to do, or at least trying to figure out what it is that you want to do.  This speech helped me a ton. This past week was full of touching, emotional tributes to one of the greatest geniuses of our time, Steve Jobs, for his inventions. And one thing I respected about Jobs was that he was a doer, not a talker. No BS.

Seeing all the tributes to him helped me really see that when you bounce from this planet, people will remember you for what you did for others. How you made them feel. If you made them laugh or cry. Something to think about.  RIP Steve Jobs. Thanks for helping me not quit my dreams and find the courage to follow my heart.

“Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith…You’ve got to find what you love.” – Steve Jobs

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Far East Movement Tells Us What It’s Like as a G6 and a Rocketeer

November 4, 2010 in Influencers, LA, Music, music videos

Wow. Far East Movement’s track, “Like a G6″ is No. 2 on the Hot Billboard 100 charts right now. Crazy, considering that I grew up never seeing anyone that looked like me on MTV or any other music channels. Usually, if I wanted to see Asian musical acts, I had to watch painful K-pop where they would mix Korean and English hip-hop sounds. If you’re a melody gal like myself, you’d find a gem ballad here and there, but nothing like the tracks from the U.S. music market.
“Like a G6″ I like to listen to this track when I’m running or biking. Woo hoo!

Check out their latest track, “Rocketeer,” with Ryan Tedder. ooh…I like it. It has a Lupe Fiasco vibe…

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A Little ‘Glee’ and Puck Action at Beso

September 23, 2010 in Acting, hollywood, Influencers, LA

Last night I ended up going to Beso for a BBM event and met Ashley of the cute fashion blog, Pursuit of Shoes, and um… we ended up meeting Mark Saling or “Puck” of my current favorite show, “Glee.” He was super down-to-earth, and was sporting that mohawk that LA guys seem to sport.


Here was the scene:
INT. BAR/RESTAURANT-NIGHT
Super crowded lounge filled with uber trendy people. Ashley and I spot Mark and immediately talk about our love of the show.
ME: OMG. Your rendition of Jigga’s “Empire State of Mind? was one of my favorite parts of the premiere.
MARK: Cool.
God, I’m cheesy. Whoops.

And next week is the infamous Britney episode and also…Paramore! DUDE..I’d love to guest-star on this show as the crazy Asian rap girl. Sigh. Check out the clip below.

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Talking Fashion with Laura Fuest, Executive Producer of ‘America’s Next Top Model’

September 10, 2010 in girlatastartup, Influencers, Interview, LA

‘America’s Next Top Model,’ is back and better than ever. This cycle is all about High Fashion including guest judges from Diane von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Roberto Cavalli, and the chance to grace the cover of VOGUE Italia. I had a chance to speak with Laura Fuest, Executive Producer, of ‘Top Model’ about what this season has in store for viewers.

Kat Ahn: Laura, great to speak with you. So tell us, how did you get started producing unscripted TV?

Laura Fuest: I’ve worked in reality TV for quite some time. I worked with Ken Mok (Executive producer of ‘America’s Next Top Model’) on various shows including ‘Stylista,’ and ‘Top Model.’ I had an opportunity to come back to ‘Top Model’ before we did cycle 15 and it ended up working out really well. As for how I got started in TV, it started with me studying at Northwestern University. I transferred to the TV/Film department, worked in local TV, but after four years of freezing cold, I needed warm weather. I moved to LA with hardly any contacts, got a couple of jobs on hidden camera shows, got into documentaries, and knew I found my niche. I’ve always loved film, but my personality is better suited for TV because of the fast pace. I mean, on TV, we pitch something and then 6 months later, its on the air. In the world of docs and reality TV, you’re always learning about a new world whether you’re interviewing nuclear physicists in Los Alamos, guys who work in demolition derbies in Florida or learning about psychology on ‘The Mole.’

Kat Ahn: And where does ‘Top Model’ fit in there?

