Who needs Oprah...When I can have 50 Cent!

Every author in the world dreams of the chance to have Oprah declare on national television that their book is a “must read” because we all know that after she says those two little words, we will gain instant fame and financial prosperity. Oprah has that kind of power. Unfortunately though, for the vast majority of us unknown wannabes, we will remain just that---unknown---and then spend a lot of time, energy and sometimes a lot of money trying to get our little book noticed out of the thousands that get published each year.

But wait a minute---I really don’t feel so bad about Oprah not paying attention to my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey into Middle Age. After all, she’s also ignoring the great talent of the rapper 50 Cent. (great and talent are debatable depending on who you ask). I guess you’re wondering what one has to do with the other. Well, let me explain.

Last month, “50” got all hot and bothered over the fact that Oprah has yet to invite him on her show. In an interview on BET’s 106 & Park, he was quoted as saying, “Oprah will have a rapist on her show and have a discussion about why they do it, but won’t have a rags to riches story on her show.” He was referring to himself. Now, my question is, why does Mr. Cent feel the need to be on Oprah? He’s already achieved mind-boggling success. He even made a movie about his life: Get Rich or Die Tryin.’ Does he think an appearance on Oprah will give him cross over appeal to the baby boomer babes of America?

Well, Mr. 50, if you really want become a guest on Oprah and reach us baby boomer babes, I have a suggestion. Why don’t you, personally, purchase 50,000 copies of my book, Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey into Middle Age, and give them out as Christmas presents to every woman you know who’s 40 and older. Now my guess is, you don’t know many in that age group so here’s another idea. Why not give them away at your concerts to the teenagers who pay the high ticket prices to see you perform? They can take the books home to their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and yes, even dads, as a “thank you” gift for letting their precious children come see you perform. Or you could purchase the 50,000 copies and donate them to women’s groups around the country.

Now Mr. 50 Cent, if you were to do something like that, you’d be helping both of us make guest appearances on Oprah!

Who needs Oprah when I have YOU to help make my book become the #1 best Seller on November 16!!!

Now, it's Oprah's turn to call

OK...if some of the things that are happening weren't happening to ME---I would probably find them hard to believe. Case in point: Yesterday morning after dropping my daughter off at the bus stop for school, I returned home and attempted to go back to sleep. Now, of course it was difficult because once your body becomes fully awake, it just wants to stay that way.

So here I am lying in bed trying to think of things that would help me go back to sleep. I don't know who said counting sheep backwards was a good method but I'm here to tell you, it doesn't work. It's STUPID!

OK...so then I started daydreaming about my husband---those are always good thoughts and I started to doze off. I was comfortable---ready to drift into la la land. But then---the phone rings. I decided to just let it ring--but something in my spirit said, "Answer it."

Now you know I'm mad at this point because that meant I had to roll completely over to the other side of the bed where the phone is and pick it up. But I did and guess who it was?

NIKKI GIOVANNI!

She called and said, "Hi Beverly. It's Nikki Giovanni. I didn't wake you did I?" Now had it been someone else I probably would've said, "You know you did! It's 9am and since I'm unemployed where else would I be???" But it was Nikki Giovanni. I wouldn't dare say that to her. I woke right up as if I had been awake for hours. She wanted to discuss my Amazon Best Selling Author's Day and to make sure I had her bonus gifts. OK...I could do that.

This is actually the second time Ms. Giovanni has called me out of the blue. The first time was the day after I was forced out of my job. She called to let me know she would honor my request and review my manuscript of Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age.

After we hung up the phone, my girlfriend and fellow author Trevy---who's staying with me until she gets settled---said"You've got Nikki Giovanni calling YOUR house! That means you're definitely in alignment with the universe!"

Yes, it means God is lining up everything according to His purpose for me life! Now, I guess I'll just stay awake and wait for Oprah's call.