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How do you “Thanks”? I’m asking for a friend. When I wrote Becoming Girlilla, I had a word count and I was able to boil down my acknowledgements in relation to topics I covered in the book. But here’s what got me, while I was writing the book acknowledgements, I just kept writing, remembering, laughing… and the credits didn’t stop.

I wouldn’t say I am a “gratitude journal girlie boss,” in fact, I am quite sure that if anyone said that to me, I’d have a full and violent revolt. However, I was absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude during this process and I felt compelled to extend and expand my “thanks” beyond what made it to the page. To be given the opportunity, even though it was a daunting and long process, in mid-life, to be able to sit down and have a hard look at who you are, how you got here and who helped you… what a fucking gift!

I have been inspired, molded, loved and pushed by a massive community of people who could quite literally take up a whole book. During this process, I zoomed and called with so many of you who took the time to check my memories, walk down old dark alleys and allow me to apologize for the mistakes I made. We laughed about some of the innocent but very dumb things I did or said in the workplace. I spoke to spouses and children of people we’ve lost and here’s the thing—all of it is beautiful. Every mistake, every experience, every painful moment, every win, every celebration, every failure, every milestone… beautiful.

To the people who raised their hands to read this beast in its unedited form(s), you are the true superheroes of this project coming to life. Even with the worst versions you offered me the encouragement to keep going. To my friends, colleagues and clients who took time out of their busy schedules to endorse this thing … having your name attached to it is a gigantic honor. To every client and partner who gave me space (and helped!) to explore this side of my brain, thank you. To my all my girlfriends in Nashville, including my mom friends who hold it all down and keep it all together, thank you. To my friends far and wide, but especially my L.A. crew, I am grateful to be able to randomly send you offensive memes that require no forewarning or apologies. 

In the book, I reference Stevie Frasure’s mastectomy letter. She allowed me to post it on the website for all to read and share. During my treatment, I kept all of my emails to my friends documenting my journey and my final letters to Jay Frank and Phran Galante who I was unable to say goodbye to in person. For anyone that needs them, I hope you find them useful and comforting.

There would be no book without the humans and experiences from Elektra Entertainment, Spivak Entertainment, Hollywood Records, Yahoo! Music, Warner Bros. Nashville, Clear Channel Online and ROAR. I can’t say any of this would be possible without Nikki the stripper, whoever you really were. ALL of my friends came from my workplace connections and to this day, all these years later, I am most proud that our little crew of newbs who started out together on the struggle assistant and college rep buses are still in play in this crazy business. We did it.

In my twenties, I failed at publishing a novel. It hurt bad. Crushed me, actually. If only I had known that God’s plan included giving me another twenty-plus years of lived-in material to write about and that eventually I would be able to attach “author” to my name. And you better believe that re-written novel is coming next.  

Part of this book is my love letter to Nashville and the beautiful and supportive music community that is so very special. We are all so lucky.

I am sure I forgot something important, positive I got something wrong, confident I left someone out, but what I hope you get from this is if you’re reading this, you are part of my story and I’m grateful for every single chapter.

Buy your copy of Becoming Girlilla here.

Be good... online and in real life,
Jennie

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