Laura Fuest: Well, I didn’t know too much about the world of fashion before I started working on the show, but that’s exactly what I loved about it. I mean, since the first season, Tyra Banks was a really great ambassador to the world of fashion yet she still made it relatable to our audience. She’s someone who has been there and done that. She can talk firsthand about all of it. Agents. Nike and Sports Illustrated campaigns. Runways. She wanted to give the audience a how-to into the world of fashion, and she did.

Kat Ahn: Very true. So, High Fashion is the name of the game this season with Andrew Leon Talley back again and guest judges Diane von Furstenburg, Sex And The City stylist Patricia Field, photographers Patrick Demarchelier and Francesco Carrozzini, designers Zac Posen and Roberto Cavalli, as well as Vogue Italia editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani. What was it about this season that made it go really high fashion and made all of these high-profile judges want to be a part of the show?

Laura Fuest: Well, over the years, we’ve had great people on the show, but it has been an uphill battle because it IS a reality show and it has that stigma. We were thinking about how to revitalize the show for this cycle, and it was Tyra who made the connection. She is friends with Franca of VOGUE Italia and mentioned that we’d love to have a partnership with them just as they’re doing a big push with their online site to American viewers. But definitely having Andre back, as well as Italian Vogue behind ‘Top Model,’ those were the game changers. All of a sudden, we had the most powerful people in the fashion world on board including IMG, Karolina Kurvova, Zac Posen, Diane von Furstenburg, Roberto Cavalli, Missoni, and of course the amazing photographers. One person jumped on, and then everyone else got really excited. It makes you realize that it really is all about perception. Every episode has something really amazing in terms of challenges, guest judges, and locations. It was so, so much fun, and all of us felt like it was a brand new show.

Kat Ahn: I can’t wait to see the episodes this season! So, in this new media landscape, there seems to be a power shift where fashion bloggers like Bryan Boy have increased their spheres of influence that were previously held by top fashion magazines. What do you think of this shift and its effect on all the young fashionistas out there?

Laura Fuest: I love the blogs. I actually talked to Bryan boy today and you know, it really is the wave of the future. The cool part is that we’re partnering with VOGUE Italia, and their online component is a big part of what we’re going to be focusing on this season. I say… Keep both. I think its fun to see beautiful photography on sites like VOGUE, but its also cool to click through 15-20 personal fashion blogs and what different bloggers are doing. They’re having a bigger influence than ever, and we’re aware of that. I mean, you can have readers from all different countries, ages, perspectives and not just what one American magazine thinks. You get more of a global sense of fashion and the designers and advertisers are all over the blogs. We’d like to include bloggers in future episodes, so definitely stay tuned.

Kat Ahn: Bloggers rule! Okay, you’re back to models that are over 5’6”. Will you ever go back to shorter models?

Laura Fuest: You know, I do think we will go back to that. Ivan Bart (IMG) worked with us on that and for this upcoming season, the girl who wins will get the cover of Italian VOGUE, a contract with IMG Models, and of course, the coverage! Right now, there is no specific type anymore because it is about being an exception. There is definitely a look that gets the most runway work, but we are casting for the exception to the rule. Tyra and IMG both have said that so much of what our perception of beauty ideas is changing and expanding. VOGUE Italia just did an issue for curvy women and we are always open to any body type for casting. We, like they, are looking for the ‘IT’ factor more than anything.

Kat Ahn: What’s a typical day like for you, as an Executive Producer of an uber-popular reality show?

Laura Fuest: A typical day is really busy and really fun. I like all the shows I’ve worked on, but ‘Top Model’ is especially fun because its juicy, fun, and exciting. Fashion is silly, crazy, and you couldn’t cast for better people. They’ve all got a crazy personalities, over-the-top, which makes for great TV. A typical day for me is gearing up for the next cycle, watch edits, casting, reaching out to designers, letting them know how much we can do for them, and just making sure everything is running smoothly. We’re in the middle of doing creative for the next cycle which is figuring out photo shoots, challenges, and putting all the pieces together with fashion photographers. Like I said, it is really really busy, but really really fun.

