There are moments in life when you realize you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Walking into The Last Bookstore in Studio City, California, I already knew the evening would be special. It was my first event at a mainstream bookstore, something that felt like a milestone after years of writing, speaking, traveling, and sharing my story. But I had no idea just how meaningful the night would become.
The evening was also something of a homecoming.
I lived in Studio City for fifteen years. It was the neighborhood where I built so much of my life, where friendships were formed, dreams took shape, and where I sat down to write my very first book, The Life. As I walked those familiar streets again, memories came rushing back. It reminded me just how much life can change while somehow bringing you right back to where you began.
Only this time, I wasn’t writing my first book.
Just days before the event, I had submitted the first draft of my third book to my editor. Standing in a bookstore just minutes from where my journey as an author truly began felt like one of those moments the universe quietly puts together for you. It was a beautiful reminder that every chapter of our lives prepares us for the next one.
Then, there I was, sitting in front of an audience, reading from my work and talking about the journey that brought me there.
In the middle of that reading, I paused.
Not because I lost my place, but because gratitude hit me all at once.
I looked out at everyone who had taken the time to spend their evening with me, and I let out a quiet sigh of appreciation. It was one of those rare moments where you can actually feel your life lining up with the dreams you’ve worked toward for years.
I truly love this path, and it is even better when shared with friends. I was honored that both Cherie DeVille and Isiah Maxwell joined the audience and soaked in my reading!
Every book has represented a different chapter of my life. The Life shared where I came from. The Life Back explored the lessons I learned along the way. Now, Book Three will be something completely different—my first true think piece. It dives into conversations that are timely, thought-provoking, and, I hope, will inspire people to look at the creator economy and online culture from an entirely new perspective.
I can’t wait for the conversations this book will create.
To everyone who joined me at The Last Bookstore, thank you. Your questions, your enthusiasm, your support, and simply your presence made an already unforgettable evening even more spectacular. You made my first mainstream bookstore event one I’ll never forget, and I hope you left feeling as inspired as I did.
If you couldn’t make this event, don’t worry—we’re just getting started.
Here’s to the next chapter—both on the page and on the road.
The next stop is Mad Red Books in Las Vegas on Saturday, September 26, from 1:00–4:00 PM, and I can’t wait to meet more readers, sign books, and continue these incredible conversations.
