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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best book magazine in the UK“, actress and author Grace Patterson shares what inspired her to write her memoir, Am I Perfect Yet?
Written by JJ Barnes
I talked to Grace Patterson about her life and career, what inspired her to write her memoir, Am I Perfect Yet?, and the work that went into it.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Grace Patterson, and I am an actress, writer, and producer. I have starred in multiple Lifetime Films, Slaughterhouse on Hulu, Loves Fast Lane on Peacock, and more.
I am the author of A Woman’s World, The Things She Doesn’t Say, and Am I Perfect Yet?
I helped produce Insane Like Me, which stars Britt Bankhead and Eric Roberts and streamed from June 4th!
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I have always dreamed of writing a book. I first came up with the idea for my book in 2020, so it was a four-year process of working on and reworking the story.
When did you take a step to start writing?
In 2020, I came up with the title but didn’t know exactly where I wanted the book to go. I would start, then stop, and then start again. It was my first time writing a book though, so I was clueless!
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Four years from the initial idea to the release!
What made you want to write Am I Perfect Yet?
I wanted to share my story to inspire young women to challenge their own relationship to perfectionism. It was important to me to be vulnerable and not leave out any of the messy parts of my story.
I hope women can read my story and learn to be easier on themselves and find balance in their own lives.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Am I Perfect Yet?
Writing about such a dark time in my own life was very hard. Not only writing it- but proofreading it over and over. It definitely took a toll on me, but I knew it was important to push through and share no matter how hard it might feel.
What was your research process for Am I Perfect Yet?
Since it was a memoir, there was not much research involved. I mainly just thought and reflected on my experiences and how they shaped me into who I am today.
How did you plan the structure of Am I Perfect Yet?
Honestly, when I started writing, I had no structure in mind. I was just free writing and letting it all out.
Most of my experiences, which I wrote about, I had never told anyone about, so it was like therapy. This made my process much harder because when I went back to edit, I had so much to sort through.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Am I Perfect Yet? need?
I edited the book entirely by myself. My book needed SO much editing because I kinda just let everything spill out as I felt it.
The first draft was messy, but I am very happy with how it turned out after many edits.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Start writing!! I think getting too caught up in planning and outlining will slow you down. Write how you feel, let it flow, and don’t hold yourself back. That’s the fun part about writing, not filtering yourself.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I plan to write motivational books moving forward. I love reading them, and motivational books and memoirs are my absolute favorite things to read, so of course, I have to write them!
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am so proud of myself! Writing my book was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but the feedback I have received from other women has made every second I put in worth it.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3LMV2Eb
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3SufUno
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