Kat Ahn: Very cool. So, what is your career advice for any young person out there who is trying to find their career path especially in this difficult Economy?

Laura Fuest: I’d say to always have focus and enthusiasm. You need to be enthusiastic about something. So many generations have had things against them, but they still came out on top. I came after the baby boomers and there were too much lawyers..same kind of thing. I came to LA with no contacts, so I just started sending out resumes and worked temp jobs, and met lots of people. They’re all this small network of people, and it does sort of snowball. I do remember that I always had enthusiasm and even now, that’s the characteristic that I look for when I hire someone. I will hire the enthusiastic person because you want people that are excited and fun. No one wants to go to a job where they don’t want to be there. When you’re young, you should take those risks. I started off as an intern at my first job, and I moved up quickly because I did a good job. Don’t believe the hype.

Kat Ahn: Love it. What are your style secrets? Favorite designers? Favorite fashion blogs?

Laura Fuest: I am the embarrassment of the office. I just had my second baby so I like to stick to jeans, cute top, and cute sneakers. I’m not the most daring fashionista, but I do like some fashion things. The other joke is if I ever wear high heels, but I’m a full-time EP, Mom, and usually on my feet all day. I do love Elle Tahari, Coach. Classic pieces. And of course, I’ll live vicariously through my kids. For example, when we were shooting in Milan, I bought my daughter a D&G dress so she can be the fashonista. I should be better about it, but really, I’m happy. Very busy, but happy.

Thank you for your time Laura, and check out the season premiere of ‘American’s Next Top Model,” on the CW Wednesday September 8 at 8 PM.

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B.o.B Rings in Summer at PacSun Ballyhoo (VIDEO)

June 23, 2010 in Acting, documents, Influencers, inspirational, Interview, LA, Music

Erin and I headed to PacSun’s Summer Solstice Beach Ballyhoo this past weekend for MySpace Fashion, and to celebrate the brands that make a SoCal summer and included performances by AWOLNATION, Bad Rabbits, As Tall As Lions, Yelawolf, Ra Ra Riot, Circa Survive, Hey Champ, Eye Alaska, Neon Trees, Steel Train, and Matt and Kim. Oh, and of course, Mr. Hotlanta himself, B.o.B who has 2 of the top Billboard songs in the nation right now with “Nothin on You,” featuring Bruno Mars and “Airplanes,” with Hayley Williams of Paramore.
“Nothin’ on You”

“Airplanes”

Check out the Pics/Video

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I was the photographer/videographer and it was interesting to see the crowd from the Artist’s POV. I’m so used to being in a crappy row at concerts, so this was a good change. :)
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Did you know B.o.B can also rock a guitar and piano?

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And what girlatastartup entry would be complete without interviews where I go to up random people and ask them questions?
“SoCal Street Style for MySpace Fashion”

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“Muffins & Mayhem,” Author Suzanne Beecher Talks Life, Inspiration and the Secret to Happiness

June 16, 2010 in Influencers, inspirational, Interview

Orignally posted on Vivastic.com

In MUFFINS & MAYHEM, author Suzanne Beecher uses her quirky, homespun magic to transport the reader through her tumultuous journey from her childhood in the very small town of Cuba City, WI to single, drug addicted, teenage mother to successful businesswoman, mother, grandmother, and wife of her best friend. MUFFINS & MAYHEM is refreshingly humorous and honest, and a perfect summer read that celebrates food, friends, and family. I had a chance to chat with this inspirational woman about life, writing, recipes, and what does she think is the key to success?


Suzanne, I really enjoyed your book!
Thank you very much.

Did you ever think all of this would happen when you were going through your roughest life experiences?
The chapter “Loose Wires” in Muffins and Mayhem is really how my brain seemed to be functioning for a quite awhile in my life. When I was making crazy choices, I never even stopped and evaluated “How’s my life going?” I think a person gets used to the environment they grew up in and find it normal, and in my case, especially because I was an only child, I didn’t realize there was another, better, way. It sounds kind of strange, but the turning point in my life, when I finally learned and experienced another way to live, was when I married my husband, Bob. We’ll be married 33 years this December. I tell people that my husband kind of home-schooled me in the ways of life, which might not sound romantic. But when someone feels better about themselves, everything in life is better, including love.
I loved how you connected recipes to your favorite comfort foods to those monumental points in your life. Why do you think that food is always such a way to feel better when things aren’t so great?
Many of my fond memories, enjoyable times with family and friends, have centered around occasions when we got together and ate food. The handwritten recipe cards in my recipe box are from my Grandma Hale. When I’m following one of Grandma’s recipes, I feel she’s right beside me in the kitchen and the memories of big Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house make me feel loved.
I’ve never met you obviously, but I feel like I know you through your words. Also, the pics of you really just emanate sunshine and light! What do you think keeps you so positive?
Deep, down inside of me, there is a belief that I can dig in and make it through anything. I got that from my mother. We never had the kind of relationship that I’d wished for, but in watching my mother keep things together, working a job and “covering” for my father, who was an alcoholic, the determination in her spirit was passed on to me. I’ve been able to take that trait and mix it with love and joy in my life. Unfortunately, my mother was only able to experience a little slice of that kind of joy the last two years of her life, when she’d remarried.
You had your first child while you were still in high school. What words of advice would you give to your teenage self?
I don’t think there are any words or lectures, that can reach a teenager to make them change their behavior and the choices they’re making in life and love. But I do feel strongly that parents, grandparents, and even the neighbor down the street, can make a huge impact on how a teenager feels about him or herself. Getting involved in a kid’s life, allowing them to feel loved and cared for, and giving them a safe place to come and talk about what’s on their minds, I believe those sorts of things ‘can’ make a huge difference. When a kid has learned how to love and respect themselves, they make better choices.
You’ve managed to start a business, a publication, a blog, and somehow have been able to come up with these amazingly delicious recipes. How do you do it all?
I’m one of the lucky ones, I love my work. I try not to sign up for things in life that I know aren’t a good match for me—things that aren’t going to bring me joy. I don’t want to suggest I’m living in a Pollyanna mindset, even though I am a huge Mayberry fan. I would work any job and do whatever was necessary to pay the bills. But even jobs like washing dishes, which I’ve had in the past, I’ve tried to find ways to make a boring job enjoyable. I have choices in life. I can choose to be happy even in the midst of a crummy situation. I moan and groan about work occasionally, like everyone. But at this point in my life I do my darndest to steer clear of things that don’t bring me joy.
So wise! When you talk about your husband being your best friend and lover, I think that it’s amazing how you both support each other. What’s the secret to a healthy, long relationship/marriage?
A desire to want our marriage to work, I think is the biggest key. We support each other in whatever new things we want to try. We work together every day, yet amazingly we have very few arguments and when we do, there’s an escape clause we’ve agreed on ahead of time to bring us back to our senses. “I don’t want to argue with you, can we rewind and start the day over again, right now, this very minute?” And then of course, because I’m so crazy, head-over-heels in love with “my guy” it makes marriage one of the gifts in my life.
You’ve said that one of your goals in life is to be approachable and you’ve definitely done that. You’ve taken all the supposed “mistakes,” in your life and made it into something really inspirational. How did you make lemonade from lemons?
Even in the midst of frightening situations in life, or when I’m feeling lost, even though the tears might be falling, and I’m so very afraid, “I know that I know, I am doing what I was called to do in life. If the worst happened and I lost it all or I found myself alone, I would accept that it was the experience I was suppose to have at that moment. My relationship with God isn’t “churchy” and I don’t know much for sure, but I do know that I’m not alone in this journey.
Anything else you’d like to accomplish in life as you’ve already accomplished so much?
I’ve never really planned too far down the road in life, (as you can tell from reading my book.) :) I try my best to get up every morning and see what opportunities are waiting for me. And I spend a lot of time fixing Suzanne, so I always make slower progress than I’d like. But if I think I’m interested in something, I start thinking about it—kind of putting it out there for the universe. A few years ago, I wanted to become a better storyteller. A couple of months after I started thinking about it, an author friend, who corporations hire to teach them how to tell stories about their products, called out of the blue, and I got “Storytelling Lessons for a Writer 101” over the phone.
Last meal on earth?
Macaroni and cheese with my grandchildren. I hope I’m giving them the kind of memories my Grandma and Grandpa Hale gave to me.
Words of inspiration/advice for our readers?
Most of my joy comes from the little things in life. I was grateful for a long red light the other day, otherwise I would never had noticed a man pushing a baby carriage. I could see as he walked in front of my car, there was a little baby girl inside of the carriage. After the man crossed over to the other side of the street, and was safely on the curb, daddy bent over to check on his little bundle of joy. And the smile on his face told me he must have been reassuring his daughter that he loved her, and would always be there to watch over her.

I spend a lot of time working on trying to keep myself feeling grounded. Yet, some days worrying about the future consumes too much of my thoughts. Being privileged to share this father/daughter moment reminded me that if I want to ease my spirit and find peace, instead of worrying about what’s down the road, maybe what I’m looking for is right in front of me.

Thanks for your time, Suzanne. For more information on Suzanne or “Muffins on Mayhem,” please click here.

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Janet Jackson at the BET Awards and the Jackson 5

June 28, 2009 in Influencers, Music

I don’t know if anyone had a dry eye at the BET Awards during Janet Janet’s short speech. I don’t know about you but I’ve been on MJ overload, listening to old songs and just reading way too much.

The truth is that all of Michael Jackson’s odd antics during the later portion of his life will forever be up for speculation. We don’t know what actually happened or why he was the way he was… though there will be numerous people trying to profit from him…even if he’s no longer alive.

I, along the rest of his fans, should have peace in knowing that this man who changed Pop culture, went beyond race with his music, and was a true artist… is in a better place.

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Director of “Beat It” Speaks Out About Working with Michael Jackson

June 28, 2009 in hollywood, Influencers, Interview

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I had the chance to intern for Director Bob Giraldi during my time at NYU. He’s an accomplished director who has made his mark in TV, Film, and Advertising and also directed the then very young Michael Jackson in the video “Beat It.” We’ve kept in touch since I moved here to LA and here’s what he had to say about working with the late Great King of Pop.
“In the 80s, my first video ever–’Beat It’– Michael talking me into hiring two real-live LA gangs; the Crips and the Bloods– mortal enemies– to appear in the video– on stage next to each other playing themselves alongside dancers over-dressed as gang bangers– silly, clearly a difference– cops wanting to shut it down, Crips and Bloods pushing each other, taunting, nothing to do with movie-making– I asked for one take to dance, hoping the music blasting through playback would settle everything down– ‘just one take,’ the cops demanding– Michael agreeing– ready to dance– real gangstahs standing on the sidelines, Michael, bopping down the cardboard boxes, taking the actor gangstahs and dancing– everything stops, everyone mesmerized, stunned, the Crips and Bloods, eyes fixated, mouths open, realizing they’re witnessing something more macho than all their wars, crimes, vendettas– dancing by their brothers, most of whom were gay– and, most of whom have never have raised a hand against another human being in their lives. Michael, at his best, creating peace wherever he went.”

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Tyler Perry’s Secret to Success…Faith

March 5, 2009 in Influencers, inspirational

Critics have reviled it, but Tyler Perry’s, “Madea Goes to Jail,” has been number 1 at the box office for two weeks in a row. In tough Economic times, it seems as though Americans want to watch the crazy antics of Madea instead of more serious fare. But the true story of Tyler Perry’s rise to success comes down to one thing…Faith. Faith in God. Faith that one day he would achieve his goals. Faith can be a difficult thing, but you learn to strengthen your faith by just letting go of things. For me, I trust in God which gets me through the day. And when you hear stories like Tyler’s, you really have to believe in a higher power, you know?

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